Not only is this my first Christmas without family and friends, this is also my first Christmas in a climate that is upside down. Instead of snow, we've got hot spring rain. Instead of chill blue skies and scalding tea, we've got muggy grey days and iced coffee. Instead of douglas firs we have gorgeous red-flowering pohutakwas.
Even if I could be a bit bah-humbug about the commercialisation of christmas in London/UK, I must admit to missing out on the sense of festivity and anticipation; they seem to fit hand in glove with wintery weather and snug evenings at home after brisk walks. Christmas in Northland isn't quite the same. There's the odd decoration and there are parties of course, but I suppose I don't know enough people yet to be on the guest lists. The upshot is that I barely notice that this month is any different from the last month or the one before. I can't quite believe it's mid December, less than a week to the longest - or shortest - day.
Our office closes for three weeks (three weeks!!) on Friday. However, my holiday pay would barely cover buying the milk each day, so I am working pretty much full time at Waikokopu Cafe. Neither relaxing nor a money spinner, but hopefully good spirited - it usually is.
So tonight I'll put our christmas cards up on the boat, and make a present corner where the tree ought to be. We have one bauble and a bag of white powder that purportedly makes fake snow...(hmm). I think we'll go sailing on Christmas day. Hopefully some friends - Sophie and Jonny, who are also working through the holiday period - will join us on Undine for an afternoon cruise. May be the sun will shine too. Not so bad hey?
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But while the Christmas season may be passing without my noticing particularly, I have definitely been aware it's sailing season. I've been out three days in a row on 'performance' boats, mainly acting as ballast and in charge of the jib, constantly out on the wire lying horizontal to the ocean, stretching my torso till I feel about a foot taller, able to drag my hand through the water beneath me and occasionally caught in the face by rolling swell, momentarily losing balance and bouncing on the trapeze, grappling with my toes to find sure footing again. Nearly as good as skiing...I never thought I would say that!
This photo is of Antje's boat, Hot Gossip just before I went out for my first ever sail on a javelin. Antje's a world class sailor; what an opportunity to be her crew!
