Leonard Family Around the World Adventure

Up at 6 – I feel fairly well rested and not terribly sore – but I do have an ingrown nail on my left big toe that looks infected -I will have to keep a careful watch on it. There sure are a lot of sunlight hours it does not get dark till after 9 and the sun is visible already. It looks to be overcast – I could really use some sun. I am not exactly sure what our plans are for the day. I finished a few blog posts and I will get some work in this morning – just have to figure out which internet connection option to use. I have to get the things on chargers but everybody is still sleeping. Paying for do much for internet access is really starting to grate on me $30 for a 24 hour connection with a maximum data download of 1024mb download limit – expires with whatever comes first time or data cap or a time-based account: Please select one of the following account options, and then click the Next button. Please select the account option carefully. We are unable to partially refund an acco

As we depart each country I am going to try to summarize my impressions. New Zealand is a beautiful country with varied features. I have never seen so many shades of green. I can only imagine if it had not been overcast during our entire trip it would be even more striking – especially the coast line. The people we met were not overly friendly, but certainly not rude either. I never heard a New Zealander say thank you, sorry or your welcome. I suppose there are some hints in that fact regarding their attitudes towards life. When I overheard conversations they were often about the economy or politics – we were even asked about our next president. They seem much more world savvy then the typical American. I can see how a true exploration of the country could take months per island – even the travelers we came across seemed to be permanent travelers – they would work for a few months and then travel for a few months – and had been doing that for years – what an interesting lifestyl

Up very early this morning, charged the phones and cameras, downloaded pictures – completed packing and woke the girls at 6am. It was raining again – we made the drive to the airport with no missteps and returned the car – I was supposed to fill up the gas – oops -at least the gas light was on when they rape me with the fill-up charge. The walk from the rental return to the international terminal must have been km – and not pleasant in the rain. A shuttle would have been nice – but every step made me happier that we had packed lightly – I shared this with thought the girls when we finally arrived at the terminal – they just stared at me and Aria wished for a pair of jeans. During the walk I had the thought that NZ was spitting us out - funny. I really enjoyed the country and wish we had not had to skip the Bay of Islands but considering the time we spent I am very happy that we got a fair flavor of the country. So we dragged ourselves through the airport wet and a little cold I am su

I was up at 5:30 this morning – internet connection was so nice – able to work – talked to Mick. We cooked some eggs and had cereal we purchased last night – checked out right at 10 – I had just finished charging everything and downloading pictures. Off to find a surf spot. We drove around for a while – eventually returned to the Main beach – walked to a surf shop and rented a wet suit and board for Aria. We walked back to the beach and waited for a surf school to show up for Allysha in the meantime Aria surfed. The conditions are not great but there are lots waves. Aria is fearless and paddles out – she has some trouble making it to the lineup – a local comes up and tells me where the channel is – right up against the rocks – I walk out and tell Aria and she finally makes it to the lineup. Allysha is hungry and wants Burger King – I am resistant but eventually drive here there - perhaps it will help her feel more comfortable – less homesick. Back to the beach just in time to add

This morning fines me up early (3:30am) - organizing pictures, tweaking blogs and getting a little work done. There are a couple comments on the blog from Melanie and Mick (THANKS!) – It is so nice to get comments – it helps make the blogging feel more relevant. (Mick you should have logged into IM we could have chatted – I was awake). I underestimated the amount of work blogging and organizing pictures was going to take – also need to build in time for ensuring I have internet access. It is storming outside now – funny, for 4 the weeks preceding our arrival not a drop of rain yet since our arrival it has rained at least a little every day. I can see how a visit to New Zealand could consume the better part of a year – we have stayed on the North Island and just barely scratched the surface – we are not even going to see the world famous Bay of Islands. The South Island is supposed to be eve re spectacular – how I cannot imagine as I find this place to be quite magical and overwhelming

We ended up hitting a couple thermal spots on the way to Rotorua. The Orakei Korako park in Hidden Valley was nice – a 1 hour trek and lots of cool features – unfortunately we only saw the geyser (which erupts erratically) from a distance as we had already moved on further in the trek. The Geothermal cave, the only one in the world, was beautiful. The sulphur smell and rising steam and gasses throughout the area was a constant reminder that at any time the whole area could blow – just like the volcano that erupted in September of this year in this area. On the way to Rotorua we took a little side road at the last minute and we were able soak in some natural thermal pools in Waikite Valley for a couple of hours. We arrived in Rotorua and hit the information center, had a spectacular lunch of ribs, lamb salad and Nachos (the meat was so good I am considering a return trip) at the Pig and Whistle Pub . We then headed over to Te Puia – the cultural village but the entrance fees were astro