As of this week i decided this Southern Hemisphere thing is for the birds. Literally, think about it. Birds fly South for the winter from the North because in the Southern Hemisphere our summers (your winters) are glorious! But as far as our winters go they are dreary and dreadfully COLD. Prior to living here, i thought i could handle cold. And to be honest, it isn't THAT cold here compared to other places. We don't have snow and the cold temps dip only around 32 degrees. It was colder than that at times in CA. (Which is why it is interesting that both a Russian and native Minnesotian living in Auckland say they feel colder here than in their respective countries) The difference is that other countries have HEAT. You know, things like central heating, fire places, insulation and windows that keep the draft out. Central heating apparently hasn't been invented here yet and starting a fire is frowned upon, so our best heat solutions are small space heaters for each room, electric blankets, blowing into our hands and multiple layers of clothing. i am NOT exaggerating when i say some of us can be found at any given time of day wearing 2 pairs of socks plus slippers, leg warmers, a beanie and gloves while IN the house. The kids were amusing themselves this morning during breakfast as they could see their breath the entire time. (i am of the opinion the only time you should see your breath in the morning while making breakfast is because you are camping!)
i had a brilliant revelation the other day as to why this cold weather was pulling me into such a funk. In the past i've never dreaded winter, i've always looked forward to the change in seasons. In the past, cold frosty weather typically meant one thing NESTING for the HOLIDAYS! Winter and rainy days meant staying indoors for cozy time by the fire, preparing upcoming holiday meals for friends and family, decorating for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and wrapping presents. BUT, its JULY here... JULY!!! i am currently on a mission to convince my family that we should celebrate Christmas in JULY and put this "Let's-bundle-up-weather" to good use. Who knows we may generate extra heat with Christmas lights. They all laughed at me originally but based on the calendar Riley came up with today, i am thinking they will come around...
But until they do, i will warm my fingers by typing up all the reasons i love NZ and reminisce of warm sunny beach BBQ's of December past.
New Zealand is beautiful and we are so blessed to live here.
Our local beaches come in all styles and colors.
Are you in the mood for Black Sand and massive waves?
Or is it a White Sandy Beach you are after?
A ten minute jog in one direction takes us to the appropriately named Red Beach
A ten minute walk in the opposite direction lands us on a sand and lava beach.
A 2 minute steep walk down the stairs finds us in a hidden fishing spot
where fish are so accessible Kyle can catch 'em with his bare hands
The starfish also vary in their colour and size
itty bitty
to REALLY BIG
There was no question as to why New Zealand was chosen as the location to bring Tolkein's books to life. It is a magical wonderland filled with things only thought to exist in fairytales and children's imagination.
Black Swans
Spotted Red Toadstools that must be homes to fairies and gnomes
Steaming and hissing earth that is hot to the touch
Bubbling gurgling mud pools
Hidden Maori Carvings
Common sightings of double and full rainbows
Hibiscus the size of our head
Pods of dolphins having a swim by our window
Sheep having a graze... everywhere
The well loved NZ silver fern which hides its silver on its back
Diners where graffiti is encouraged
Sacred Volcanos that we hope stay dormant
Playgrounds on beaches with equipment that would be banned in the States. Parks filled with parents and kids playing side by side. None of this parental observing from a distant bench. Kiwi dads are climbing play structures and teaching 2 year olds how to take down another toddler in a game of diaper rugby.
Abundance of trails and islands beckoning us to explore
Night time is just as amazing. Stars are brilliantly bright and the milky way is always on display.
The truth is it is beautiful, magical AND very cold here. i CAN'T wait till the sun starts showing us her sweet self again on a regular basis. Local Kiwis keep assuring me this is a more dreary winter than normal. i am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that i'm freezing here in JULY while just last week i was snorkelling in warm waters.
There is much we have to be thankful for... one of them being my bathroom.
Did i happen to mention to you the most wonderful room in the house?! It's a small room with a sink and a shower, hardly enough room for 2 people to get ready at the same time. i lock myself in there sometimes during the day and not because i want to clean up or hide from my kids. It's WARM in there! It has HEATERS... MULTIPLE heaters!! A heated towel rack that i can warm my fingers on! A floor heater under the tile that i can actually feel through my slippers! A defogger for the mirror to keep the steam off! It is so cozy in there sometimes it is difficult to leave. Why homes here have these features but not central heating or double pane windows, i'll never know.
But when my kitchen is howling and the socks i stuffed in the window isn't keeping the wind and dirt out, you'll know where to find me.
