Beautiful Piha

Jamie has chosen Piha as a good place to relax for our first day back in New Zealand. We headed there after collecting Kerry from her friend’s house in Auckland. The weather was beautiful and it felt very strange to be suddenly in summer time. The plants and flowers were in full bloom. We bought ice creams and walked along the beach past the Lion’s Head Rock. It really does look like a lion’s head from a certain angle. 

Our air b&b is high on the hill above the bay, with amazing views of over the verdant hillside to the sea far below. It has a gorgeous terrace complete with hammock and outdoor couches. Typically, Jamie and Kerry insisted on us having the best bedroom with a view of the sea. You can actually see the blue sea while lying in bed. Kerry made an absolutely delicious courgette risotto for dinner and we chatted on the balcony before an early night. How lovely it is to be back in New Zealand, and to see Jamie and Kerry. I got a message from Jackie who has just arrived for a week in New York with Kenneth and her beautiful boys Finn and Noah. She has been having a tough time since the New Year with changes to her treatment, and she was concerned that she wouldn't be well enough for this special holiday. However she phoned a couple of days ago to say that it's on!

Here is her message from today:

"Finally on a WiFi…. 
Got here and hotel etc all good.
Flight was great - boys loved it.
A kid in economy with autism had a meltdown an hour into flight and was attacking his parents and saying flight was going to crash. Was v sad to hear, so offered to help as flight might had to be turned round. He only spoke Hebrew so got staff iPad downloaded an app I use at work to help communication- he calmed down fell asleep and I got a bottle of champagne and captains thanks .  Bizarre start to the trip but also good to know I have the grit still to pull it out the bag when needed! Xx" 

Jackie is so great!