We took Homy into Auckland yesterday. It was her first experience in the big city while in our hands. And just like how Ronan and I felt, she was out of place.  For Homy, it was the hills and the traffic lights. You could hear her cry going over speed bumps and moan through traffic. While on the highway, her side mirrors weren’t strong enough to hold against 100kms. Her curtains didn’t close tight enough to keep the streetlights or strangers eyes out. Her rustic vintage appearance looked...

Kaikōura is a place that embodies everything I love. The brochure phrase “Where the Mountains, Sea & Stars Combine” was cheesy but true. Located on the East Coast of the South Island, the town of Kaikōura is between the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikoura Range. It is famous for its year long sperm whale watching and marine life in general.  Our first few days in Kaikōura were lovely despite the rain and small waves (perfect for me). In the mornings before the rain started, we would...

I’ve been away from home for nearly nine months and I haven’t experienced homesickness until now. I never thought I would get homesick because as much as I love the mountains and valleys and my parents house in Idaho, New Zealand’s landscapes have always overflowed my cup in terms of scenery. What I realize now is that it’s not the place that I miss, but rather the people.  When I moved to Wanaka with seven of my best friends from childhood, we made our house at 3 Pepperwood Green a home. We...