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I know, it's been a while but we have been busy, no excuses about the lack of internet connection just the fact we've been otherwise occupied with other things. The details of which are for another day!
The six weeks in NZ has flown by - it's hard to imagine how we used to survive on two week holidays!!
We have loved NZ, well almost all of it! We have stayed in nineteen different beds, seen nine museum, had so many cultural experiences. We have talked to so many people, on a wide range of topics, discussed views and opinions on culture, politics, their flag, their interesting thoughts on Europe. We have seen the most breath- taking scenery that we could never have imagined.
A truly a wonderful experience.
I have already shared some of the amazing places we have stayed in, but equally, we have stayed in what my Hannah would say 'some absolute shockers,' I'm not really sure how they survive - it's most probably due to people like us, who arrive and then go!
In some cases the 'love' has gone. They just scrape acceptable, but the towels and the linen are quite honestly, belong to a previous generation!! Karen Gimes you will love this - aged, worn carpet in the bathroom - the question always is why???
However, what never ceases to amaze me is the reviews - whether you stay in Airbnb, Bookabach or Booking.com, the reviews are an opportunity to be honest. Well Jeff and I are honest, where we have given a 5/10 is because it really was not worthy of any more; however you look on line and the previous few reviewers give it a 10/10. 'The best place we've stayed in NZ.' Ha!
The couple in Picton, who were in total denial, just couldn't see that the place needed updating - they emailed us twice totally upset with our review. In the end I told him not to worry as our comments were not in line with his other reviews where he consistently got 10!!
What I have learnt is that we all need to be wary of what is written. We stayed in a 'chalet' in Alexandra, unfortunately it was not as lovely as 'our' Alexandra. It looked like they had started so many projects and never completed any. It was like a derilect building site. The 'chalet' was clean (ish)but needed airing.
Guess what reviews were - '10/10 - Home from Home' Goodness knows what their home looked like!!
Another ' Simple amazing - you must go.' Really not true!!!!!!
As we travelled from Queenstown we hit a cold snap, which I have to be honest was a bit of a shock. The poncho and jeans came out and being in a dreary place where ever you are in the world is always disappointing. Balclutha, will always be remembered as top of the list - lots of shops, not many opened, everything shut at 4pm, no places to eat, small population. Our average motel was full ( our review 6/10)- I suppose it was the only place to go!!
Arriving in Dunedin ( the Edinburgh of NZ, where may Scots came and settled) was great - we watched the rugby, Highlanders v the Lions, and visited the Speights brewery. An absolute must and we stayed in a beautiful house. One of the many highlights was the Otago peninsula,it was full of protected wildlife.
The sealions just wallowed in the sand, sleeping, but always aware of who was too close. There was just a vast expanse at Allans Bay beach with so much wildlife, sea birds of every species, such a good place to be.
There was a respect, by the majority, of not getting too close to the seals. That is with the exception of the majority of Japenese and Chinese; and possibly a german guy who just have to get 'close.' No story I'm afraid but you feel that the huge sealions would give anyone who got too close a 'run' for their money. They were enormous and when they reared up and the stood height than man or beast.
At Taiaroa Reserve there were meant to be Albatross', we didn't go into the santuary because we thought, well were actually convinced that we would see these enormous birds, with their huge wingspan, but they clealry weren't flying the day we went. It was a total mystery to me. Where were they??
Our drive to Mount Cook (3720 m)and Mount Dobson(2200m), Jeff and I were really excited about seeing these mountains close up. We had read so much and knew where we were going was a World Heritage site and had already been told that the sight was awe inspring. Well, the morning we set off from Omarama was wet, very wet. The only day of rain we have had. As we drove up the straight road leading to Mt Cook we passed the still tourquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre(760 m). Our view, well, it was not a view - the heavy, thick cloud obscured the enormous mountains that were around us. Feeling slightly cheated we had a spot of lunch at the Hermitage - out of the corner of my eye I saw a young couple who were transfixed by the photos from the previous day. Unbelieveable.
We caught a brief glimpse of colossal snow covered Mt Cook and then as we drove back, the weather closed in, so the drive was not pleasant.
On route, as the the torrents of rain lashed down, we stopped briefly and saw the azure -coloured Lake Tekapo where thousands of visitors congregate by the tiny 'The Good Shepherd Church' to see the sight of the amazing stars in the night sky.
Tourism is huge, the Chinese and Japanese spend an absolute fortune, they go on every tour or attraction in the area . As we left the tourist centre you could hear the' trip organiser' selling the 'hot spot tours' and using the line -' the rain will probably clear by tonight and the sight of the stars is truly awesome.' Cash handed over- another sale!
However the rain continued to fall heavily all night and the clouds covered the night sky - the stars did not shine or twinkle! There must have been some oriental disappointment !
However two days later, on the morning when we were just about to leave to travel to Christchurch, the clouds unveiled and the the magic and mystery of the mountains were revealed. I stood just speechless, I know that's hard to imagine; it was far more spectacular than I could have imagined. These giant mountains, Cook, Tasman and Dobson were there, just in front of us, well the closest I have ever been to such a view.
Jeff also, just couldn't believe this sight - we both just smiled feeling very lucky, it was beyond anything we could have imagined. The drive, under the miraculously clear blue sky to Christchurch was like a continuous picture postcard or a film, never ending beauty, we kept stopping and taking photos until we realised that we just had to hold the sight in our memory, otherwise we just wouldn't reach our destination.
Arriving in Christchurch, brought back lots of memories of Hannah and when she was travelling. She flew out of Christchurch on the Sunday prior to the huge earthquake of 2011, which happened on the following Tuesday. Initially, when we first went to Christchurch we both felt so sad, it is truly a building site. You cannot imagine the devastation that is everywhere. It certainly makes you think about natural disasters and how hard it is to recover even in wealthy countries like NZ. It is very controversial here, about how the money is being spent and which building gets priority and how they should be built. All buildings commercial and private have to be checked. It just takes ages. Although there is a degree of understanding everyone feels it has taken a long time to recover. The amount spent already is absolutely enormous. However, the more we go into Christchurch the more we feel the energy, the buzz, the optimism for the future and more than anything the hope that Christchurch will be a better place. We loved that.
In the centre of Christchurch is the 'Restart' container mall - where shops are in containers, live music plays, local artists sculptures are displayed and it's such a good place to be, even though you are surrounded by the chaos of building work and cranes. Strange, but a great vibe, which is quite contagious.
Jeff just loved looking at the buildings and looking at how they are making the buildings 'earthquake proof' - I'm now quite an expert at the different methods!!!!
Now we are off to a new country, next destination, Melbourne, Australia, we have laughed so much and after nine weeks still seem to be enjoying each others' company, which is excellent as we have many more weeks ahead!
Wishing everyone an enjoyable Easter weekend break and I hope the weather is kind to you all.
Thanks again for your comments, emails and stories. Take care.
- comments
Kate Just up and read the blog...not how I expected you to be talking about NZ. It is all part of the adventure. Easter weekend here, lovely day yesterday but turning wet and colder. Martin came home from China on Thursday night, we had our first cut of the grass yesterday, life is dull here so keep having an amazing time. Missing you. X
Barbara 10 out of 10 for that review! Keep em coming. Happy Easter to you both xx
Andrew & Janice Good job we are getting a new kitchen in before you come in case we get a bad review! Glad you are having good experiences. Popping up to Newcastle for a pint today as it's going to rain.take care x
Krys Happy Easter to you both. Enjoy Melbourne. I have a lot of family there and have been there five times, last time on the Lions Tour :) Looking forward to your blog on Australia.
Steve Sounds like you're having a great time. Makes me want to go to NZ, the drive from Mt. Cook sounds fabulous. A dull Easter weekend here. Looking forward to your adventures in Melbourne. All the best to both of you. Sorry, can't imagine you speechless, no matter how good the scenery! Steve
Anne McLaughlin Have enjoyed reading all about your amazing adventures so far. Can't believe how busy you've been. Need a few more pics with you in them! The weather took a step forward yesterday (lovely trip out to Arundel, rowing on a lake) and two steps back today (really don't want to go to the allotment!). Anyway, a large chocolate egg beckons... Happy Easter
Fiona Speechless?!!!!! Sorry, I just can't believe that JD, try as I might! I'm a little sad that you haven't used your catchphrase to describe anything yet...is nothing, "Bloody marvellous!"?!!! Sounds like you're having so much fun. I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of you in Ramsey Street in the near future! End of term here (woohoo!!!) so two weeks to forget about school and enjoy life! Of course the weather is doing its bank holiday usual and raining! Thank heavens for Easter eggs and hot cross buns to keep our spirits up! Keep looking out for cricketing possibilities and take care. Hopefully Australia won't be quite so traumatic as NZ appears to have been! Just remember to check under the loo seat before availing yourself of the facilities!!! Lots of love, F xxx
Jackie Dobson Lovely to hear from you all. You all make me smile. I promise more photos of us and me! The view has been much better to look at than me. Jeff is already lifting toilet seats. Love to you all. xx
Jane Learmouth To echo everyone else, Jackie speechless, not possible!! While it is wonderful to see all the beautiful places, I love the idea of talking to people about their views on the word. I never feel the news tells us the truth and so to be able to speak to real people is great and often enlightening. What did they think about the flag referendum? Did you get to Marlborough? Have a great time in Aus. Look forward to reading all about it. Lots of love xxxx
Paul W Enjoying reading your travel blog and hearing your experiences - NZ in the rain is quite special, makes you appreciate when its sunny ! Looking forward to the Aussie stories..