Departure NZ arrival Switzerland 2022


It was a week of very mixed emotions leading up to departure. I was super anxious about getting Covid and not getting on the flight, but worse still, having opted to self isolate it meant I couldn't spend time with close friends who I would not see for nearly half a year. Fortunately, I did see Mark and Emma and a couple of great tennis friends who were happy to sit at a distance in the garden,  but otherwise it was a very quiet week. Too much time to think about what I would miss instead of looking forward to the wonderful time with family and friends on the other side of the globe, and the incredible experiences I would have.
Walking was still a great option with such perfect autumn days. I really wanted to go to the Spit, undoubtedly my favourite walking area in Christchurch. Such weird weather, with cloudless blue skies but a thick sea mist slowly enveloping the Estuary!

The beach was eerily sikent and empty, but walking there virtually alone was quite surreal and absolutely beautiful. It was warm and there was no wind. The shades of grey and the silvery waves were mystical. I loved every minute of it!

Back home, the garden was simply spectacular with all the vivid autumn colours. I was so thrilled to spend so much time in tge garden enjoying this private haven.

Of course, I was joined much of the time by my lovely boy Mike. He certainly enjoyed having me home so much, making leaving all the more difficult.

Saying goodbye to Mark and David was the hardest thing, but of course, with great technology available, I knew we could still have plenty of contact.

Once I sat in the olane and we were treated to spectacular views of the Alps and even Mount Cook, I started to get really excited and started to look forward to what lies ahead.

Farewell to New Zealand and hello Alice Springs and Ayres Rock. Probably the closest I will ever be to this impressive place in the midst of desert.

Seven great films, a few hours of turbulence, good food and some decent sleep and we were starting our descent into Zurich. What a magnificent sight the Alps of Switzerland are too! Nearly there!

Back to my Swiss home in Russikon with my good friend Trudi. What a lucky person I am to have such fabulous friends around the world. 
First visit had to be to 'my' lake, Pfaeffikon. Not much has changed in recent years. People here walk around maskless, so even Covid does not seem to change their lives anymore. It is still around but life is certainly back to normal. 

So now I will spend the next couple of weeks catching up with many fantastic friends before my next adventure in Sardinia. 
I will miss family and friends in New Zealand but will stay in touch through text and photos!
Sleep well Mike! Marvelous to have Gary looking after him. 



Comments

  1. PriscillaMay 11, 2022 at 4:53 AM

    So pleased you have arrived safely Barbara. Looking forward to following your adventures.

    ReplyDelete

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