New Zealand. What is there to say? This place is an absolute gem. How can one describe a place and a people who simply have it all? As of our short amount of time being here (3 for David and I, 2 for Jim) everything has been unbelievable!
To begin, the scenery around Dunedin...well let's just say the rain's constancy pays off in lush green rolling hills (yes, there are plenty of sheep) but David already told you that.
boat shed on water.
Standing on cliffs rolling into the ocean on the edge of the Otago yesterday, it was bizarre to reflect on the notion that Antarctica...yes, Antarctica with penguins...is due south (and not too far at all!). But we'll save the real visual descriptions for later after our tramps.
New Zealanders...are frugal, helpful and downright righteously awesome. You bet, you've heard it before and now you're hearing it first hand from us. The Kiwi himself Rob Ayling once told me...well you'll have to hear the story in person. It had to do with "knockers." Crude but appropriate humor is commonplace.
But to cut to the chase, I have been ABSOLUTELY blown away by how friendly New Zealanders are. There is almost nothing but cheer here. If someone has been having a bad day, they sure don't let it be known to you; a practice seldom seen in the states. I find it AWESOME that here Kiwis are on the best piece of real estate in the world, and are more than ready to help you explore it...all the while helping with a smile!
The Suburu we acquired will soon take us out to the Fiordlands where we will be treking the Kepler Track, one of 8 "Great Walks..." walks considered to be more than just excellent but utterly primo in this country are labeled such and are "can't missers." Bethesda, a Welsh town on the river Ogwen is the name of our station wagon and will surely take us on safe travels through February. Tomorrow we'll throw in packs (some more packed than others) and hit the road to Te Anau. We can't wait to be on trail...but we also can't wait to tell you all about it!
This may be our last post for some time as we'll be in the backcountry, but we will try to inform you of our manly exploits as we can. So, farewell for now Dunedin, we'll miss you but we will be back. Cheers to all and spread the IrieKiwi blogspot to other friends and family!
In conclusion, Sweet as bru!
Hei Kona Ra
-Andy
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