As John Denver sang, the bags are packed and I’m ready to go. All being well, we will get to Hamburg – 25 hours flying plus all the time in between flights. Travelling life for those who live in New Zealand! Let’s just say it takes us a day and a half to get to Europe. Anyway, there was time to enjoy the hebe in the garden in between packing, cleaning and resting.

Eating
To cheer ourselves up on Monday we went to our local library cafe for some of their excellent cheese, ham and tomato toasted sandwiches and a bowl of chips (or fries) to share. It did the trick. I had chips twice in one week, something that only really happens if we are travelling and stuck for choice. Anyway, I should have been travelling…so that justifies the chicken burger at our local pub and also as I was so hungry.
A colleague at work made these lovely orange scented biscuits to enjoy in the office, and I enjoyed the egg, spinach and pickles sandwich from Dough Bakery.




Staying in
We’ve spent a lot of sofa time this week, and enjoyed re-watching Trip to Italy and The Darjeeling Limited. We also enjoyed Australian drama Don’t Tell from 2017 and UK drama Boiling Point which we somehow missed. I managed to get another ‘paper’ book as opposed to e-book read and cooked a nice meal that will feature in a future post as part of the monthly cookbook challenge. And of course…..there was the final of Melodifesivalen. The winner was the one we thought would win.
Simple things
- Hearing about Kākāpō Cam: Live from the nest Do have a look….but don’t expect too much action! The island is quite remote, so the live-streaming doesn’t always work.
- Being at home.
- Watching butterflies and bees in the garden – no good pictures though.
- Seeing my friend’s dog win Dog of the Month at the doggy day care and get a lovely new pink collar.
- Planning what to do in Hamburg.
- Enjoying pizza for Sunday dinner – no mess, no leftovers.

What were your small pleasures this week? Here are some other blog posts from a few fellow bloggers looking at the good things in life.
- Travels Through My Lens shares memories of Hawaii.
- And Natalie shares the art of light.
- Meanwhile Fred shares six things in his spring garden.
- Anne of Something Over Tea spots speckled mousebirds.
- And Debbie takes stock.
- The Travel Sketcher shares another delightful week in The Pearl.
- And Mr Tootlepedal enjoys better weather for cycling.
- Pleased to see Snow Gauge Clif back at Notes from the Hinterland.
- There is gallivanting in Glasgow going on….with Anabel.
- Maria of Green Dreams offers us some coffee.
- Still Restlessjo goes to Culatra.
- While The Eternal Traveller has a memorable day trip.
- Jo has a taste of KL.
- And Mr Platypus takes us to the amazing looking Leighton House.
- ..…and all the other lovely bloggers out there. Sorry if I have missed anyone…..
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer and good food. Thistles and Kiwis can be found on Facebook and Instagram @thistlesandkiwis
It’s strange to have time on your hands like that, Barbara, but you seem to have adapted well and still have plenty of treats in store. Packing is one of my least favourite things but I expect that for long haul you just need some of everything! I like the sound of egg, spinach and pickle. Have a great trip- you’ve earned it! And thanks again, for the link xx
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Yes it was an odd week. Now at Wellington airport at least!
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Hooray! xx
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Wishing you safe travels…
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That’s a really long traveling time to get to Europe. Have a wonderful and safe travels!
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I hope your trip goes well and that your time away will prove to be both pleasant and interesting. Thank you for linking to my Speckled Mousebirds 🙂
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My daughter has just returned from a trip to Australia and it was a long haul, 3 hours at the airport, 9 hours to HK, 4 hours in transit then 15 hour to Heathrow. Exhausting.
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Thank you for the link to Kakapo-cam. Wonderful! And best wishes for a safe trip to Hamburg.
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That pizza look so delicious!!! It seems like you enjoyed the extra free week at home in many good ways. I do hope your upcoming travels are everything you wish for. Did you like the winner of Melodifestivalen?
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The winner was the one we predicted!
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I can relate. Carb loading while waiting for the long haul. I, too, have had my share of fries and pizza lately. Safe travels.
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Love a library with a cafe. Portland has a magnificent building, old wood, stairs, but no cafe.
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So glad to read you will soon be on your way! I have never had an egg, spinach, and pickle sandwich. Might just give it a try. Thanks so much for the mention.
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Safe travels, and I hope you have a wonderful time. Thanks, as always, for the shoutout!
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You might well be on your way by now – safe travels! I hope it all goes smoothly this time.
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Happy trails and enjoy some good eats!
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I hope everything goes smoothly this time and that you thoroughly enjoy your visit(s).
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Wishing you safe and successful travels. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.
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