Meeting the Fam Day… to Arrowtown!

I started my day going for a run along Lake Wakatipu through a cute park and then up the Fernhill trail. The view was absolutely stunning regardless of the fact that it was a smidgeon overcast. I then head down the hill to run back to the hostel, making a detour into the Queenstown Gardens, running out on the peninsula next to the lake. I had to immediately stop and take photos, when I realized that the little pond in the gardens had water lilies. Unfortunately, it is heading into fall, so the lilies were not in bloom, but lily pads are still cool, so there! During winter time there is an ice skating rink in the gardens, so I immediately made the decision to come back to Queenstown in the winter to experience the region in all its wintry glory!

I hung out with the Haka Lodge staff, but most importantly I got lunch at Bob’s Weight with George [the hostel manager]. Mad Mary [one of the owners] asked George if I was his new “special lady”, and proceeded to harangue him for a bit. But, apparently this mild harassment is nothing in compared to what she is capable of. George told me a story of how a fellow once came in to order takeway for two, and Mary inquired if the extra food was a for a “special lady” who was still in his bed. And then, in full hearing of everyone in the small café, queried if he had “wrapped it” and then the position they had utilized. Apparently the guy, a local expat, turned tomato red, and before he could respond, she congratulated him a wonderful and successful night. Basically, I got off easy from Crazy Mary! But, she is one of the drawing factors of the café despite the food, which was AMAZING although gut-busting!

My Aunt Carole picked me up around 2pm to drive me Arrowtown, a mere 15-20minutes drive from Queenstown. We wandered around Arrowtown’s little downtown area, a cute lively spot! We stopped by Carole’s store and I met her business partner. Arrowtown is positively beautiful, nestled amongst the green hills. You can see Coronet Mountain, one of the major ski lodges in the area, from Carole and Gavin’s home [which is gorgeous, might I add, with windows to the floor]. You can see people paragliding from the top of the Coronet Peak in the distance!

Dinner rolled around [Gavin prepared the most delicious dal, with coriander/cilantro on the side for Ray] and the family started showing up. I heard many delightful stories about Auntie Marge [that’s my Nan] and heard hilarious stories about the Collett Diaspora. Copious quantities of red wine were consumed with merry company. Carole made an incredible poppy seed cake with orange glaze, and apparently one of the ingredients cannot be purchased in NZ, so Aunt Vivi brings it over with her! It was awesome to meet family, and I can tell Carole is doing her DARNDEST to get me to move… we will see how successful she is in the end! Due to the fact, that I have extended my trip, I think she is doing fairly successfully!