Cruisin' New Zealand (January 2018)
With no classes to teach until after the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in February, what better time to do a bit of traveling? After freezing in Harbin, it seemed like a good idea to head south, so we flew to Sydney on Jan. 3 (arrived on Jan. 4), where we spent a nice afternoon/evening walking around the harbor before boarding the Holland American Noordam the next day for a 15-night cruise around New Zealand. We explored the Rocks area, strolled across the harbor bridge, and hiked the upper and lower streets around the harbor looking for Jack's boomerang and Tyler's koala--sure thankful for our Beijing legs!
After a couple of at-sea days, we arrived at Fiordland National Park, sailing through Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound. BEST DAY EVER!! I think we were both a bit more weary than we realized (as evidenced by the photos we took in Sydney--notice the absence of "Janet" photos above--had to edit myself out--too scary!!). The busy semester and countless hours on airplanes clearly left a mark, so I especially enjoyed the relaxing day on smooth, glass-like seas. The misty weather created some breathtaking scenery and spontaneous waterfalls, punctuated by lively dolphins, fur seals, and albatross frolicking around the ship. I lolled around our cabin most of the day, watching NFL playoff games on the television while taking in the scenery through our cabin's balcony doors, frequently wandering onto the balcony for a closer look.
For the next several days, we cruised at night and spent the daytime hours in various port cities: Chalmers, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Auckland. The gorgeous weather encouraged us to hike and explore trails, museums, black-sand beaches, and parks. To the despair and shame of our grandchildren, we missed the Lego "Wonders of the World" exhibit at the Wellington Museum (didn't like the cost or the lines), but I was able to sneak a shot of Easter Island guy. (And as you will see, my fascination with bathroom placards continues, especially New Zealand's attempt to explain "Western" bathroom etiquette to the Asian visitors.)
Many thanks to a patient husband who quietly sat back and allowed me to indulge my passion for war memorials . . . .
A particularly memorable day was spent in Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty -- the last area where B.J. served on his mission. We spent the afternoon texting back and forth with him as we visited many places that were familiar to him. We REALLY wished he had been there with us, but we'll have to save that trip for a later date . . . .
We were especially fascinated to find some locals swimming in the geothermal pools next to the geyser -- who knew???
The weather was growing quite blustery by the time we reached Auckland, which added a bit of a chill to our hike around the city. (In fact, the winds increased to the point that our last port of call was canceled, as the local authorities closed the harbor in Waitangi. We spent the last two days sailing back toward Sydney through choppy waters while the upper decks of the ship were closed due to hurricane-force winds. Two words: seasick medication. Brigg, who has the famous "Steele stomach," took especially good care of me -- what a guy!!) The best views in Auckland were from the top of the Sky Tower, from which we could see our cruise ship in the harbor below.
Imagine our excitement when we saw a branch of our Chinese bank in Auckland! We could also use our Union Pay cards everywhere -- Yay!! More souvenirs!!
Loved the Maori performances everywhere we went -- but we still think no one can do the Haka like B.J.!!
