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Location Date North America 1512000000 Oceania 
1490486400 Europe 1373324400 Asia 1370559600 -
Location Date New Zealand
1490486400 Norfolk Island 1457827200 Victoria 1395532800 South Australia 1142467200 -
Location Date Auckland 1490486400 Tauranga 1489881600 Feilding 1489276800 Queenstown 1488672000 Golden Bay 1488067200 Sandspit 1482019200 Whangarei Heads 1459897200 Westport 1454716800 Auckland, Tauraga, Ohope 1452902400 Red Beach
1394928000 Birchville 1393113600 Greymouth 1392508800 Waimate 1391904000 Ohope 1390694400 Helensville 1332547200 Pyes Pa 1331942400 Pine Haven 1328572800 Red Beach And Mt. Albert, Auckland 1326067200 Red Beach And Mt. Albert, Auckland 1326067200 Feilding To Tauranga 1267747200 Feilding To Tauranga 1267747200 Feilding 1266710400 Pinehaven 1264118400 Collingwood 1263686400 Miranda Hot Springs 1261526400 Thames 1143414000 Nelson 1140739200 Wellington 1138406400 Silverstream 1138406400 Red Beach, Auckland 1137110400 Red Beach, Auckland 1137110400 -
Location Date Sun, 16 March 2014 1394961480 Sun, 16 March 2014 1394928000 Thu, 10 December 2009 1260459720 Thu, 10 December 2009
1260403200 Tue, 03 January 2006 1136296980 Tue, 03 January 2006 1136246400
Week 1
Thursday December 10, 2009
After about 30 hours of elapsed time and a couple of delayed flights, we were greeted with sunshine and 70 degrees at the Auckland airport. As you can see, I have included before flight and after flight photos). After an hour of getting baggage and clearing customs (including the cute beagle who sniffed out the scent of an apple that had been in Buzz's backpack) we got our rental car and headed north to Red Beach and the customary, gratefully received, warm welcome from Jim and Helen Grayson. After a good old fashioned NZ "cuppa" (tea, that is) and catching up, we went to the bank and sorted out our finances, came back for a light lunch, and then a nap for me. I thought I had slept well on the plane, but I needed another hour or so. No plans for the next few days yet. Just taking time to enjoy being here.
In the evening we went for a walk along the beach. We love that it is light until almost 9PM. As we walked, we found a baby Rosella which had most likely fallen from its nest on a fledgling flight. Jim brought it home to hand rear it on a diet of baby rice cereal and baby bird mix.
Friday, December 11
We headed northeast and stopped at Mangawhai Heads where we took a long walk on the beach. We also stopped in the small towns along the way to browse the shops. In TeHana we found a man carving swamp Kauri into eight to ten foot high sculptures. They are in the shapes of the jewelry worn by the Maori people, and he calls them "Jewelry for Giants" You can look at them on his website www.tribestrongman.com. In the evening we had a Chanukah barbeque supper with the Graysons...candles, prayers, latkes and chocolate coins included. There is something decadent about celebrating this holiday from a deck overlooking the sea.
Saturday, December 12
This morning dawned a bit cloudy and drizzly. Through the miracle of skype, we saw and talked to Robyn and Noah to wish them Happy Chanuka before setting off on a drive with the Graysons to Matakana about 40Km north where there is a Saturday farmer's market and arts exhibit. The famer's market is quite upscale. We got lovely fresh produce and freshly baked foccacia to make lunch when we got home. New Zealand has so much artisanal food these days from cheeses to breads to unusual veggies. All very healthy, of course. The rest of the day is for journals and reading. What better to do on a cloudy Satruday afternoon?
- comments
Laura Hegfield Sounds so wonderful, warm, exotic and exciting!Chag Urim Sameach from the great white,Love,Laura
Michael + Anne Nice pics, keep snapping
Richard and Jean Bassin Sounds like you guys are living the good life. We are enjoying living on the beach for the winter in South Beach, Miami Beach. How long will you be there ?We do want to visit. Have not seen Ian and Angie for many moons
Art & Reta We are freezing. Jeff sold his house - expect them here next week. The house in Bradford is still in limbo. Enjoy your time and the weather.
Judy and Stu Thanks for sharing! I must admit it seems weird for it to be Saturday there but still Friday here!
Wendy Muchnick So glad to be included in your travel adventures. Everyday we feel better and better. Warren had a tooth pulled yesterday, but otherwise things are good here.It is very cold. Lucky you to be away from it all.. Happy Chanukah. Love, Wendy and Warren
Linda and Dick glad to hear the trip over was uneventful. I like having daylight until 9 PM. Thanks for including us in the virtual tour of the trip. We will save you snow!Love, d*** and LInda
Jane Goodman Sounds wonderful. Enjoy your visit!
Bruce dorner A happy Chanukah to you and Buzz. Even though it's a bit cold up here (21 degrees), the warmth of the Chanukah candles is shared around the globe. Enjoy your time away!
doris greenberg glorious---it looks wonderful. It is freezing here in Savannah, and we leave for colder Milan and Florence. We crazy Greenbergs travel off-season when it is cold and clear and there are few Americans to bump into. Have a super vacation. We know about the time difference---so Happy Chanukah--you are a candle ahead of us. Love, Doris and martin
Jean and Alan Somlo Thanks for including us in your travel reports. Glad you arrived safely. Great talking to you at Thanksgiving. Ed called on 10th. All is well there, and here. Happy Hannukah, and a wonderful NZ adventure ahead. Live, Jean and Alan
Olga & Ernesto Hi Elaine and Buzz, just the young family left our place We had a wonderfull day and receive your kindly regardsWe understand your nice time over there and hope to get allways good newsChag Januka SAMEACH and all the best
nancy With special wishes to the rosella; they're so beautiful.
Nancy I hit this before I finished. At a store today, I saw a 9 week old African Gray parrot which I understand is one of the best speaking birds and can actually mimic the sound of its owners according to the clerk who owns two.enjoy your travels and the long days. Yesterday with the wind, was one cold experience. Hope you continue to include sightings/adventures with wildlife.
Jon Spira-Savett Glad you arrived safely! It sounds lovely and beautiful. Chag Urim Sameach!
Jeannie and Marty Chag Urim Sameach! With temps in the 20's and snow all around, it is nice to know that you (and Andrew) are warm and celebrating without having to shovel! We are totally envious and hope that we can come down during NZ spring/summer one of these days. Have fun but we all miss you. (We also have skype so if you feel incline. let us know!)
Carl and Sandy Your trip sounds superb. So glad for you. We finally got to some warmer weather (Louisiana) but very wet. Hope the Rosella is doing well. Happy, happy Hanumkah.
Lanie & Jay What a wonderful way to start your NZ stay. The glow of the lights are felt around the world...Happy Chanukah...Happy Adventure.It all sounds wonderful and we can't wait to get your first insights when you land here in Mardh in (normally) sunny California--('tho we just had a once in three decades 6" snow fall!) Enjoy! Enjoy!
Barbara & Jack Sounds terrific. Much better than the rain and cold we're having. Jorge is also suffering in the Miami 77 degree weather for a few days. I will sign up for Skype but have no camera on my laptop.
Don and Terry I hope your weather is suitable for you. It is still in the record -breaking 80's in Vero Beach. Do you eat potatoe pancakes in N Z ? I'm having some in your honor tomrrow morning. Have a blast, both of you!
Kasia Grossman Beautiful. Delighted to here of your trip. Happy Hannukkah to all.
diana Looks just a bit warmer than New Hamshire-Just a bit
Judy and Stu Madnick Before it's too late...Happy Chanukah! Continue to enjoy your trip!!