Hobbiton, a picturesque film set nestled in the rolling hills of New Zealand's Waikato region, is a place of enchantment and wonder. It is here that the magic of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth was brought to life, captivating audiences worldwide with its whimsical hobbit holes, lush greenery, and enchanting atmosphere. For Kidawa, a lifelong fan of Tolkien's works, a visit to Hobbiton had been a dream come true.

To celebrate Kidawa's birthday, she decided to treat us to a trip to this magical land. We knew how much she cherished the stories of the Hobbits and their adventures, and we wanted to share this special experience with her. It was a gift that would allow us to bond over our shared love for Middle-earth and create memories that would last a lifetime.

Our journey to Hobbiton began with a sense of excitement and anticipation. As we approached the Shire, we were greeted by rolling green hills, hobbit holes peeking through the trees, and the gentle sounds of nature. It was as if we had stepped into a fairytale.

Our first stop was Bag End, the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. We marveled at the intricate details of the hobbit hole, from the round door and cozy furnishings to the lush garden overflowing with colorful flowers. It was a place of warmth and comfort, where one could easily imagine Bilbo welcoming guests with a pipe and a warm drink.

Next, we ventured into the Party Tree Field, where the iconic scene of Bilbo's 111th birthday party was filmed. We could almost hear the music and laughter of the hobbits celebrating, and we felt a sense of nostalgia for that joyous occasion.

As we wandered through the Shire, we encountered other hobbit holes, each with its own unique charm. We explored the Mill, the Double Arched Bridge, and the picturesque gardens, all while imagining the hobbits going about their daily lives.

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the Green Dragon Inn. We enjoyed a traditional hobbit beverage - ale/ginger beer. We raised our mugs in a toast to friendship and adventure, just as the hobbits would have done.

Leaving Hobbiton was bittersweet. We had experienced the magic of Middle-earth firsthand, and we carried the memories of our journey with us. The trip had been a gift not only to Kidawa but to all of us, a reminder of the power of friendship and the joy of sharing a love for stories and imagination.

As we drove away, we looked back at the Shire, now a distant memory. But the magic of Hobbiton would forever remain in our hearts.