December 22, 2007

We are in Paihia, Bay of Islands. NZ is truly a beautiful country with really pleasant people, just like everyone said it was. But they often have slow internet connections. Yesterday after our arrival we attempted to post to this blog, but the computer connection was so dismally slow that we were able to only view 2 emails within the 20 minute billing period. Both of us cringed at continuing to pay connection charges while getting nothing done. So we didn’t post; instead we wrote this message offline and will post it later.

Friday was a long day of overland travel for us. While the drive from Auckland to Paihia was uneventful and not overly stressful, both Georganna and Tom took turns driving. We are still getting accustomed to driving on the wrong side of the road and the most difficult part, believe it or not, is getting used to the directional signals as they are on the opposite sides of the steering wheel. Every time we wish to signal a turn we get our windshield cleaned instead.

Having Thelma along has given us many opportunities to see parts of a country we normally would not. Reminiscences of family driving vacations abound as a small voice from the back seat informs us of the need to stop precisely at the mid-point between two rest areas. Coupled with remembering to conduct a U-turn to the right instead of to the left AND remaining on the left side of the road once we completed the turn has proven to be a fine challenge indeed.

Apparently there was an earthquake Thursday evening shortly after we finished posting our blog. We thought about going back to the internet café and re-posting, or even connecting in the hotel room, but frankly we were too tired to do either. The quake was nowhere near us at the time however we are scheduled to drive through that area later this week.

Today we went on a day cruise in the Bay of Islands and spent some time in a former whaling village called Russell. We lunched there, shopped, and toured until the ferry arrived for the return to Paihia. Tonight we expect to find dinner at some smaller café, which by the way is what seems to be the most prevalent of dining choices….cafe’s.

We will post again before Christmas…hopefully.

TGT in NZ