Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Marahau (Abel Tasman) - Monday 5th December 2011
Okay, so things got a whole lot better this morning with a spot of Kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park. Georgie, Marleen and I hired out a couple of kayaks and we headed out to sea around Adele and Fisherman's Island. Thankfully I managed to get a Kayak to myself (supposed to be two to a boat) but being that I have my one star award (Awarded at the South Water country park - BBH 1st Scouts 1989) ;-) I assumed that warranted me claiming proficiency in the art of sea kayaking………
Spotting some of the wildlife, stopping of on uninhabited white sand beach islands and battling a somewhat choppy mother nature, the day really was awesome.
Our hostel for the night is commercially named 'Old Macdonalds Farm' - Not sure on the origin, but it was a novelty all the same.
Just outside the park was an independent art ground (Arts Unique Gallery), which had some amazing pieces. A wonder around the site along with a few snaps nicely finished off the afternoon.
I've forgotten to introduce you to our new bus driver (Rob the knob) - who incidentally turned out to be a "choice meat" driver and a narrowly close first with Ricky and Dan the man. Rob's kindly offered to cook a group meal tonight of bangers and mash! So after handing over $8, Rob's goes off the by his Black n Gold branded food ($6 x 30 = $180), so somehow I think the Stray bus drivers have a little money earner going on here. Being that Rob made the group cook and wash up - I'm thinking Rob's taking the piss!
Now before I go on I'd like to ensure you that the following story IS true, and I claim no responsibility for any politically incorrect terminology used in the telling of such.
A few days ago we were all asked to buy something under $2 to take part in a sort of secret santa game. After dinner (which I'll give a 4/10), we all get into the spirit of things and join Marleen in celebrating Sinterklaas (this is where Black Pete comes into the picture). Apparently Sinterklass is a saint (a bit like our traditional Father Christmas) and has a number of little black helpers (hence the name Black Pete).
It's really a simple concept - If you're good then Sinterklass and his little helpers leave you a present, but if you're bad then Black Pete kidnaps all the naughty children and sticks them on his steamboat and takes them to Spain! Simple right?
Hats off to Marleen for a comical evening of story's and games, which involved playing a wee game of pass the parcel which a die and a number of numbered rules. Brilliant fun and a lot a laughs all round.
- comments