Is there any place better than Raglan to spend New Year’s Eve? I really don’t think there is. Many of the travelers that stay with us are from the northern hemisphere. This is another holiday that for them, is usually experienced in winter! A summer New Year’s Eve is a new and fun experience.
You know what goes right along with ‘summer’, and ‘holiday’? Surfing. Surfing goes along just perfect. The waves were small on New Year’s Eve, but they were perfect for a small-wave foamie bash. The lesson went out bright and early at 10 am.
It was such a beautiful morning! There was low wind, and lots of sunshine. The beach was packed with families enjoying their holiday in the sun. The weather was supposed to get cloudier as the day went on, and I think people knew to get out there early for a daily dose of sunshine.
Everyone did their own thing in the afternoon. Some went to the beach, some went into town, and some took much-deserved naps. But everyone was excited when the festivities began around 5 pm with the arrival of the classic Green Wave Cheese Board. We didn’t do anything over the top for New Year’s Eve – just a traditional spread. Also, Stefan decided to pose for this picture like a statue. Or a robot? Either way, I bet you can probably guess which one is Stefan.
Dinner was delicious. Julia, our resident Polish Chef (a.k.a. Head Chef Jules), cooked up a roast with julienned carrots and creamy mashed potatoes. The gourmet gravy dribbled over the top of the roast lamb was mouth-watering. I don’t think there was a single plate left unfinished.
I mean, that’s the way it should be, right?!
After dinner it was time for drinks and games. A few people had toyed with the idea of going out, but the covers at the bar were a bit pricey. And everyone knows that Green Wave can throw a proper party to compete with those bars anyway. A few friends of the hostel popped by to say hello, and some stayed for a couple of drinks.
Once the playing cards and Jenga blocks made their way to the table, the party found another gear. It was all laughs, cheers, and jokes at the game table. Beer and wine flowed freely and the clock slowly ticked closer and closer to 2018.
Just before midnight, everybody got ready and then walked towards town for the fireworks display in the harbor. People flooded the street, all trying to get a good view. It was fun to see the whole town in such good spirits – the celebratory mood was infectious. Consequently, the Green Wave guests were having a blast. Experiencing a holiday like this in Raglan gives you a look at our little community from another angle. The unique feel of Raglan almost always ensnares travelers into staying a little bit longer than they expected.
You could hear the countdown from across the water as everyone shouted while the final seconds of the old year waned.
Happy New Year!
All of a sudden, it was 2018! From that moment, we had a full 365 days to look forward to surfing with old friends and new. Is there anything in the world better than that? Another year, another chance to make it your best year ever.
We’re glad we got to spend the arrival of the new year here in Raglan, because there’s nothing better than celebrating with friends and family.
