ELP Team Fun in Samoa

A fabulous week had by all in Samoa. Lovely time meeting Samoan teachers and also those teaching students in Apia. We also had an opportunity to spend time on Savai'i. I think the photographs will tell the story!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Rotoiti, such a restful place to be!

We have just had a lovely weekend catching up with friends at Lake Rotoiti. The weather was so lovely. Cool, crisp autumn days followed by cool nights spent around the fire.  A couple of weeks ago Erin took these photos at Lake Rotoiti... it was soooo very beautiful, I just cannot resist sharing them. The colours were so extraordinary!

 

“We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindness there is at last one which makes the heart run over. ”
Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784);
Poet, Essayist, Lexicographer

Family Celebrations

Lovely time was had this weekend. All the Rowe clan gathered for a family event. The main focus of our celebration was Michael's 60th, this event happened on the day of Tim's birthday. At the same time we were also very aware that Jess maybe setting off to China! Lots to celebrate and also an opportunity enjoy each others company and catch up with the newer members. It was such a beautiful day in Auckland!

Patrick, Wendy and Timothy!

Lake Rotoiti a place of retreat and relaxation

A place of relaxation and retreat

Lake Rotoiti has provided lovely opportunities to catch a fish or two in 2013. It has been magical out on the Lake, spending time with friends and family. Here are a few photos....... mostly of my fishing success!!!

And now for those 'fish photos' the products of our expeditions on the water!

I think I may have got just a tad over excited about the fishing!!

What a brilliant summer we have been having. The Lake water is warm!

This was a fabulous night, both of us caught fish that were over 7lbs!!!

I am sure you will agree, quietly sitting out on the Lake is a magical thing to be doing......

ELP team Christmas in Hamilton

We have just had another lovely Christmas weekend in Hamilton. We began our Christmas Party weekend with a Progressive Garden Party at the Hamilton Gardens. Each team member chose a garden to represent. We each dressed in the theme of the garden we had chosen and brought to the garden a little food to share that represented that garden. As usual our antics in the gardens entertained others and many wanted to photograph us or be photographed with us. Lots of fun had by all! What follows are images of the afternoon. Starting with our first stop in the Italian Renaissance Garden.

We began with lovely bubbles over sorbet and strawberries. A fine beginning to the afternoon.

Kathryn leading the Italian experience!

From the left: Lorraine, Carol, Wendy, Lynn, Alison, Kathryn and Jo

Full view of the Italian Renaissance Garden

Our next stop was the Te Parapara Maori Garden. This garden project is a joint project between Nga Mana Toopu and the Hamilton City Council. The project focuses on the heritage and tikanga that is associated with the local area. Carol was lead the way and shared a very delicious Mussel dish!!

A very different garden filled with cultural icons.

Carol beside the kumara garden!

Time to enjoy that delicious dish of mussels!

Beautiful carvings adorn this garden!

Next up was the Chinese Scholars Garden lead by Jo. 

And so we entered the Chinese Scholars Garden lead by Jo.

The team in the Chinese Scholars Garden.....

Still enjoying the Chinese Scholars Garden from the left: Alison, Wendy, Lorraine, Jo, Lynn, Kathryn and Carol.

Another view of the garden, before we head off to the Indian Char Bagh Garden.

Our next stop the Indian Char Bagh Garden, a garden developed between the 8th and the 18th centuries. As you enter the garden you are overwhelmed with the rainbow of colour of the carpet of flowers that mimic a persian carpet. This garden had its roots in three of the worlds great religions - Islam, Hinduism and Buddism.

Wendy in the Indian Char Bagh Garden.

The team relaxes in the garden enjoying an Indian treat under the beautifully patterned ceiling.

Our next stop was the Egyptian Courtyard where Lorraine would appear as Cleopatra and serve delicious treats from the middle east.

Lorraine fully engaged in her role in the Egyptian courtyard.

The team enjoys the courtyard before heading off to the Perfume Garden...

Lynn arrived at the Gardens all prepared for the Perfume Garden.  She was dressed in a fabulous 18th century dress! This is an 18th century garden with strong oriental influences very much a part of English society during this period. Sadly this garden was under repair and development, so we could not enter the garden so headed to the herb garden. This garden is a 20th century garden,  so we headed in the direction of this garden....

Lynn looking fabulous!

We arrive at the Herb Garden and enjoy Lynn's perfume infused food and drinks!

Another view of the Herb Garden and now for the final stop, the English Flower Garden.

Our final stop, the English Flower Garden. This garden has several 'rooms' with walls and hedges created several outdoor spaces, it has a lovely romantic charm and Alison lead the way and served 'roses' in the garden.

One of the many views of the English Flower Garden.

Alison our English flower!

A final view of the English Flower Garden before we head back to Malcolm Street to continue our Christmas Party weekend.

Margaret and Robyn have now joined us for Christmas Dinner and Gillian will arrive later to enjoy Sunday with us.