If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…we would be talking over WhatsApp, at different times of the day in different seasons. You say how lovely the weather has been in Wellington, and I say how cold it has been here, with even 10 minutes of wet snow and 10 minutes of hailstones on Thursday. You laugh and I say I haven’t seen snow falling since 2018.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would say that there are lots of signs of spring, like this tree covered in blossom, crocus, daffodils and even the signs of tulips about to flower. You say that is nice, and I say yes, spring is so important when you have dark and cold winters.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…you would ask me what I had been doing. I say working, reading and being a bit of a flaneuse. You laugh and say you can imagine this, because what better thing to do in a new city.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I say I keep coming across interesting places and buildings like this old printing press that is now a concert venue and wine bar/retailer. You say, you are certainly exploring.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would tell you about the giant bunches of parsley and dill at one of the local greengrocers. They are just too big for two of us, and as we are only here for a few more weeks, not worth buying and freezing. You smile and say you really do like this type of shop and I say yes I do and laugh.

If we were having coffee…or even a cup of tea…I would apologise for not being able to invite you to dinner this month, but we promise to catch up in person when I am back. Tonight I am going to cook salmon bought from the market and drink a glass of Riesling. You say enjoy and we head off to our daily lives at opposite ends of the earth.

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