Making the most of meeting up

Fitting in all the meet-ups with friends on this trip has been quite a challenge.  Geography aside, people have normal lives to live and just because I swoop in for a few weeks people can’t drop everything.  There are friends though that will take a day off...

When whanua gatherings are bitter sweet

Living so far away from family we miss out on lots of family celebrations.  In particular we miss out on the get togethers in MT’s auntie and uncle’s conservatory but not this time, this time we were guests of honour to a mega whãnau (Maori for extended...

How the dreaming spires never cease to amaze me

Being an indulgent tourist is a truly wonderful thing, especially if you are being led by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide.  Luckily for us we have a friend who is just that and we were treated to a stroll through Oxford streets in early evening as the sun...

How indulging your memories is good for the soul

For all it’s annoying habits Oxford is an exceedingly special place.  I’ve spent many happy hours in Oxford for both work and pleasure.  Once again Oxford worked it’s magic on me and I fell in love with it’s charms all over again. With some...

When a folly follows you: a photo study

They say going back is hard to do.  I’m not sure I agree.  Visiting old haunts has been part of the fun and never more so when we visited Stowe which was a few miles from where we used to live and became our favourite place for a weekend stroll. When we were...