A fantastic year has come to an end

It is kinda weird to be back in Norway, knowing that we might never go back Aotearoa, "the land of the long white cloud." We've had a magnificent time! To all our non-kiwi readers: New Zealand is a fantastic place - go there!

The two of us want to thank all the fantastic people we've met during our 12-month stay - thanks for your hospitality, friendship, good sense of humour and patience with the confused Norwegian Xchange students! We'll always remember you and hope to see you again some time!

Cheers,

Mari & Christian

The next generation Indøkere has arrived

Wednesday the 4th of July marked the end to our stay in New Zealand. A few hours before our flight left, however, we met the next generation of Indøkere that will be playing around on NZ as exchange students. Eirik and Erlend - we know that you'll have a great time! Take care & have fun!

Of course I had to go one last time to Mount Eden. Dunno how many times I've been there - maybe 100? Eirik had his first trip to the top as I had my last. A worthy takeover ceremony.

Erlend, Eirik & me @ the marina

Cultural experiences in Napier

As it went towards the end of our trip, we headed for Napier on the east coast. Napier's major tourist attraction is the town itself, which draws Art Deco and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The rebuilding period after the 1931 earthquake coincided with the shortlived and rapidly changing Art Deco era and the Great Depression, when little 'mainstreet' development was being undertaken elsewhere. As a result Napier's architecture is strikingly different from any other city; the other notable Art Deco city, Miami Beach, has Streamline Moderne Art Deco. The whole centre of Napier was rebuilt simultaneously. In many ways it resembles a film set as it has whole streets of 'in period' buildings, but it is a real city and the buildings are original.

After experiencing the art deco city, we set off to taste some of the famous wines of the area. Wine tasting comes highly recommended - you'll spend the afternoon drinking up to 40 glasses of wine (not entirely full glasses, of course, but still...). It all becomes very funny after 20 glasses or so. Need I say more?

Our three days in Napier were really great! Everyone visiting New Zealand should go there to get a bit of art deco culture and a big dose of the wineries! :-)

Mari sniffing on her wine before emptying the glass

Sunset in Napier. Nice, huh?

Afternoon moods

Christian admiring the ocan view

Mari having a rest after a hard work out

Christian trying to be really sophisticated

Smiling after 16 glasses of wine. We insisted that the picture was to be taken from some distance.

Even though you can't see it very clearly in this picture, Napier really looks like a Hollywood film set from the 50s.