NZ: Scenes of Te Kuiti - Part 1...

On The Road: To Te Kuiti

It's amazing how you can start the day looking like this...

... And then look like this. Ah, Autmn in the
Southern Hemisphere.

Then it looks like this again. This is Hamilton, about
65 miles from Auckland. It's kinda like Mayberry,
only with a ton of coffee shops.

Just some guy doing some archery in the middle of the day.

I took this shot of these pillars in one of the large
roundabout we were trying to navigate through the
city. Did I mention this was taken at the 3rd pass
around? Yeah, getting OUT of Hamilton can be tricky
if you don't read the road signs well. Then again, I
guess Kiwis like to have their own little inside jokes.

Ah, green.

About another hour and a half later, we arrive in Te Kuiti.
Yep, it is the shearing capital of the world.

Here's another welcome sign, but it lacks the pizazz of
the other one. The former always takes the glory.

This is the B & B my Dad and I stayed at. I know, it looks
like a futuristic barn on the outside, but it really is
quite lovely and comfy.

Here's where I got to sleep. It was the worst roll-away
ever, but heck, the view and the rest of the house
really do more than make up for it.

See? Ain't it awesome? The shed to the left is the owner's
own sheep shearing shed, 'cause apparently you've GOT
to have one if you live in these parts.

Believe it or not, that lake is actually for the local water
sanitation. Yep, even the yucky get a beauty make-over.

For good dining (well, lunch anyway) in Te Kuiti, you'll look
no further than Bosco's Cafe. They've got chic' dining
with a nice outdoor-sy feel to it.

And right behind Bosco's is Brook Park, where you
can finally see some...

SHEEP!

Yep, they really do love to strike a pose!

So, let's check out the rest of the town!

Here's the main street, Rora Street.

Here's a giant statue that sits right at the end of main street.
If you still don't believe that this place is the shearing capital
of the world, the statue should clinch it for ya. It's also
a helpful place to meet, 'cause, like, there's only ONE
giant statue and if you can't find it, then something is
wrong with you.

Here's the Train Station. It's very Gary Cooper,
High Noon-ish.

This is a WWII Memorial Archway. Names of locals who
died are commemorated on plaques on either side of the
arch.

Here's the other local War Memorial. Plaques on either side
of the pillar are inscribed in both English and Maori.

Now, my father was very excited about visiting this spot.
I mean, with the words "Millenium Pavillion" you'd think
it'd be rather large, right?...

...Well, I suppose "large" is a matter of perspective.
Let's take a look inside!

I think the stained-glass rocks!

And no trip is complete without a visit to the local watering
hole, Spanky'z. They've got Karaoke Thursdays, Slot
Machines in the back room, and of course, alcohol to boot!

Mmmm... refreshing. Is it, or is it not, an alcoholic
beverage? Hmmm...

We still had just enough time in the day to stop by the
Waitomo Caves, where the famous glow-worms reside.
I'd show you pics of stalactites and stalagmites, but they
didn't allow for photography. Sorry folks, it's Wikipedia for
the lot of you!

Just a few miles away from Te Kuiti is another sleepy town,
Otorohanga. What you see here is what passes for
"fine dining" in the area, The Thirsty Weta.

Surprisingly, the food's not that bad. Then again, it's the
only bar/eatery that stays open past 9 PM in the town, so
there could be a psychological factor at play. I'd
recommend the chicken, it was nicely BBQ'ed up!

I just thought the sign looked cool. "90%" just wouldn't have
the same ring to it...

Well folks, that's it for now. Next time we'll be leaving Te Kuiti
and heading back to Auckland.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Shake, Rattle and Hum: Story 'bout an old Washing Machine...

I was doing the laundry on Saturday when I suddenly remembered something about my childhood:

I must have been 7 or 8 years old. My family had this old washer/dryer that was always on the verge of coming apart at the seams. Every time the Washer would go into the final spin cycle, it would shake, rattle and hum like an atom bomb going off inside of it. Needless to say, I saw an unconventional opportunity for adventure.

As the Dryer started to do it's "Exorcist" impersonation, I'd hop right on top of it it, holding on for dear life, as if my weight was the only thing keeping the Washer from going nuclear. Sometimes I'd pretend it was a rocket, blasting me off into the cosmos. Other times I'd be the bull rider holding on for as long as I could before the giant "Bull" would throw me off -- but it never did.

Subsequently, when my mother would find me (as my boisterous laughter always gave me away), she'd scold and yell at me only the way a real caring mother could. The thought of me flying off into a wall and injuring myself gave her grief to no end. Utilizing my budding acting talents, I'd pretend to be in such shame and humility, hanging my head low and swearing never, never, ever, to do it again...

... While secretly plotting the next time I'd get a crack at riding the "wild beast".

And Mom, don't worry. I don't ride washing machines anymore.

Just mechanical bulls... ;)

NZ: Scenes around Downtown Auckland, Queen St. - Part 1...

Scenes from Downtown Auckland, Queen St.

This is the start of Queen St. from the Harbourfront.
But first, let's check out some of the local architecture!

This building used to offer "bungy repelling" down the side
of it. Now it's Ad space for rent.

I love the shiny reflective building on the left.
Reminds me of a tube of a lipstick.

Can you spot the hidden advertisement?
Hint: it's an ad for coffee...

The Vero building on the right has this piece
that sits on the top of the building which looks like a
giant toilet seat. We'll revisit this later...

Hmmm... random graffiti or is there a method to the
madness? You decide...

Ah, my hero.

This bungy ride is a contraption that launches you up
in the air via a circular roll cage. It's usually more
popular in the summer.

Men at work #1.

One of the popular Four-Way Pedestrian Walks.

I'll be back later to figure out what's gonna be built here.
Should be completed by Jan. 2008.

Men at work #2.

All along Queen St., they're renovating the sidewalks to
house planted trees that will be irrigated by waterways
below. It will be finished later this year, and I'll be back
to see the difference the trees make.

More pics around Auckland, Mission Bay, etc... in a bit,
Next Up: Road Trip pics!

TO BE CONTINUED...

NZ: Scenes around the Viaduct Harbourfront...

The Viaduct and Harbourfront

Just a little after sunrise...

... and a few hours into the morning.

Believe it or not, this is a life-size replica of a
Princess Cruise ship done up as a dry docked hotel.

There's where the Bow would be.

A replica of the NZ yacht that won the America's Cup.

Harbourfront Customs House (I think)...

Here's where the Auckland bus depot resides, right at
the end of the Viaduct.

Twilight at the Harbourfront, such hustle and bustle...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Almost There... (senryu)

Head is throbbing less,
nose is almost clear again --
"Wellville" up ahead...