The Persimmon Holiday

Hello lovely ones!
It's getting a bit chilly here now.
The leaves are nearly all down, the first frosts have abruptly decimated the Busy Lizzies and the persimmons have all been picked and mostly sold. 

Sold so well, in fact, that we managed to make enough from them to pay for two nights away in Taupo.

 We returned to the Cottage Mews.
 It's so nice there; homely & sweet, with lake views & plenty of room to cook & relax.

We read about an interesting cafe with a "mosaic living room" that's around in Acacia Bay called L'Arte Cafe & found that we just had time to get there for a cup of tea before they closed.

Quirky mosaic installations everywhere

 & really large sofas...

 that get a teeny bit cold & slippery in the cooler months.

 It was an engaging & energising place to visit & they served fabulous Earl Grey tea.

 We spent the afternoon in hot water.
 Back here at the divine Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Spa

We stayed until the sun went down.

The following day we walked in Taupo's Botanical Gardens.

Planted in 1963 & maintained entirely by volunteers.

Eek!! I wonder who bit that?

 Almost in camo today!

The Lake was still 

& the mornings tranquil.

The second day we drove most of the way to Rotorua to boiling waters!

 This area is fascinating with all of it's thermal prowess & passion.

 Fortunately it's a little cooler in the infinity pool.

The Salvation Army in Taupo have recently relocated & their new premises is enormous!

Directly over the road is Storehouse, a fabulous urban space where they sell retro stuff,

  flowers

  & great coffee.

 A serious rummage in The Salys turned up this brilliant wood basket.

And these dear little friendly creatures (amongst other things!)

I'm a little behind just at the moment but hope to catch up some more in the days to come.

I do hope your week is a friendly one.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Much love to you all.