Feb 19th

HOORAY! Rachel's here! I picked her up on the morning of the 18th. Her flight was on time and went smoothly. We got out of the airport and basically headed straight for Raglan. Yesterday we had a beautiful day (a little windy) of checking out the town, visiting Bridal Veil Falls, laying on the beach, working in the garden at Solscape and making pizza from veggies straight from the garden. it was what one may call "a perfect day." i think she'll survive here just fine.

Pizza making party. we cooked them outside in the big earth stove:

Feb 14th

So on Saturday morning, my WWOOFing friend Line (from Germany) and I left the Tauhara Centre after a couple of hard days of saying goodbye to friends and good memories. I had a wonderful time at the Tauhara Centre, and it was an experience I will never forget.

A few days back Line (pronounced like Lena) and I decided to venture towards the east coast. This morning we woke up in Napier and headed to Te Mata Peak to watch the sunrise. It was by far the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. Then we spent the rest of the day at Mahia Bay. We had a blue sky day and the beach to our selves. Tomorrow we head to Gisborne.

Feb 7th

So, two Americans, three Germans, a French man, a Latvian and a kiwi walk into a lodge…

No, its not a joke, it’s my life right now. I’ve been at the Tauhara Center for about 5 days now, and am loving it. The people are so welcoming and relaxed. Catherine and Nasir (they run the place) are so sweet and take such good care of us. We’re working about 5 hours a day. And for that we are provided with free accommodation and meals (some of which are prepared by our very talented chef, Stan). I’ve mostly been in the garden everyday, weeding or planting veggies. I’ve been doing (or attempting) a bit of meditation in the beautiful sanctuary….but it’s hard. Other then hanging out here at the center, I try to get down to the beach of Lake Taupo as much as I can (its been super hot and sticky here). All in all, I am very much enjoying where I’m at right now, in place and in life.

The WWOOFers Lodge:

The Sanctuary:

Feb 3rd

I have arrived safe and sound at the Tahara Center in Taupo. I think i'm really going to like it here. more to come...