NEW PLYMOUTH
Today we started our journey towards the southern coast of north island to Wellington. As the journey was long, we decided to stop overnight at New Plymouth, which is about halfway down on the west coast.
Jo has been very excited about this particular journey as she has been salivating for these “white fish sandwiches”. Aunt Jo has a quiet demeanor but she is hilarious and a foodie. It’s actually so tragic that she has to be strict with her diet ever since she’s been sick because you can tell this woman loves her food.
First thing first- I needed to stop at the mall to either buy a tube tops or a strapless bra, courtesy of new tattoo I decided to get at the beginning of my trip, rather than the end. Jo was quite vocal about roasting me for causing this delay and it seemed like she might never forgive me if she missed having her sandwich due to it. So in a hurry, I bought the first one I could find so that we could hit the road.
As we were driving I was reminded why I love this country.. The rolling hills peppered with wild flowers for as far as the eyes can see, different species of trees seemingly springing from the same root as they grew wildly crowding one another, and lazy cows and sheep just drinking in the peaceful routine of their lives.
Watching this beautiful landscape, a thought kept nagging my mind “Dad would’ve loved to see this”. I would’ve loved to show him this part of my heart and soul that now permanently belonged here. I wish he got to experience more. And the grief crashed down on me again. Before I could stop myself my grief started pouring out and the tears, which were now permanent companions, returned.
It seems that as long as I’m occupied I can pretend he’s still coming home, or he’ll be there when I get back and I can share all these things I’m seeing with him. But he won’t be there, in fact— no one is calling to tell me they miss me and come home soon.
For the sake of my travel companions I composed myself the best I could and we stopped at Waitomo Homestead. Me, Laura and Uncle Von decided to get some pies and coffee while the Tesla charged; and as expected Aunt Jo was saving her appetite. The steak pie was actually not bad, but it’s exactly what I would expect of a commonwealth country. As we were walking out I noticed a giant apple sculpture, which I’m starting to notice a pattern of large fruit and vegetable sculptures in random towns.
With the Tesla charged and ready to hit the road again, on we went to get Aunt Jo here Whitebait Inn egg and white fish sandwich. I was more than curious about this sandwich and hoped I had room to try it. It took us about 2 hours from Waitomo Homestead.
Well, all I can say is that I’m glad I ate that pie before hand because I was one bite in when Uncle Von informed me that the “white fish” were basically anchovies whole and the fish are cooked into the egg whole - eyes and all. I immediately thought I was going to be ill. I know this is very much a mental mind over matter thing, but there was no way hell I was taking another bite of that thing without projectile puking. The Fujawa smoothie however- 10/10 would recommend.
From there we decided to head on forward but not without another stop to appreciate the Tasman Sea and the 3 sisters.
Somehow this group drove their pickup truck right over a little cliff and were trying to dig there way to reverse it back up. The mystery here though, it seemed like the drove it straight over and down.. but there was a picnic bench in the way. So the angle of the vehicle made no sense at all.
We finally reached New Plymouth and I was able to talk to Mom on FaceTime. She seemed to struggling much harder than I am but it was nice to see her face. We both remembered Dad for a bit and comforted each other until Mom had to go. I decided to call Sukh because I needed to know Mom was being looked after by both Vind and Sukh since I’m not there. I needed to lighten my heart, and talking to him did just that.
Once Uncle Von had rested a bit by introducing Laura to Shogun, we decided to go have some Thai food at Rice Bar & Food and then walk back to the hotel along the water. I remember this from last time too, but the Thai food in New Zealand, no matter where we are, has been absolutely and insanely delicious. It did not disappoint. We ordered a few dishes to share- the Veggie Masaman Curry, Pad Kee Mao with Beef and the Basa Fish Curry (this was to die for).
After dinner we started our walk back to the hotel and the sunset was so gorgeous that I was consumed by it and could not peel my eyes away. I must’ve taken a 100 pictures and videos.
As the day came to a close and I had time to reflect, it was definitely a more difficult day. There were several tears, but it ended with my favourite type of cotton candy sky, and I can’t help but think that Dad was with me in a way. He’s with me experiencing all my favourite parts of this country and falling in love with it all the same.
