Weekends in Winter

Inauguration of Our Chimney

It's winter in New Zealand. Well, I'm talking about the Waikato region, where the winter is green and even some flowers blossom. Sometimes there is mild frost in the mornings, and when the sun begins to shine onto the moist grounds, layers of fog form and give a melancholic touch to the landscapes. 

The days can then become quite warm, up to about 15 degrees, so that we can do nice trips and walks through the lush dense bush or on Waikato plains. The latter are dominated by farming. A new trail for hiking and biking has just been opened and we enjoyed a stop at the Matatoki Cheese Barn Café. 

These days are quiet. We have finally found ourselves more familiar with the New Zealand lifestyle and attitudes, and from now we would probably significanlty hit by the "Reverse Culture Shock" if we were to go back now. 

Also, at work I have found into a good routine now, and the change of the CEO at Te Korowai (my workplace) even promises some reforms I have been waiting for (as new brooms always swipe well). 

Sadly there have been a lot of Goodbyes in the last days: our niece and cousin Teresa went back to Spain, most of the exchange students have left now (tough for our kids). Luckily our kids have some good Kiwi friends that are going to provide stability to their lives here. 

On the weekends we try to get out of the house at least once: visiting or spending time with friends, walking, or just soaking in one of the thermal pools around.

 Ah, and we even had a kind of a winter Christmas tributing to European customs.

At Matatoki Cheese Barn Café

Waikato Idylle

Tribute to Winter Christmas

With Friends, On a Bush Walk

Lucas, Hanging Out With One of His Best Kiwi Friends (in our back garden)

Lush Bush