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Birthday Getaway in the South

Happy 2018 everyone! I hope you all had a restful and fruitful holiday season. I know I have been MIA but life has been a wee bit hectic. I promise to be more consistent from now on! At the end of last year, my girlfriends and I decided to sneak away to the South Island to celebrate our birthdays. Yes, we happen to have birthdays that are days apart! 

We flew into Christchurch and drove down.  It has become another tradition to roadtrip when in the South Island. After the obligatory stop at Tekapo, mind you, it was steaming in the car, so the swim was much welcomed. 

We decided to hike up Roy's Peak for sunrise.  It ended up being quite a strenuous hike because I forgot that I left my laptop in my camera bag (Silly, I know). We were thankful that we started with plenty of time to spare to ensure that we wouldn't miss the sunrise. The breathtaking views made the trek well worth it. Lesson learned: will make sure I don't have a stowaway laptop in my bag. Good weight training though, ha! 

We proceeded to have one of the most picturesque breakfasts I've ever had. I am confident we made everyone jealous with the smell of bacon wafting through the air so early in the morning. The descent was noticeably quicker than the ascent. I got to chatting with a Scottish guy who was on a roadie with a bunch of his mates. He regaled me with stories about his various travels which made the walk down feel a lot quicker. 

Time slowed when we arrived at the Onsen Hot Pools. We were ready to jump in and soothe our aching muscles. The session comes with a complimentary drink and snack. I opted for bubbles and ice cream. After the obligatory photos and potentially flashing some unassuming locals on the ridge, we got changed for dinner. 

Amisfield has always been a favourite vineyard of mine. After that first drop of 2014 Pinot Noir hit my lips and their Brut Méthode Traditionalle 2014, I fell in love. To celebrate our birthdays, we opted for "Trust the Chef" 7-course dinner. It was the ultimate winery experience. Every dish presented to us was not only aesthetically pleasing but mouth-wateringly delicious too. Amisfield surprised us with three birthday soufflés as well! We got to blow out our candles and make our wishes. After a much-needed visit to the cellar door, we headed home. 

We needed a little something to get our hearts racing with all the eating we were doing. Maureen suggested Wildwire Via Ferrata. Though I enjoy climbing I am still quite afraid of heights. "Feel the fear and do it anyway" as Em always says. We'll be coming back for the last 'pitch' of the waterfall climb that we didn't get to do! 

We made a quick pit at the Lavender farm stop on the way back to Christchurch. Beautiful variations of lavender, alpacas, furry cows, petanque, and giant connect four. I even got to live out my inner farm girl fantasy on this massive purple tractor! 

All in all, it was a wonderful trip! Short but sweet. Another tradition we are going to keep going ;)

Besos, M

[sportsdorkmort]

Apiti

I have been quite apprehensive about writing this post. Just because when it comes down to it, it is something very close to my heart. I've decided that I should probably let you in on my little secret. There is a charming, quiet village called Apiti. Most people think I'm talking about Kapiti when I mention it. James took me here spontaneously one weekend because there was a snowstorm that left us unable to go snowboarding. Tucked away in the rural North Island of New Zealand, Apiti is a gem. It is unassuming and quaint. You can stroll through most of the village in half an hour give or take. It has a school, town hall, a couple of alpacas and a pub. Also known as where James grew up.

Despite being inherently different to where I grew up and how I grew up, Apiti quickly became very special to me. My heart feels safe, calm and at home. I feel like it is rare to find a place where you feel comfortable to be you, with no inhibitions. I leave feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to take on everything that life throws at me.  

Picture serene rolling hills, melodic songs, chirps, a glow worm cave that feels like a cathedral. What made it even better this time was the fact that it was lambing season. (This is why I love Spring) When the girls and I arrived, we were greeted by not one, but two lambs! Winston (He was born on election day. If you're not Kiwi you may not get this) and Brian! We were all able to feed them throughout the weekend, which we were more than happy to do.  This weekend trip is swiftly becoming a tradition for me, an escape from the city. We go to the caves, stay at the shed, ride, hike and just spend time in good company. It is the perfect recipe for a remarkable weekend.

My experiences of horseriding in New Zealand have typically been ordinary experiences. Don't get me wrong I've always had a good time. However, when something this extraordinary happens, you can't help but not want to settle for anything less. 

Sandie fell in love with horses at a young age. Then as most horse lovers do, competing at a young age. She was a competitive show jumper till the desire to stay home was stronger than the urge to go and compete.  It was then she knew that it was time to move on. Consequently, Table Flat Trekking was born. Sandie's enthusiasm and love for horses are infectious. You don't need to spend much time with her to feel the pure unbridled love she has for horses. She possesses an innate ability to connect with horses and people. As a result, she united the two to create a beautiful experience.

I thought I understood the connection between horse and rider but little did I know I would feel it for the first time this trip. I was utterly overcome with emotion walking back to the woolshed. I trotted ahead of the others to compose myself. Dumbfounded as to why I was brought to tears by something so seemingly banal. I told Sandie about it afterwards, and she likened it to how Candy makes her feel. That is when I knew it was special. Sandie had very candidly talked about a period in her life where she was struggling, and that the only thing that got her through was her horse, Candy. With Hercules, I felt like I was suddenly free from everything I was going through. Words escape me when I try to explain the connection I felt.  Hercules (how apt) had somehow taken my pain. He made me feel heard and understood. But most importantly, that I could finally begin to heal. 

Sandie seems to not only rescue horses but people too. By welcoming them into her family, she heals their wounds. 

Thank you again for an incredible weekend.

Besos,

M x

[sportsdorkmort]

Chasing Waterfalls: Waihi Falls

The wonderful Emma has inspired this series. We will be heading to some of the beautiful waterfalls of New Zealand.

The first waterfall of the series is located 40 km from Dannevirke, near the Tararua District, Manawatu-Wanganui Region in the North Island. It is relatively easy to find. If you are using GPS just put in Waihi Falls Road and it will take you there! Otherwise, get yourself to Dannevirke then exit towards Weber Road. Then turn off on Oporae Road and follow the road for about 20 minutes. 

Time: 10-minute walk Difficulty: 1/5 Road: Mostly tar sealed & well signposted

Armed with our towels & Good Buzz Kombucha, we went through the gate and down the path on the right. The trail was quite slippery as it had been raining/drizzling on and off. There are some steep parts and high steps but overall a short, easy walk to the falls.    The falls were pretty spectacular! We popped our stuff on a tree trunk and got in. Experiencing it with no one else around was breathtaking. I swam to the bottom of the falls. There were slippery moss covered rocks, and some hidden underwater. I almost nailed my shins on the rocks so take note! Also, it wasn't a long or difficult swim, but the strong current is something to be aware of if you're not a confident swimmer. 

Overall, a beautiful getaway from the city. It was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. I would recommend a visit to this unknown treasure. 

To note: There is plenty of parking & a sheltered picnic area up in the car park. 

  Photos taken by: Maureen Placente, Emma Martin, Nick Ralm & Margaret Ortega

Best way to spend a Sunday! Let me know if you have any adventure suggestions, always open to them! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend

Besos, M

[sportsdorkmort]

Most of my life has been spent trying to shrink myself. Trying to become smaller. Quieter. Less sensitive. Less opinionated. Less needy. Less me. Because I didn’t want to be a burden. I didn’t want to be too much or push people away. I wanted people to like me. I wanted to be cared for and valued. I wanted to be wanted. So for years, I sacrificed myself for the sake of making other people happy. And for years, I suffered. But I’m tired of suffering, and I’m done shrinking. It’s not my job to change who I am in order to become someone else’s idea of a worthwhile human being. I am worthwhile. Not because other people think I am, but because I exist, and therefore I matter. My thoughts matter. My feelings matter. My voice matters. And with or without anyone’s permission or approval, I will continue to be who I am and speak my truth. Even if it makes people angry. Even if it makes them uncomfortable. Even if they choose to leave. I refuse to shrink. I choose to take up space. I choose to honor my feelings. I choose to give myself permission to get my needs met. I choose to make self-care a priority. I choose me. (at Table Flat Horse Treks)

[sportsdorkmort]

He is the only one who continually encourages her to find her own voice and worth—the one to set her free so that she might never again know what it feels like to be caged. He’s pushed her beyond her comfort zone and continually been on the sidelines watching as she made the world her own. (at Sumner Beach)

[sportsdorkmort]

Will never tire of this view #GraftonAbbey 🎵 And I'm feeling good

[sportsdorkmort]

Yoga does not remove us from the reality or responsibilities of everyday life but rather places our feet firmly and resolutely in the practical ground of experience. We don't transcend our lives; we return to the life we left behind in the hopes of something better. - D. F || What an incredible way to start my Sunday with @3mgm & @melissa_amee . Thank you @pauseyogadaysbay 🌲 (at Pause Yoga)

[sportsdorkmort]

Love her but leave her wild Throwback to this magical morning and better weather 🔥 📸 @lachapardeuse (at Te Whiti Riser)

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Magical. 📷 @themoderndaydreamer (at Apiti, New Zealand)

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Feels like a lifetime ago! I miss performing 🎤 (at Hong Kong)

[sportsdorkmort]

Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart. -M.L.K To Jim & Sandie, thank you for the most incredible weekend. It felt like my heart was home. (at Table Flat Horse Treks)

[sportsdorkmort]

Your strength and love in the last couple of weeks has been incredible. Thank you for being a shining example of resilience and how to hold it all together in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. I love you always ❤️ (at Elephant Hill)

[sportsdorkmort]

Be strong. Be Brave. Be fearless. You are never alone. (at Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo)

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Pura Vida 📸 @patricio.monge (at Ohariu Valley Equestrian Centre)

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#GirlGang Pink Ribbon high tea with @amanda_kate88 👑 (at Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar)

[sportsdorkmort]

These two gals with absolute hearts of gold are always supporting me, sending me love and good vibes ❤️ My gratitude today: thank you to them. It really doesn't matter how long you've known someone! And to @bodylovenz for fostering an environment that makes it so easy to meet incredible badass women! 📸 @lachapardeuse (at Preservatorium Cafe and Cannery)

[sportsdorkmort]

And then my soul saw you and it kinda went "oh there you are, I've been looking for you" 📸 @lachapardeuse @bodylovenz 1st Birthday 🎉 (at Preservatorium Cafe and Cannery)