As you all may have noticed I haven't said much this trip and you probably thought that was odd since this was basically my dream vacation.  Well honestly, I am having a hard time describing how I feel in general.  Our last day here (today) is the first day that I have missed home.  I always missed my family, friends and cats but not home.   I am ready to leave now or maybe I should say "for now" instead.

I have never been to a place and felt instantly like I belonged there.  Almost like I was supposed to be there, I feel that here.  It makes me kind of sad.  Strange isn't it?  Then at the exact same time I am so happy and I feel lighter and more alive.  I took to this place right away.  I have no problem driving on the other side of the road on the other side of the car as well; it actually feels easier to me.  I like the pace of life and the people are very friendly.  I don’t like the ketchup though, it’s called tomato sauce here and it's sweet.  If I ever get to move here I will have to import ketchup.  I digress.  The tea is better here and so is the coffee.  The water is incredible!  Bathing in water that is good enough to be sold in a bottle makes your skin feel nice.  I am supposed to be here, just not right now.  I think that is the sad part.  I want to be here now.  Like I always say, it's better to want things, it builds character.  We all know I have a lot of that. 

On to what I enjoyed the most on my travels to the land of sweet ketchup and pickled walnuts!  I absolutely, without a doubt loved, LOVED, the lion encounter.  It brought joy to my heart.  Never in my life did I want to pick up bloody meat so badly.  I could have died a happy woman if I could have fed the lions.  Funny thing, the guide in the truck with us said we would be tempted to reach out and touch a lion through the cage, I scoffed at this because I didn't want to donate my finger to the meal.  Sure enough I WAS tempted!  I had to stop myself on several occasions.  I was like the proverbial kid in the candy store.  I wanted to touch everything or in this case all four of the lions.  It was so cool.  Needless to say all my digits are intact.

I also loved my dessert at Strawberry Fare.  If I lived here I would have to become a cake lover because that piece of cake was ACTUALLY heaven on earth.  It wasn't like it, it was IT!  I am still baffled as to how a huge piece of cake, roughly two regular slices, with chocolate on top, a side of ice cream and raspberry sauce can be consumed after a meal and not make you want to unbutton your pants. 

Now the sappy stuff!  The absolute best part of the vacation was Seth.  He is packing my stuff right now so I can type and he is so handsome and wonderful.  Never have I met a more giving man.  He amazes me and I thank God that I got to see this place with him by my side. 

Well so long New Zealand, we will meet again.