I’m on the left! I’m talking driving now:) So, I did it, I’m so excited and as ridiculous as it sounds, it feels like a big accomplishment. As most of you know driving on the right for me is dangerous and to make the leap to the left scared the hell out of me. Anyway I’m driving the South Island. Left Christchurch day before yesterday and rented a car for 10 days. The first 20 minutes was petrifying but then I got the hang of it. I have to concentrate real hard when I’m turning and forget about parking lots..I’m always screwing that up:). I haven’t killed anyone yet though.
I got horribly lost for hours:) My sense of direction is no better in New Zealand than it is in the States. First I drove an hour in the wrong direction and then ended up back in Christchurch and finally found my way out of that. Ended up in Temura. That should have taken me 2 hours…6 hours later I’m in Temura (accidentally) exhausted and decided to stay. I found a cheap hostel run by a 55 year old gentleman. Not horrible but could have definitely used a woman’s touch:) This unplanned stop allowed me to see the littlest penguins in the world, the blue penguins, coming out of the ocean at 9:30 pm. ADORABLE! So that worked out:) Arrived in Queenstown yesterday and had dinner with my Swedish friend that I met in Fiji. It was great seeing her again and we have more plans in a couple of days. Walked around the gardens today looking for a memorial plaque for my friend Greg Bonham. Never found the plaque but the gardens are beautiful.
I am getting the hang of going with the flow and enjoying where ever I’m at. South New Zealand is breathtaking. The first day, stressed (driving on the left), lost and exhausted I was thinking…I don’t get it. Yesterday though I got it! Stunning! In a 5 hour drive there was every scenery imaginable. I went from a coastal town through forest, valleys, pastures, rolling hills, gorgeous lakes and mountains. Incredible! Queenstown is gorgeous but it is funny how many New Zealanders told me to avoid it. Evidently it is considered a playground for the rich. After Milford Sound I plan to come back through Queensland and try out the jet boat which was recommended by Matt Martin.
I do have to mention a conversation that I had in Christchurch that I thought was hilarious. People from Texas will appreciate this. So I was sitting at breakfast with a Frenchman and two young guys from Germany. The Frenchman asked where I was from. I told him Colorado but originally from Texas…well they all seemed to hone in on Texas. Do you carry weapons he asked. I told him no, just my hands and demonstrated a few karate moves. For some reason they thought that was funny. Then one of the German guys asked me if it was true that you could own a bazooka in Texas for self defense…A Bazooka? I’m sure some Texan made that shit up telling a tall tale:) I said I didn’t know but it wouldn’t surprise me. Then the frenchman asked me if the injection was still legal at 16…I finally realized he was talking about lethal injection, the death penalty. Anyway, TEXAS…your reputation is all good through out Europe:) Yeefrickinhaw:)
From Queenstown…soulypositive sans bazooka:)
Leigh Ann:
I just got your mail yesterday and want to say ‘hello’ and ‘congratulations’ together. I haven’t read all the entries yet but I know that you are having blast in Australia right now!!! It is cold here in FC but with great sunshine. I respect/envy/love your idea on embarking backpacking for a year!!! Envy is the biggest portion though.
Have a great fun and Build a great memory too. We will take care of Robert here at least at the school!!
Take care,
Soo
Hi Soo! So nice to hear from you and thank you:) The last I heard you were in Korea taking care of family. I hope all is okay. Yes, please occassionally look in on Robert. So far he is doing well:) I had no idea I would miss him so much. How silly am I? It’s been wonderful so far though!
I bet that is weird driving on the other side of the road. Sounds like you are seeing some pretty places and having a good time. I am proud of you sister! Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Its very weird…butsurprisingly I’m getting used to it:) I’m glad I rented a car, the scenery is breathtaking and so varied. I am conquering one fear after another:) Love you.
I will try to remember postcards…haven’t really seen any because I’m not shopping:) I’ll let you know about bringing stuff for me to India…mostly I think I will want you to take some stuff home…my backpack is too heavy and I brought too much crap:) I keep asking people…you need bug spray, medicine etc.
Leigh Ann I’m so happy for you that you are accomplish this trip. Looks like you’re enjoying, learning and have a totally new experiences….You should write a book!!!
Take care! Love ya!!
Hi Lupita! So far, so good! But I’m only in the beginning phases and here they speak English. The really interesting part will be coming soon. Luckily my next stop will be Japan where I will meet Kyle. He speaks fluent Japanese so that should make it easier…at least for the time I’m with him. YOu would be amazed at the boys and the great men they’ve become (mom, bragging:) I hope Robert and grand babies are doing well. Give my love to Gary.
OMG clear the roadways!!! Everything is bigger from Texas…as you know…
Roberto
New Zealand sounds wonderful! I enjoyed seeing Robert, Garrett, and Riley last week, and most of all I enjoyed meeting Pilar. She is such a delight. I got to watch Robert pay bills Friday so that was fun. I’ve never seen him so cheerful. He wouldn’t have a beer until he was done…something about wanting to get the checks into their correct envelopes, so I drank alone and made him pretend to listen while I talked. As for you, onward!
Hi Rex! That is true about Pilar:) She’s lovely. I know you’re lying about Robert though, it was that part about not having a beer and then you drinking alone:) I know you two better than that. Of course i think the part about him pretending to listen might be true…he does that to me to:) New Zealand is amazing. Gorgeous scenery…today I’m on to Milford Sound.
Cid, did you see my reply to Rex…I am sure they were both drunk:)
No way will the boots be coming home Jess:) Actually I’ve worn them a lot. The scenery here has been amazing. Today I’m off to Milford Sound. My only issue now is that I’m trying to do too much…Drive for hours, see something, sleep, wake up and do it all again. Soon I will need to light somewhere for a couple of days but am trying to see as much as possible while I have the car. Love you.
Hi Leigh Ann,
So glad to finally get on your site and follow your travels. Sounds so wonderful, although the thought of you behind the wheel will leave me with nightmares for several nights.
Keep posting, but more important keep smiling!!!! Miss you!
Hi Tootie! I would like to say your nightmares are unfounded but we both know that’s not true;) Hope all is well with you. I am still smiling. Grinning from ear to ear!
Hey LA! The traveling boots are going to be a legend. So glad they are with you..
Those boots are made for walking:)
I think my comment got cut off. Anyway, as I was saying, what did you think of the glow worm caves?…we got another step closer to moving back to CO today. Gotta get away from all these bazookas around here…love Robert’s above comment! Drive safely, Love ya!
The glow worm cave were amazing…like little stars twinkling in the sky…but when you are in the light of day, you realize it’s worms:) Could be a metaphor:) The nature here is so beautiful. Yesterday went to Milford Sound…WOW! Baby steps and you’re almost there…YEA!
That would be so great if you could join me somewhere Cindy! I will try to start budgeting better:) New Zealand is expensive…looking forward to Asia to see if I can get back to a balanced budget…My trip is starting to feel like our government:)
Hey momma,
You’re doing great! I’m so proud of you. Are you writing additionally to the blog? I love you and think of you constantly, keep smiling.
Boy, I am missing you like crazy. Hope school is going well. I’m sorry I’m not there to nag you about the on-line courses that I know you are procastinating on. I’m sure you’re missing that too:) You are so much like your momma. I’m having a ball and often think of your traveling wisdom that you have given me. I’m trying to be calm and laid back like you and just take things as they come…so far I think I have a B:) Love you..hug your dad and be extra nice to Leo! I miss you all terribly:(
That driving on the left is scary! I’m really proud of you for even trying! I drove in Jamaica once in a stick shift car! Now that was interesting! Looks like you are turning into a seasoned traveller, Leigh Ann. We all knew you wouldn’t have trouble with the social part! Remember my Mom’s old saying, ” if you want to have friends, you gotta be friendly!” Safe travels, girlfriend!
Hi Kim! Love you too and missing our dinners and writing:) I already told Mandy I wish she was here for edits and could use your speed typing, reading and always positive attitude:) Doing really good though in spite of everything:) I hear your husband was once again taking care of us…God love Dick Martin and Leigh Ann does too:)
Hey Cindy! That is a great question…how old if I didn’t know? Some days 20 and other’s well, definitely 103. So, food…nothing terribly foreign or exciting so far…In New Zealand they have flat white…that is a coffee and it is awesome. Kind of like a latte but not quite. I am also trying out a gluten free diet…don’t tell Robert:) It has been brought up at least 4 times and I’m reading the book Wheat Belly so I thought I would give it a try…maybe the universe is speaking to me…probably not:) but I’ll let you know. I have the book The Pilgrimage on my ipad that I am waiting to read as i get closer to walking the Camino…the other one I have not read but will be downloading it immediately. Thanks! Love book reccomendations. Mom is great! 87, fesity, great mind and finally slowing down a bit or else I know she would be with me every step of the way. After all it is through her that I have aquired this gypsy blood:) Would love to hear about your family. It seems that you have gone through some tough ones Cindy…I’m sorry. Loss is always hard:( Thinking of you and younger times…we kind of rocked it…didn’t we?
Hi Karen! Yes the lupines are amazing. It’s like the bluebonnets in Texas. So beautiful! You, of all people, would love the nature here. So varied and you could hike and walk till your hearts content. You and Doug should definitely put New Zealand (South Island anyway) on your retirement list if possible.
Good to hear from you. As preposterous as it seems feel closer to you while I’m Europe floating down, now up, the Rhein. I guess it’s just that we aren’t back home at the same time.
Really enjoy reading your posts. Keep the faith. Mikey
Hi Mikey! I forgot you were in Europe right now. Hopefully Joan’s mother is enjoying herself:) I can’t tell you how many Germans I’ve met traveling. They are everywhere! I think they must be the best travelers in the world. I feel the same way (the closer part)…I think for me it may be because I am in communication more with everyone on the blog than I usually am at home:) You know I’m a big ole homebody…not this year though. Hope you enjoy the holidays in Europe. Hugs to The Koltak’s! See you this summer:)