An update on the boys' for those who are asking. So far, they have been to America (plane, car), Mexico (car, bus) and New Zealand (plane, car) in the space of 5 weeks. By now they have learnt the ettiquette of security clearances at airports, the "hold the crotch" joke at scanning, the importance of smiling when meeting air-stewardesses (or older, can't find a decent job,air- stewards) for extra freebies/food, critical seating by the window to alleviate boredom and how to wind parents up whilst driving long distances in the car.
Sebastian is learning that stubborness is something that will get him through even the toughest SAS initiation tests and Oscar knows that a simple physical slump to the ground will make even the hardest parent in the world concede.
Seba has complemented his obstinate stubborness with a foppish, dismissive wave of the hand and a cannot-care-less look around his shoulder. He generally knows that to use this in public (queing up, restaurants, etc) will generate the desired effect. Oscar, sensing that Seba is on to something, can't quite grasp the full routine so just slumps down on his arse with an ear-splitting "No!".
To be honest, this is relatively rare. They have been both good as gold. But they have superb timing when they fancy doing this stuff. Surreally, we have invented various parental diversion tactics. These are posted here for you to use - so feel free. One, a version of I-Spy which Seba has turned into a ragga-toasting version, "I an' I, with my litt'l spy". It is hilariously funny and one which I will torment him with for life. Second, with Oscar, I tell him a policeman or fierce dog is coming and this shifts him faster than the threat of a haircut. Marie informs me to try and not to do this in public as social services may see this as psychological abuse.
(Note - I realise that both may constitute some mild form of abuse but it's better than leaving them there and driving off which has crossed both our minds in quieter moments).
All in all though, the decision to take them on this trip was correct. Oscar has learnt to swim and his coversational skills are higher, Seba is more independent (umm,?), both have been up several mountains, eaten different foods and enjoyed them (made that one up), mined for gold, understand some of the differences between countries and language, can both talk about how honey is made in fine detail, have seen various regional variations of Hi-5 and Dora.
It has been easy taking them though. Only a few times has the 24-7 been too much but then we find a public park and they go wild for 30mins and then we're all re-charged.
Next stop in the next 4 days is to leave NZ and head for Oz and warmer climates.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Queenstown and the AJ Hackett Nevis Bunji Jump
Please read this to the theme-tune of Rocky!
Arrived in Queenstown on 29th and after finding some (rather expensive but nice) accommodation we headed into the "adventure centre of the world" (TM Queenstown tourist council). The place is really 3 streets with the main action centred on one street where all the adventure offices are. To sum up, they all offer the same core attraction - thrills based on near death experience. Jet boats up the rapids (fast boat driven by very drunk man up a river), heli-skiing (skiing with the use of helicopters attached to your feet), guided mountain tours (failed mountaineers take you up a mountain with no guarantee you'll return) and bungy jumps.
Bungy jumping was initially a form of rite of passage for some crazy Indonesian tribes high on guava. Then, some crazy New Zealander high on crack, decided to try it off a bridge and then the Eiffel Tower. Now, no self-respecting New Zealander starts the day without a coffee, a croissant and a jump off something high.
Queenstown is also another example of a town which is owned by two or three very wealthy people who bought land up in the 70s and then have sold it on. Its' strange to hear the workers in the bars, shops, etc all refer to the existence of the town based upon these landowners. Almost like Boss Hogg and Hazzard County.
AJ Hackett is the original instigator of the modern bungy. So, after forking out $NZ400 (it ain't cheap dicing with death) we were taken up a hellish high mountain (Nevis) with about 10 typical visitors to Queenstown (this becomes more apparent). Once up, the 10 sec (jokey) safety chat and then into the harness room. They keep it moving at a pace so you're not allowed to look out into the canyon or think about it. The Nevis jump is into a 300m canyon from a suspended platform. You get to jump 134m in total.
My fellow jumpers were all early to mid 20s and on atick-box tour of the world. All of them were hungover, wearing the latest snow-boarding fashion, carrying mobiles and ipods and happily talking in some bizzare youthfull tounge ("rad", "awesome", etc). My preperation?...early to bed and strong coffee to clear the bowels.
The other disadvantage apart from age, was weight. This meant that I had to be first to jump as they had to unpack the extra thick / extra strong / extra long bungy. I made some feeble joke about having to unpack that kind of gear every time I went to the toilet but it seemed like gallow humour.
So once harnessed up, they take you onto a platform which slides over the centre of the canyon (think shaky, flimsy ski-lift, very high up) and then you join the main platform to get ready. Thoughts at this stage are...don't look down, have they checked things properly after the weekend, are the "Crew" members hungover, am I stupid or what....
Another check, a jokey chat (this is wearing thin) and then they ask you to complete a near impossible and unnatural feat - "Please pop your feet on the edge of the ledge". I can hardly stand up for fear and they casually ask me to pop my feet on the edge of a 300m drop.
I shuffle over, and then face the most thrilling/nervous site of my life (bar any signed Asda contracts)...a canyon so high that looking down you feel utter vertigo. I look dead ahead. I can think that I would fancy pulling out but the 10yr old behind me is saying "rad" and "awesome" and I don't want to hear snow-board slang for "chicken".
5-4-3-2-1...and I jump. I hear "Oh, shit" as I free fall and I just about grasp that I'm heading to the ground. I am fairly sure it was quiet. In the rain and minus temps, I think it was warm. I am pretty sure that with the downward speed, the rush, etc my mind blanked out for a second. Then, I sensed the first pull of the bungy and realised I was upside down. I then had the adrenalin realisation. On the second bounce, I yanked a cord to release the harness so I was then up-right. Immediately, I was in ecstasy. It is the most amazing sensation you can put yourself through. Nothing touches it. A few nervous waves to Marie and the boys on the way up and it was safely back onto the platform to cheers and whoops from my newly found best friends. "Awesome" I said as there was nothing else I could say.
Immediately, I said to Marie never again. 24hrs later - I can't wait to do another, more thrilling, more exciting. She just tutted, "Well I've given birth to two kids so that looked like a walk in the park!". "Rad", I replied.
Seriously, for getting out of your comfort zone there is nothing more that can beat this. I can't wait for the next one.
Arrived in Queenstown on 29th and after finding some (rather expensive but nice) accommodation we headed into the "adventure centre of the world" (TM Queenstown tourist council). The place is really 3 streets with the main action centred on one street where all the adventure offices are. To sum up, they all offer the same core attraction - thrills based on near death experience. Jet boats up the rapids (fast boat driven by very drunk man up a river), heli-skiing (skiing with the use of helicopters attached to your feet), guided mountain tours (failed mountaineers take you up a mountain with no guarantee you'll return) and bungy jumps.
Bungy jumping was initially a form of rite of passage for some crazy Indonesian tribes high on guava. Then, some crazy New Zealander high on crack, decided to try it off a bridge and then the Eiffel Tower. Now, no self-respecting New Zealander starts the day without a coffee, a croissant and a jump off something high.
Queenstown is also another example of a town which is owned by two or three very wealthy people who bought land up in the 70s and then have sold it on. Its' strange to hear the workers in the bars, shops, etc all refer to the existence of the town based upon these landowners. Almost like Boss Hogg and Hazzard County.
AJ Hackett is the original instigator of the modern bungy. So, after forking out $NZ400 (it ain't cheap dicing with death) we were taken up a hellish high mountain (Nevis) with about 10 typical visitors to Queenstown (this becomes more apparent). Once up, the 10 sec (jokey) safety chat and then into the harness room. They keep it moving at a pace so you're not allowed to look out into the canyon or think about it. The Nevis jump is into a 300m canyon from a suspended platform. You get to jump 134m in total.
My fellow jumpers were all early to mid 20s and on atick-box tour of the world. All of them were hungover, wearing the latest snow-boarding fashion, carrying mobiles and ipods and happily talking in some bizzare youthfull tounge ("rad", "awesome", etc). My preperation?...early to bed and strong coffee to clear the bowels.
The other disadvantage apart from age, was weight. This meant that I had to be first to jump as they had to unpack the extra thick / extra strong / extra long bungy. I made some feeble joke about having to unpack that kind of gear every time I went to the toilet but it seemed like gallow humour.
So once harnessed up, they take you onto a platform which slides over the centre of the canyon (think shaky, flimsy ski-lift, very high up) and then you join the main platform to get ready. Thoughts at this stage are...don't look down, have they checked things properly after the weekend, are the "Crew" members hungover, am I stupid or what....
Another check, a jokey chat (this is wearing thin) and then they ask you to complete a near impossible and unnatural feat - "Please pop your feet on the edge of the ledge". I can hardly stand up for fear and they casually ask me to pop my feet on the edge of a 300m drop.
I shuffle over, and then face the most thrilling/nervous site of my life (bar any signed Asda contracts)...a canyon so high that looking down you feel utter vertigo. I look dead ahead. I can think that I would fancy pulling out but the 10yr old behind me is saying "rad" and "awesome" and I don't want to hear snow-board slang for "chicken".
5-4-3-2-1...and I jump. I hear "Oh, shit" as I free fall and I just about grasp that I'm heading to the ground. I am fairly sure it was quiet. In the rain and minus temps, I think it was warm. I am pretty sure that with the downward speed, the rush, etc my mind blanked out for a second. Then, I sensed the first pull of the bungy and realised I was upside down. I then had the adrenalin realisation. On the second bounce, I yanked a cord to release the harness so I was then up-right. Immediately, I was in ecstasy. It is the most amazing sensation you can put yourself through. Nothing touches it. A few nervous waves to Marie and the boys on the way up and it was safely back onto the platform to cheers and whoops from my newly found best friends. "Awesome" I said as there was nothing else I could say.
Immediately, I said to Marie never again. 24hrs later - I can't wait to do another, more thrilling, more exciting. She just tutted, "Well I've given birth to two kids so that looked like a walk in the park!". "Rad", I replied.
Seriously, for getting out of your comfort zone there is nothing more that can beat this. I can't wait for the next one.
Friday, 27 July 2007
Snow Farm, Wanaka, South Island
We're on top of the world, ma! Quite literally, we are, due to the fact that we're on top of a mountain range which looks as if somebody sculpted it - all pointy, snow capped mountains. Snow Farm is a relatively new resort on the opposite range from the (more famous) Snow Park where NZ's down-hill ski and snowboarding troupes are based. Here, the resort specialises in 2 disciplines - cross-country skiing and Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (car and tyre manufacturers come here to test their products in the snow).
Apart from the staff (all young, trendy ski types) we're the only one's here. There are a couple of older folks but we have the place to ourselves. The Proving Ground has a small army of Japanese men but they seem to exist only after dark where they drive their cars like madmen up and down the mountain tops.
So, we're in a lovely lodge with a huge bubble bath (the boys' slang term for jacuzzi) and we're enjoying some great home cooked food. In fact, we're enjoying it so much that I have forgotten my (limited) meat training and can now easily confuse beef for lamb at dinner. I blame high altitude and NZ Pinot Noir.
Cross-country skiing is a wonderful sport...it's even better if you live in a small country. It's like skiing, across country knocking down trees with your face. Having been taught by Marie in Norway I have picked up the 3 basics. How to put on my skis, how to slide down a hill on my arse and, finally, how to walk down a hospital corridor. But the one crucial fact is that the old adage about snow here is true...the form of precipitation that occurs 3 weeks prior and after the morning of your departure. We've arrived in their worst season for snow in years...in fact, I actually prefer to say we've been ice skating on grass.
Seba and Oscar are naturals. Naturally, they feel that it is better to stay indoors in the warmth with the toys and DVDs and let the grown-ups throw themselves off the tops of mountains. Showing extreme patience and consideration, Marie ventured that we should both pull them in some pulks - this is short hand for "sledge of death". The idea is that you pull your precious ones along in a contained sledge up and down the mountains. That's fine if your an expert skier, which Marie is, so she makes it look easy. When you're an ex-bacon salesman with an unnatural sense of balance then having to not only worry about your own flesh and blood but also that of, your own flesh and blood, it becomes a tad worrying. Sebastian, sensing his Dad's unease, decides after all of 26 seconds that he's had enough. This was easy enough to tell. Marie helped by shouting which dragged me out of my snow-blinding concentration. Seba's pulk had turned over and I was pulling him along on its' side. I won't go into the fine detail of how this was corrected but the procedure is complicated and can involve helicopters if you're as crap on ski's as I am.
After that, we were unconvincing in trying to show them both how wonderful and fun playing in the snow is!
Actually, they did put their ski's on, and we took them down a (well, to us it was) small hill. We built a piss-poor snow man who's face resembled that of the Elephant Man and who's body looked like an over-excited trans-sexual (i.e. 3 breasts). Had a game of football in the snow (and in the ski tracks - this is a cardinal sin here which results in execution) and did some sledging until Seba couldn't be bothered to pull is sledge up the 10m hill - and neither could Marie or I.
But, we're still becoming experts in chillin' out and tomorrow we head to Queenstown where I am testing out the fine details of the holiday insurance by participating in the world's largest bunji jump. Nothing better than testing your comfort zone. Obviously, if Marie writes the next blog you will have to come to one of 2 conclusions. Either I chickened out and she will be filling you in with all the fun and laughter of how, at 150m above a canyon, I developed some brown stains in my pants. The second option is that I died. In New Zealand, the latter is considered the height of outdoor adventure sport fashion! I'm sure they have a rubber band which can cope with a rather large portly man from England. This last sentence will now be considered a nil and void policy default by the insurance company.
Apart from the staff (all young, trendy ski types) we're the only one's here. There are a couple of older folks but we have the place to ourselves. The Proving Ground has a small army of Japanese men but they seem to exist only after dark where they drive their cars like madmen up and down the mountain tops.
So, we're in a lovely lodge with a huge bubble bath (the boys' slang term for jacuzzi) and we're enjoying some great home cooked food. In fact, we're enjoying it so much that I have forgotten my (limited) meat training and can now easily confuse beef for lamb at dinner. I blame high altitude and NZ Pinot Noir.
Cross-country skiing is a wonderful sport...it's even better if you live in a small country. It's like skiing, across country knocking down trees with your face. Having been taught by Marie in Norway I have picked up the 3 basics. How to put on my skis, how to slide down a hill on my arse and, finally, how to walk down a hospital corridor. But the one crucial fact is that the old adage about snow here is true...the form of precipitation that occurs 3 weeks prior and after the morning of your departure. We've arrived in their worst season for snow in years...in fact, I actually prefer to say we've been ice skating on grass.
Seba and Oscar are naturals. Naturally, they feel that it is better to stay indoors in the warmth with the toys and DVDs and let the grown-ups throw themselves off the tops of mountains. Showing extreme patience and consideration, Marie ventured that we should both pull them in some pulks - this is short hand for "sledge of death". The idea is that you pull your precious ones along in a contained sledge up and down the mountains. That's fine if your an expert skier, which Marie is, so she makes it look easy. When you're an ex-bacon salesman with an unnatural sense of balance then having to not only worry about your own flesh and blood but also that of, your own flesh and blood, it becomes a tad worrying. Sebastian, sensing his Dad's unease, decides after all of 26 seconds that he's had enough. This was easy enough to tell. Marie helped by shouting which dragged me out of my snow-blinding concentration. Seba's pulk had turned over and I was pulling him along on its' side. I won't go into the fine detail of how this was corrected but the procedure is complicated and can involve helicopters if you're as crap on ski's as I am.
After that, we were unconvincing in trying to show them both how wonderful and fun playing in the snow is!
Actually, they did put their ski's on, and we took them down a (well, to us it was) small hill. We built a piss-poor snow man who's face resembled that of the Elephant Man and who's body looked like an over-excited trans-sexual (i.e. 3 breasts). Had a game of football in the snow (and in the ski tracks - this is a cardinal sin here which results in execution) and did some sledging until Seba couldn't be bothered to pull is sledge up the 10m hill - and neither could Marie or I.
But, we're still becoming experts in chillin' out and tomorrow we head to Queenstown where I am testing out the fine details of the holiday insurance by participating in the world's largest bunji jump. Nothing better than testing your comfort zone. Obviously, if Marie writes the next blog you will have to come to one of 2 conclusions. Either I chickened out and she will be filling you in with all the fun and laughter of how, at 150m above a canyon, I developed some brown stains in my pants. The second option is that I died. In New Zealand, the latter is considered the height of outdoor adventure sport fashion! I'm sure they have a rubber band which can cope with a rather large portly man from England. This last sentence will now be considered a nil and void policy default by the insurance company.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Cross country skiing
We left Gareth and Amanda on the 20th july and headed towards Roturoa, an area of thermal hot pools and mud baths. We started off in this area by taking the boys up a mountain in cable cars which was ok until we then decided to shoot down the mountain in a mini gokart. Oscar was a bit apprehensive at first and went in the slow one with mor until suddenly the competitive streak kicked in and we decided to race Ian and Seb - a rather bold choice and I can reveal that there was a minor accident - nothing more than a scratch and up we went in a chair lift much to Oscars horror - the first time he's ever sat still for such a long time and down we went again. After a few trips the boys did, however, decide that dad's gokart was the funniest and as mor enjoyed the views, and a sneaky drink, off they went......The day after all this excitement we decided it was time for some relaxation and therapy for us all. We went to Te Puia and saw the geyser erupt a few times, the boys watched in awe as a group of Maouri's did an introduction to us and the famous Haka along with some other dances and songs. They even invited us up to learn the dances with them and very impressively Ian went up and did parts of the Haka (don't worry I've got the film!!). We went out to the mudpools thinking very naively that this would be a great experience for us all hmm.....maybe just adults next time. A hot mud bath and a cold shower is not on the top of toddlers wishlist we think!!! Anyway this area was still a great start to our tour around the islands.
We drove off to Taupo for a little sleep there and the boys learned the joys of a jaccuzzi. The next day it was a long day of driving down to Wellington for an overnight stay before catching an early ferry across to Picton on the South Island. This drive holds such loving memories for Marie - Ian learned the hard consequence of driving 10 miles over the limit and the boys watched in awe when daddy got told off by the police officer and fined $80, however, there was to be a downside to this for Marie....Ian decided that he couldn't be bothered driving just 100mph all the way and as Marie is fairly comfortable driving at a reasonable speed she now had to take over some driving (half an hour later Ian got bored and took over again....!) The boys finally had three hours of just playing with their newfound friends on the ferry and we had a sitdown and a cup of tea without running around after them!!
Well, entering the south island was like entering a new country, straight away we had mountains and scenery like nowhere else. We drove down the West coast and stayed the first night near Greymouth. On the way there we just had to keep stopping for picture taking (e.g. the pancake rocks) and walks so once again it took some time getting there. The next day we continued the drive but with a short stop at Shantytown, a brilliant place for the kids - a little mining town where they panned for gold and went on a steam train in the bush - it was beautiful. We went further south and stopped at the Franz Joseph Glazier which we walked down to the bottom of - we were going to get a helicopter ride up to the top of Fox Glazier but the weather wasn't clear enough - still it was beautifull and exciting seeing it, especially seeing how far it has moved back over recent years - makes you question the whole global warming thing some more.....
We decided to keep heading as far towards Queenstown as possible this day as we had a bit of a treat set up for us all. On the way down we've travelled the most amazing nature you can see - theres been rainforest and mountains and waterfalls and geyser and glaziers and beautiful beaches and just about everything we expected and more.
Marie has become quite the little housewife -and for those of you who knows her well this is a very unusual skill for her - there are packed sandwiches (well, the first day, after that it was a loaf of bread and some ham), washed clothes (after having been made to wear it for 2-3 days first) and of course healthy snacks along the way (crisps, coke and chocolate is needed when driving far)!!!
So now we are on top of a mountain between Wanaka and Queenstown and the boys have skied for the first time in their life. They went about 50m and back and decided that Marie should get the Pulk (sledge) and carry both of them for the trips. This lasted until the in-pulk fighting began over who was sitting on who (2km down the road) and then Oscar bravely decided he would ski the rest of the way home with Marie (most of it between my legs) and Ian would pull the pulk home (first time for this) with a "cold" Sebastian - he already knows all the trick!! I'm sure much of Maries family can remember the times of skiing with little ones. However, once you're out there is just doesn't matter because it is such a great feeling. And boy did they look great - in true Hughesie style the boys got top gear at Wanaka in the expectation that they will take this up for many years to come as well!!
So, hoping I haven't forgotten anything as we seem to saturate ourselves with impressions and experiences we'll write again soon.
We drove off to Taupo for a little sleep there and the boys learned the joys of a jaccuzzi. The next day it was a long day of driving down to Wellington for an overnight stay before catching an early ferry across to Picton on the South Island. This drive holds such loving memories for Marie - Ian learned the hard consequence of driving 10 miles over the limit and the boys watched in awe when daddy got told off by the police officer and fined $80, however, there was to be a downside to this for Marie....Ian decided that he couldn't be bothered driving just 100mph all the way and as Marie is fairly comfortable driving at a reasonable speed she now had to take over some driving (half an hour later Ian got bored and took over again....!) The boys finally had three hours of just playing with their newfound friends on the ferry and we had a sitdown and a cup of tea without running around after them!!
Well, entering the south island was like entering a new country, straight away we had mountains and scenery like nowhere else. We drove down the West coast and stayed the first night near Greymouth. On the way there we just had to keep stopping for picture taking (e.g. the pancake rocks) and walks so once again it took some time getting there. The next day we continued the drive but with a short stop at Shantytown, a brilliant place for the kids - a little mining town where they panned for gold and went on a steam train in the bush - it was beautiful. We went further south and stopped at the Franz Joseph Glazier which we walked down to the bottom of - we were going to get a helicopter ride up to the top of Fox Glazier but the weather wasn't clear enough - still it was beautifull and exciting seeing it, especially seeing how far it has moved back over recent years - makes you question the whole global warming thing some more.....
We decided to keep heading as far towards Queenstown as possible this day as we had a bit of a treat set up for us all. On the way down we've travelled the most amazing nature you can see - theres been rainforest and mountains and waterfalls and geyser and glaziers and beautiful beaches and just about everything we expected and more.
Marie has become quite the little housewife -and for those of you who knows her well this is a very unusual skill for her - there are packed sandwiches (well, the first day, after that it was a loaf of bread and some ham), washed clothes (after having been made to wear it for 2-3 days first) and of course healthy snacks along the way (crisps, coke and chocolate is needed when driving far)!!!
So now we are on top of a mountain between Wanaka and Queenstown and the boys have skied for the first time in their life. They went about 50m and back and decided that Marie should get the Pulk (sledge) and carry both of them for the trips. This lasted until the in-pulk fighting began over who was sitting on who (2km down the road) and then Oscar bravely decided he would ski the rest of the way home with Marie (most of it between my legs) and Ian would pull the pulk home (first time for this) with a "cold" Sebastian - he already knows all the trick!! I'm sure much of Maries family can remember the times of skiing with little ones. However, once you're out there is just doesn't matter because it is such a great feeling. And boy did they look great - in true Hughesie style the boys got top gear at Wanaka in the expectation that they will take this up for many years to come as well!!
So, hoping I haven't forgotten anything as we seem to saturate ourselves with impressions and experiences we'll write again soon.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
South Island, NZ
This will be a short update. I'm not allowed to write this due to the potential for me to miss out some information - for example, a brush with the NZ police. It's amazing what you get away with if you refer to Her Maj and flash a look of colonialist assurance.
We're mid-way on our way down Highway 6 onto Queenstown. We're heading off for some cross-country skiing and the usual NZ madness which involves either a bridge, some elastic or a helicopter. We've done almost 600 miles in 3 days and covered all landscapes. This part of the country is amazing (as we were promised by all who've been here). It feels as if we have the place to ourselves for all the cars or people we see. Apart from some Japanese stalkers who seem to turn up in their rented mobile homes everywhere we are - what's even more scarier is that they have a seperate vehicle for all of their supplies!
The boys are enjoying things - as a flavour - sky-chairs, down hill luge, glaciers, volcanic mud, gold mining, wallabees, wild pigs, moari hakka, and curry sandwiches. Yes, their education is now complete - they have mastered the art of main course food between 2 slices of bread!
Weather is cold and wet but the tops of the mountains have snow and we're heading for more.
We're mid-way on our way down Highway 6 onto Queenstown. We're heading off for some cross-country skiing and the usual NZ madness which involves either a bridge, some elastic or a helicopter. We've done almost 600 miles in 3 days and covered all landscapes. This part of the country is amazing (as we were promised by all who've been here). It feels as if we have the place to ourselves for all the cars or people we see. Apart from some Japanese stalkers who seem to turn up in their rented mobile homes everywhere we are - what's even more scarier is that they have a seperate vehicle for all of their supplies!
The boys are enjoying things - as a flavour - sky-chairs, down hill luge, glaciers, volcanic mud, gold mining, wallabees, wild pigs, moari hakka, and curry sandwiches. Yes, their education is now complete - they have mastered the art of main course food between 2 slices of bread!
Weather is cold and wet but the tops of the mountains have snow and we're heading for more.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Husband and wife navigation stories
What is it about GPS Sat Nav that you feel compelled to ignore the instructions? Why do you think thst there is some over-riding military conspiracy about the directions? Why is this made worse by somebody entering the incorrect instructions?
We're driving through LA and have just been to Hollywood and eating in the (in)famous Mels Diner when Marie wants to see Beverley Hills. So she looks for Rodeo Drive in the GPS and off we go. As we're heading out of LA into areas of dubious nature I bravely venture the fashionable question of the trip, "Are you sure we're going the right way". This single question, posed by either one of us, is enough to illicit words of more than 10 syllables....Marie looks at me in utter disgust!
As we near the destination, I notice that our family of 4, white, English pale, middle class driving a huge Dodge Charger (brand new) looks a bit out of source. The problem is I've seen a signpost for "Crenshaw". Aficionados of west-coast hippity-hop music will know that most of the hardcore, straight-out-of-jail gang groups refer to Crenshaw as the home of all things "gangsta". After questioning whether the Beckhams or Cruises' would live around this neck of the woods I discover Marie has entered into the GPS "Rodeo Road".
I would like to say that we stopped off and asked some chaps hanging on the corners with pit bull terriers, "Excuse me young chap, we seem to have come into your area by mistake! Would you kindly point us in the right direction". Sadly, I succumbed to media stereotypes and got the hell out of there.
We're now using paper maps and a compass - which should mean we'll end up near Tongo soon.
We're driving through LA and have just been to Hollywood and eating in the (in)famous Mels Diner when Marie wants to see Beverley Hills. So she looks for Rodeo Drive in the GPS and off we go. As we're heading out of LA into areas of dubious nature I bravely venture the fashionable question of the trip, "Are you sure we're going the right way". This single question, posed by either one of us, is enough to illicit words of more than 10 syllables....Marie looks at me in utter disgust!
As we near the destination, I notice that our family of 4, white, English pale, middle class driving a huge Dodge Charger (brand new) looks a bit out of source. The problem is I've seen a signpost for "Crenshaw". Aficionados of west-coast hippity-hop music will know that most of the hardcore, straight-out-of-jail gang groups refer to Crenshaw as the home of all things "gangsta". After questioning whether the Beckhams or Cruises' would live around this neck of the woods I discover Marie has entered into the GPS "Rodeo Road".
I would like to say that we stopped off and asked some chaps hanging on the corners with pit bull terriers, "Excuse me young chap, we seem to have come into your area by mistake! Would you kindly point us in the right direction". Sadly, I succumbed to media stereotypes and got the hell out of there.
We're now using paper maps and a compass - which should mean we'll end up near Tongo soon.
First few days in Auckland (The City of Sails) on the North Island of New Zealand
So we left San Diego after 4 days and that was enough to see the sights there and also have a quick trip into Mexico for some fine Margaritas and spicy food. We enjoyed the city but were ready for some homely atmosphere. Arriving in Auckland at 4.45am Gareth had very impressively got himself out of bed to pick us up and it was just what we needed. The boys were fine but tired and we really didn't fancy driving around in the darkness ourself. The initial cold weather was a bit shocking to the system, but very quickly we got used to it and as true northeners have actually enjoyed it a lot. We have been lucky as the promised rain dissappeared when we arrived and we've had cold but crispy sunshinhy days - perfect for the sights in NZ.
We've stayed for 3 days with Gareth and Amanda and it has been just great. They've got a nice house in the posh part of town with a lovely beach and playgrounds for the boys. Relaxing for a few days at home and having a few cheeky drinks (and then some more) have been just what we needed (apart from the hangover tour in Auckland with two boys who didn't want to walk at all that day)!!!! Sebastian very sweetly explained to Gareth and Amanda that his mor and daddy don't have jobs, a house or a car but thats ok because we are on a long holiday and he can do his schoolwork here (he now insists on an hour of preschool work everyday - we always said he'd go far!! However, to their mums dismay they've taken a liking to Rugby and are rehearsing tackles at every opportunity....the joys of parenthood are subsequently tested a bit!!
Yesterday we ventured up to the Northland part of the North Island and it was just breathtakingly beautiful. All the pictures you see of New Zealand just doesn't do it justice for when you are actually there and driving through such amazing landscapes the feeling is just pure satisfaction. Already we can't wait to see more of these islands and will start the grand 2 week tour today in which we expect beaches, mountains, sun shine, rain, snow, walking, skiing, bathing in hot pools and thermal mudbaths,encountering Mauri culture and the list just goes on. Needless to say we completely understand why people would leave the UK (don't worry mum, we are still coming home to DK....)
Now the only pain so far has been the pain Ian endures driving a small car(well a mini compared to the States) and the rest of us can live with that so for now there is not much else to report
We've stayed for 3 days with Gareth and Amanda and it has been just great. They've got a nice house in the posh part of town with a lovely beach and playgrounds for the boys. Relaxing for a few days at home and having a few cheeky drinks (and then some more) have been just what we needed (apart from the hangover tour in Auckland with two boys who didn't want to walk at all that day)!!!! Sebastian very sweetly explained to Gareth and Amanda that his mor and daddy don't have jobs, a house or a car but thats ok because we are on a long holiday and he can do his schoolwork here (he now insists on an hour of preschool work everyday - we always said he'd go far!! However, to their mums dismay they've taken a liking to Rugby and are rehearsing tackles at every opportunity....the joys of parenthood are subsequently tested a bit!!
Yesterday we ventured up to the Northland part of the North Island and it was just breathtakingly beautiful. All the pictures you see of New Zealand just doesn't do it justice for when you are actually there and driving through such amazing landscapes the feeling is just pure satisfaction. Already we can't wait to see more of these islands and will start the grand 2 week tour today in which we expect beaches, mountains, sun shine, rain, snow, walking, skiing, bathing in hot pools and thermal mudbaths,encountering Mauri culture and the list just goes on. Needless to say we completely understand why people would leave the UK (don't worry mum, we are still coming home to DK....)
Now the only pain so far has been the pain Ian endures driving a small car(well a mini compared to the States) and the rest of us can live with that so for now there is not much else to report
Monday, 16 July 2007
LA to Auckland
9pm flight on 15th to arrive at 5am on 17th and it was only a 13hr flight - we crossed the international date line where even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day. More security checks at LA International and then went through customs to find that there was nothing open. Uneventful flight, Quantas 747 had the full service in terms of meals and digital entertainment. Watched Zodiac while the boys watched Harry Potter (again). They slept for 9hrs whilst their 6ft something Dad struggled with various high level Yoga positions to try and find a comfortable spot on the seat.
Entering NZ was interesting. Bio-security was at its' highest as the small nation attempts to protect its agri-business. At least 3 checks on "fruit and farms" and then past various sniffer dogs. Those dogs can sniff the remains of fruit in a bag which was taken out 3wks ago!. Good thing about this airport (its the detail that counts!) is the seperate line for families with infants which fast-tracks you through. Nice.
Weather so far in Auckland is rainy and cold.
Entering NZ was interesting. Bio-security was at its' highest as the small nation attempts to protect its agri-business. At least 3 checks on "fruit and farms" and then past various sniffer dogs. Those dogs can sniff the remains of fruit in a bag which was taken out 3wks ago!. Good thing about this airport (its the detail that counts!) is the seperate line for families with infants which fast-tracks you through. Nice.
Weather so far in Auckland is rainy and cold.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Leaving the USA....thoughts
We really enjoyed our time in the States especially seeing parts in the South which are not really on the tourist trail. There is alot of bizzare stuff here. Town centres don't exist...just miles and miles of fast food shops lined around the highway all giving away food for less than the price of a cup of coffee. TV is geared purely to advertise, even the news can't keep on one item for more than 2 minutes without showing some "fun" item about a cat stuck down a drain or an advertisement for Viagra. America is centred upon feeding crap abour Iraq and making sure it stays as the No.1 boggeyman. Blacks are still 3rd class citizens and Mexicans are treated even worse than that. White middle class America wants to create a Martha Stewart vision of white linen, flower arrangements and finely pressed Chino's. Finally, America is a vision of global warming...not one day remains the same for 24hrs.
The good bits have been seeing the South, the Gulf coast, a huge melting pot of cultures (Cajun, Mexican, European) and understanding why America is the way it is on the world scale. If the price of petrol goes up one more time there will be a revolution!
Adios Amigos.
The good bits have been seeing the South, the Gulf coast, a huge melting pot of cultures (Cajun, Mexican, European) and understanding why America is the way it is on the world scale. If the price of petrol goes up one more time there will be a revolution!
Adios Amigos.
Friday, 13 July 2007
San Diago - which of course in German means a whale's vagina
It's a fact. It's the greatest city in the history of mankind. Discovered by the Germans in 1904. They named it San Diego which of course in German means a whale's vagina."
I don't know what it means. I'll be honest, I don't thin anyone knows what it means anymore. Scholars maintain that the translation was lost hundreds of years ago."
(Anchorman)
We're here in San Diego. Having left the furnace of Houston and discovering that America has different times zones (that explained the reason why the flight took more than 2hrs and not the 1hr I thought - perhaps we lost time) we've got to sunny California. We're staying in down town San Diego - just up from the Bay. We've also landed ourselves a supped-up Dodge Charger rental car so we're looking the part.
San Diego is a city with a dubious past behind its facade of laid back border town fashionista. The original area was home to one of the strongest Indian tribes and the white European settlers killed them off in order to secure the area for its mineral deposits. Then with Pearl Harbour, etc the US Navy established its largest base. Now, the area is home to the young naval and marine cadets who celebrate San Diego's rich history with regular visits to the libraries, museums and art galleries and (a little known fact) invented the frothy coffee.
But, its a great looking town. Harbour frontage, "old" and "new" town areas, lots of green open parks and a healthy mix of beautiful Californians and the Mexicana's. Referring to the latter as "gringo" is not, I now know, a term of endearment. Sadly, we didn't see any Mariachi bands and nobody looked like they walked out of a Western movie.
San Diego Wild Park - firstly, nowhere near San Diego - in fact almost 1hr drive from the city. In scorching temperatures and a belly suffering from too many Mexican meals we walked around the park and saw some birds, flowers, fat Americans. We then had to board a "bus train" to be taken around the Wilds of Africa. Expecting something similar to Jurassic Park themed styled extravaganza (herds of wildebeests, etc) we were taken passed a sorry looking giraffe and some rhino's looking very much like they were dreaming of their lost families. The American's were impressed (well it beats the Discovery Channel) and we were wondering where the "Wild of Africa" actually was. The real discovery was when the guide told us it was a "Not for Profit" zoo. Not sure if the feedback they were looking for as we exited the zoo should have been divert funds to African poachers in order to restock the zoo was correct.
Having left the South we feel we've come back into civilisation. More of that later. Today we popped over (on a bus) to Tijuana in Mexico. This place is unbelievable. By day it looks like a shanty town with lots of bars and shops selling utter crap (but all in red, gold and green). By night, its a den of excitement for young college kids and tough US Marines from San Diego Naval base. Sleazy as hell. We, of course, went to the cultural part - a museum of Mexican history (the only English speaking people there - that says a lot about the towns main attraction) and then had (more) Mexican food and tequila and then came back and spent an hour trying to get back into the US and took time to watch US Customs harass Mexican drivers.
We're going into the mountains tomorrow and then taking the boy's to a water park for toddlers.
Later...
I don't know what it means. I'll be honest, I don't thin anyone knows what it means anymore. Scholars maintain that the translation was lost hundreds of years ago."
(Anchorman)
We're here in San Diego. Having left the furnace of Houston and discovering that America has different times zones (that explained the reason why the flight took more than 2hrs and not the 1hr I thought - perhaps we lost time) we've got to sunny California. We're staying in down town San Diego - just up from the Bay. We've also landed ourselves a supped-up Dodge Charger rental car so we're looking the part.
San Diego is a city with a dubious past behind its facade of laid back border town fashionista. The original area was home to one of the strongest Indian tribes and the white European settlers killed them off in order to secure the area for its mineral deposits. Then with Pearl Harbour, etc the US Navy established its largest base. Now, the area is home to the young naval and marine cadets who celebrate San Diego's rich history with regular visits to the libraries, museums and art galleries and (a little known fact) invented the frothy coffee.
But, its a great looking town. Harbour frontage, "old" and "new" town areas, lots of green open parks and a healthy mix of beautiful Californians and the Mexicana's. Referring to the latter as "gringo" is not, I now know, a term of endearment. Sadly, we didn't see any Mariachi bands and nobody looked like they walked out of a Western movie.
San Diego Wild Park - firstly, nowhere near San Diego - in fact almost 1hr drive from the city. In scorching temperatures and a belly suffering from too many Mexican meals we walked around the park and saw some birds, flowers, fat Americans. We then had to board a "bus train" to be taken around the Wilds of Africa. Expecting something similar to Jurassic Park themed styled extravaganza (herds of wildebeests, etc) we were taken passed a sorry looking giraffe and some rhino's looking very much like they were dreaming of their lost families. The American's were impressed (well it beats the Discovery Channel) and we were wondering where the "Wild of Africa" actually was. The real discovery was when the guide told us it was a "Not for Profit" zoo. Not sure if the feedback they were looking for as we exited the zoo should have been divert funds to African poachers in order to restock the zoo was correct.
Having left the South we feel we've come back into civilisation. More of that later. Today we popped over (on a bus) to Tijuana in Mexico. This place is unbelievable. By day it looks like a shanty town with lots of bars and shops selling utter crap (but all in red, gold and green). By night, its a den of excitement for young college kids and tough US Marines from San Diego Naval base. Sleazy as hell. We, of course, went to the cultural part - a museum of Mexican history (the only English speaking people there - that says a lot about the towns main attraction) and then had (more) Mexican food and tequila and then came back and spent an hour trying to get back into the US and took time to watch US Customs harass Mexican drivers.
We're going into the mountains tomorrow and then taking the boy's to a water park for toddlers.
Later...
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
So we drove across from Panama City Beach through Alabama and Mississipi to Louisianna where we stayed two nights - one night in Plantation country and one night in Cajun Country!! It was brilliant!! The people in this area of the world are extremely friendly and we enjoyed talking to so many different people. It was really interesting once we drove off the main road (10) and got down through all the little towns - it is precisely as you see on film - a bit deserted, trailers to live in for some and massive mansions on the other side with lots of space. By far the best day was when we went on the swamp tour and fed alligators. It only started getting a bit worrying once the thunder and lightning started - needless to say we needed to get off the water fairly quick! That is the other amazing thing about the south - the weather just changes within minutes and you have to be a bit carefull - especially as we are in the middle of tornado and hurricane season (the latter you get plenty of warning for but the first can just form quickly and off it goes!!) After the swamp tour where we had some dinner at a typical american diner which was by far the best lunch we've had on the whole trip(and the cheapest) - and a place we only went to because we were so hungry and there was nothing else - we went on to stay in a typical cajun cabin. This was beautiful and romantic (apart from the Cayotes howling at night) and we wished we had a few more days to spare here. The Cajun food once again is just amazing, lots of grilled fish and spices- they just make a little too much of it - yes even for me the portion size is a bit too daring, although I do my best to accomodate and respect the chefs efforts!!
The driving has been lots of fun for the views and lots of despair for the parents...well lets face it; driving with a 2-year old who can't sit still and a 4-year old who never stops talking can make anyone go crazy - not to mention driving with a husband who proudly exercises his selftaught american accent at any given opportunity.......and of course the american's mad driving - have already witnessed two accidents!! To be fair the boys have coped remarkably well and so far there are no regrets just the hope that this trip continues in the same style for the next 3 months. Right now we are in Houston and we spent the morning at the Childrens Museum of Houston (the first time we've actually had to drag the boys away from a museum!) and then ventured to a park, but it is just too hot here so the boys played a bit in some water playground and then it was straight to the hotel and the pool. I just don't know how people get themselves suited for a days work in this part of the world...hot, hot, hot!
Tomorrow morning we fly to San Diego for a 5 day sunny holiday (we seem to follow the hot weather around) and then it's off to New Zealand and some cooler climate where hopefully we can go sightseeing a lot more!!
The driving has been lots of fun for the views and lots of despair for the parents...well lets face it; driving with a 2-year old who can't sit still and a 4-year old who never stops talking can make anyone go crazy - not to mention driving with a husband who proudly exercises his selftaught american accent at any given opportunity.......and of course the american's mad driving - have already witnessed two accidents!! To be fair the boys have coped remarkably well and so far there are no regrets just the hope that this trip continues in the same style for the next 3 months. Right now we are in Houston and we spent the morning at the Childrens Museum of Houston (the first time we've actually had to drag the boys away from a museum!) and then ventured to a park, but it is just too hot here so the boys played a bit in some water playground and then it was straight to the hotel and the pool. I just don't know how people get themselves suited for a days work in this part of the world...hot, hot, hot!
Tomorrow morning we fly to San Diego for a 5 day sunny holiday (we seem to follow the hot weather around) and then it's off to New Zealand and some cooler climate where hopefully we can go sightseeing a lot more!!
Friday, 6 July 2007
Surreal North West Florida
Arrived after 8hr car drive from Orlando into north-west Florida - just west of Panama City Beach. We hired a beach bungalow - a condo with all the amenities and a private beach which we share with 10 other apartments. The place has a pool and comes with its' own private gated entrance - tres posh.
The area is basically a summer destination for middle class southerners from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia. It's on a stretch of beach called South Walton and in the last decade various "communities" have spring up. These communities are private members clubs where you get to have your own little place in manufactured paradise. Their straight out of New England design school - 3 story wooden, pastel coloured, white picket fences, etc. The uniform of choice is Ralph polo shirts and ironed pleated shorts. All the "staff" drive around in golf buggies and I think would be shot if they didn't greet you with a "Howdy, have a nice day".
One of them, Seaside (next to Seacrest, which is next to Seagulf) was were the Trueman Show was filmed - in fact, you get the distinct impression the camera's are still here. You could play pool on the grass verges.
A couple more impressions. The Gulf waters are immaculate, indeed some of the best we've swam in. Warm, crystal blue, long stretches of golden sands. Down side is the sharks, but they hardly ever attack. The temps here are in the high 30s and of course this time of year the afternoons can see some deep depressions which have resulted in some magical electrical storms. Another thing here is the redneck fascination for pick up trucks - the larger the better. Even Hummers (huge in the UK) are small by comparison. Single person, family of 4, disabled - doesn't matter - get yourself a truck!
The boy's have been swimming all day and even Oscar has now taken to self-dependence in the water. Both of them have also developed a nice tan (we thought factor 50 meant they would stay English looking).
American food establishments are causing us problems. Menu's rarely describe accurately the ingredients and portion sizes are massive - lots of waste. Saying that, we're gradually adopting Southern fondness for ribs, corn on the cob, waffles and squirrels (!!!). Supermarket shopping is great - all the manufactured food is cheap and all the fresh stuff is expensive. Meat has minimum 10 days life and they even get salads to last 12 days. Loads of great beers (added tequila and lime) and smoothies are a thing of art over here.
Met some lovely families from Nashville and have explored the world of politics and religion. Baptist, right wingers...don't mention the dinosaurs!
Had July 4th here. Marie and the boys' caught the parade at 8am (I was trying to park the car) and they all got sweets and beads (don't know why). The the fireworks at night were along with the formal displays everyone turned up on the beaches with their ammunition. Oscar heard one bang and then went back home whilst Seba and I stayed for the duration. Great experience.
Communication, strangely, has been a problem here. All internet cafe's are merely wireless and unless you have a laptop you're stuffed. Public payphones are a thing of the past so we bought a throw-away mobile. This was needed as quite a few of the smaller hotels we're trying to stay at have no on-line booking facility - heathens! Also, getting from a-to-b via airlines is a pain. For example, the cheapest way from Houston to San Diego is 2 stops which is then almost and all day session on the planes.
All-in-all, we love this part of Florida. Very quiet, full of southern families, quirky, great food, superb beaches and a great place for the boys' to chill out.
Tomorrow we drive through Alabama, into Missisippi and then onto Louisiana were we're going to stay in Cajun country. We're heading for some swamp tours and then we then head onto Texas to stay in Houston (rodeo's, etc) and then fly to San Diego.
The area is basically a summer destination for middle class southerners from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia. It's on a stretch of beach called South Walton and in the last decade various "communities" have spring up. These communities are private members clubs where you get to have your own little place in manufactured paradise. Their straight out of New England design school - 3 story wooden, pastel coloured, white picket fences, etc. The uniform of choice is Ralph polo shirts and ironed pleated shorts. All the "staff" drive around in golf buggies and I think would be shot if they didn't greet you with a "Howdy, have a nice day".
One of them, Seaside (next to Seacrest, which is next to Seagulf) was were the Trueman Show was filmed - in fact, you get the distinct impression the camera's are still here. You could play pool on the grass verges.
A couple more impressions. The Gulf waters are immaculate, indeed some of the best we've swam in. Warm, crystal blue, long stretches of golden sands. Down side is the sharks, but they hardly ever attack. The temps here are in the high 30s and of course this time of year the afternoons can see some deep depressions which have resulted in some magical electrical storms. Another thing here is the redneck fascination for pick up trucks - the larger the better. Even Hummers (huge in the UK) are small by comparison. Single person, family of 4, disabled - doesn't matter - get yourself a truck!
The boy's have been swimming all day and even Oscar has now taken to self-dependence in the water. Both of them have also developed a nice tan (we thought factor 50 meant they would stay English looking).
American food establishments are causing us problems. Menu's rarely describe accurately the ingredients and portion sizes are massive - lots of waste. Saying that, we're gradually adopting Southern fondness for ribs, corn on the cob, waffles and squirrels (!!!). Supermarket shopping is great - all the manufactured food is cheap and all the fresh stuff is expensive. Meat has minimum 10 days life and they even get salads to last 12 days. Loads of great beers (added tequila and lime) and smoothies are a thing of art over here.
Met some lovely families from Nashville and have explored the world of politics and religion. Baptist, right wingers...don't mention the dinosaurs!
Had July 4th here. Marie and the boys' caught the parade at 8am (I was trying to park the car) and they all got sweets and beads (don't know why). The the fireworks at night were along with the formal displays everyone turned up on the beaches with their ammunition. Oscar heard one bang and then went back home whilst Seba and I stayed for the duration. Great experience.
Communication, strangely, has been a problem here. All internet cafe's are merely wireless and unless you have a laptop you're stuffed. Public payphones are a thing of the past so we bought a throw-away mobile. This was needed as quite a few of the smaller hotels we're trying to stay at have no on-line booking facility - heathens! Also, getting from a-to-b via airlines is a pain. For example, the cheapest way from Houston to San Diego is 2 stops which is then almost and all day session on the planes.
All-in-all, we love this part of Florida. Very quiet, full of southern families, quirky, great food, superb beaches and a great place for the boys' to chill out.
Tomorrow we drive through Alabama, into Missisippi and then onto Louisiana were we're going to stay in Cajun country. We're heading for some swamp tours and then we then head onto Texas to stay in Houston (rodeo's, etc) and then fly to San Diego.
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