Taking time out when life is so stressful can seem impossible.
But when there is a need and a want, things miraculously fall into place.
And for me the planets aligned so I packed my bags and boarded a plane leaving my darlings in the arms of special friends who have mine and their backs – you all know who you are – so thank you to those that helped to make this time away possible.
Even spending 2.5 hours in the local airport due to aircraft delays wasn’t arduous.
Yes, it was frustrating because it semi thwarted my plans along the way, but better to be safe on land than in the air in a malfunctioning craft!
Auckland greeted me with torrential rain.
But my friend met me and drove me to my hotel.
We spent the next two hours thoroughly enjoying each others company at Szimpla over good food & great service.
All too soon though the next plane was beckoning so we said our farewells for now and I retreated to my room.
I had been really looking forward to a quiet peaceful night all on my own but the reality of it all was rather boring.
I even checked out of my room early and had a delicious breakfast at Szimpla before catching the shuttle to International.
This time my plane was on time and after watching several Kiwi movies – Mahana which was good, and The Dark Horse which was excellent, it stirred many emotions, produced a few tears, and is so deserving of much more recognition, definitely a must see again movie – 8 hours later I walked through WA immigration.
Gian was there to meet me, but behind him I saw another familiar face!
My internet friend and cohort Nicki had come to meet and greet me too.
Such a cool surprise to finally see her in the flesh.
The thing with internet friends is that there is no initial fumbling to gain a connection because you already have that 🙂
We had a few minutes to hug and make some quick plans to meet soon and then Gian whisked me off home.
Waiting there was my bestest friend.
It was so super cool to be back together with her.
Jacqui is my oldest and bestest friend ever.
She and I go so far back it is almost scary to scan those decades!
We’ve shared loads of highs and lows, good times and crappy times.
This is us at the end of our 5th decades.
I reckon we’ve weathered those storms pretty damned good!
Jac was the only one who knew I was coming 😉
Next day, before I announced to the rest of the world that I was there we shared a plate of nachos at Coco Cubana.
Funky cafe with good food and service.
Loved the armchairs & decor.
………………
and a week later I was back for a last day with my bestie.
Rousing her outa bed we went for a walk on the beach with Gian.
It had been a very wet cold week – Perth is experiencing the coldest winter in 20 years!!
So the sunshine this morning was so appreciated and enjoyed.
I love that my friend has found her soulmate.
Sometimes it takes a while.
And all too soon it was time for that last farewell, the au revoir.
I hate goodbyes when the physical distance is so far.
But our time together was incredibly therapeutic.
Thanks Jac – love you heaps and heaps x 10 hundred xxxxx