We arrived yesterday in New Zealand. The flight was long, it was not too bad and we both slept some hours to be awake enough to appreciate the beautiful drive from Auckland to and through the Coromandel peninsula. The steep, winding roads were amazing and the views were breathtaking. Every turn provided us with an awe inspiring vista. The textures of the mountains, the colors of the sea are just magnificent. We have a trusty little Toyota Corolla that chugs up the hills and glides down pretty fast. She is actually quite good and handles well, we will name her today as she will be our trusty companion for the next 40 days. Forty days sounds epic--40 is an auspicious number. 40 years in the desert, 40 days on the ark--lifechanging times and I am sure that this journey, too, will serve us as our life changes and we open to new horizons. Following a bus as it slowly made it's way up a winding road yesterday, I wondered if I should risk everything and just try and pass it or just not be in such a hurry and just take in the views, enjoy the ride and let it take the time that it needs to. Not a new lesson but one that needs to be remembered, by me.

Yesterday was Debbie's birthday in New Zealand and it is her birthday today in the States--two days of celebration! Time really is an illusion!

Loren

Deb, here. Well it sure has been fun having 2 days to celebrate my birthday. The best part so far was waking up this morning at 5:30 AM and look out to the South Pacific and just breathe in the wonderful clean air. We have a great day planned, but first a lovely breakfast on the porch of our B and B.