I'm catching up this blog now that I am back to happy quick internet. It's been a long spell of travelling to places where internet was scarce or very $$, so we went off the cyber map for awhile, and good or bad, we're back on! (we're home!! -more on that later!! It's sooo nice!)
Rotorua is known for it's steamy bubbling mud pools and hot spots of sulphur smelling Mother Nature! The city is literally steaming here and there in the hillsides and in the park downtown. The city park is spotted here and there with hot pools, bubbling puddles, and full on public spas, free for the asking - if one dares! We spent as much time as we could stand with our noses plugged, checked into a medical clinic for Ross' ear troubles (nothing a few drops and antibiotics couldn't handle), and we were off for the ocean up in the Coramandel.
If you have a bucket list, I'd add the Coramandel Coast to it. Right now.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Glow Worms R Gr8
Who knew?? We toured in a pitch-black cave down many stairs and there on the ceiling were little twinkle lights. They could have been artificially set there, says the Hollywood American in me. It felt very Disneyland without the smiling 12 year old taking my ticket at the door.
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
In fact, it was the real deal. The tour bloke talked for awhile about these worms spinning a web that hangs below like a chain. The worm then lights itself up which attracts the insects. The insect is caught in the web, the worm pulls the "chain" up and feasts then makes a new web and waits for its next meal. Ingenious. He then turned on an actual light that showed the many "chains" hanging from the low cave ceilings. Unreal!! This was no Indiana Jones ride afterall!
I have a whole new respect for Glow Worms. Thank you, Pat!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Zealand or Bust
We are now traveling in New Zealand until Christmas day, seeing the north island a little slower than we saw the south island back in April. We flew into Auckland Friday night. Saturday we visited the Auckland Museum and watched the Maori cultural performance. I have always loved their history and lore and this did not disappoint. The carvings are fantastic, as is their music, I think.
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
We got out of the big city as fast as we could after that and drove south to the Waitamo Caves - Glow Worms! This is Pat's wish, and I have to say, I'm not a big fan of the Glow Worm.
More when I can get internet all!
Saying Farewell for Now
We weren't alone at the airport, of course! Debbie, Graeme, Caroline, Debbie's mum, Jane met us there. Matt, Cassie, Daniel, Drew, and Jack brought Ross. There we were, one year later, with our friends seeing us off - the same friends that were standing there with our name on a big card as we stepped off the plane on Christmas Eve, 2009.
Good thing we had many hands on deck for the baggage. I'd like to say it's all Ross' important school papers, but it's mostly our lovely momentos to take back. We've pitched most of our clothes (they've had it by now!). It's Aussie books, coasters, mugs, CDs, night-vision goggles (wait a minute, Ross!!), and a sweatshirt each for when we arrive in Portland!
The good news is that now it's Our Turn to meet friends at the airport and treat them like royalty!! Bring it on!!
Good thing we had many hands on deck for the baggage. I'd like to say it's all Ross' important school papers, but it's mostly our lovely momentos to take back. We've pitched most of our clothes (they've had it by now!). It's Aussie books, coasters, mugs, CDs, night-vision goggles (wait a minute, Ross!!), and a sweatshirt each for when we arrive in Portland!
The good news is that now it's Our Turn to meet friends at the airport and treat them like royalty!! Bring it on!!
A Beach a Day
This was my mantra for the last two weeks of our stay here. But with record rainfall it was going to be tricky to keep the promise. We also wanted to see dolphins again, but I decided (like I would know) that it must not be their season since we hadn't seen any this month. We also needed to see roos one more time - I did anyway!
Monday, instead of going to the gym, Annie and I snuck into MacDonald's, got our coffees and headed to walk the beach. Once we got down to the sand, we decided it was too lovely to not go in the water. Clothes and all (mostly), we swam in the beautiful warm waves. That's it, we were doing this Thursday, as well! "But I have to be cleaning that day, Annie!" "Stuff it. We'll swim early and have you back for cleaning by 8 a.m." "Deal."
Thursday then Kat, Annie and I stopped by "Macker's" again, got our coffees and headed out to the beach and shared hugs and tears one more time. Absolute perfection. Cleaning began at 8:30! Pat took his hour out for one last beer at the pub with Neil. Probably no tears, but a hug, anyway, I'd bet.
That night was the pub choir concert, and as we chatted about our beautiful swim, the girls all said they'd like to go tomorrow morning! It was settled. Friday morning, 5:30 a.m., Kat, Annie, Debbie, Jenny, Jeanette, Caroline, and I would walk the Urunga boardwalk out to the beach.
It was a fantastic sunrise (I've never seen the sun rise at the beach, West Coast girl that I am), with pinks and oranges in the sky. We cried and hugged and walked and laughed and cried and took photos and hugged more. We ended with Dead Ants on the sand (I'll include a photo and really can't explain it any better than that). More perfection. What amazing friends we've made. I keep saying that. I have to.
Monday, instead of going to the gym, Annie and I snuck into MacDonald's, got our coffees and headed to walk the beach. Once we got down to the sand, we decided it was too lovely to not go in the water. Clothes and all (mostly), we swam in the beautiful warm waves. That's it, we were doing this Thursday, as well! "But I have to be cleaning that day, Annie!" "Stuff it. We'll swim early and have you back for cleaning by 8 a.m." "Deal."
Thursday then Kat, Annie and I stopped by "Macker's" again, got our coffees and headed out to the beach and shared hugs and tears one more time. Absolute perfection. Cleaning began at 8:30! Pat took his hour out for one last beer at the pub with Neil. Probably no tears, but a hug, anyway, I'd bet.
That night was the pub choir concert, and as we chatted about our beautiful swim, the girls all said they'd like to go tomorrow morning! It was settled. Friday morning, 5:30 a.m., Kat, Annie, Debbie, Jenny, Jeanette, Caroline, and I would walk the Urunga boardwalk out to the beach.
It was a fantastic sunrise (I've never seen the sun rise at the beach, West Coast girl that I am), with pinks and oranges in the sky. We cried and hugged and walked and laughed and cried and took photos and hugged more. We ended with Dead Ants on the sand (I'll include a photo and really can't explain it any better than that). More perfection. What amazing friends we've made. I keep saying that. I have to.
A Week of Lasts and Firsts, as Always!
My last day with the children at school was Wednesday. I said goodbye to everyone at Macksville that afternoon since our plane flys out Friday afternoon. Immigration said our time was up midnight, Friday night, so we had two days to clean up, pack up, and load up. We were complaining at first at having to leave before Christmas, but after a reality check, we decided we're pretty darned lucky. If immigration wanted to play hardball, they just could. We weren't going to lose any more precious Australia time worrying about it. So we made this week our week of celebrations and lasts - which in this year also means more "firsts!"
I guess I wasn't allowed to leave school before more teasing and Aussie antics. Dame Edna arrived, "fresh from chatting with Oprah in Sydney and having a time with Hugh Jackman after his stage injury," in full purple hair, glasses, blinking Christmas lights and heels. Rumour has it our (male) third grade teacher, missing that morning, was seen putting on the panty hose down the hall before "her" arrival. Perfect photo opportunity, and perfect way to keep tears from coming!
Pat and Graeme had one more fishing night. This time with bamboo poles - he'll have to tell you. I had my last choir practice and (first and last) performance on our last night. I can tell you about that. Ross had his last bonfire party. He tells us a little about those, so you can get the idea! We had one last dinner with our wonderful Urunga friends. We had one last walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, and hugs and kisses goodbye.
The choir concert was held at the Bellingen pub and included a little Abba, a little Queen, some African drumming chants, and some lovely sweet songs that feel good to the soul! The choir claps, moves, sways, and has a really good time. I knew about 50% of the music, since I've only been going since October, but it was fantastic, anyway!
Sure enough, our sweet friends came en masse for the music and we stayed for dinner after with the kids as well. Tell Aussies there's a choir concert and they might consider it. Tell them it's at the pub and they all arrive with bells on. As we arrived after warming up at the library next door, several choir members bellied up to the bar to purchase their beer before we started. The beers were perched on window sills behind where we were singing, and between songs they would take a swig before going on. That is a first for me!
I guess I wasn't allowed to leave school before more teasing and Aussie antics. Dame Edna arrived, "fresh from chatting with Oprah in Sydney and having a time with Hugh Jackman after his stage injury," in full purple hair, glasses, blinking Christmas lights and heels. Rumour has it our (male) third grade teacher, missing that morning, was seen putting on the panty hose down the hall before "her" arrival. Perfect photo opportunity, and perfect way to keep tears from coming!
Pat and Graeme had one more fishing night. This time with bamboo poles - he'll have to tell you. I had my last choir practice and (first and last) performance on our last night. I can tell you about that. Ross had his last bonfire party. He tells us a little about those, so you can get the idea! We had one last dinner with our wonderful Urunga friends. We had one last walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, and hugs and kisses goodbye.
The choir concert was held at the Bellingen pub and included a little Abba, a little Queen, some African drumming chants, and some lovely sweet songs that feel good to the soul! The choir claps, moves, sways, and has a really good time. I knew about 50% of the music, since I've only been going since October, but it was fantastic, anyway!
Sure enough, our sweet friends came en masse for the music and we stayed for dinner after with the kids as well. Tell Aussies there's a choir concert and they might consider it. Tell them it's at the pub and they all arrive with bells on. As we arrived after warming up at the library next door, several choir members bellied up to the bar to purchase their beer before we started. The beers were perched on window sills behind where we were singing, and between songs they would take a swig before going on. That is a first for me!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Oh the weather outside is frightfully hot! What part of Christmas am I not getting?
Today a teacher at school was wearing a big wide-brimmed sun hat with a tinsel "ribbon" around. The Christmas themed food magazine at the market featured a cover photo of a decorated holiday dinner table and a large bowl of cherries. The decorations at K-Mart are next to the sundresses and flip flops. Everyone's planning their beach bonfires and camping trips during the holidays. I'm still wearing shorts to work. Pat only puts his long jeans on to go fishing in and not get eaten by mozzies (mosquitos).
Even today at school Santa came in onto the playground on a firetruck with the siren going. All the children cheered and ran over for their token candy canes. The teachers asked me if Santa comes to our school. I said yes, but not on a fire truck! "How does he come in?" "Well, it's cold and raining, so we're usually inside, so he just, well, walks in."
Since it's summer here, it stays light until 8:30 p.m., so to see Christmas lights you have to wait up past my bedtime to go driving around! No driving home from work in the dark, running an errand at Fred's and being cheered on with the twinkling lights.
It's the one thing about being here this year (okay there are two - the darned turn indicator/windshield wipers) that I just can't get used to - the seasons being at a different part of the year. Cherries and Christmas don't go together in my book! Wading pools in the backyards with the Christmas tree in the window just don't match! No mitttens, no scarves, no sweaters, not even citrus!
Even the teachers don't wear the proverbial Christmas sweaters to school. The crazy holiday earrings, yes. But instead they wear sundresses and holiday themed tee shirts that say, "On Dasher . . . " Who knew?
Today a teacher at school was wearing a big wide-brimmed sun hat with a tinsel "ribbon" around. The Christmas themed food magazine at the market featured a cover photo of a decorated holiday dinner table and a large bowl of cherries. The decorations at K-Mart are next to the sundresses and flip flops. Everyone's planning their beach bonfires and camping trips during the holidays. I'm still wearing shorts to work. Pat only puts his long jeans on to go fishing in and not get eaten by mozzies (mosquitos).
Even today at school Santa came in onto the playground on a firetruck with the siren going. All the children cheered and ran over for their token candy canes. The teachers asked me if Santa comes to our school. I said yes, but not on a fire truck! "How does he come in?" "Well, it's cold and raining, so we're usually inside, so he just, well, walks in."
Since it's summer here, it stays light until 8:30 p.m., so to see Christmas lights you have to wait up past my bedtime to go driving around! No driving home from work in the dark, running an errand at Fred's and being cheered on with the twinkling lights.
It's the one thing about being here this year (okay there are two - the darned turn indicator/windshield wipers) that I just can't get used to - the seasons being at a different part of the year. Cherries and Christmas don't go together in my book! Wading pools in the backyards with the Christmas tree in the window just don't match! No mitttens, no scarves, no sweaters, not even citrus!
Even the teachers don't wear the proverbial Christmas sweaters to school. The crazy holiday earrings, yes. But instead they wear sundresses and holiday themed tee shirts that say, "On Dasher . . . " Who knew?
Cultural Goodness
During October and November, we attended a variety of social events. First, I was invited to a theater show. Maureen, our administrative assistant, suggested I might like it. Her dance group was performing as "back up" girls. The main show would include incredible costumes and headdresses handmade by Rocky. Yup. Pat declined the invitation, assuring me he'd seen plenty of theater at Darcell's. It was an absolute hoot, and I wouldn't have missed it. We had a beautiful dinner before at the Bowraville Pubjust across the street and had intermission at the Bowraville Pub, as well, where the "back up" girls were waiting patiently for their final act. After slurping down our refreshments, we scurried back across the street, with the back up girls, to continue on with the show!
Girls Night In is an international event to raise money for breast cancer research. This was held at a friend's ranch. Pink balloons, pink food, pink champagne, pink outfits, even on the puppies. We brought gifts to "purchase" and paid gold coins ($1 and $2) to play the games, such as Pin the - oh, right, what happens at a Girls Night In stays there. You'll just have to host one yourself or go online to get ideas for next year! All for a good cause . . .
More sophisticated, by far, was Caroline's art opening at the Bellingen Art Gallery. Her fabric art is breath taking, as you can begin to see on the picture I'll include here. Her pieces are in galleries all over the country and overseas, including, as of August, Oregon, U.S.A. Her website is inspiring! www.carolinesharkey.com
Girls Night In is an international event to raise money for breast cancer research. This was held at a friend's ranch. Pink balloons, pink food, pink champagne, pink outfits, even on the puppies. We brought gifts to "purchase" and paid gold coins ($1 and $2) to play the games, such as Pin the - oh, right, what happens at a Girls Night In stays there. You'll just have to host one yourself or go online to get ideas for next year! All for a good cause . . .
More sophisticated, by far, was Caroline's art opening at the Bellingen Art Gallery. Her fabric art is breath taking, as you can begin to see on the picture I'll include here. Her pieces are in galleries all over the country and overseas, including, as of August, Oregon, U.S.A. Her website is inspiring! www.carolinesharkey.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Only a week left??
Pat has taught me something lovely. He says, rather than be sad about having only 7 days left, think of it as one whole week of holiday! Don't we love having a week of vacation? Yes! So, I'm so glad I get a whole week of vacation in Australia everyone!
My motto is: "A beach a day."
My motto is: "A beach a day."
Aqua
Friday mornings at 7 a.m. is water aerobics at the Macksville Pool. As Karen and Ellen discovered when they visited from Corvallis, it's no "tea bag workout." It's the best part of the work week for me, and I've been going all year. Friday was the last one for me, so I brought the camera and we "had a play." I particularly love the mermaid and the core work. It's been one way to fight the effects of the Pavlova!!
Roadkill Count
Yesterday's roadkill list on the way to work included a fruitbat and a goanna. The fruitbats here are huge, ask Aaron. The goanna was once probably 4 ft. long, beautifully patterned, and harmless say the Aussies, not me.
Now, on the top ledge of the shower last night was an e.n.o.r.m.o.u.s grasshopper. This does not qualify as roadkill, but it was removed shortly after my sighting and enlisting my fearless tall husband to deal with it. Pat thinks if they get to that size they must be considered a locust. Eww.
Then today, not a roadkill sighting, but to the side of the road in the trees were massive numbers of ibis and herron/egret/tern (we don't know!) hanging around in the tops of the trees. Can you picture that? We didn't have the camera, or we'd show you. They looked like big white flowers or fruits, but they moved and fluffed wings and changed from branch to branch - lots and lots of them. The things you see on the way to the supermarket around here.
p.s. Do I have to call it roadkill if it's a koala? I call that one just sad.
Now, on the top ledge of the shower last night was an e.n.o.r.m.o.u.s grasshopper. This does not qualify as roadkill, but it was removed shortly after my sighting and enlisting my fearless tall husband to deal with it. Pat thinks if they get to that size they must be considered a locust. Eww.
Then today, not a roadkill sighting, but to the side of the road in the trees were massive numbers of ibis and herron/egret/tern (we don't know!) hanging around in the tops of the trees. Can you picture that? We didn't have the camera, or we'd show you. They looked like big white flowers or fruits, but they moved and fluffed wings and changed from branch to branch - lots and lots of them. The things you see on the way to the supermarket around here.
p.s. Do I have to call it roadkill if it's a koala? I call that one just sad.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
What's lurking in the Grass?!
Monday, I went on a short ride with Neal to see his boats. The first was out on Yellow Rock Rd. north of Urunga, where he & Cat are having work done on it. As you can see, the boat is sitting in tall grass. When we arrived, Neal drove into the grass, backed up, turned to the left, drove forward, backed up, drove forward more to the left, backed up.....etc., etc., etc.... I couldn't figure out what he was doing. He looked over at me & probably saw the look of bewilderment on my face. He smiled, laughed & said, gotta chase the snakes out of this tall grass before we walk up to the boat. When he said that was enough, & parked the car about 10 yards from the boat, I was, needless to say, not happy about getting out of the car to check out his boat. He assured me this old Aussie trick ran the snakes off! Yeah, right! Pat
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