Saturday, January 30, 2010

Loving Tasmania


Went for a bit of a walk-about on a brilliant, sunny day in Tazzie. Warm sun on my face, cool breeze, clear air, and taking it all in.

I happened upon a wombat going about his business. I sat down to commune with him. He proceeded to consume a fine meal of grass as I sat with him. After he finished, he ambled on his way and I continued on mine.

It is simple, little things like this that make life grand!!!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Technology

Aint technology great when it works? Doesn't it make you want to scream like a senseless lunatic when it doesn't?

For your viewing pleasure, I brought my camera AND my cable (I often forget that) to this lovely internet cafe (which looks like an Indian call center). I intended to post a sample of our trip pics to bring some visual interest to the blog.

On my first try, my camera shuts down. Aparently it is keenly aware that our pics are more interesting to us than they would be to you. Fine, I over-ride the camera's superior judgement by installing new batteries in order to keep it from shutting down. On my second try, the computer says "No Path" or some such babble. Seriously? Clearly this computer doesn't understand that I am doing the download correctly and my request is simple and reasonable. I reconnect the two pieces of technology (that are clearly working together against me) and try a third time. Again "No Path". After a few choice explitives and foul faces, I see the web cam is staring at me. Nothing like a fake audience to realize how ridiculous a situation is.

So to make a short stoy long, sorry no pics.
Just close your eyes and imagine Steve in front of beautiful mountains, Daina at a scenic winery, Steve & Daina in front of a Kiwi Crossing sign, and the rolling back of a sperm whale from a helicopter.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

New Zealand

The exchange rate is kicking out butts!!

New Zealand is more expensive than we thought, leading us to eat at McDonalds and Burger King more than we want. Quite a step down from the fine dining of Chile, but at least we've got breakfast! No more crackers and Tang!

Highlights of New Zealand include: Bay of Islands fun-in-the-sun, Napier wine region, Blackwater Rafting, sperm whales by helicopter, ping pong and home cooking of Invercargil, amazing forests and beaches of The Catlins on the south coast, and Milford Sound Fiordland cruise. It was great having people to share the sites with as Daina's parents joined us for a bit. We were all hosted by our friend Debbie (New Zealand ping pong champion)in Invercargil who showed us a grand time.

Today we enjoyed a wine and food pairing and will be going to Pick-Our-Own cherries after this. So life is bopping along just fine. We will be flying on to Tasmania soon! Perhaps when internet doesn't cost us minimum wage (what is minimum wage now?) we will post some pictures!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Pirate Detour

We have been working on our cruise itinerary since learning we are kicked off the boat.

We have heard 4 ships were taken by pirates last week. One freighter took an Israeli security force and had to use it to get through the area. What an outrage!

We just purchased airline tickets to go from Goa, India to Katmandu, Nepal where we will see Everest!!! We will then fly to Safaga, Egypt and re-board our boat to finish in Greece as planned.

We will have a lay-over in Kuwait en-route. Who knew??