Aerogers' Guestbook

Food
Well it looks like either meat or a stack of wontons with chips on top

Travel woes.
Amy and Jeremy: It has been my life experience that when things start to go wrong, they usually take on the appearance and behaviour of an avalanche. So it seems with your passage through Australia. I think that you will have figured out by now that I'm not a big fan of some aspects of American culture and American points of view. There are unquestionably a lot of explanations for what happened to you two while you attempted to get through Australia. One of those things may be that you reaped the fruits of the behaviour of Americans who preceded you through the years. There isn't a lot of hostility towards Americans for no little reasons. Americans abroad tend to have pretty big mouths, to be pretty certain of their superiority and to be ignorant and dismissive of other sensibilities and ways of doing things. That's not to suggest that you two did anything wrong or were the least bit deserving of what happened. However, intense dis-like of Americans on general principle might be an explanation for what happened in Australia. Still, it is a measure of your good characters as to how you responded to all this baloney. From what I've seen over the years, I'd have to say that you showed a LOT more grace than we'd usually expect from Americans under such circumstances. People like you are the reason that nobody should ever be anti-American on general principle. I think that your description of your nasty and probably totally undeserved treatment shows a lot of class and speaks very well of you. It is also interesting to read your comment about Singapore being ahead of America in technology. Living here in an area with a very high percentage of Chinese, I've heard that in many of the bigger Asian cities, especially Beijing, they are far, far ahead of us, now in things like public transportation and technical conveniences. cheers, Joe

is there any place more beautiful?
Can't believe the final photos of NZ - it must have been more than heartbreaking to leave such a paradise of mountains and prestine lakes and friendly kiwis. Australia sounds like an absolute nightmare and from your experiences there I don't think I have any desire to visit it. Unfortunately a lot of times we don't know what is in store for us - even if you needed the extra proof of leaving up the road the rudeness didn't have to accompany it. Thank goodness you were not at the "forever" airport - especially there. Cannot believe the rudeness to the older couple - completely uncalled for - don't even think you would find that in some of the cities that are noted for having rude people. Opens your eyes as to how things are in some places verses all the "great" things that are supposed to be there. I agree that if a large portion of people are rude in a country "even Australia" than somehow the turnoff to visit is very much increased despite what they say they have to offer. The fun of traveling is to interact with the culture and all that goes with it - no warmth from people is a very big negative as far as I am concerned and certainly at this point would have no desire to visit such a place - even Australia. Best wishes on the rest of your trip - glad you arrived in Singaore safe. (Did you ever feel like Dumb and Dumber at any point?) Was I in Austria or Australia? hahahaha

Lucky!!
Amy and Jeremy: What fantastic photos. Spring time is really beautiful down there, isn't it??!! You were lucky with that runaway board, though. Around these parts, the only bigger no-no than a runaway skier is a runaway board(s). They can be lethal and the ski-hills tend not to be too amused when it happens. So ... you're almost on your way. Bummer! Those spring flower views were great, would love to see some of the countryside. (special request) BTW - I was most interested to learn that the Kiwis weren't up on the concept of Iced Tea. Now that surprises me. When you get home, you'll have to send them a tin for their edification. cheers, Joe Smuin

Buddy
Well I'm glad you had the experiance but am very happy you are coming back to FLORIDA!!! Missed you guys

wahoooooooooo
can't believe you did the whole thing but am proud of you two - kind of topped off the complete season in queenstown - what a wonderful time it has been! Meeting friends from, literally, everywhere and such a melting pot of everything from sheep to scenery beyond belief to loving winter to snowboarding its been something else - you'll always remember the Remarkables - probably not be able to see photos in the future without tearing up. Thanks for sharing all of this with us pitiful ones left in Florida - you made it all come to life by your blogs and photos - could actually feel like we were there with you. Asia coming up too - I know you will have a great time there too. Canyon Swing was like the icing on the cake - some wonderful memories to keep for a long time to come.

Love the flowers.
Amy and Jeremy: Again, great photos. Weird seeing tulips in October. cheers, Joe

A good time was had by all!!
Great photos, Amy. Looks like you had a lot of fun. I do have to make this observation as a non-American: how pathetic that people from such a wealthy - in some ways modern western country - find six weeks annual vacation remarkable! On another front: I always thought that green Absynth (spelling?) stuff was poisonous. Judging by the look of Jeremy in that one photo and the colour of you in one of the companion shots, I'd have to conclude that it was! :>) :>) hugs, Joe

More suggested than nerdie 1980s.
Oh dear! If he's gotta hang onto the waterworks like that, methinks somebody looks like he tried out one or two too many of those previous bottles - it was probably the home-made chilli one that got him!!! Everything (and I do mean 'everything') is on fire!!!!!

We have 'em too!
Also looks like a lot of cousins to be found here in Canada, particularly in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.

Nucleur fissicks
I, for one, will never understand the passion for spices, especially when they melt your tongue and have the same effect on your sinuses as napalm. Mind you, you must have looked quite fetching with steam coming out of your ears. (Maybe there's another reason for the split ends on your hair - assuming you have split ends on your hair, that is.) However, to each, their own, I guess. These spicy drinks and food are one oddity that we can't blame on the Americans, that's for sure. I'm really sorry that your New Zealand experience is coming to an end. Your photos have been marvelous and I've loved your sense of humour. I presume you missed the big quake in Christchurch. That must have been an experience to live through!!! I hope that you do head for a year in Oz. If your NZ experience is anything to go by, your time in Oz should be just as entertaining, provided you go someplace interesting and off the beaten track while there. God bless you kids and please keep in touch. Joe

I get so excited every time I get an email from you guys!! Sounds (and looks) like you're having a blast! Those barstools are AWESOME!!!! Xoxo, Christina