J&V Down Under: Drinking White Wine in the Sun

Despite being 11 thousand miles from home, we have had a lovely Christmas thanks to our good friends Emma and Simon. We drove up to The Naki on Christmas Eve, and arrived at lunch time just as Emma got home from work. Her dad, Jonathon, had also arrived from the UK the day before (he and Emma went to a family wedding over in Oz a few days ago and her mum is due to arrive on Boxing Day), who was really good company, so we spent the afternoon chilling, chatting and catching up overs few beers.

In the evening, Emma and Simon had a group of friends round to kick off the festivities with a BBQ and few glasses of white. Good food, plenty of drink and good company. On Christmas Day morning, we had brunch then opened pressies with a glass of bubbles. Much the same as in the UK, except that after that we went to the beach! Unfortunately play was eventually interrupted by the rain, but not before we'd played frisbee, walked the dog, had a beer and Simon had been for his Christmas Day swim. We were joined later that evening by more of The Perks' friends, and had our Kiwi Christmas dinner of glazed ham and smoked salmon. We drank more wine, played silly games, and ate way too much. Perfect Crimbo! I missed my family loads, but it was so lovely to get updates through What's App and FaceTime, especially seeing how excited the kids all were. Not long till I'm home now, which also makes it easier!

On Boxing Day, the weather was stunning, and so after a walk we had yet another BBQ, and did our best to eat the left overs from the last few days. We were joined by Blake and Pip that we met snowboarding, so it was nice to catch up with them too.

Sadly, going home time came round all too quickly- especially as this will be the last time we see Emma and Simon before we leave NZ. Thanks again for a lovely Christmas, and for being such good mates while we've been in New Zealand- we'll miss you....