Summer vacation

Thanks Sally for this Friday Five. It is a delightful paradox to be sitting in front of my computer on a Saturday in my warm and snuggly merino jersey with a warm chai in my hands (intermittently when I break from typing) and a pot of soup bubbling on the stove AND in responding to a FRIDAY five to be thinking of summer instead of the falling temperature outside.

1. Getting ready for summer, do you use the gradual tanning moisturisers ( yes gentlemen you too can answer this!!!), or are you happy to show your winter skin to the world?
No I don't. One experimental effort produced poor results - but I guess on top of that melanoma is such a public health issue that I want to be part of normalising our skin tone expectations. I've learnt so much from one of my daughters who is 'confidently pale'.

2.Beach, mountains or chilling by the pool, what/ where is your favourite getaway?


Beach or mountains, lake or river. I prefer natural water to the pool. No favourite place really - I love exploring new areas. Some great memories though from Te Araroa , Mangawhai Heads, Spiddal , Fort William, Coolum, San Anselmo, Yosemite and more ... These pics from Queensland's Sunshine Coast Easter 2007 - Four Sisters and the Everglades.

3.Are you a summer lover or does the long break become wearing?
I love holidays in any season, but I do love the long evenings in Summer. The Summer break is never too long! I do like airconditioning when temperature gets above 30 though.

4.Active holidays; hiking swimming sailing, or lazy days?
Hiking (called tramping in New Zealand but nowhere else in the world it seems) swimming, walking and experiencing local culture (art, museums, wonders of nature) make a holiday for me. So long as there is time to read or stitch in between times I am very happy.

5.Now to the important subject of food, if you are abroad do you try the local cuisine, or do you prefer to play it safe?
Local wherever possible. I figure if it is 'piping hot' there's not too much to worry about and in fact that is probably the 'safe' choice (minimal transport, local ingredients, familiar recipes etc).