Did I travel halfway around the world for a HUG? Maybe...

True story, I swear. I went to New Zealand for hugs.

Okay, there's a little more to it that that. But yes, I got onto a plane to Auckland with my PLP (Platonic Life Partner, aka forever bestie) to go meet my Kiwi Bestie in person for the first time EVER.

How the heck did this happen?

Before Christmas, Kiwi Bestie (aka the amazing Nova Blake, with whom I've written a book and am planning MOAR) told me about a writers conference in Christchurch NZ in August. My ears perked up and I blurted out: if I went we could meet in person. 

Nova: Dee, you're not getting on a plane to come see ME. That's ridiculous.

Me: But...what if I did? Conferences are legit business expenses. The line up of speakers is excellent, I'd get a lot of out them. *looks at the flight time* And hey, there are direct flights from Vancouver to Auckland.

Nova: You would seriously come all the way to NZ? For me? 

Me: Well... yeah. We could hug in human-form for the first time ever! Would that be too weird? 

(I am often too weird, so I do need to check)

At this point, Nova confessed she was crying and that she would love in-person hugs more than anything. So no, hugs were not too weird at all. 

And I had a plan. I had made A DECISION. 

I was going to New Zealand.

Then I told my PLP.

PLP: I love this! Yes! Me too!

Me: *blinking* You also want to take a crazy long flight with me and go to New Zealand?

PLP: HECK YES.

Turns out my PLP has wanted to go to the land of the kiwis for a long time. And while she didn't really know my Kiwi Bestie, I was confident (okay, mostly confident with a side of blind optimism) that everything would work out. 

And you know what? It more than worked out -- it was fantastic! After such a hard year full of loss and challenges, it was exactly the change of pace I needed. 

Meeting Nova in person and getting to HUG this fabulous human was THE BEST. Nova and PLP got along instantly. And the three of us had a grand adventure, one that took us from the conference, to Nova's home town, to Middle Earth (we did the Hobbiton tour, it was soooo good) and finally to Auckland and home. 

Jetlag knocked me solidly on my ass both ways. I got confused about what a "fluffy" was on the drink menu (steamed milk for us north americans). And I loved every minute it. New Zealand was beautiful and the company could not be beat. 

Now that I'm back in Vancouver, I'm trying to get caught up on, well, everything. Starting with my much belated newsletter! I hope you enjoy the next chapter of The Pandora Strain.

Luv,
Dee