A Few Bits & Pieces...

     First observation:  New Zealand isn't at all like Australia (at least the parts of Australia we've seen). Instead, it looks a whole lot like the Pacific Northwest. Everywhere we've been so far is green with loads of ferns, trees, beautiful lakes and rivers, and snow capped mountains. There are no signs of poisonous snakes, kangaroos, emus, or a dry, desert-like Outback. Tonight we are staying in the little town of Punakaiki on the wetter, west coast of the South Island right on the Tasman Sea. New Zealand is gorgeous, but to tell the truth it doesn't feel very "foreign."

The Cascades or New Zealand?

     This country is pretty small (about the physical size of Japan) with a total population of around 4.5 million. Of those only about 1.5 live on the South Island where large swarths of the western coast are very sparsely populated and still pretty much off the grid in terms of WiFi connectivity, etc.
     The North and South Islands are geologically completely different from one another. As our guide, David, says, "The two islands are so close, but they are like different countries." For instance, the soil on the South Island is rocky and silty and was formed by retreating glaciers. The topsoil here is very thin and the land is not good for agricultural crops. But it's fine for grazing animals and we see sheep, cows, and deer everywhere. Especially sheep.
     By contrast, the North Island is volcanic in origin and has very good soil for farming. Not surprisingly, most of New Zealand's wine industry is up there.
     Yes, there are sheep everywhere and New Zealand is rightfully well-renowned for the excellent quality of its wool, especially its merino wool. Steve bought me a merino sweater the other day because I was freezing. It's been pretty cold here, and wet -- just like Bellingham in October/November. But I packed mostly for Australia, where it will be bloody hot. My merino saved the day. Thanks Stevie!
     What I didn't know is that even warmer than 100% merino wool is the combination of merino and possum fur! That is not a typo. Apparently, possums down here are completely different than those furless, nasty critters we have in North America. Possums here are warm and fluffy! Take a look at Steve's new merino/possum vest that he is over the moon about. It will be perfect for his winter golf!

     Here's another an unusual sign I've been seeing around. I guess when you have tourists visiting from all over the world from many varied cultures, it's sometimes necessary to provide proper instructions on how to use a toilet. Wow, could you balance like that for long enough to do your business? I know I couldn't.

     And here's another little local tidbit. If you ask a Kiwi, "How's it going?" and they answer, "Like a box of fluffies," it means they're doing great. The expression is short for "like a box of butterflies" and it means everything is hunky-dory. It's what we tell our guide, David, every morning.

David, our indomitable guide and driver.

     Final item. The other night we stayed at a hotel in Queenstown and at the buffet breakfast we saw a pancake-making machine. We've seen plenty of waffle machines at American hotels, but never a pancake machine. Steve tried it. You just press a button and wait a minute and then out pop two so-so pancakes.

Make Pancakes Now!

     More news soon. Meanwhile, just greetings from us -- a couple of crazy kiwis!