Tip from the locals
When I mentioned at work that I was going to Hanmer Springs, I got a tip from my kiwi colleague. She said I should definitely stop past the high bridge and enjoy the view. So all the way from Christchurch to Hanmer I was looking at the bridges. When I…
Can I cook potatoes in the microwave?
With my new life in Christchurch came a new job. I happily work at a campervan rental company and although it gets super crazy at times, I love meeting all these different people who are about to go on holiday and are full of excitement. However, most people don’t know…
Transformers: bike edition
The Netherlands is well known for its bikes. Everyone there rides bikes and it is not strange to have several in your garage. If you walk through Amsterdam for example, there is no escaping us cyclists. We are everywhere! There are bike lanes and special traffic lights. Dozens of bikes…
Memory medley
Time flies. It’s true. Suddenly I’ve entered 2015. I didn’t even realise it. The new year comes with new chances, change, more adventure, endless possibilities and lots of choices. But that’s all in the future. Today, the first of January, was the same as yesterday. I rode my bike to…
Picnic in paradise
I like road tripping, but no matter how much I enjoy staring at the landscapes I pass when I’m driving, it’s even better getting out of the car to explore. On the way from Christchurch to Arthur’s pass, you drive past Castle Hill. The place is popular for bouldering, but…
Broken hearts and weak knees
I’m heartbroken, so I’m trying to find things that let me calm down and forget about the things racing through my head. I also needed to be reminded of why I came here to New Zealand and why I love it so much. So I escaped to the mountains. I…
Tasting the Rangitata
“Paddle, paddle, paddle.” I hear from behind me. I put my paddle in the water like a woman on a mission. The further we go, the more confidence I gain and the further I hang out of the boat. It probably doesn’t look half as cool as it does in…
Earthquakes 101
Last night I felt my very first earthquake. Although my colleague at work acknowledged that there had been an earthquake, he laughed the size away. For me it was the first one I actually felt. It woke me up in the middle of the night and it took me a…
The city as a museum
I’m discovering Christchurch bit by bit. I’m comfortable in my new place, with my new job and my new gym. I love biking to work every morning and only hope that the crazy winds that show up in the afternoon will work with me instead of against me. I feel…
Coloring the city
Christchurch has certainly become a colorful city after the earthquake. In between the demolishing and building, colorful artwork like this pops up everywhere.