Monday, August 18, 2008

Weekend getaway and a wedding

I am good, safe and sound. Eye has recovered (I think) but am still using the eye drop just in case. The wound on my knee has mostly dried out and peeled off except the deep cut. The opening is taking it's time to heal.

Anyway, enough for all these suffering. Let's share something delightful, shall we? Rick and I attended my colleague's wedding in the weekend, held in Featherston, about 1.5 hour drive from Wellington. We decided to take this opportunity to have a weekend getaway, it was much needed anyway (especially for myself). Accomodation was booked just 2 days before and were able to secure the last unit. (see, my luck has finally turned!) We stayed in Oak Estate in Greytown, just 15 mins away from the wedding venue.


Although both Featherston and Greytown are very small towns, but the thought of parting from the mundane routine and seeing something different really freshened up my mind. We took our time exploring Featherston before heading off to the wedding.





The wedding started at 4pm. It was good, simple yet very different and interesting. The kiwi couple decided to spice up their ceremony with a bit of ritualism like circle casting, jumping over a bloom, handfasting, wine blessing. These are all new to me, but I find it meaningful. The wedding ceremony was then followed by a traditional kiwi roast meal in a relaxing ambience, with live Jazz music/singing. I love Jazz!





We then retired to our motel for a quiet night, me reading magazine in my flannelette pyjamas over a hot choco while Rick watching SKY TV. After a long week, not so long drive, and a long day, this is just what we needed.

We spent the next morning walking around Greytown, visiting garden. Just before we left our motel, we saw the motel owner's cute little golden retriever puppy tottering around, playing with the flowers. He is such a cutie! So cute can? I just wanna hug him tight tight, real tight! Awwwwww.........

Outside the motel











And, later enjoyed our big breakkies at Salute before heading back to Wellington. We were here 2 years ago for an afternoon cuppa, and now we returned for breakfast. Next time, probably dinner. LOL. Their breakfasts were extremely heavenly especially the omelette, nice cappuccino too and not to mention, friendly staff.




Omelette


Salute breakfast





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20 comments:

Olive Poppy said...

Aww, those were beautiful pictures! I miss the picturesque sceneries of NZ countryside.

And you looked gorgeous, darl. :)

Winn said...

this is really a leisure entry..

outdoor, garden, queit breakfast, tv & mag, greenery...

like a holiday postcard

Anonymous said...

Beautiful place to be for a weekend away! :D

oceanskies79 said...

Very beautiful place.

Judging from your radiant smile, I suppose you are feeling better?

mistipurple said...

perpectual honeymoon, kekekeke.

Doreen said...

missmall:
Thanks sweetie. NZ scenery is beautiful this I must agree. Apart from the shopping spree I could get, I really do hate living in a big city.

winn:
Haha, greens are good for the eyes mah. There were a lot of moo moo and meeh meeh too.

cc:
Yes, indeed. Good to be away from the bustling city.

oceanskies79:
Hehehe, yeah much better!

mistipurple:
LOL, not really lah. "old husband old wife" where got honeymoon. Hahaha

eastcoastlife said...

Wahhhh! That is a very beautiful small town! How nice to go there for a getaway!

The rituals are new to me.

The puppy is so cute!!

Trinity said...

oh I love this.. I loooove the scenery!! I love the bench.. I love the puppy and you look beautiful and sweet as always.. hehehe..

Doreen, I should visit you someday!!

Par said...

Beautiful pictures.
Love the cute hat!
I like to take a walk around there.

Chen said...

a perfect getaway weekend and beautiful picts :)

i never heard of those wedding ritualism u mentioned Jumping over a bloom sounds cute :D

Petite Lass said...

Beautiful pics!! Great shots! I didn't thought they were real at one point of time LOL. The omelette and breakfast look very delicious [ooppss excuse me, my saliva is dripping.Where is my napkin...]

Lee said...

Hi Doreen, wow! Beautiful pics. Glad to read your eyes okay.
I too only yesterday went for my eye checkup, no problemos.
Looking at your portraits like looking at Vogue or Cosmopolitan mags, you sure one lovely lady, and I love that designer sunglasses....looks really good on you, Doreen.
What I call traffic stopper looks, *wink*.
You have a great week and stay beautiful, Lee.

Doreen said...

eastcoastlife:
Yeah, those rituals are more like a witch craft thing, but good one lah.

trinity:
Thanks! And yes, you should come and I can show you around. (^_^)

^^TeReNcE^^ said...

get well soon ok? :)

use ice-pack if the infected area still swollen lorz. Yup. can help relieve the aching/pain.

coolingstar9 said...

Doreen,
I simply enjoy seeing those photos, the scenery is so peaceful. wish you quick recovery for your eyes, let's cheer up, have a nice week.

eastcoastlife said...

witchcraft? o.O

How much does it cost (NZD) for a night in such a small town? Does a train pass through here?

It looks so relaxing!

Cherry Popcorn said...

Oooh.. your pictures are sooo pretty! What camera are u using? I love your pictures!!!

Like your outfit with the pink hat too! =)

Doreen said...

Ms. _____ 2 be:
Thanks! It is always good to be away from the busy, noisy city, clear our mind and return back to the nature.

Chen:
Those rituals are new to me too. The jumping over the broom signifies the begin of a new life together as a couple.

Petite Lass:
LOL, both the scenery and breakfast are real.

U.lee:
Thanks for your yet again kind words. Always flattered by your comments. You keep well.

^^TeReNcE^^:
Thanks, my eyes are all good now. (^_^)

coolingstar9:
Thanks coolingstar9. I’m glad you like the pictures. I am feeling much better now, eye is fully recovered. You have a good week!

eastcoastlife:
The unit cost NZ$120 per night (for up to 2 persons, $20 for extra person). It is a big unit, one bedroom, with lounge, kitchen, bathroom (with spa) and a small backyard. Yes, the Wellington-Auckland train passes here. You planning your next honeymoon? Hehehehe

-Princess Shin-:
Thank you for your kind comment Princess! (^_^). The pictures were taken using either Canon 40D or Canon 400D.

Anonymous said...

Ok ma.. you still got sharp eyes. Hehe.. good to hear that your eyes alright now..

The scenery along the way are very beautiful.. Feel relax to see those pictures.. And I like the cute cute doggie.. lovely..

Between, my legs also recovered already..

Doreen said...

keeyit:
Oh good to know your legs have recovered. Mine still recovering :(