Russel - a charming holiday town

Feb 28 to March 3: With a heavy heart, we leave the idyllic boathouse and drive to the town of Russel, located 40km away. To avoid a big detour around the fjords, we take the ferry. Our mom is excited - unfortunately, the ferry ride only takes ten minutes :-( In Russel, we are greeted by sunshine and a town with small restaurants, souvenir shops, a cute beach promenade, and many old Victorian houses that house museums, hotels, or restaurants. Compared to the boring and rather deserted Kerikeri, we really like it here and stroll along the promenade. Since we didn't make arrangements for accommodation here in time and unfortunately don't have an unlimited budget, we end up staying in a 15sqm cabin at the local Top 10 Caravan Park. Without a bathroom, of course. And even this comes with a hefty price tag. The adults are not really thrilled, but the kids rave about the great campground. Bunk beds, playground, and other kids are very good for them. Here in Russel, we meet a lot of Germans who are also traveling with children. Our kids have a hard time with non-German-speaking children, then they prefer to stick to themselves in a duo or trio. When we meet other Germans on the way, our seven-year-old Fa can't stop talking to them. It's clear how much she has to say and wants to get off her chest. One day, we visit the beach and build sandcastles. A mobile coffee house also stops by and presents itself very invitingly. As usual, we don't have cash with us - typical for us - so I longingly watch the coffee. I'm told that credit cards won't get you very far here. Nevertheless, the barista surprisingly hands me a delicious flat white coffee over the counter. With a smile, he tells me that I could pay later in the day or tomorrow. I love that about New Zealanders. This calmness and uncomplicatedness. Of course, I settle the debt the next day.

In the evening, we go out to eat in Russel, overlooking the setting sun. Fa needs to cool off and swims 'like a big girl' to the swimming platform. Ma prefers to stay on the beach and once again builds something out of stones. Everyone is happy by the water. Suddenly, there is a power outage and the whole town is dark. Luckily, Fa is already on land and we have had dinner. Not a single light is burning. And then the next problem arises: payment by credit card is no longer possible. The ATMs are also not working. But even that is no problem for the relaxed Kiwis. We promise to pay the next day and drive back to the campground. The next day, kayaking is on the schedule. Ma, Fa, and Bo cover a good distance in the bay. I go for a walk with Le, treat myself to a coffee to go, and settle our debts. Baby Le happily sleeps in the stroller during this time. What more could a woman want...