Mickey and Me!

How excited was I to come across this fabulously weird Mouse marriage scene on the back of a random van! The excitement was heightened DRAMATICALLY by the fact that I was wearing my lovestruck Mickey and Minnie tee at the time! A cracker case of serendipity for sure. That's all you'll be hearing from me for the week my friends. I am heading into the paradise of no internet reception - the Abel Tasman.

Beach Bagpipes

Our arrival into Nelson last week was met with a lone bagpiper on the beach. Although bagpipes aren't my instrument of choice to enjoy at sunset, it was still a pretty special moment. Strange, yes. But special nonetheless.

Our New Favourite Mechanics

Well, the last couple of days have been filled with the less glamorous side of truck life, as our truck struggled to pass its Certificate of Fitness, to re-legalise our journey on these roads. Our missions were seriously brightened though, by two amazing mechanics who not only charged us next to nothing for a perfect job, but joined us in a few celebratory drinks afterwards. When your truck is your home you don't really have anywhere to go during this kind of work, so you get to know your hosts quite well, eating your weetbix surrounded by pin-ups, grease, and burnt out VW's. Pete and Neil are both technically retired, but do it for the love of the job. I worried a little bit about Pete (pictured) climbing under the truck at 75 years, but he seemed to handle it just fine. 

A Valentines Day Treat

I couldn't contain my excitement when I spotted these amazing ladies / dogs strolling around the Gypsy Fair. The lady pictured here is Gail and she was with her daughter Mimi, who designed the dogs outfits for her company Woof Whistles Canine Couture. The dogs names? Lady Delores Waterford Crystal and Lady Angelica Whistles de Woofe. I only clicked afterwards that Gail had themed her outfit to Valentines Day - not only did she have the heart hat on, but also heart earrings, red and white attire and her dog was wearing a red dress saying 'I Love You'.' I wish people dressed this OTT more often as it would brighten my every day. Two other points to note: Angelica is a model and knows to pose when someone pulls out a camera - hence the fabulous poses - and Delores has a backpack strapped to her pram with her name and picture embroidered on it. Doggy fabulous / slightly deranged? Definitely.

The Music Men

Carlos and Ivan are without a doubt the hippest old men gypsies I know - they make me feel more bohemian just by association. These guys sing on the gypsy fair stage for our entertainment (hence the guitar glasses from Secret Santa). In wistful moments I like to pretend that it's actually Bob Dylan up there.

Gypsies Dressed as Hippies

Oh what a night! We were kept busy partying with the old timers at the 60's themed Masters Games in Wanganui last night. NZ's very own Elvis - Johnny Devlin - showed us that you can still rock out fifty years past your prime. He was once quite a dreamboat. He is now 70. Enough said. To end the night, Ricky Bing demonstrated his medal winning gymnastics, somehow landing on his feet even though he couldn't walk straight. Don't try this one at home kids!

The Original Fabulous Gypsies

This is my friend River sitting outside our friend Mels' house truck. You'll probably see lots of photos of River because she always looks so damn fabulous! I'm pretty jealous of her, with a name like that she was obviously destined to be a gypsy from a very young age. Fiona just doesn't have the same gypsy ring to it, let alone the uber cool River Phoenix connotations. To give credit where it is due, River and Mels actually inspired the title of my blog, by using the term 'fabulous' to explain their attire whilst canoeing down the Wanganui River in ridiculously inappropriate floaty dresses, floral leis, and sombreros. This is while everyone else is wearing thermals and board shorts. It really did brighten the scenery. And that, my friends, is Fabulous.

The Power of Mr. Sun

Last week we spent a couple of nights up Mount Taranaki, just hanging out, living our lives in the highest carpark. The view was outstanding, and even more so at 6am when we clambered onto the roof to watch the sunrise. Coffee in hand, rug around shoulders, beanie and hoody in place - would you believe this next pic was on the same mountain that same day?! Ah, the power of our fiery ol' friend the sun.