#4 On the Road

I've said goodbye to Raglan, a brief interlude which included some warm rain, and an eco-stay in a railway carriage with a kitchen shared with others.

I've shared a table with different nationalities, most of whom are under 30. The Germans travelling together and having their first surf lesson, the two very English women sitting in the heat with their bangers and mash and Yorkshire pudding, complaining about the price of grapes. Many of them are students with working holiday visas either looking for work, or some working in return for a bed for the night. Mainly people taking a step away from routine, or at a transition point in this bit of the journey of their lives, our paths crossing at this common point. There's been much reflection on society and community, especially with the wide range of nationalities (Aussie, American, Spanish, French, Japanese, Polish, Welsh and of course Kiwis).

We've chatted about surfing (a lot!), weather, food, teapots, family and coffee, and carried on philosophical discussion about many things. I heard myself repeating "life is short but we have plenty of time" more than once. And had my ego lifted and bruised on one breath with "it's inspiring to see someone old learning new things".

On the road from Raglan I stopped off at Otorohanga Kiwi House. Arriving as it opened for the day I was asked how I'd heard about the place. I think my answer of "well I brought my children here nearly 20 years ago" caught him by surprise, especially when I followed it with "Is Artu still here?". His response caught me by surprise - "bad news and good news: Unfortunately Artu had an operation and they accidentally nicked an artery and they couldn't save her. The good news is she's still here - in this glass case." (kiwis usually live about 40 years.) Not quite the same interaction as when my two had unexpectedly been able to get up close during our visit all those years ago.

Driving through New Zealand remains a delight, I'm still stopping at the side of the road on a regular basis to take it all in. Even the roadworks are interesting, with different signage to the UK, and it appears there's a greater proportion of female staff than I'm used to.

Another feature of New Zealand's roads is the junctions which include railway crossings. Seemingly very few barriers, and no fences; just warning signs. In one perplexing set up there appeared to be roundabout and a band stand as well as the railway. At least they drive on the left, so that's one less thing to watch out for.

This next part of my journey takes me on to Highway 45. Known as "Surf Highway". It's the surf (and the summer) which tempted me to New Zealand in the first place. The adventure continues.