A Day at Napier Reef Garden

  

A Day at Napier Reef Garden

My First Dinner in New Zealand

 

My First Dinner in New Zealand

The farthest I’ve ever been from home and what made it unforgettable 🌏

You know that feeling when you step off a plane and everything just… feels different? The air, the light, the quiet hum of a new world around you? That’s exactly how I felt when I landed in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, the absolute farthest I’ve ever traveled from my beloved Philippines. 🇵🇭✈️🇳🇿

Seriously, if you pulled up a globe and drew a line from Manila to Napier, we’re talking over 8,000 kilometers of ocean, sky, and dreams between me and home. And let me tell you, every mile was worth it.

First Stop: Taradale at Shani’s 

After my amazing cousin picked me up from Hawke’s Bay Airport, I was probably half-asleep and disoriented from the long flight and no sleep, we took it easy for a bit before heading out to Taradale for dinner at none other than Shani’s, a local place to eat.

To my cousin’s family and their wonderful circle of friends - thank you! From the bottom of my heart. You didn’t just welcome me into your home, you welcomed me into your lives. You showed me the real New Zealand: not just the postcard-perfect landscapes (though, wow, we’ll get to those), but the kindness in everyday moments, the laughter over coffee, the stories shared under starry southern skies.

Being this far from home could’ve felt lonely. Instead, it felt like coming home in a whole new way. To everyone who made my first Kiwi adventure so special, I’m already dreaming of my next visit.

Until then, I’ll be here - halfway across the world - smiling at the memories and saving up for the return ticket.