The day of departure has a special buzz. Depending on how organized you are there are varying degrees of last minute things to do, the final pack perhaps, and goodbyes.  For me it was a very busy work morning, starting with a catch up with my manager at an early breakfast meeting and then into work to finalize a handover to my team and one formal meeting to facilitate. The rest of our work colleagues confirmed a desire to have a shared lunch to send me off – and well because it was Friday and it would be last chance for me to say goodbye to one of our team who is taking up a new challenge.  The  choice was curry to share and the hunters and gathers ordered and picked up the feast from town and returned to set up by the time my meeting had finished.  It was a great way to leave and whilst enjoying the delicious combination of Indian spices I got transported to memories of Asia and the exotic food I would be enjoying in a little over 24 hours – satay in particular.  Feeling sated and buzzing I zoomed home where Vern was settling in the house-fur baby sitter and doing the handover.

We had just a final pack to complete of toiletries, smalls, and carry-on bag, albeit that took a good deal of time. Bella our little red poodle was sensing something was up and her expressive round dark mahogany eyes followed my every detail. This of course stirred feelings of guilt and abandonment on my part. Her new carer and companion for the next two months will fill the gap admirably – thanks so much Wendy!

Despite having a good two and a half hours before we needed to go to the airport – a mere 7 minutes drive away – we didn’t have any time to spare.  Check in is always friendly and efficient at our small town airport and we waited to depart pondering the adventure ahead. Usually as the plane takes off and the feeling of gravity pulls against my body, I can feel the concerns and routines of day today life falling away as we ascend.  Strangely despite moments of excitement during the week, I didn’t feel anything much other than a bit tired and really wanting to wind down.  At this point our holiday doesn’t seem real – more like something we have been planning that is still sometime in the future.  I was looking forward immensely to seeing the children in Auckland where we were meeting to celebrate number one son’s 30th birthday (yesterday).  As we made our way to Auckland the sun provided a beautiful blue framed, orange and gold display as it set above pulled cotton wool clouds.

The approach and landing in Auckland always stirs feelings of anticipation and familiarity of visiting my place of birth and at the same time feeling like being a stranger and in a very different place to our small rural town.  There is a sense of big sister professionalism, busyness, importance and impersonality compared to her naive country cousin. But are we ‘less’ than her? Are our successes, our pride and shame, our fears and challenges really that different? Is life simpler and easier out of Auckland? Is it more rewarding or limiting? When does laid back become boring? Always a ponder, and to each a personal answer.

Dinner with the kids (note always referring to daughters partner as one of the kids also) was memorable as always. The pleasure of being with those near and dear will always feature highly and indeed overshadowed the fast approaching departure.  We went to the Onehunga cafe and enjoyed a shared tapas style meal.  Hugs and kisses with promises of good behavior from son, and see you in Venice to Lili and Hugo we headed back to our airport hotel.  Despite aiming for an early night, it was about 10:15pm by the time we were lights out, leaving only about 5 hours till we had to get up.