Tuesday, 24.12.19, Day 37

Waiponga Reserve, Opoutere

MERRY CHRISTMAS! To celebrate the day, we have a bigger breakfast than usual. We head to Whitianga to buy fresh Christmas food and to our surprise, we find everything cheaper and easier than expected. This allows us to relax and go to the cinema, which we had planned as an event for this special day. To get into the winter spirit, we decide to watch Frozen II. We originally wanted to experience a New Zealand Christmas service, but unfortunately, there is no suitable service available. So we go to the already booked and fully equipped campsite. Before we can start preparing the food, we tackle the huge pile of laundry.

With Christmas music, bright sunshine, and wine/beer, we start preparing the Christmas meal: Nicola has salmon, Eileen has rib-eye, and Arnd has filet steak. As side dishes, we have small caramelized rosemary potatoes and stir-fried vegetables (beans, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, and red onions (to celebrate the day)). For dessert, we will have chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, and vanilla pudding. ...aaaand of course, Baileys will not be forgotten. But what is also a must is the gift exchange. In the days before, we have already bought Christmas presents for each other. Nicola gets a new wallet (hers was stolen during the break-in) and a coffee mug. Eileen receives new cozy socks (hers were also stolen during the break-in) and a necklace. Arnd gets a personal photo album and a beer brewing kit. All in all, it was a different but still very nice Christmas celebration.