Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A few first week pictures
Second week in Malaysia
Greetings from near the equator...which means that we are warm. It also means that people don't spend much on hot water for showers -- their response is "who would want to shower in hot water?" Some merit to that thinking. We do shower at least twice daily, and sometimes a bit more because these old sweat glands are so overworked -- I haven't sweat like this since I was in Pakistan. In warm weather in the US I go from an air conditioned house to an air conditioned car to an air conditioned any place --
Last week, Ben just knocked himself out to show us the country of his birth, though not his culture. The emphasis was on the traditional life of the Chinese who have immigrated from the mainland, beginning around the turn of the century -- the 20th. Though Ben's grandparents came just prior to Mao's regime, his wife's family have been here since the early 1900's. They have a true pioneer spirit, too. Many of them have been extremely successful here.
We have enjoyed their Bird Park -- from the monkeys that were climbing around in the trees at the entrance to the beautifully plumed residents inside. It is billed as the largest "free flight"cage in the world, and I believe it. The birds seemed not to know they were in cages. And they were so beautifully colored...Wow!
On Friday we headed to the boys' hometown, Melaka, south toward Singapore and a port of great historical importance - in fact, it is a World Heritage City. There we learned of the occupations of the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and the Japanese. The Malays are the native peoples, and mostly Muslim. What we see is an extraordinary blend of cultures: the dark skinned East Indians, the olive skinned Chinese, and the Malays. One often hears the call to prayer of the Muslims, can visit many, many beautiful Buddhist temples, and occasionally a Christian church dots the landscape -- a leftover from all the western nations who occupied this place.
We got to spend time with their Mom and sister, Keow. She made Ben's favorite meal - a Chinese version of a burrito that is delicious. Though there is no common language between Mom and us -- we were able to become friends through the "charade" method :-)
Their town is at least 150,000 citizens. Ben kept reminding us that it was a small place and "easy to get around" in -- that's all relative.
In the center of the old town, we were only a part of the tourist trade -- riding in a rickshaw -- shopping on Junker Road, viewing the historical sites, and -- and this is a big AND -- watching a young entrepreneur manipulate his two pythons around various brave souls' necks so they could have a picture made. We, on the other hand, looked at them from across the garden -- my pictures are taken with a telephoto.
Olivia took us south to Muar, her hometown, where we were able to get away a bit from the urban environment. We ate the local foods -- they, too, were good -- in fact, we have not had one thing we didn't like -- well, the jellyfish might not have been my favorite. But there we saw the palm oil plantation her brother runs that replaced rubber plantations. Today's economic base is built around supplying the entire world with palm oil -- even to the degree that they are exploring it as an energy (gasoine) substitute. We did pass a rubber tree -- and I got a picture, but the palm oil trees were all along the road from Kuala Lumpur. They are dense, small, and wide. There is no way to describe how extensive the trees are. Endless -- endless -- endless -- all the way to the horizon.
A special treat waited for us at Muar -- a place where the monkeys live off what the humans bring (ie. bananas and peanuts), or purchase from the vendor who has her "wagon" of potato chips, etc. there. Another entrepreneur! The monkeys roam the area freely -- the lady in the wagon uses a slingshot if they tend to go outside the area...they come right up to you -- will take the banana or peanut or chip from your hands -- one even let Olivia pet him and hold his hand...for a short while - the he bared his teeth -- and they are pointed and SHARP! We moved away from that bad tempered fellow...It was a rare treat, though.
We are now at Leong's home, with his son, Nick and his wife, Michelle. They are more into the 21st century as they guide us around the place. We spent last night at one of the most beautiful malls I have ever seen! Malls are popular in the city. Guess why? They are all indoor and are air conditioned! Clean, chrome, straight lines and marble -- that describes the modern architecture/interior design we have seen. It seems fast paced and progressive...as different from the world of Melaka as can be.
The weekend ahead is scheduled for a trip to Penang -- a wonderful beach -- and Georgetown -- another World Heritage City. We can't wait.
In the meantime -- we are off for the Palace -- Malaysia has 14 states -- and there are still nine sultans. The titular "king" responsibilities are rotated among the sultans, but there is no real political power. I just want o see the palace.
We are also heading for the Sky Bridge between the twin towers -- and hopefully will get to the Butterfly and Orchid Gardens. In the meantime, we are so enjoying our time with Leong and his family. His wife is darling and his son is a precocious as can be -- and loves the technology -- so you know we talk APPS!
More later -- will try to download a few photos....
Last week, Ben just knocked himself out to show us the country of his birth, though not his culture. The emphasis was on the traditional life of the Chinese who have immigrated from the mainland, beginning around the turn of the century -- the 20th. Though Ben's grandparents came just prior to Mao's regime, his wife's family have been here since the early 1900's. They have a true pioneer spirit, too. Many of them have been extremely successful here.
We have enjoyed their Bird Park -- from the monkeys that were climbing around in the trees at the entrance to the beautifully plumed residents inside. It is billed as the largest "free flight"cage in the world, and I believe it. The birds seemed not to know they were in cages. And they were so beautifully colored...Wow!
On Friday we headed to the boys' hometown, Melaka, south toward Singapore and a port of great historical importance - in fact, it is a World Heritage City. There we learned of the occupations of the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and the Japanese. The Malays are the native peoples, and mostly Muslim. What we see is an extraordinary blend of cultures: the dark skinned East Indians, the olive skinned Chinese, and the Malays. One often hears the call to prayer of the Muslims, can visit many, many beautiful Buddhist temples, and occasionally a Christian church dots the landscape -- a leftover from all the western nations who occupied this place.
We got to spend time with their Mom and sister, Keow. She made Ben's favorite meal - a Chinese version of a burrito that is delicious. Though there is no common language between Mom and us -- we were able to become friends through the "charade" method :-)
Their town is at least 150,000 citizens. Ben kept reminding us that it was a small place and "easy to get around" in -- that's all relative.
In the center of the old town, we were only a part of the tourist trade -- riding in a rickshaw -- shopping on Junker Road, viewing the historical sites, and -- and this is a big AND -- watching a young entrepreneur manipulate his two pythons around various brave souls' necks so they could have a picture made. We, on the other hand, looked at them from across the garden -- my pictures are taken with a telephoto.
Olivia took us south to Muar, her hometown, where we were able to get away a bit from the urban environment. We ate the local foods -- they, too, were good -- in fact, we have not had one thing we didn't like -- well, the jellyfish might not have been my favorite. But there we saw the palm oil plantation her brother runs that replaced rubber plantations. Today's economic base is built around supplying the entire world with palm oil -- even to the degree that they are exploring it as an energy (gasoine) substitute. We did pass a rubber tree -- and I got a picture, but the palm oil trees were all along the road from Kuala Lumpur. They are dense, small, and wide. There is no way to describe how extensive the trees are. Endless -- endless -- endless -- all the way to the horizon.
A special treat waited for us at Muar -- a place where the monkeys live off what the humans bring (ie. bananas and peanuts), or purchase from the vendor who has her "wagon" of potato chips, etc. there. Another entrepreneur! The monkeys roam the area freely -- the lady in the wagon uses a slingshot if they tend to go outside the area...they come right up to you -- will take the banana or peanut or chip from your hands -- one even let Olivia pet him and hold his hand...for a short while - the he bared his teeth -- and they are pointed and SHARP! We moved away from that bad tempered fellow...It was a rare treat, though.
We are now at Leong's home, with his son, Nick and his wife, Michelle. They are more into the 21st century as they guide us around the place. We spent last night at one of the most beautiful malls I have ever seen! Malls are popular in the city. Guess why? They are all indoor and are air conditioned! Clean, chrome, straight lines and marble -- that describes the modern architecture/interior design we have seen. It seems fast paced and progressive...as different from the world of Melaka as can be.
The weekend ahead is scheduled for a trip to Penang -- a wonderful beach -- and Georgetown -- another World Heritage City. We can't wait.
In the meantime -- we are off for the Palace -- Malaysia has 14 states -- and there are still nine sultans. The titular "king" responsibilities are rotated among the sultans, but there is no real political power. I just want o see the palace.
We are also heading for the Sky Bridge between the twin towers -- and hopefully will get to the Butterfly and Orchid Gardens. In the meantime, we are so enjoying our time with Leong and his family. His wife is darling and his son is a precocious as can be -- and loves the technology -- so you know we talk APPS!
More later -- will try to download a few photos....
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Catch up again -- pictures
Below is the "corn cob" Twin Towers. Lit up at night they do look like a wedding cake, well, sort of...
Catching up...again
Greetings from a very quiet spot in a very large city: Kuala Lumpur. Though our son's home is within the city limits, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic and like all good Chinese families, there is a fish pond whose constantly moving water soothes the soul. I can't remember when I have been so relaxed.
We arrived in KL on Sunday night and stayed up talking with Leong, Ben, and his wife, Olivia until after midnight -- don't know whose time it was -- the time zones have me all befuddled at this point. I do know that you are all sleeping (or should be) while I am relaxing by the fish pond in the afternoon.
Monday we had a leisurely breakfast with Ben Yeo -- our "son" who got both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Ole Miss. He is still as bright as ever, and our conversations went from current events in both of our countries to family matters to "do you remember ole 'so and so'"? The time fled by, and later in the afternoon, Leong came to pick us up and drive us to a Buddha cave -- we didn't go up the 272 steps to the inside of the cave as it began raining -- HARD (got saved from that trek!) so we took pictures and after about 45 minutes we left...came back to Ben's and piled in the car with son Kee Yen and drove to the central district of KL -- it is a VERY modern city -- lots of chrome, glass, and lights which make for a most beautiful evening display....some of their buildings are quite distinctive and merit attention.
They have a "twin towers" that I thought looked like a wedding cake. Our hosts told us that the buildings were called "corn cobs" and when they said that, I could easily imagine how they got that name...each floor arcs out over the others, just like a row of corn kernels would. Yup, ditch the wedding cake idea and pick up on the corn cobs.
Monday is the most holy "eve" in the Buddhist calendar as Tuesday (May 17) is the birthday of Buddha -- that day when he became the Buddha -- and is celebrated all over the world. Downtown was amass with people marking the holiday. Olivia told us that at midnight -- just as midnight mass in Christianity, there were special services in the temples...but the crowds were so dense we couldn't have moved, much less found a parking place.
Because it was a national holiday, Tuesday found us breakfasting with Ben's family at a wonderful Indian restaurant, and enjoying some food akin to what I had in Pakistan. It was leisurely, and we just sat and chatted. Don't know when VG has been able to forget the clock -- or the animals -- or the lawn -- or whatever -- like that. In the pictures, you really can see how rested we are.
When we finished there we went to their temple to pay our respects to the Buddha -- there were masses of people there, bringing their offerings of flowers, carrying their incense sticks and chanting special prayers. It didn't matter that we were filming all of it...they were very devout. These temples are alive with rich and vibrant colors -- bright reds, pinks, yellows and such. Lanterns abound where there is a mix between Chinese style and Buddha style.
Next stop, Central Market, originated in 1888...but had air conditioning and lots of kiosks selling whatever in the world you wanted. Some folks would haggle -- some signs said, "price firm". We had sugar cane to drink with ice! (ooooohhhhh is that good!) and ate again, with all the little dishes. Our chopstick techniques are only good enough for them to allow us a brief try with each meal, then they go get us a spoon and fork. We do try, though.
We took a nap (can you IMAGINE!!!) The heat of the day makes a time of slowing down almost necessary. It runs to 90-95+ every day -- and coming from the fall in NZ it is a real change. By the way, we are mailing our heavy jackets back tomorrow!
Dinner was in a very lovely hotel, with both Leong and Ben's families. We had the requisite number of dishes on an elaborate lazy susan -- duck, chicken, fish, prawns, and jellyfish, with lots of veggies among them.
This weekend we will be at Melacca, the boys hometown and a World Hertiage Site. A later visit will be to Olivia's family orchard (where once they grew rubber trees) to check out some neat fruits only grown in this part of the world. Next week we are with Leong and will spend the following weekend at a very lush beach -- Penang (I think) -- near another World Heritage Site, old buildings, etc., plus extraordinary beaches north of the Strait of Melacca into what I guess is the Indian Ocean.
The best part of this leg of our journey is that we are with Ben and Leong. The years simply vanish when we are together and even with their spouses and children, we are quite comfortable. We laugh and make jokes and ask questions and have a great time, just being together. And, the two 14-year olds and I talk about iPhones. :-)
I didn't intend this to be a diary entry -- but it was -- so what can I say?
We arrived in KL on Sunday night and stayed up talking with Leong, Ben, and his wife, Olivia until after midnight -- don't know whose time it was -- the time zones have me all befuddled at this point. I do know that you are all sleeping (or should be) while I am relaxing by the fish pond in the afternoon.
Monday we had a leisurely breakfast with Ben Yeo -- our "son" who got both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Ole Miss. He is still as bright as ever, and our conversations went from current events in both of our countries to family matters to "do you remember ole 'so and so'"? The time fled by, and later in the afternoon, Leong came to pick us up and drive us to a Buddha cave -- we didn't go up the 272 steps to the inside of the cave as it began raining -- HARD (got saved from that trek!) so we took pictures and after about 45 minutes we left...came back to Ben's and piled in the car with son Kee Yen and drove to the central district of KL -- it is a VERY modern city -- lots of chrome, glass, and lights which make for a most beautiful evening display....some of their buildings are quite distinctive and merit attention.
They have a "twin towers" that I thought looked like a wedding cake. Our hosts told us that the buildings were called "corn cobs" and when they said that, I could easily imagine how they got that name...each floor arcs out over the others, just like a row of corn kernels would. Yup, ditch the wedding cake idea and pick up on the corn cobs.
Monday is the most holy "eve" in the Buddhist calendar as Tuesday (May 17) is the birthday of Buddha -- that day when he became the Buddha -- and is celebrated all over the world. Downtown was amass with people marking the holiday. Olivia told us that at midnight -- just as midnight mass in Christianity, there were special services in the temples...but the crowds were so dense we couldn't have moved, much less found a parking place.
Because it was a national holiday, Tuesday found us breakfasting with Ben's family at a wonderful Indian restaurant, and enjoying some food akin to what I had in Pakistan. It was leisurely, and we just sat and chatted. Don't know when VG has been able to forget the clock -- or the animals -- or the lawn -- or whatever -- like that. In the pictures, you really can see how rested we are.
When we finished there we went to their temple to pay our respects to the Buddha -- there were masses of people there, bringing their offerings of flowers, carrying their incense sticks and chanting special prayers. It didn't matter that we were filming all of it...they were very devout. These temples are alive with rich and vibrant colors -- bright reds, pinks, yellows and such. Lanterns abound where there is a mix between Chinese style and Buddha style.
Next stop, Central Market, originated in 1888...but had air conditioning and lots of kiosks selling whatever in the world you wanted. Some folks would haggle -- some signs said, "price firm". We had sugar cane to drink with ice! (ooooohhhhh is that good!) and ate again, with all the little dishes. Our chopstick techniques are only good enough for them to allow us a brief try with each meal, then they go get us a spoon and fork. We do try, though.
We took a nap (can you IMAGINE!!!) The heat of the day makes a time of slowing down almost necessary. It runs to 90-95+ every day -- and coming from the fall in NZ it is a real change. By the way, we are mailing our heavy jackets back tomorrow!
Dinner was in a very lovely hotel, with both Leong and Ben's families. We had the requisite number of dishes on an elaborate lazy susan -- duck, chicken, fish, prawns, and jellyfish, with lots of veggies among them.
This weekend we will be at Melacca, the boys hometown and a World Hertiage Site. A later visit will be to Olivia's family orchard (where once they grew rubber trees) to check out some neat fruits only grown in this part of the world. Next week we are with Leong and will spend the following weekend at a very lush beach -- Penang (I think) -- near another World Heritage Site, old buildings, etc., plus extraordinary beaches north of the Strait of Melacca into what I guess is the Indian Ocean.
The best part of this leg of our journey is that we are with Ben and Leong. The years simply vanish when we are together and even with their spouses and children, we are quite comfortable. We laugh and make jokes and ask questions and have a great time, just being together. And, the two 14-year olds and I talk about iPhones. :-)
I didn't intend this to be a diary entry -- but it was -- so what can I say?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
My spelling!
Weened??? Should be "weaned" -- just in too much of a hurry.
Thought I would try to upload a couple of pictures -- NOT the vanished video, though...(we are pursuing the lost and found at Korean Air, though).
At the Auckland Museum -- after the Maori culture show...note the tongue -- a gesture of defiance...are you all afraid???
Students learning their heritage...interestingly the Maoris own all the land in NZ, and must pass on every "lease" by outsiders (whites) before they can be built on ...or so someone told me...couldn't verify it, but it makes a good story.
Isn't this a funky washbasin? Straight black marble only slightly slanted to the back so the water runs down...it fascinated me.
Inside a McDonald's in Auckland...note beautiful white tables to sit at...
A few of the skyline of Auckland on our last day -- a beautiful town with lots of "Florida" kinds of plants -- including grapefruit trees and palm trees.
The view out our window at the bnb in Te Anau. Every day we thanked our lucky stars for this sight.
Am I having fun, or what????? (And do I look like Mom, or what?)
This chapel was beautiful -- it looked out on Lake Te Anau and all four sides were glass. Seats were covered in white slipcovers, and the "altar" had its back to the lake, so worshippers could see the beauty. We loved it. Unfortunately it was not the Presbyterian church we attended.
Vaughn in the center of the Holiday Inn in Auckland where we spent the last two nights. Again, the plants were wonderful -- and the chef had his own herb garden planted, too.
Will try to be "literary" about the lessons of NZ later...and there were many...
Thought I would try to upload a couple of pictures -- NOT the vanished video, though...(we are pursuing the lost and found at Korean Air, though).
Will try to be "literary" about the lessons of NZ later...and there were many...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
forgot to tell y'all
I have been successfully weened from my iPhone for the duration....used only for an alarm clock and for checking out times in the states versus whatever time I am on at the time...
just had to report this in the interest of full disclosure...
just had to report this in the interest of full disclosure...
Catching up
Update: left the cam corder in the plane yesterday -- with the most beautiful views of NZ as we left -- the Solomon Islands and Guam -- I could not tell the place where the horizon meets the sky -- it was the most beautiful blue all the way from below to above -- with no distinction at earth's end. Well, I 'll just have to tell y'all about it -- because that video camera and card are GONE!
Sitting in the Inchon Airport in Seoul, Korea....went to "town" last night to meet Hyan Park, Min Jo's husband from the Soc. department -- had a wonderful Korean meal and walked the streets of this exciting city -- new buildings all around and more being built! New bridges, new streets, new parks -- everywhere you look there is construction. It would be a fun city to come back to for more than 24 hours.
Next leg of this journey takes us to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia...and temps in the 90's. We are so eager to see Ben and Leong, as we have not seen them in the flesh since they left here in the 1990's. One week will be with Ben, and the other with Leong...leaving at the end of the month from Bangkok for South Africa.
Hope to have some time to download some pictures I have taken in NZ -- I could easily have a second home there but it would cost a fortune, and it costs a similar fortune to live there....but it is a shangri-la for me.
Vaughn is doing fine...
Sitting in the Inchon Airport in Seoul, Korea....went to "town" last night to meet Hyan Park, Min Jo's husband from the Soc. department -- had a wonderful Korean meal and walked the streets of this exciting city -- new buildings all around and more being built! New bridges, new streets, new parks -- everywhere you look there is construction. It would be a fun city to come back to for more than 24 hours.
Next leg of this journey takes us to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia...and temps in the 90's. We are so eager to see Ben and Leong, as we have not seen them in the flesh since they left here in the 1990's. One week will be with Ben, and the other with Leong...leaving at the end of the month from Bangkok for South Africa.
Hope to have some time to download some pictures I have taken in NZ -- I could easily have a second home there but it would cost a fortune, and it costs a similar fortune to live there....but it is a shangri-la for me.
Vaughn is doing fine...
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Some photos of the travels...
Top photo: This is in Doubtful Sound; those folks are on an overnight cruise. We just took the day cruise...
Next: as far south as we got -- near Riverton, South Island, New Zealand. Beautiful seas --
Wildlife picture -- this is the RARE Fjordland Crested Penguin -- that is only rarely seen here -- and then only in mating season. We not only got to see him/her -- we were able to snatch some quick pictures -- which accounts for why it is so fuzzy...but what a gift! Folks on the boat and our hostess were both quite surprised that we saw them. Just lucky, I guess.
Bottom picture is view out our window at the b 'n b...notice low lying cloud layer -- this is typical: the clouds are lower than mtn tops and higher than the tree tops...
Glow little glowworm, glimmer, glimmer....
You have to be of a certain age to know those lyrics. I thought the Mills Brothers just made them up in the '50s for me to dance to, but lo and behold...there is a glowworm cave in Fjorland National Park and we went there!!!!
Close your eyes and imagine the darkest night in Mississippi (or North Carolina). Next pretend you have looked up into the sky and Whammo! you are stunned by the extraordinary number of stars in the sky.
Well, when you have taken a boat on Lake TeAnau, and then walked through a tunnel with a rushing river running through it, and finally got on a boat and floated around a black lake in the dark, saying nothing...you have the same experience. On the walls of the cave -- in total darkness -- are thousands of tiny -- really tiny -- green lights (just like the standby lights on the computer only smaller). These little critters glow more brightly the hungrier they are, and lost insects fly toward them. Unbeknownst to the bug, the worm has woven a thread of sticky stuff that hangs down from its body... once they are there -- they are goners. These little suckers are vicious, too...if one of their own kind wanders too close to their turf -- whoosh! they are in the stomach of their neighbor! What a lesson in the struggle that is called "life".
That is just one of the wonderful experiences we have had here in New Zealand. Seems there are more amazing things at every turn of the corner. Our time here is nearly over, and I find myself wanting MORE!!
First, I can't decide whether the people or more extraordinary or the place...I love these folks with their funky accent -- even they admit they don't know how to speak "the King's English" -- we were told we were visiting a "pear" station -- I assumed it was a fruit cellar...but it was a power plant -- under the mountains -- (felt like a coal miner on that one!) Our new-found friend's name is Heether -- we say Heather. Even she laughs at it...and the minister at church was "Kyle" -- until we read his name -- Karl.
Glowworm cave on Sunday -- after church at Lakeside Presbyterian. Great day. Monday we drove to the south of the island -- wound up at Riverton ALMOST the most southernly place, but not quite. On the way saw herds of cattle and red deer/elk (donated by Teddy Roosevelt), fishing villages, and surfers -- now I guarantee you the waves were not the Hawaii-50 type, but the six kids in the water were having fun. Driving on, we dined at a Beach House restaurant, and while there the other folks excitedly pointed out the pod of dolphin frolicking up Mitchell Sound. They were really having fun, and natives say that only happens once or twice a year -- so we were lucky.
Yesterday we took our "special" trip of this visit...a day long trip out Doubtful Sound. Coach ride to Manapuri where we boarded the boat...then across Manapuri Lake to dock and again ride a coach overland. We rose to a high pass and had a vista of the sound from above -- then descended past those "cold rainforest temperate" zones - and down to where there was a smattering of deciduous fall colored trees...then on a boat again.
Fjords are simply one of God's special creations...these are covered with plant/lichen growth --to the extent that when it rains (nearly all the time) the water leeches the tannin out of the plants, and the brown water descends to the sound -- making it actually brown water close to the shore. Their extreme verticality in close proximity to each other and to the islands make the scenery simply beautiful. Add to that the appearance of the Fjordland Crested Penguin who had returned to mate, the sea lions basking in the sun with their babies, and those albatrosses as they crossed the clear blue sky, and you have a perfect day. We also met a couple from Texas and spent the entire time ooohhhing and aaaahhhing with them. She teaches "butterfly gardens", Anita, so you know Vaughn offered a free week in the mountains of North Carolina if she would come and share her knowledge with us. I won't hold my breath until they do...
Today is a catch-up day with a trip to Milford Sound and preparations for departure. We fly out of Queenstown tomorrow, and spend two nights in Auckland before flying out to Seoul for one night and on to Malaysia and the first of our international "pseudo-sons"visit. And -- instead of wearing those heavy coats...we will be in equatorial weather - shedding as much as is legally possible and enduring 90+ temps.
I hope to get the pix on line on Friday -- MY FRiday--not yours :-)
What an adventure!
Close your eyes and imagine the darkest night in Mississippi (or North Carolina). Next pretend you have looked up into the sky and Whammo! you are stunned by the extraordinary number of stars in the sky.
Well, when you have taken a boat on Lake TeAnau, and then walked through a tunnel with a rushing river running through it, and finally got on a boat and floated around a black lake in the dark, saying nothing...you have the same experience. On the walls of the cave -- in total darkness -- are thousands of tiny -- really tiny -- green lights (just like the standby lights on the computer only smaller). These little critters glow more brightly the hungrier they are, and lost insects fly toward them. Unbeknownst to the bug, the worm has woven a thread of sticky stuff that hangs down from its body... once they are there -- they are goners. These little suckers are vicious, too...if one of their own kind wanders too close to their turf -- whoosh! they are in the stomach of their neighbor! What a lesson in the struggle that is called "life".
That is just one of the wonderful experiences we have had here in New Zealand. Seems there are more amazing things at every turn of the corner. Our time here is nearly over, and I find myself wanting MORE!!
First, I can't decide whether the people or more extraordinary or the place...I love these folks with their funky accent -- even they admit they don't know how to speak "the King's English" -- we were told we were visiting a "pear" station -- I assumed it was a fruit cellar...but it was a power plant -- under the mountains -- (felt like a coal miner on that one!) Our new-found friend's name is Heether -- we say Heather. Even she laughs at it...and the minister at church was "Kyle" -- until we read his name -- Karl.
Glowworm cave on Sunday -- after church at Lakeside Presbyterian. Great day. Monday we drove to the south of the island -- wound up at Riverton ALMOST the most southernly place, but not quite. On the way saw herds of cattle and red deer/elk (donated by Teddy Roosevelt), fishing villages, and surfers -- now I guarantee you the waves were not the Hawaii-50 type, but the six kids in the water were having fun. Driving on, we dined at a Beach House restaurant, and while there the other folks excitedly pointed out the pod of dolphin frolicking up Mitchell Sound. They were really having fun, and natives say that only happens once or twice a year -- so we were lucky.
Yesterday we took our "special" trip of this visit...a day long trip out Doubtful Sound. Coach ride to Manapuri where we boarded the boat...then across Manapuri Lake to dock and again ride a coach overland. We rose to a high pass and had a vista of the sound from above -- then descended past those "cold rainforest temperate" zones - and down to where there was a smattering of deciduous fall colored trees...then on a boat again.
Fjords are simply one of God's special creations...these are covered with plant/lichen growth --to the extent that when it rains (nearly all the time) the water leeches the tannin out of the plants, and the brown water descends to the sound -- making it actually brown water close to the shore. Their extreme verticality in close proximity to each other and to the islands make the scenery simply beautiful. Add to that the appearance of the Fjordland Crested Penguin who had returned to mate, the sea lions basking in the sun with their babies, and those albatrosses as they crossed the clear blue sky, and you have a perfect day. We also met a couple from Texas and spent the entire time ooohhhing and aaaahhhing with them. She teaches "butterfly gardens", Anita, so you know Vaughn offered a free week in the mountains of North Carolina if she would come and share her knowledge with us. I won't hold my breath until they do...
Today is a catch-up day with a trip to Milford Sound and preparations for departure. We fly out of Queenstown tomorrow, and spend two nights in Auckland before flying out to Seoul for one night and on to Malaysia and the first of our international "pseudo-sons"visit. And -- instead of wearing those heavy coats...we will be in equatorial weather - shedding as much as is legally possible and enduring 90+ temps.
I hope to get the pix on line on Friday -- MY FRiday--not yours :-)
What an adventure!
Friday, May 6, 2011
A couple of pictures
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| Here we are at one of the biggest trees -- this one is over 800 years old, but in the forest |
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| Vaughn got to play sheepman as he sorts them out according to their color on their wool. He did alright, according to the professional sheep man... |
Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere
Well, everything they have said about New Zealand is true -- and more! We spent the day of arrival resting in the hotel, but the next day, an Ole Miss grad and his wife introduced us to the North Island. We spent the day perusing supermarkets -- they have purple sweet potatoes! Next we drove to a place where Jurassic Park was filmed -- it makes our term "virgin forest" look elementary. It is absolutely primeval. I have lots of film of it -- ferns over 60' tall, trees that are 1,000+ years old -- not redwoods, either. And an amazing world of birds -- which you know attracts Vaughn's attention.
After the long -- 30 hours in the air and 8 on the ground or tied up at the gate -- trip -- we appreciated the business class....however, on the plane to Queenstown we were back in the normal, coach seats. What a difference.
We arrived in Queenstown to rent our car, and drive (on the other side of the road) and drive down here to Te Anau where we are in a b 'n b, looking at the fjords, seeing the sheep, and learning how to interpret the Kiwi speech.
Believe me, when people speak of the kindness and friendliness of the New Zealanders, they are right. They are eager to help, and do it with a smile. No tipping allowed in the country, because they earn a living wage anyway...when they say 65 miles an hour they mean 65 KILOMETERS AN HOUR -- not 67 -- when they say your plane check in is 30 minutes before departure...they will NOT check you in prior to 30 minutes. And guess what? They "cue" in the most civilized manner to board the plane...
And....gas is (we DID convert it from liters and kilometers!) -- sit down -- $8 a gallon. Guess we cannot complain too much.
I will try to attach a picture -- if you get it, great, if you don't well, better luck next time...love to all. Sndy and Vaughn
PS -- I did see the Southern Cross -- their version of the Big Dipper and the North Star -- that constellation that the sailors cued off of....
After the long -- 30 hours in the air and 8 on the ground or tied up at the gate -- trip -- we appreciated the business class....however, on the plane to Queenstown we were back in the normal, coach seats. What a difference.
We arrived in Queenstown to rent our car, and drive (on the other side of the road) and drive down here to Te Anau where we are in a b 'n b, looking at the fjords, seeing the sheep, and learning how to interpret the Kiwi speech.
Believe me, when people speak of the kindness and friendliness of the New Zealanders, they are right. They are eager to help, and do it with a smile. No tipping allowed in the country, because they earn a living wage anyway...when they say 65 miles an hour they mean 65 KILOMETERS AN HOUR -- not 67 -- when they say your plane check in is 30 minutes before departure...they will NOT check you in prior to 30 minutes. And guess what? They "cue" in the most civilized manner to board the plane...
And....gas is (we DID convert it from liters and kilometers!) -- sit down -- $8 a gallon. Guess we cannot complain too much.
I will try to attach a picture -- if you get it, great, if you don't well, better luck next time...love to all. Sndy and Vaughn
PS -- I did see the Southern Cross -- their version of the Big Dipper and the North Star -- that constellation that the sailors cued off of....
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