What I’ve Been Doing: I’ve Been On Holiday, That’s What!
Yes, for the last ten days I’ve been officially en vacance and it’s been fabulous.
I realised a little while back that I hadn’t had a proper break, ie a complete r’n’r break from the everyday work and routine since before the September 2010 earthquake—and of course it’s been quite the two years since then, with Christchurch’s plus 10,000 earthquakes and all the aftermath of that. (Touched on in the Earthquake Reports in the sidebar, for those who may be new to the blog.)
At any rate, since we all know the adage about ‘all work & no play’ and I didn’t want to risk that awful fate for the writing, I decided that a holiday was called for. And all in all it felt like ‘just what the doctor ordered’ to depart this…
… for this:
Although the holiday had it’s road trip elements, Queenstown—which sits in the shadow of the Remarkable mountain range (and several others, in fact), beside Lake Wakatipu in the alpine area of the South Island’s Otago province—was always the intended destination. Once there the combination of mountains, lakes, sunshine, vineyards and the spectacular great outdoors were enough to make staying a ‘must.’ Although I have to say that there was plenty of sitting around with a good book as well—several good books in fact. (And yes, the ‘reports’ back are coming! 😉 )
In fact, expect several more holiday posts as the week unfolds—but in the meantime, here’s another holiday ‘lakes and mountain’ shot to enjoy:
I find it interesting that British English doesn’t necessitate an article in front of the word holiday, when American English does.
That is a pretty lake and pretty mountain range, and I look forward to more.
Yes, UK English seems to follow the French model, ie en vacance: ‘on holiday’, no particle.:) And more there shall be, although forgot the camera and was relying on the cellphone so not as many as I’d hoped, ie cellphone quality not so reliable alas!
Mmmmm, Queenstown…I am so jealous. 🙂 My husband and I spent a few days there a few years ago, and we both wished our stay had been far longer! We hiked the Routeburn track, and kayaked Milford Sound, and soaked up Queentown’s gorgeous views, but there was still so much we didn’t have time to do and see.
Well our holiday was much more low key than yours (I had to read The Whitefire Crossing & The Tainted City after all ;-)) but I did climb Queenstown Hill and thought of both you and Whitefire’s Dev as I did so—although I fear both you and he would describe the hill as a ‘doddle.’:)
Wow great shots Sounds like a wonderful time away So glad for you
Megan–it was greatL really loved it! And there will be more shots.:)
Lovely holiday pics, Helen. I’m glad you were able to recharge your writing batteries in such a nice place.
It is an amazingly special place–and features in LoTR film 3. When the beacon fires of Gondor are lit, the first mountain range you see is The Reamrkables. I always thought they were named The Remarkables because they are, well, remarkably spectacular… But I was recently told that it is because the range runs more or less truly north-south, which apparently is also remarkable.