Author: Vanessa Bagnara – May 24
Hi friends! I am going to keep this short and simple because today was a full day of travel. This morning we said some more tearful goodbyes to our new friends Tiaki and Maddie. This trip has brought some amazing people into our lives and allowed us to form deep connections. Sadly, we left all of our new friends so quickly and it has led me to cry more times in these past two weeks than I have in the past year of my life. Saying goodbye to Tiaki and Maddie was not only a goodbye to new friends, but also a goodbye to our time with the Maori people and their culture. As we move to our next location, the Hart Family Farm, we are embarking on a new journey that no longer involves the Maori but instead involves the environment and sustainability.
After leaving the marae in Raglan we set out on a five and a half hour car ride to the farm in Hawkes Bay. The car ride was full of naps, singing, and laughter. Half way through our trip we stopped in the city of Talpo to take a quick lunch break. According to Dave, Talpo is the home of the worlds coolest McDonald’s. I decided that I needed to see how accurate that was so I decided to make the ten minute walk to McDonalds. In Dave’s defense the McDonald’s was pretty cool and the sign outside did say “World’s Coolest McDonalds”. I bet you’re all wondering what makes this specific McDonalds the coolest, well let me tell you. First, attached to the building was a large airplane that turned out to be the play area. Secondly, the inside was super modern and nice. I bet you’re wondering now, was it worth the ten minute walk? No, it was not. I always forget that I don’t even like eating McDonalds and it is never worth the stomach ache that comes with it, but at least I can say that I’ve been to the world’s “coolest” McDonalds.
Other than our stop in Taupo and our cool McDonalds experience the rest of the car ride was pretty uneventful. There was lots more singing and laughing until we arrived at the farm at 6 pm (after leaving Raglan at 9 am). So far, the farm and the lodge are super beautiful and I can’t wait to see what this week brings considering this city girl has zero farm experience.
P.S I love you Mom and Dad and I can’t wait to tell you about my New Zealand adventures
P.P.S Chente, I have seen sheep. Sooooooo many sheep
P.P.P.S Feliz Cumpleaños Grandpa! Te quiero muchisimo!