It’s time for a coffee date, international style. I’m joining up with my friends Deborah and Coco for a virtual coffee date (they are both local to me – I should meet up for a real coffee date…) I’m also linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday Five 2.0.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that this trip has been amazing! We’ve been to Auckland and Rotorua in New Zealand and to Nelson Bay and Sydney in Australia. For some reason, despite not having been here in 20 years, Sydney always feels like coming home. In fact, we immediately went for a beer at a brewery we enjoyed the last time we were here.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that we’ve had an amazing mix of kid oriented and adult oriented adventures. We took the kids to Hobbiton – the movie set for the Lord of the Rings movies and the Hobbit. We also attended the largest beer festival in New Zealand. And I ran my 76th half marathon. This has all been supplemented with brewpubs and zoos and fun adventures like sand boarding on the dunes.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that international travel has changed a lot in the last few years. By simply turning on travelpass with Verizon, I’ve had cell service all over New Zealand and Australia. And my husband called his father using his cell phone on WiFi. Even four years ago when we went to Ireland, international cell access was not this simple. And all I had to do to get my watch on local time was to turn on the GPS. I’ve called our pediatrician at home, opened the door to one of our Airbnb’s with an app, and called our host when there was a glitch with WiFi. I remember when we used to travel internationally and my friends and family had to assume we were fine while we were gone. Now, between Facebook and email, my parents know we are alive and well and having fun.
If we were having coffee, I’d also tell you that I’ve fallen in love with using an electric kettle. I don’t use a coffee maker at home – I have a ceramic funnel and do pour over coffee. This works for us because I’m the only one who drinks coffee and I only drink one cup a day. But every place we’ve stayed has had a quick boil kettle and I’m kind of in love with fast hot water. Not sure I’m willing to give up the counter space though LOL.
Finally, if we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m torn between never wanting it to end and ready to get home. I have loved both countries and felt very comfortable in both. The Airbnbs that we have stayed in have all been exactly as we expected and fit our needs well. Beer Geek has done well driving on the left and we’ve seen so many different things. But I miss my bed. And I miss knowing where to find things in the grocery store (and what drugs to buy at the pharmacy when everyone gets sick). And we’ve already visited the New Zealand urgent care and had a narrow miss with the Australian one. But we have one more day to walk around Sydney and see the sights. Then it’s time to head back to our normal life at home.
Too bad there’s a 16 hour flight between us and the US. Pretty sure there may be a lot of coffee involved in that one…
LOL on the counterspace dilemma. I think you can get instant-hot faucets, but that might cost a ^bit^ more than an electric kettle. Glad you had such a great trip – safe travels home.
And, yes, let’s have an IRL coffee date!
Travel has changed a ton in the past few years. We were very thankful that Wayz worked so well in Italy. I fell in love with french pressed coffee while abroad and may have to give up my Keurig for that. Looks like a fantastic trip and yes would love an in person coffee date soon
From your FB posts and this, it looks like you had an amazing trip! Have a safe flight back.
What an amazing trip!! Great having coffee around the world with you
I’m glad you’re having such a great time! I’d love to go to New Zealand and Australia someday!! I’m definitely loving how much more convenient it is these days to travel abroad too!
What a great adventure! I agree with the technology we have now days…it’s easy to take it for granted until we reflect back on how it was 20 years ago…
Your trip looks amazing- the beer fest sounds fun as does the Hobbit visit- I remember traveling with Travelers checks and then when ATMs came out how crazy-good it seemed! Phones and technology make things SO much easier!
New Zealand looks beautiful in pictures!! Can’t imagine how amazing it is in person. I would love to visit some day!
What a fantastic trip, it sounds like you’ve had a blast in New Zealand and Australia – they are both on my bucket list!
Sounds like you are having an amazing time (except for the urgent care visit)! I have an electric kettle… it’s worth the loss of counter space in my opinion!