Last leg

Vancouver-Wellington

My stay in Vancouver was just perfect and returning home on the inaugural Air New Zealand Vancouver - Auckland direct flight was a great finale. With a specially decorated entry to the check-in facilities combining scenes from NZ and scenes from BC, New Zealand greeted us from the start. Beyond the formalities of security and paperwork, it was party-time at the departure gate. Unlimited Lindauer bubbly, lamb kebabs, up-market fish and chips, amazingly thin nachos in three colours (corn, spinach and beetroot) to go with the hot dip of spinach, artichoke heart and cheese (and maybe some leek) and a few other offerings. Maori action songs for entertainment. A small speech or two.

On the plane a gift of various creams to help us through the flight, a special menu and the best champagne I have ever had in flight, (Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin Reserve - didn’t get the year at a glance!) Luckily there were not too many takers and there was enough for a refill…Leaving at 8pm (7pm in their winter), the flight is timed to give people time for a meal, some leisure time and a good sleep before breakfast, arriving in the early morning. Maori welcome party in Auckland but no time to stop and enjoy it with a connection to make. By 10.00 am (roughly) I was sipping coffee with Rodney and Thoron at Simply Paris. And sharing a pain au chocolat and tarte au citron. Robin arrived in record time as well. How nice to have friends! Last lunch in Vancouver? Quiche and salad with Diana and Susan at La Petite France. I may have left France behind but there are still traces!

You will see from the photos that I am in Wellington now. (Even if the signs look familiar, the background is different and the cars are driving on the left!) There are also photos of Robin,Thoron and Madeleine (with Rodney), at Leuven , for those of you that know them. The Kelburn photos are taken from the house that Madeleine is staying in at present. Fantastic view! We watched the Guy Fawkes firework display over the harbour from there, the night after I got back. And you will also see Millie, who has followed my travels enthusiastically from the beginning and is staying a few days with us now. The first opportunity for me to be the giver of hospitality after such a long time receiving.

Thanks to all who made this trip so amazing. You are all fantastic people.

Photos at

http://picasaweb.google.com/101628277989220379025/LastLeg

Merci à tous! Et au revoir!