I'm going home tomorrow. Enough said.
I'm ready!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
What I've learned about New Zealand...
- The local music is phenomenal!
- NZ is pronounced "en zed"
- It's raining and sunny at the same time.
- If you don't see a rainbow, you're looking in the wrong place
- Legends = ABBA, Dolly Parton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Coldplay
- Michael Jackson is known as a great musician, not a child molester.
- Athletic t-shirts and jackets are status symbols.
- Heat and water pressure are luxuries and don't come standard with every room.
- Everywhere you walk is uphill, both ways.
- People don't speed on the motorways.
- They only have and only need 2 major highways.
- No roadside advertisements.
- Rivers don't have banks or at least no one has told them that they do.
- Burger King is Burger King, not Hungry Jacks (Aus), but McDonalds is the real king!
- Every block has avocados and coffee for sale.
- Pine tree needles go from dark green through gold to bright yellow, so the trees end up looking like yellow bushes.
- They love their roundabouts (I drove through at least 2 dozen of them yesterday). "Hey, kids. Big Ben, Parliament."
- Red hot poker is everywhere!
- No postage costs for non-profits.
- You can get anywhere without a map. The signage is that good!
- NZ is pronounced "en zed"
- It's raining and sunny at the same time.
- If you don't see a rainbow, you're looking in the wrong place
- Legends = ABBA, Dolly Parton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Coldplay
- Michael Jackson is known as a great musician, not a child molester.
- Athletic t-shirts and jackets are status symbols.
- Heat and water pressure are luxuries and don't come standard with every room.
- Everywhere you walk is uphill, both ways.
- People don't speed on the motorways.
- They only have and only need 2 major highways.
- No roadside advertisements.
- Rivers don't have banks or at least no one has told them that they do.
- Burger King is Burger King, not Hungry Jacks (Aus), but McDonalds is the real king!
- Every block has avocados and coffee for sale.
- Pine tree needles go from dark green through gold to bright yellow, so the trees end up looking like yellow bushes.
- They love their roundabouts (I drove through at least 2 dozen of them yesterday). "Hey, kids. Big Ben, Parliament."
- Red hot poker is everywhere!
- No postage costs for non-profits.
- You can get anywhere without a map. The signage is that good!
Day 25: Waitomo Caves
With nothing else on my agenda, I decided to make a hail-mary long drive to Waitomo to see the glowworm caves. I wondered if the drenching rains had affected the level of water in the caves, but instead of checking online, I was up for a drive anyway, so I went not knowing what I would find.
It was (almost) a rain-free day with lots of sunshine! I drove through Hamilton and on to Otororanga (sp?) where I bought a Koru ceramic that looks like my necklace.
Once at the caves, I saw they were indeed flooded. I hadn't planned to go black rafting, so I wasn't that disappointed. Instead, I turned for home (Auckland) and drove back.
Patricia, Chari (from Thailand), and I went to Circus Circus for dinner and coffee/tea. Chari is out of her country for the first time, and she has been working on her English by watching American movies... The Lion King, 13 Going on 30, Shrek, etc. I don't know how well it's going, but she and I will probably stay in touch. A few other backpackers found out that I was an APA format guru, and I've been answering dozens of questions about essay writing in English and use of tense when citing. I miss work!
It was (almost) a rain-free day with lots of sunshine! I drove through Hamilton and on to Otororanga (sp?) where I bought a Koru ceramic that looks like my necklace.
Once at the caves, I saw they were indeed flooded. I hadn't planned to go black rafting, so I wasn't that disappointed. Instead, I turned for home (Auckland) and drove back.
Patricia, Chari (from Thailand), and I went to Circus Circus for dinner and coffee/tea. Chari is out of her country for the first time, and she has been working on her English by watching American movies... The Lion King, 13 Going on 30, Shrek, etc. I don't know how well it's going, but she and I will probably stay in touch. A few other backpackers found out that I was an APA format guru, and I've been answering dozens of questions about essay writing in English and use of tense when citing. I miss work!
Day 24: Goat Island
Today I drove up to Goat Island, which is about an hour north of Auckland. It was a beach unlike anything I had ever seen. It looked like someone had poured quik-rete in the water because parts of the beach were stuck together at least 4-5 feet above the sand, and it was solid. No slippery footing, but lots of "life" still left in the pools. I got some photos of the coastline and poked around at some mussels, snails, and urchin before walking back to the car. I still can't get over how no two beaches look the same. Almost every time I would round a corner, the view would take my breath away. It's that gorgeous. I've been told by other backpackers that the South Island is even more beautiful. Will have to do that on the next trip.
Each night when I get back to the hostel, several people are in the lounge watching movies. I made the mistake of watching this movie with them. Final Destination 3. Very scary. People getting killed, things jumping out of the darkness. I had to stay up and watch a little bit of Ocean's 11 to calm down before going to bed.
Each night when I get back to the hostel, several people are in the lounge watching movies. I made the mistake of watching this movie with them. Final Destination 3. Very scary. People getting killed, things jumping out of the darkness. I had to stay up and watch a little bit of Ocean's 11 to calm down before going to bed.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Day 23: Still in Auckland
I've grown a bit tired of driving long distances, so I've decided to make Pentlands on the Mt. Eden hillside my place of residence until I leave on Thursday morning. FYI: Like many of the "hills" in Auckland, Mt. Eden is an extinct volcano, so the landscape is different here than anywhere.
Today, Patricia and I walked into the village and had coffee (and I had a fantastic sausage roll!!) at Circus Circus. No, not the Vegas casino. One of our hostel-mates works there, so we were being supportive. Then after some quick scheming we decided to drive to Mission Bay to Kelly Tarleton's Underwater World. On the surface, it looks like a touristy aquarium like every other moving sidewalk aquarium being built today. However, we soon discovered that it was among the first, if not THE FIRST to use curved acrylic glass to create a tank that visitors can walk through and under on a moving sidewalk. We questioned how much of the system was original and how much had been added or improved upon since. We were shocked at the answer. The Underwater World opened in January 1985 after more than 10 months of converting water treatment and sewage tanks into the tourist attraction. Its founder, Mr. Tarleton, died 2 months after. In the shop, I found a postcard that showed Mr. Tarleton in 1985 just after opening standing on the moving sidewalk, and almost every feature of the tank and room were identical to what we saw more than 20 years later. According to a documentary about his life, Mr. Tarleton's design served as the prototype for many aquarium exhibits that followed, including Ripley's in Gatinburg (and Myrtle Beach?).
After spending 3 hours underground, we left the center just in time to see the sun set over Mission Bay. Gorgeous, but I didn't have the wind-chill resistance to stay long.
A quick stop at the grocery for dinner fixin's, and we were back at the hostel. What did I buy, given the opportunity? Hummus, pickles, cream cheese, salad, smoked salmon. I miss home!
Today, Patricia and I walked into the village and had coffee (and I had a fantastic sausage roll!!) at Circus Circus. No, not the Vegas casino. One of our hostel-mates works there, so we were being supportive. Then after some quick scheming we decided to drive to Mission Bay to Kelly Tarleton's Underwater World. On the surface, it looks like a touristy aquarium like every other moving sidewalk aquarium being built today. However, we soon discovered that it was among the first, if not THE FIRST to use curved acrylic glass to create a tank that visitors can walk through and under on a moving sidewalk. We questioned how much of the system was original and how much had been added or improved upon since. We were shocked at the answer. The Underwater World opened in January 1985 after more than 10 months of converting water treatment and sewage tanks into the tourist attraction. Its founder, Mr. Tarleton, died 2 months after. In the shop, I found a postcard that showed Mr. Tarleton in 1985 just after opening standing on the moving sidewalk, and almost every feature of the tank and room were identical to what we saw more than 20 years later. According to a documentary about his life, Mr. Tarleton's design served as the prototype for many aquarium exhibits that followed, including Ripley's in Gatinburg (and Myrtle Beach?).
After spending 3 hours underground, we left the center just in time to see the sun set over Mission Bay. Gorgeous, but I didn't have the wind-chill resistance to stay long.
A quick stop at the grocery for dinner fixin's, and we were back at the hostel. What did I buy, given the opportunity? Hummus, pickles, cream cheese, salad, smoked salmon. I miss home!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Finally Able to Upload Photos
Cleaning up slips, washouts, and downed trees after the storm...
Rainbow between storm clouds...
Crossing the mountain towards Whitianga...
Endless lakes that should be fields, driving into Te Aroha...
The YHA Hostel at Te Aroha (very nice and quiet)...
Notice the huge lemons hanging from the tree in front! There are orange, grapefruit, and lemon trees everywhere, and all are full of nearly-ripe fruit!
The view from the women's bathroom...
Rainbow between storm clouds...
Crossing the mountain towards Whitianga...
Endless lakes that should be fields, driving into Te Aroha...
The YHA Hostel at Te Aroha (very nice and quiet)...
Notice the huge lemons hanging from the tree in front! There are orange, grapefruit, and lemon trees everywhere, and all are full of nearly-ripe fruit!
The view from the women's bathroom...
Day 22: To Auckland & the All Blacks Test
I awoke on Saturday morning to blue skies, which would turn to storms in 15 minutes. Roger, my only hostel-mate was up making coffee. I ate breakfast, said good-bye to him and Helen, and I was on my way north to the "big city" of Auckland, about the size of Maryville or High Point. In fact, a person could walk almost anywhere in the city within about 30-40 minutes, but the bus system seems pretty popular.
I drove through more flooded areas through the country, and the terrain was fairly flat compared to what I had seen the day before. I stopped at a service centre along Highway 1 and went through the McDonald's drive-thru backways. Not really backwards but right to left since the driver's window is on the right side of the car. I was got tickled that I had to call my nephew and tell him about it. He was not as impressed as I was, but he would have been if he had been in the car with me. I have gotten very good at driving, and it comes very naturally to me now. In fact, it makes more sense for me to keep my strong hand (right) on the steering wheel while shifting gears with my less coordinated hand (left). I think driving in the U.S. will take some readjustment.
I received an email from Ticketmaster telling me that the All Blacks vs. Wallabies "test" had sold out and that I needed to pick up my tickets in advance or I would be standing in a very long line. I arrived at Eden Park about 2:15pm and by 2:45pm I finally figured out which entrance contained the ticket office. A few minutes later and I was at the Pentlands Backpackers, a BBH hostel just blocks from Eden Park. I met Patricia (CORRECTION: a Korean medical doctor from Holland) and Diana (from the North Islands) in the lounge as well as several others from Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, etc. I was waiting for the office to reopen to get my room key and warming by the fire as the rain pounded outside.
The group bonding occurred while watching "13 going on 30." Specifically the part where all the girls sing Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" at the top of their lungs while jumping up and down on the bed. Let's just say we had a Pentland re-creation of the scene, and several of us were still humming the song to ourselves an hour later. If you haven't seen it, that movie is a great pick-me-up. Much better than "Insomnia" which was playing when I first arrived.
The hype before the match was incredible, although I seemed to be the only Pentlands resident going. Clad in rain gear, I walked the 6 blocks to Eden Park and entered through the cricket members entrance! No delay! And I was sitting next to some real characters. You know how there's always one guy (usually drunk) who yells out things during a game that everyone laughs at? That guy was sitting next to me. Originally from Te Aroha, where I was that morning, he was pleasantly surprised that his childhood town was catching the attention of travelers. I didn't tell him that I was 1 of only 2 in the hostel. He and his family are now living in Rototura, near the popular rafting rivers. He said it's a must-see, but I'm not sure I'll get there this trip. The opening "kickoff" was incredible with the All Blacks taunting (and intimidating) rally cheer. And despite the fact that I hadn't seen international rugby in several years, I picked up on the rules quickly. A few rule changes had been initiated before that match, but I'm not sure what it involved.
I returned to a quiet hostel, as most of the residents had gone into town for post-match celebration after watching the match on television. I cooked a very late dinner with a friend from Ireland and watched "Vanilla Sky" with a friend from France. Then off to bed where one of my two roommates was snoring loud enough to get hit in the head with a pillow by one guy and a shoe thrown at him later...by me!
It was a good day!
I drove through more flooded areas through the country, and the terrain was fairly flat compared to what I had seen the day before. I stopped at a service centre along Highway 1 and went through the McDonald's drive-thru backways. Not really backwards but right to left since the driver's window is on the right side of the car. I was got tickled that I had to call my nephew and tell him about it. He was not as impressed as I was, but he would have been if he had been in the car with me. I have gotten very good at driving, and it comes very naturally to me now. In fact, it makes more sense for me to keep my strong hand (right) on the steering wheel while shifting gears with my less coordinated hand (left). I think driving in the U.S. will take some readjustment.
I received an email from Ticketmaster telling me that the All Blacks vs. Wallabies "test" had sold out and that I needed to pick up my tickets in advance or I would be standing in a very long line. I arrived at Eden Park about 2:15pm and by 2:45pm I finally figured out which entrance contained the ticket office. A few minutes later and I was at the Pentlands Backpackers, a BBH hostel just blocks from Eden Park. I met Patricia (CORRECTION: a Korean medical doctor from Holland) and Diana (from the North Islands) in the lounge as well as several others from Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, etc. I was waiting for the office to reopen to get my room key and warming by the fire as the rain pounded outside.
The group bonding occurred while watching "13 going on 30." Specifically the part where all the girls sing Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield" at the top of their lungs while jumping up and down on the bed. Let's just say we had a Pentland re-creation of the scene, and several of us were still humming the song to ourselves an hour later. If you haven't seen it, that movie is a great pick-me-up. Much better than "Insomnia" which was playing when I first arrived.
The hype before the match was incredible, although I seemed to be the only Pentlands resident going. Clad in rain gear, I walked the 6 blocks to Eden Park and entered through the cricket members entrance! No delay! And I was sitting next to some real characters. You know how there's always one guy (usually drunk) who yells out things during a game that everyone laughs at? That guy was sitting next to me. Originally from Te Aroha, where I was that morning, he was pleasantly surprised that his childhood town was catching the attention of travelers. I didn't tell him that I was 1 of only 2 in the hostel. He and his family are now living in Rototura, near the popular rafting rivers. He said it's a must-see, but I'm not sure I'll get there this trip. The opening "kickoff" was incredible with the All Blacks taunting (and intimidating) rally cheer. And despite the fact that I hadn't seen international rugby in several years, I picked up on the rules quickly. A few rule changes had been initiated before that match, but I'm not sure what it involved.
I returned to a quiet hostel, as most of the residents had gone into town for post-match celebration after watching the match on television. I cooked a very late dinner with a friend from Ireland and watched "Vanilla Sky" with a friend from France. Then off to bed where one of my two roommates was snoring loud enough to get hit in the head with a pillow by one guy and a shoe thrown at him later...by me!
It was a good day!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Day 21: Bone Carving and Te Aroha
The next morning, I awoke to hot coffee and great music!! I can't say enough times how much I love the music here! Then I walked round the corner to Bay Carvings, where I met Roland and Claudia (originally from Germany) who helped me make a spiral bone carving, Maori symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, which I feel like this trip has been for me. Using a Dremel and some creatively cut sandpaper, I shaped and sanded the bone for 3 hours before I held my beautiful product in my hand. I'll try to upload a photo.
I also saw on Facebook that my dive team had a raucous last night, with all the talk about headaches and aching livers. While I "gutted" that I couldn't be with them to celebrate, I was glad to contribute a couple of rounds of drinks via dive instructor Emily.
Then I was packed and off to my next adventure through the Karangahake (kar ANG a HACK ee) Gorge, where the Ohinemuri (oh HEE nee MUR ee) River flowed with great force. The way was reopened after flooding just minutes before I entered the gorge, and I must say that the river which is normally a gently flowing class III was a raging class IV-V that rivalled the New at 10 feet or any section of the Lower G. I had to be careful to watch the road as much as I watched the river just a couple of feet away (horizontally and vertically)!
I arrive in Te Aroha (tay arrow HA) just before dark and met hosts Helen and Danny and Roger (NZ but originally from England). I drove to the market for fajita fixings and cooked dinner for the first time in weeks. Unfortunately, the market didn't have beef or chicken (just weird mystery meat mixes of chicken, pork, and lamb), so instead I substituted salami and mushrooms and some homemade guacamole. I will intentionally make fajitas this way after returning to the States. It was good! Even for breakfast! The night was cold, with a bit more rain but not nearly as much wind as previous nights, even though some areas of the island were forecasting 160km per hour wind.
I slept very well under a few layers of blankets, and I'm preparing to drive back to Auckland for the All-Blacks "test" tonight. If you've ever seen how excited Mexican fans get over national team soccer, you'll have an idea of the Kiwi experience I have ahead of me tonight. And today is Emily's 23rd birthday (also a Kiwi), so I'm hoping that the All-Blacks will be able to pull out a victory despite injury and shifting lines.
My decision to not raft while I was in Australia and New Zealand was confirmed since the rivers have all flooded their banks. This morning I found out that a woman drowned on the St. Russell River near Cannes, Australia. A sad day whenever anyone is lost to paddling. I hope it was not a hostel friend.
I also saw on Facebook that my dive team had a raucous last night, with all the talk about headaches and aching livers. While I "gutted" that I couldn't be with them to celebrate, I was glad to contribute a couple of rounds of drinks via dive instructor Emily.
Then I was packed and off to my next adventure through the Karangahake (kar ANG a HACK ee) Gorge, where the Ohinemuri (oh HEE nee MUR ee) River flowed with great force. The way was reopened after flooding just minutes before I entered the gorge, and I must say that the river which is normally a gently flowing class III was a raging class IV-V that rivalled the New at 10 feet or any section of the Lower G. I had to be careful to watch the road as much as I watched the river just a couple of feet away (horizontally and vertically)!
I arrive in Te Aroha (tay arrow HA) just before dark and met hosts Helen and Danny and Roger (NZ but originally from England). I drove to the market for fajita fixings and cooked dinner for the first time in weeks. Unfortunately, the market didn't have beef or chicken (just weird mystery meat mixes of chicken, pork, and lamb), so instead I substituted salami and mushrooms and some homemade guacamole. I will intentionally make fajitas this way after returning to the States. It was good! Even for breakfast! The night was cold, with a bit more rain but not nearly as much wind as previous nights, even though some areas of the island were forecasting 160km per hour wind.
I slept very well under a few layers of blankets, and I'm preparing to drive back to Auckland for the All-Blacks "test" tonight. If you've ever seen how excited Mexican fans get over national team soccer, you'll have an idea of the Kiwi experience I have ahead of me tonight. And today is Emily's 23rd birthday (also a Kiwi), so I'm hoping that the All-Blacks will be able to pull out a victory despite injury and shifting lines.
My decision to not raft while I was in Australia and New Zealand was confirmed since the rivers have all flooded their banks. This morning I found out that a woman drowned on the St. Russell River near Cannes, Australia. A sad day whenever anyone is lost to paddling. I hope it was not a hostel friend.
Day 20: Whititanga, NZ
I made a second attempt to cross the mountains towards Whitianga. I should note that going almost anywhere in NZ requires crossing a mountain, so I quickly got over my constant fear of slips and washouts.
For anyone who has ever heard the saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes"... That saying must have been written for New Zealand. For two days, I have been driving through 15 minutes of beautiful sunshine, then 15 minutes of light clouds and rainbows, then 15 minutes of pouring rain, and the cycle starts over again.
I stayed at the Cat's Pyjamas (not misspelled) in Whitianga... pronounced FityANGa in Maori. I don't know how many times I misspoke before someone corrected me. :) Cat's was an incredibly spacious, neat, and inviting hostel within a minute's walk of "town." "Town" consisted of a 2 square block area of businesses, very reminiscent of Skagway, Alaska. Sue and her 4 kids live behind the hostel, and she was very nice to hang out with me and chat while I was there. The night before had been the only night in the past 2 years that not a single person occupied the hostel. And I was its sole resident that night. I watched a little tv because the internet was down all over town, and in fact down over much of the North Island along with the power in many areas.
For anyone who has ever heard the saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes"... That saying must have been written for New Zealand. For two days, I have been driving through 15 minutes of beautiful sunshine, then 15 minutes of light clouds and rainbows, then 15 minutes of pouring rain, and the cycle starts over again.
I stayed at the Cat's Pyjamas (not misspelled) in Whitianga... pronounced FityANGa in Maori. I don't know how many times I misspoke before someone corrected me. :) Cat's was an incredibly spacious, neat, and inviting hostel within a minute's walk of "town." "Town" consisted of a 2 square block area of businesses, very reminiscent of Skagway, Alaska. Sue and her 4 kids live behind the hostel, and she was very nice to hang out with me and chat while I was there. The night before had been the only night in the past 2 years that not a single person occupied the hostel. And I was its sole resident that night. I watched a little tv because the internet was down all over town, and in fact down over much of the North Island along with the power in many areas.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 19: Traveling to NZ
In order to catch my 6:30am international flight, I had to catch the 3:55am shuttle to the airport. So with only about 3 hours of sleep, I packed my stuff and went outside the wait in the 10-degree C cold. In fact, most of eastern Australia was experiencing cold like they hadn't seen in a long time. It snowed in Sydney for the first time since 18**-something. They claimed it was mushy hail, but it was confirmed to be snow.
I got checked in at the airport, through immigration, and was awaiting departure when it was announced that there would be a 2-hour delay in boarding due to a mechanical problem. That would cause me to miss my connection in Brisbane into Auckland, New Zealand. Before I could finish that thought and fall back asleep on the bench, my name was called. Qantas had already rerouted me through Sydney on a flight that was leaving in 15 minutes. Good times!
I slept through "breaky" on the first flight into Sydney, but lunch on the way to Auckland was great! Turbulence was rough descending into Auckland, and I soon realized why. A major storm cell, said to be the worst in 10 years, was hovering over the North Island. I was soaked by the time I got my bags into my rented Ford Fiesta.
A little dead-reckoning to get out of the airport car park, and I was on my way to the east coast and Whitianga. About 120km later, I was stopped just outside Thames on the side of a mountain with a class V river below in the pouring rain because a tree had uprooted in the loose soil and was lying across the road. The police and fire crews were on the scene with chainsaws. Jenny in the vehicle in front of me came back to talk. Very friendly these people are. She was also heading to Whitianga, but she had concerns about me being able to get that far in my little rental. The rain slowed, and we all went to look at the tree. As travelers on both sides started comparing notes, I discovered that the roads in Whitianga and some roads on the way were flooded knee-deep. After careful consideration, I decided to turn around and go back to Thames to stay at a backpackers there.
Entering Thames it looked like a ghost town with very few people in sight. The backpackers were all closed, so I stopped at a bar to ask about other accommodations that might still be open at 8:45pm. I was directed to a string of motels coming into town, and she mentioned the Avalon. So I drove there. The office was dark, but there was a night bell. I rang. A man stepped out onto the balcony above me and asked what he could do. I told him my story, which he had heard several times that night already. He told me that they were full, but that he and his wife had a spare room in their house. By this time, the winds had reached 90 knots, so I accepted. The wind sounded like the roof was going to come off. Later, they told me that they keep a room open for just my type of situation, thinking that if their own kids were traveling and needed help, someone else would be just as willing to take them in. Bruce and Raven were so nice to allow me to stay, and their house was better than any backpackers I could have stayed at. Full room rate was $100NZ, but he accepted $40NZ, which is less than $30US.
Early this morning, the storm was beginning to pass, and by the time I got up and going (10am), it was a beautiful sunny day! I am now finishing up my laundry, which by the smell of it, went way too long between washings. I'm told the roads to Whitianga are open now, as the water recedes quickly after a storm.
While I was caught out last night, I heard on the radio that the Bledisloe Cup rematch between the NZ All-Blacks and the Australia Wallabies rugby teams is being played in Auckland on Saturday. And I'll be there, section 110 which is like the 20-yard line in American football, 2nd deck, 1st row! I'm so excited!
I got checked in at the airport, through immigration, and was awaiting departure when it was announced that there would be a 2-hour delay in boarding due to a mechanical problem. That would cause me to miss my connection in Brisbane into Auckland, New Zealand. Before I could finish that thought and fall back asleep on the bench, my name was called. Qantas had already rerouted me through Sydney on a flight that was leaving in 15 minutes. Good times!
I slept through "breaky" on the first flight into Sydney, but lunch on the way to Auckland was great! Turbulence was rough descending into Auckland, and I soon realized why. A major storm cell, said to be the worst in 10 years, was hovering over the North Island. I was soaked by the time I got my bags into my rented Ford Fiesta.
A little dead-reckoning to get out of the airport car park, and I was on my way to the east coast and Whitianga. About 120km later, I was stopped just outside Thames on the side of a mountain with a class V river below in the pouring rain because a tree had uprooted in the loose soil and was lying across the road. The police and fire crews were on the scene with chainsaws. Jenny in the vehicle in front of me came back to talk. Very friendly these people are. She was also heading to Whitianga, but she had concerns about me being able to get that far in my little rental. The rain slowed, and we all went to look at the tree. As travelers on both sides started comparing notes, I discovered that the roads in Whitianga and some roads on the way were flooded knee-deep. After careful consideration, I decided to turn around and go back to Thames to stay at a backpackers there.
Entering Thames it looked like a ghost town with very few people in sight. The backpackers were all closed, so I stopped at a bar to ask about other accommodations that might still be open at 8:45pm. I was directed to a string of motels coming into town, and she mentioned the Avalon. So I drove there. The office was dark, but there was a night bell. I rang. A man stepped out onto the balcony above me and asked what he could do. I told him my story, which he had heard several times that night already. He told me that they were full, but that he and his wife had a spare room in their house. By this time, the winds had reached 90 knots, so I accepted. The wind sounded like the roof was going to come off. Later, they told me that they keep a room open for just my type of situation, thinking that if their own kids were traveling and needed help, someone else would be just as willing to take them in. Bruce and Raven were so nice to allow me to stay, and their house was better than any backpackers I could have stayed at. Full room rate was $100NZ, but he accepted $40NZ, which is less than $30US.
Early this morning, the storm was beginning to pass, and by the time I got up and going (10am), it was a beautiful sunny day! I am now finishing up my laundry, which by the smell of it, went way too long between washings. I'm told the roads to Whitianga are open now, as the water recedes quickly after a storm.
While I was caught out last night, I heard on the radio that the Bledisloe Cup rematch between the NZ All-Blacks and the Australia Wallabies rugby teams is being played in Auckland on Saturday. And I'll be there, section 110 which is like the 20-yard line in American football, 2nd deck, 1st row! I'm so excited!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 17-18: Dive Days--The Great Barrier Reef in All its Glory
I have very few words. Just photos...
Stepping off the boat into the water, sporting a spiffy new titanium long-sleeve...
Our superstar instructor Emily from Deep Sea Divers Den...
Giant clam...
Little nemos (clownfish)...
Too bad we didn't get a photo of the moray eel I swam by less than 5 minutes later...
Sebastian and Felix on the live-aboard OceanQuest after 3 very successful training dives...
Kelly getting ready for her last training dive...
Regulator in...
Sebastian in his 2nd favorite pose...
Buddy checks, Felix and Sebastian... Just before our first solo dive as PADI-certified open water divers!!
Andrew, uhhh... ready to go up??
Donna, prepping for the big "heave ho"... With our pal Emily in the background!!
Where's Waldo, the GBR aquatic version...
Sebastian's favorite pose...
Donna...
Andrew...
Damselfish...
Parrotfish...
Angelfish...
Green Sea Turtle #1 in flight...
Green Sea Turtle #2 having "breaky"...
Another parrot?
Boys' Day Out... Donna was saving energy for the night dive, and I was flying less than 24 hours later... They saw a white-tipped reef shark!
Coolness, the remedial version... I'm gonna miss these guys (and Donna, too)! But there's always Egypt next summer??
Stepping off the boat into the water, sporting a spiffy new titanium long-sleeve...
Our superstar instructor Emily from Deep Sea Divers Den...
Giant clam...
Little nemos (clownfish)...
Too bad we didn't get a photo of the moray eel I swam by less than 5 minutes later...
Sebastian and Felix on the live-aboard OceanQuest after 3 very successful training dives...
Kelly getting ready for her last training dive...
Regulator in...
Sebastian in his 2nd favorite pose...
Buddy checks, Felix and Sebastian... Just before our first solo dive as PADI-certified open water divers!!
Andrew, uhhh... ready to go up??
Donna, prepping for the big "heave ho"... With our pal Emily in the background!!
Where's Waldo, the GBR aquatic version...
Sebastian's favorite pose...
Donna...
Andrew...
Damselfish...
Parrotfish...
Angelfish...
Green Sea Turtle #1 in flight...
Green Sea Turtle #2 having "breaky"...
Another parrot?
Boys' Day Out... Donna was saving energy for the night dive, and I was flying less than 24 hours later... They saw a white-tipped reef shark!
Coolness, the remedial version... I'm gonna miss these guys (and Donna, too)! But there's always Egypt next summer??
Good times! Happy days!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Day 16: Dive Class #2 in Cairns
I checked out of the Holiday Inn and sat with my stuff on the steps awaiting my 8:55am pick up. It was Emily this time, and there were 2 new first-day people. The Deep Sea Divers Den accepts new diver trainees every day, so small classes are great!
We had an addition, also. Phillip (Denmark) was doing a PADI refresher course because he hadn't been diving in a few years. We reviewed everything we did the first day and added some new skills also. I still can't believe how much I've learned in 2 short days.
Sebastian and I walked out to lunch before the afternoon classroom time and final exam (I scored 45/50, silly mistakes but no errors on the dive tables). This time, to the strange mall across from my hostel. He's a finance math major at a German university near his hometown. Very excited about his courses and finishing, but not crazy about the idea of putting his skills to action in a "real" job.
After getting to know the people in my class, both Sebastian and I have decided to stay with the others overnight on the dive boat. That means that we'll get to do a fun dive, where we can take photos, and we'll get to snorkel as much as we want after our dives and on-boat training. Meals, linens, and entertainment (Felix) included, so very much worth the $95 upgrade. Everyone other than me will be staying on the boat 2 nights. I tried to change my flight to leave for Auckland a day or two later, so I could stay and do the night dive and the 5th day deep-water dive (to 30 meters) which would count towards advanced certification. But no luck. It would have cost $200 to delay, which would have been ok if not for the $300 blown on the Gilligan's/Holiday Inn fiasco. Even though I have the funds, I'm trying to stick to a strict budget... minimal purchases, reasonable food/drink, although I'm splurging more than I should on those $3 cokes.
FYI: Bob Dylan's Hurricane is playing on the sound system in the internet cafe. Live version. Excellent recording!
NOTE: I'm telling you, these people don't forget any songs, any bands. It's great!
I moved into the Cairns Central YHA tonight. Clean, 6x dorms instead of 8x, and somewhat quiet... the Grand Hotel next door has live music from 3pm until close, but it's great music (see note above). I've already set aside everything that I plan to take on the dive boat. I'll check out in the morning before my 7:45am pickup, and I'll leave everything else locked up at the dive shop.
In case I haven't mentioned it lately, so far I packed really well for this trip. I was worried in Surfers Paradise because it was so hot, and I had limited warm-weather clothing, but the layering habits of my inner hiker made it do-able. Then the jackets and scarves worked well in Sydney. Now here, the tanks lightweight pants are perfect. My only concern is the cold weather in NZ. I'm leaning towards renting a car instead of a camper van, but I'm still wavering. I'll decide after I return from the reef on Tuesday. Today I learned about the flying-after-diving decompression illness rule, and I'll be just over the minimum "no fly" time of 18 hours but not the 24 hours recommended by the Queensland authorities. I got the ok from two dive masters, so I'm excited to get this show started!!
And my converted Aussie money is spending well, too. After a reef dive t-shirt for me and a shark t-shirt for my nephew, I'm down to about $100, which will be food and transport to the airport on my way to Auckland and "breaky" in the Sydney airport on August 7 morning before leaving for LAX.
Walking to the internet cafe today, I met Pete from Sydney who is working a 2-month job in Cairns. Very nice and chatty. Kept asking to let him buy me a beer, but it's ok, mom. I passed. I may talk to strangers on hostel balconies, but I don't have drinks with them... unless they're REALLY "fired"! :) I'll let you figure out that meaning and which country it comes from.
I'll walk back to the YHA for a few restless hours of sleep and anticipation. Leaving for the first reef dive day bright and early in the AM, and I'll be incommunicado for a couple of days. In my next post, I hope to have lots of great stories, amazing photos, and a PADI dive card in hand.
We had an addition, also. Phillip (Denmark) was doing a PADI refresher course because he hadn't been diving in a few years. We reviewed everything we did the first day and added some new skills also. I still can't believe how much I've learned in 2 short days.
Sebastian and I walked out to lunch before the afternoon classroom time and final exam (I scored 45/50, silly mistakes but no errors on the dive tables). This time, to the strange mall across from my hostel. He's a finance math major at a German university near his hometown. Very excited about his courses and finishing, but not crazy about the idea of putting his skills to action in a "real" job.
After getting to know the people in my class, both Sebastian and I have decided to stay with the others overnight on the dive boat. That means that we'll get to do a fun dive, where we can take photos, and we'll get to snorkel as much as we want after our dives and on-boat training. Meals, linens, and entertainment (Felix) included, so very much worth the $95 upgrade. Everyone other than me will be staying on the boat 2 nights. I tried to change my flight to leave for Auckland a day or two later, so I could stay and do the night dive and the 5th day deep-water dive (to 30 meters) which would count towards advanced certification. But no luck. It would have cost $200 to delay, which would have been ok if not for the $300 blown on the Gilligan's/Holiday Inn fiasco. Even though I have the funds, I'm trying to stick to a strict budget... minimal purchases, reasonable food/drink, although I'm splurging more than I should on those $3 cokes.
FYI: Bob Dylan's Hurricane is playing on the sound system in the internet cafe. Live version. Excellent recording!
NOTE: I'm telling you, these people don't forget any songs, any bands. It's great!
I moved into the Cairns Central YHA tonight. Clean, 6x dorms instead of 8x, and somewhat quiet... the Grand Hotel next door has live music from 3pm until close, but it's great music (see note above). I've already set aside everything that I plan to take on the dive boat. I'll check out in the morning before my 7:45am pickup, and I'll leave everything else locked up at the dive shop.
In case I haven't mentioned it lately, so far I packed really well for this trip. I was worried in Surfers Paradise because it was so hot, and I had limited warm-weather clothing, but the layering habits of my inner hiker made it do-able. Then the jackets and scarves worked well in Sydney. Now here, the tanks lightweight pants are perfect. My only concern is the cold weather in NZ. I'm leaning towards renting a car instead of a camper van, but I'm still wavering. I'll decide after I return from the reef on Tuesday. Today I learned about the flying-after-diving decompression illness rule, and I'll be just over the minimum "no fly" time of 18 hours but not the 24 hours recommended by the Queensland authorities. I got the ok from two dive masters, so I'm excited to get this show started!!
And my converted Aussie money is spending well, too. After a reef dive t-shirt for me and a shark t-shirt for my nephew, I'm down to about $100, which will be food and transport to the airport on my way to Auckland and "breaky" in the Sydney airport on August 7 morning before leaving for LAX.
Walking to the internet cafe today, I met Pete from Sydney who is working a 2-month job in Cairns. Very nice and chatty. Kept asking to let him buy me a beer, but it's ok, mom. I passed. I may talk to strangers on hostel balconies, but I don't have drinks with them... unless they're REALLY "fired"! :) I'll let you figure out that meaning and which country it comes from.
I'll walk back to the YHA for a few restless hours of sleep and anticipation. Leaving for the first reef dive day bright and early in the AM, and I'll be incommunicado for a couple of days. In my next post, I hope to have lots of great stories, amazing photos, and a PADI dive card in hand.
Day 15: Dive Class #1 in Cairns
What an incredible turn-around!! The worst night of the trip turned into the best day. Steve, the crazy dive instructor, picked us up. Me and Sebastian (Germany) from Gilligan's, Donna and Andy (England) from Coastal, and Felix (Germany) from Paradise, along with a few second-day folks.
FYI: Cairns is pronounced "cans."
Emily Greeve (New Zealand) was our instructor, so that day we got schooled in dive technique and Kiwi euphemisms. She's 6'2" and as loud and laughable as she is tall. Very cool chick who constantly says "happy days" and "good times" to ask "do you understand?" Her acronym for the predive check was BWRAF: "Bush Will Ruin America Forever." Apparently, he doesn't translate as being any smarter internationally than he appears in the U.S.
We spent the morning in the classroom, talking, watching video, and taking quizzes. Sebastian, Felix, and I walked to KFC for lunch. Not the same selections as in the States, but filling. After lunch, we changed into our "jockeys," learned how to assemble our gear, and then jumped into the "swimmy" for training. Within a couple of hours, I had learned to breath through the regulator; flood and clear my mask while underwater; take off and put on my mask underwater; remove and replace my regulator underwater; regulate buoyancy; breathe off someone else's regulator; hand signal for a dozen different reasons; recover a lost regulator; and other things that I can't even remember now.
Instead of homework, we all chose to go to Reef Teach, a training held that night by a group of biologists who teach interested visitors and prep snorkelers and divers for their time on the reef. After learning the 8 major classifications of fish on the reef (2,100 different kinds but 8 types account for 80% of all fish on the reef), we learned about the types of coral. Then the last stimulating part of the session explored the vast realm of what creatures might cause us trouble. There were a lot of them. Things with darts, things that oozed venom, things that would bite, things that would suck, things that we shouldn't touch (many of which looked very similar to things they encouraged us to touch and pick up... now I know why Supertramp died in that bus in AK... some many things in the wild look alike), what we should do in case we saw one of them, and how long we would have to respond (or say goodbye) if they did something bad to us. It was completely cool, but afterward, we all agreed that we wouldn't touch anything unless Emily handed it to us. And lucky for me, with an odd number in the group, Emily is my dive buddy on the reef.
After Reef Teach, Sebastian, Felix, and Stewart (England, dove on the reef a few days earlier) stood around talking. The conversation drifted through the bottleshop (where a 6-pack of Tooney's was $15!!) and to the smokers' and puffers' balcony at the Paradise, where at least a dozen others joined us. Spelled phonetically as best I remember: Maria, Yjungon, and Atalina (Finland); Hyco (Germany), Edmundo (Spain); Mick (France); Mike (England); ?? (Australia); and I have already forgotten the other names. I was surprised by how close some of their ages were to mine and how much we had in common. They made fun of George Bush (several times); of the differences between Aussie Rules, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Footy; of how long Gilligan's was (others had been there and moved also). Hyco brought out a couple of $5 bottles of Steigenstoffer (sp?), the same beer my brother brought back from Germany 15 years ago. Good stuff! Better than any microbrew wheat I've had anywhere. The time hit single digits, and suggestions were made to visit the bar at Gilligan's. I had no interest since I'd already overpaid them to give me a hard time, so I walked back to the hotel eating an orange and preparing myself for nightmares about killer sharks, sea snakes, and poisonous coral.
FYI: Cairns is pronounced "cans."
Emily Greeve (New Zealand) was our instructor, so that day we got schooled in dive technique and Kiwi euphemisms. She's 6'2" and as loud and laughable as she is tall. Very cool chick who constantly says "happy days" and "good times" to ask "do you understand?" Her acronym for the predive check was BWRAF: "Bush Will Ruin America Forever." Apparently, he doesn't translate as being any smarter internationally than he appears in the U.S.
We spent the morning in the classroom, talking, watching video, and taking quizzes. Sebastian, Felix, and I walked to KFC for lunch. Not the same selections as in the States, but filling. After lunch, we changed into our "jockeys," learned how to assemble our gear, and then jumped into the "swimmy" for training. Within a couple of hours, I had learned to breath through the regulator; flood and clear my mask while underwater; take off and put on my mask underwater; remove and replace my regulator underwater; regulate buoyancy; breathe off someone else's regulator; hand signal for a dozen different reasons; recover a lost regulator; and other things that I can't even remember now.
Instead of homework, we all chose to go to Reef Teach, a training held that night by a group of biologists who teach interested visitors and prep snorkelers and divers for their time on the reef. After learning the 8 major classifications of fish on the reef (2,100 different kinds but 8 types account for 80% of all fish on the reef), we learned about the types of coral. Then the last stimulating part of the session explored the vast realm of what creatures might cause us trouble. There were a lot of them. Things with darts, things that oozed venom, things that would bite, things that would suck, things that we shouldn't touch (many of which looked very similar to things they encouraged us to touch and pick up... now I know why Supertramp died in that bus in AK... some many things in the wild look alike), what we should do in case we saw one of them, and how long we would have to respond (or say goodbye) if they did something bad to us. It was completely cool, but afterward, we all agreed that we wouldn't touch anything unless Emily handed it to us. And lucky for me, with an odd number in the group, Emily is my dive buddy on the reef.
After Reef Teach, Sebastian, Felix, and Stewart (England, dove on the reef a few days earlier) stood around talking. The conversation drifted through the bottleshop (where a 6-pack of Tooney's was $15!!) and to the smokers' and puffers' balcony at the Paradise, where at least a dozen others joined us. Spelled phonetically as best I remember: Maria, Yjungon, and Atalina (Finland); Hyco (Germany), Edmundo (Spain); Mick (France); Mike (England); ?? (Australia); and I have already forgotten the other names. I was surprised by how close some of their ages were to mine and how much we had in common. They made fun of George Bush (several times); of the differences between Aussie Rules, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Footy; of how long Gilligan's was (others had been there and moved also). Hyco brought out a couple of $5 bottles of Steigenstoffer (sp?), the same beer my brother brought back from Germany 15 years ago. Good stuff! Better than any microbrew wheat I've had anywhere. The time hit single digits, and suggestions were made to visit the bar at Gilligan's. I had no interest since I'd already overpaid them to give me a hard time, so I walked back to the hotel eating an orange and preparing myself for nightmares about killer sharks, sea snakes, and poisonous coral.
Day 14 continued: The Night From H. E. Double Hockey Sticks
I arrived in Cairns without any problems. In fact, we landed 10 minutes early despite leaving 10 minutes late. The cab ride to the hostel was a little more expensive than expected. I began to wonder whether the driver took the long way.
When he pulled up in front of Gilligan's Backpackers, I began to worry. It looks like something you'd see in the heart of Myrtle Beach. And it smelled like New Orleans during Mardi Gras in the wee hours of the morning after most people had gone indoors, the street cleaning crew hadn't come through yet, and you didn't even want to think about what you were walking through.
I checked in thinking that was just the bar area downstairs. When I saw the room, it was ok, except for the stagnant air and people's clothes hanging and lying across anything bolted down. The roommate (5 of them) who was in the room didn't respond when I said hello. In fact, she didn't say anything, no smile, just looked at me and then went back to her book. I thought to myself, I've made a terrible mistake. I saw the refrigerators in the kitchen and knew I had another 5 days of eating out in my future. There's no way I would eat anything out of there, even if I put it in the same day. It was 10x worse that the frig and sink at base camp in WV, which can get pretty bad before someone gets fed up and starts throwing things away.
I sat down in the TV room with some other people to watch an old episode of Friends, anything to take my mind off of the nights ahead of me. A few minutes later I heard over the PA system (yes, PA system; with 500+ beds, it's a huge hostel): "1/2 price off of rum & coke, get them before they're gone." Huh, ok. 15 minutes later: "1/2 price rum & coke and $8 domestics in the bar, come on down." 15 minutes later... well, you get the point. I walked down the street to dinner and to look for another place to stay. The YHA at Cairns Central (a very unusual mall that contains a Target and a grocery store with no outside entrances) was full but had space Sunday through Tuesday nights. I reserved them. They recommended www.wotif.com. I returned to Gilligan's long enough to search for a hotel room on wotif. I cringed and swallowed hard as I clicked submit on a $145/night room at the... ha ha... Holiday Inn! Gilligan's was nice enough to refund my stay for all but the current night, even though I had only spent a total of 2 hours in the place and hadn't so much as sat the bed.
I pulled on my backpack, my day pack, grabbed my souvenir bag (now as heavy as my backpacker... about 17kg), and started walking. An hour later I was still walking. A mistake on the google map, and I had walked about 14 blocks the wrong way. Thanks to a couple of bar maids in a French cafe, a park security officers, and a guest outside the hotel, and I was finally checked into my room... full-sized bed, clean shower, tv, and very small ants. But I didn't even care. I fell into bed, knowing that I would have to get up early to walk back to Gilligan's to catch my ride to dive class.
When he pulled up in front of Gilligan's Backpackers, I began to worry. It looks like something you'd see in the heart of Myrtle Beach. And it smelled like New Orleans during Mardi Gras in the wee hours of the morning after most people had gone indoors, the street cleaning crew hadn't come through yet, and you didn't even want to think about what you were walking through.
I checked in thinking that was just the bar area downstairs. When I saw the room, it was ok, except for the stagnant air and people's clothes hanging and lying across anything bolted down. The roommate (5 of them) who was in the room didn't respond when I said hello. In fact, she didn't say anything, no smile, just looked at me and then went back to her book. I thought to myself, I've made a terrible mistake. I saw the refrigerators in the kitchen and knew I had another 5 days of eating out in my future. There's no way I would eat anything out of there, even if I put it in the same day. It was 10x worse that the frig and sink at base camp in WV, which can get pretty bad before someone gets fed up and starts throwing things away.
I sat down in the TV room with some other people to watch an old episode of Friends, anything to take my mind off of the nights ahead of me. A few minutes later I heard over the PA system (yes, PA system; with 500+ beds, it's a huge hostel): "1/2 price off of rum & coke, get them before they're gone." Huh, ok. 15 minutes later: "1/2 price rum & coke and $8 domestics in the bar, come on down." 15 minutes later... well, you get the point. I walked down the street to dinner and to look for another place to stay. The YHA at Cairns Central (a very unusual mall that contains a Target and a grocery store with no outside entrances) was full but had space Sunday through Tuesday nights. I reserved them. They recommended www.wotif.com. I returned to Gilligan's long enough to search for a hotel room on wotif. I cringed and swallowed hard as I clicked submit on a $145/night room at the... ha ha... Holiday Inn! Gilligan's was nice enough to refund my stay for all but the current night, even though I had only spent a total of 2 hours in the place and hadn't so much as sat the bed.
I pulled on my backpack, my day pack, grabbed my souvenir bag (now as heavy as my backpacker... about 17kg), and started walking. An hour later I was still walking. A mistake on the google map, and I had walked about 14 blocks the wrong way. Thanks to a couple of bar maids in a French cafe, a park security officers, and a guest outside the hotel, and I was finally checked into my room... full-sized bed, clean shower, tv, and very small ants. But I didn't even care. I fell into bed, knowing that I would have to get up early to walk back to Gilligan's to catch my ride to dive class.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Day 14: Leaving Sydney
After breakfast this morning, we packed our stuff and prepared to go our separate ways. Bob, our driver and newest good friend, dropped the group off at the international Qantas terminal to catch their 1:20pm flight back to LAX then on to Charlotte. They should be back in High Point by midnight Friday night Eastern time.
Bob dropped me at the domestic Qantas terminal for my 1:25pm flight to Cairns for a few days of R&R. I gave him the tip that we had been accumulating all week, and he thanked me (big hug and a kiss on the cheek with an open invitation to look him up the next time any of us visit Sydney again). He had seen and done a lot of cool things in his time, and his stories kept us all entertained!
I arrived on time to the Cairns airport, which looked more like an empty airplane hanger than an airport, although I read of improvements that were on the way. For such a primitive airport, I was hoping for an easy-going town with lots of character. So far, I'm disappointed.
There's a Hogs Breath Saloon a block away from my hostel and all the character(s) of party avenue at MTV spring break. Beer specials at the bar downstairs are announced over a PA system to be sure and wake anyone who might be sleeping. The TV room is a popular place, and I'm hoping for a good crowd to watch tomorrow's Wallabies vs. All Blacks rugby match on TV. The one roommate I've seen so far looks like she is 12 years old, and she may be for all I know. I miss my teen and 20-something WV friends who don't make me so conscious of the age difference!
At 9:00am tomorrow I'll be picked up for Day 1 of 4 of my scuba lesson (medical exam + pool training). Day 2 will also be in the pool. Then Days 3 and 4 will be spent on the dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef. I'm sure that will make all of this generation gapping worth it.
Bob dropped me at the domestic Qantas terminal for my 1:25pm flight to Cairns for a few days of R&R. I gave him the tip that we had been accumulating all week, and he thanked me (big hug and a kiss on the cheek with an open invitation to look him up the next time any of us visit Sydney again). He had seen and done a lot of cool things in his time, and his stories kept us all entertained!
I arrived on time to the Cairns airport, which looked more like an empty airplane hanger than an airport, although I read of improvements that were on the way. For such a primitive airport, I was hoping for an easy-going town with lots of character. So far, I'm disappointed.
There's a Hogs Breath Saloon a block away from my hostel and all the character(s) of party avenue at MTV spring break. Beer specials at the bar downstairs are announced over a PA system to be sure and wake anyone who might be sleeping. The TV room is a popular place, and I'm hoping for a good crowd to watch tomorrow's Wallabies vs. All Blacks rugby match on TV. The one roommate I've seen so far looks like she is 12 years old, and she may be for all I know. I miss my teen and 20-something WV friends who don't make me so conscious of the age difference!
At 9:00am tomorrow I'll be picked up for Day 1 of 4 of my scuba lesson (medical exam + pool training). Day 2 will also be in the pool. Then Days 3 and 4 will be spent on the dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef. I'm sure that will make all of this generation gapping worth it.
Day 13: Australia National Maritime Museum & Koala Park Sanctuary
Ok, so it's hardly stopped raining since I mentioned that it hasn't rained much. On the group's last full day in Sydney, we were able to duck the showers long enough to visit the Maritime Museum, which houses surfing, boating, and other water sports exhibits. In addition, several tall ships are docked there, including Cook's ship that was used in three sailings in the Pacific, two "supposedly" discovering Australia and New Zealand and one looking for a route through the Bering Strait (turned back by icepack).
Darling Harbour is a great place to shop, eat, and just be, but it's heavily populated by an equal mix of tourists and businesspeople. After the museum visit, we ate lunch and shopped for last-minute items. An unusual note about the mall is that dozens of random birds with long, curved beaks were walking around the food court. Must have flown in a door, and no one bothered to shoo them out.
Then we were back on the bus and off to the Koala Park Sanctuary, about 40 minutes away from Darling Harbour. Due to the poor weather conditions, we were among the few people there.
Upon entering, we were skeptical about what we would get to see and do. We made our way past zoo-like cages and barriers with one of this and one of that in each cage. I don't blame the animals for hiding where it's dry. We also had to remind ourselves that many of the animals we were seeing are marsupials and are accustomed to sleeping during the day and prowling at night. So when our group gathered for the koala feeding, the poor girl was less than happy to wake up and entertain us. Those who wanted got a photo with her, although we had to be careful not to get too close to her mouth.
Same with the wombat. We had to approach from the side to keep her calm. Note: A wombat is the size of my 90+ pound chocolate lab. Much bigger than the small possum I was expecting. Peacocks stutted throughout the park, and I was able to get a couple of them to eat out of my hand. Or rather get close enough to lunge beak and neck fully extended and snatch the food like a snake strikes its prey.
We also saw a sheep shearing, not nearly as rough as I expected it would be on the sheep, although I'm sure he was quite cold afterward (outside temp was 12-14 C).
The most fun (for me anyway) was getting into the pen with the young kangaroo and wallaby (smaller species than kangaroo). Rain pouring down, and I didn't care. I walked through the mud and poo to feed each one--petting their coats and talking to them like they were human. I know, I know. Ridiculous. My favorite was a wallaby who thought I was going to pull my handful of food away from her. To protest, she grabbed my hand with both "hand" claws and held on tight until every piece of food was gone. It didn't hurt, but it felt like a "watch this" moment when she first grabbed me.
After hot showers and a change into dry clothes, we set out in search of our last Sydney dinner.
Darling Harbour is a great place to shop, eat, and just be, but it's heavily populated by an equal mix of tourists and businesspeople. After the museum visit, we ate lunch and shopped for last-minute items. An unusual note about the mall is that dozens of random birds with long, curved beaks were walking around the food court. Must have flown in a door, and no one bothered to shoo them out.
Then we were back on the bus and off to the Koala Park Sanctuary, about 40 minutes away from Darling Harbour. Due to the poor weather conditions, we were among the few people there.
Upon entering, we were skeptical about what we would get to see and do. We made our way past zoo-like cages and barriers with one of this and one of that in each cage. I don't blame the animals for hiding where it's dry. We also had to remind ourselves that many of the animals we were seeing are marsupials and are accustomed to sleeping during the day and prowling at night. So when our group gathered for the koala feeding, the poor girl was less than happy to wake up and entertain us. Those who wanted got a photo with her, although we had to be careful not to get too close to her mouth.
Same with the wombat. We had to approach from the side to keep her calm. Note: A wombat is the size of my 90+ pound chocolate lab. Much bigger than the small possum I was expecting. Peacocks stutted throughout the park, and I was able to get a couple of them to eat out of my hand. Or rather get close enough to lunge beak and neck fully extended and snatch the food like a snake strikes its prey.
We also saw a sheep shearing, not nearly as rough as I expected it would be on the sheep, although I'm sure he was quite cold afterward (outside temp was 12-14 C).
The most fun (for me anyway) was getting into the pen with the young kangaroo and wallaby (smaller species than kangaroo). Rain pouring down, and I didn't care. I walked through the mud and poo to feed each one--petting their coats and talking to them like they were human. I know, I know. Ridiculous. My favorite was a wallaby who thought I was going to pull my handful of food away from her. To protest, she grabbed my hand with both "hand" claws and held on tight until every piece of food was gone. It didn't hurt, but it felt like a "watch this" moment when she first grabbed me.
After hot showers and a change into dry clothes, we set out in search of our last Sydney dinner.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 12: Olympic Park, Siri's Surprise, and ANZ Stadium
A cold, light rain would be unavoidable today as we set out for Sydney Olympic Park under cloud-covered skies. We met Horst our tour guide for a full morning of facilities history, stories, and explanations. Of all the impressive buildings and systems, perhaps most amazing was the effort made by planners to incorporate self-sustaining features into the park's design. Solar panels, watershed and stormwater recycling systems. The list goes on.
Almost by chance, our morning Olympic Park tour guide bumped into us again at lunch (McDonalds and Subway). Horst happen to mention that the Olympic rings were down the street. And that the framing used to hoist the flame out of the water and into the Sydney sky had been turned into a fountain that looked much like it did rising out of the water. As an afterthought, I mentioned that a member of our group played (and medaled) in the 2000 Olympics. Upon hearing this, he urged us to show her the fountain. So Dr. Zarick and I approached Siri Mullinix (2000 Silver Medalist, Women's Soccer) with a "surprise." After the Olympic Games concluded, the names of all the medalists were added to a permanent exhibit beneath the fountain. A $2 coin prize to the person who found her name first. I wish I had a photo of Siri when she realized that her name was included. Then quickly, she (and the others) began looking. Their trip is nearing its end, and every dollar counts so $2 was a good offer.
A few minutes passed, as someone yelled out "they are arranged by team" and someone else yelled "it's called football here." Then Dr. Zarick found her name, along teammates Hamm, Lilly, and others. (Note: HPU faculty and staff and their immediate families are not eligible for this prize.) And here was the look on her face as she proudly relives her accomplishment:
After our brisk walk in the rain, we met a different guide (name?) at ANZ Stadium. ANZ is Australia New Zealand Bank, which recently acquired the management lease of the stadium, which is owned by the government. The tour was quite extensive with walks on the field, access to the press and corporate boxes, and explanation of the large movable sections of seating using 6 electric motors beneath the concrete stands. It was incredible to see the changes done to the stadium since the Olympics.
ANZ Stadium is to be the site of Saturday's rugby match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks. With the All Blacks recent win over England and loss to South Africa, it should be a great match. Unfortunately, we will all be leaving Sydney going our separate ways (group to NC, me to Cairns) on Friday afternoon, so we will miss the game. The next HPU group coming to Australia would do well to check all the local game schedules before booking flights. I couldn't have guessed the interest the students would have in local sports! I thought I was the only All Blacks fan in the group, but several bought gear at the ANZ Stadium merchandise store.
Part of us capped off the night with a great dinner and dessert at an Italian restaurant on the Whalf. A bit up-scale, but as we have come to realize, food is not cheap here. There are $3 cokes, $10 slices of pizza, and $20-30 entrees, regardless of the meal. I am guessing that I have spent more on food in the past 10 days than I spend on groceries in 2 months in the States! Something I suppose a person gets used to.
Tomorrow is the students' last full day in Australia, and my last full day in Sydney. We are all making last-minute decisions about what to pass up, what will cram into luggage, etc. It has been a wonderful adventure from U.S. flights to conference in Surfers Paradise to the beauty of Sydney, but there is talk of sleeping in their own beds, seeing spouses, friends, and of course pets, and the like. From what I have overheard, it has been a wonderful trip, well worth the cost. And to everyone's credit, the trip has run so smoothly with no one late for any meeting time, no missed appointments, no bad traffic, and only a day-and-a-half of rain during the entire trip. And the next HPU trip to Australia will be even better!
Almost by chance, our morning Olympic Park tour guide bumped into us again at lunch (McDonalds and Subway). Horst happen to mention that the Olympic rings were down the street. And that the framing used to hoist the flame out of the water and into the Sydney sky had been turned into a fountain that looked much like it did rising out of the water. As an afterthought, I mentioned that a member of our group played (and medaled) in the 2000 Olympics. Upon hearing this, he urged us to show her the fountain. So Dr. Zarick and I approached Siri Mullinix (2000 Silver Medalist, Women's Soccer) with a "surprise." After the Olympic Games concluded, the names of all the medalists were added to a permanent exhibit beneath the fountain. A $2 coin prize to the person who found her name first. I wish I had a photo of Siri when she realized that her name was included. Then quickly, she (and the others) began looking. Their trip is nearing its end, and every dollar counts so $2 was a good offer.
A few minutes passed, as someone yelled out "they are arranged by team" and someone else yelled "it's called football here." Then Dr. Zarick found her name, along teammates Hamm, Lilly, and others. (Note: HPU faculty and staff and their immediate families are not eligible for this prize.) And here was the look on her face as she proudly relives her accomplishment:
After our brisk walk in the rain, we met a different guide (name?) at ANZ Stadium. ANZ is Australia New Zealand Bank, which recently acquired the management lease of the stadium, which is owned by the government. The tour was quite extensive with walks on the field, access to the press and corporate boxes, and explanation of the large movable sections of seating using 6 electric motors beneath the concrete stands. It was incredible to see the changes done to the stadium since the Olympics.
ANZ Stadium is to be the site of Saturday's rugby match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks. With the All Blacks recent win over England and loss to South Africa, it should be a great match. Unfortunately, we will all be leaving Sydney going our separate ways (group to NC, me to Cairns) on Friday afternoon, so we will miss the game. The next HPU group coming to Australia would do well to check all the local game schedules before booking flights. I couldn't have guessed the interest the students would have in local sports! I thought I was the only All Blacks fan in the group, but several bought gear at the ANZ Stadium merchandise store.
Part of us capped off the night with a great dinner and dessert at an Italian restaurant on the Whalf. A bit up-scale, but as we have come to realize, food is not cheap here. There are $3 cokes, $10 slices of pizza, and $20-30 entrees, regardless of the meal. I am guessing that I have spent more on food in the past 10 days than I spend on groceries in 2 months in the States! Something I suppose a person gets used to.
Tomorrow is the students' last full day in Australia, and my last full day in Sydney. We are all making last-minute decisions about what to pass up, what will cram into luggage, etc. It has been a wonderful adventure from U.S. flights to conference in Surfers Paradise to the beauty of Sydney, but there is talk of sleeping in their own beds, seeing spouses, friends, and of course pets, and the like. From what I have overheard, it has been a wonderful trip, well worth the cost. And to everyone's credit, the trip has run so smoothly with no one late for any meeting time, no missed appointments, no bad traffic, and only a day-and-a-half of rain during the entire trip. And the next HPU trip to Australia will be even better!
The Rest of Day 11: Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge
We awoke to yet another beautiful Australia morning (no rain), ate breakfast at the hotel, boarded our bus with Bob at the helm, and set off towards the Botanical Gardens just outside the Sydney Opera House. I wouldn't have expected it because I didn't read that far in my travel book, but bats inhabit the Gardens 24/7, meaning they sleep outdoors in the daylight, hanging upside down from trees throughout the park. And for sleeping, they were quite active, nipping and squeaking at one another in some kind of pecking order that wasn't apparent to the untrained human eye, and flying about from tree to tree before stretching their wings and folding them in close one at a time.
We continued on through the Gardens bound for the Sydney Opera House just beyond its edge, with the agreement to meet up just before the tour was to begin. (Note: This is where I became separated from the group and saw Charlie Boorman's motorcycle entrance.)
The tour was incredible, with no detail left unmentioned. Our guide Toni had worked at the Opera House for more than 20 years, and boy, did she have stories to tell about the construction of the structure, its many details, uses, and purposes. The history was extensive. We were able to sit inside the main concert hall (largest sail) and see the elaborate use of timber--on the floors, walls, ceiling, stage, and even in the chairs--that created such incredible acoustics that musicians and performers didn't require amplication. Needless to say, rock concerts were not held inside the large concert hall. She talked of Legs on the Wall, a physical theatre troupe that used the outside of the sails as their stage, hanging and dangling from the exterior structures with the walls in the background. I had only seen photos of the Sydney Opera House from a distance, so I was under the impression that the performance halls were outdoor venues with thin coverings (the sails) rather than enclosed structures with such extensive use of concrete, crushed granite, and ceramic tile that it took more than a dozen years to build.
After eating an incredibly overpriced meal at the Opera House "grill," Bob picked us up, and we drove to bridge steps just south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's south pylon. We climbed the steps and walked alongside traffic (on a footpath) until we reached the south pylon. For about $200 a person can don a sexy gray-and-blue jumpsuit and climb the top span of the bridge from one side to the other. Or for the low, low price of $9.50, the same person can climb the south pylon and get almost as high (85 meters above sea level). The photos speak for themselves. Note the climbers in the background.
We continued on through the Gardens bound for the Sydney Opera House just beyond its edge, with the agreement to meet up just before the tour was to begin. (Note: This is where I became separated from the group and saw Charlie Boorman's motorcycle entrance.)
The tour was incredible, with no detail left unmentioned. Our guide Toni had worked at the Opera House for more than 20 years, and boy, did she have stories to tell about the construction of the structure, its many details, uses, and purposes. The history was extensive. We were able to sit inside the main concert hall (largest sail) and see the elaborate use of timber--on the floors, walls, ceiling, stage, and even in the chairs--that created such incredible acoustics that musicians and performers didn't require amplication. Needless to say, rock concerts were not held inside the large concert hall. She talked of Legs on the Wall, a physical theatre troupe that used the outside of the sails as their stage, hanging and dangling from the exterior structures with the walls in the background. I had only seen photos of the Sydney Opera House from a distance, so I was under the impression that the performance halls were outdoor venues with thin coverings (the sails) rather than enclosed structures with such extensive use of concrete, crushed granite, and ceramic tile that it took more than a dozen years to build.
After eating an incredibly overpriced meal at the Opera House "grill," Bob picked us up, and we drove to bridge steps just south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's south pylon. We climbed the steps and walked alongside traffic (on a footpath) until we reached the south pylon. For about $200 a person can don a sexy gray-and-blue jumpsuit and climb the top span of the bridge from one side to the other. Or for the low, low price of $9.50, the same person can climb the south pylon and get almost as high (85 meters above sea level). The photos speak for themselves. Note the climbers in the background.
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