Land of the New Zee

So it has been what seems like forever and ever since I last updated my virtual life. Perhaps it is because I have been skiing my heart out, or maybe it's because I have been busy going through the process of buying a house...it may also be due to the fact that I was so desperate to finish the paddle-boards and take them on their maiden voyage before I left for Chile...but I'd like to think it's a combination of these ventures and more. Although it has been busy and crazy, life has been spectacular over the last few months...my skiing is progressing to a level it has never been on before, and the hollow-wood paddle boards float (whew, that was a relief). In fact, they float incredibly well--not only are they fast and buoyant, they are beautiful and, from what I have experienced so far, the best way to be out on the water.... peaceful, quiet, and self-sufficient. Check out a picture I took just before we glassed them: http://yfrog.com/z/kjwq4vlj

I highly recommend building a hollow-wood board if you enjoy shaping surf-boards. It was an incredible process and turned out to be SO worth it while I paddled across Sparks Lake in the Cascade mountain range....

I took some footage of the board-building process, which I plan on compiling and editing into a video of the whole project soon. More on that in the future...

For now, I want to post some words about my latest trip to New Zealand...

Every morning while riding the chair up for the first training run I witnessed the most beautiful sunrises of my life. The endless mountainous backdrops seen from Coronet Peak are only one among the many aesthetic joys in New Zealand. I thoroughly enjoy the crisp, chilly mornings and the brilliant frost that comes along with them--chilling my nose and my bones, and enlightening my mind... ski season is here again.

Because of the freezing temperatures at night and the warm temperatures that accompany the sun, the snow turned out to be pretty much perfect for training. Skiing GS every single day was incredibly beneficial for all of our skiing. It helped me to get back to the basics: to slow things down, perfect my technique, and carry everything I learned over to all other events. We did not miss a single day of training due to weather, and most days were incredibly sunny and bright. Every time I clicked into my skis I looked forward to learning something new.

Apart from the lovely skiing, we dabbled in some golf (we stayed at the Millbrook golf resort--amazing place!), frisbee, guitar, and photography. On a day off I made a video of some recent and random adventures. I also ventured into Queenstown to do some eating, shopping and exploring. Queenstown's best cafe must be Vudu--I absolutely cannot get enough of that place. They have the BEST savory muffins and pies, and their sweets are impeccably delicious. The scene in Queenstown is pretty much unbeatable if you're looking for a hip, young and excited crowd. The night-life is loud and electrifying every single evening, be it a Friday or a Monday. All of the locals are friendly and fun, and the environment could not be any more inviting... I truly do feel at home in New Zealand, which is why I look forward to returning every year.

But the trip ended, as they always do, and I returned home for a short while. I am now back in Portillo, Chile...and it is DUMPING outside! I am incredibly excited for a powder day tomorrow...it's been a while since my last one! The last 5 days of training have been amazing, so I'll take a day of soft snow and face shots gladly :) I also get to travel to Costa Rica after this training block is over...a new country, new people, new land and water for me to explore! More on Chile and Costa Rica later...keep checking in!
I also took some interesting time-lapses and video while I was in Kiwi land, so look for a new video edit soon...

For now, I must leave you with some pictures to (hopefully) enjoy...but I will work on my New Zealand edit and I intend to post it in the next couple of days. Check out my blog (lalalaurenne.wordpress.com) for pictures and more. Until next time...

do what you love. love what you do. adiós!