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Published: March 18th 2006
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If anybody had told me 3 weeks ago when I left the UK that I would be watching a sedated baboon being CT scanned in what appeared to be a MRI tube then I would have asked them where they were getting their drugs. However, this morning, the bizarre and surreal event took place with me watching behind lead-lined glass. Most people come to Wellington to check out the culture and cafe scenes, but believe me that is soooooooo passe. Baboon scanning is the new 'must do!' (Just take a nosepeg- they are rather smelly)
Arrived yesterday to stay with Mark (old uni friend) and Lisa ( his partner/sister of old tennis friend) . Delighted to see Mark sporting ponytail with blonde dreads- glad to see he hasn't turned into the boring yuppie type - although he did say that when he last visited the UK all the tramps started chatting to him, thinking he was one of them!! In fact Mark is currently working nights as senior doctor in A&E- made a mental note not to have any medical emergencies when out here- wouldnt want him to think I was attention seeking! Lisa is the resident baboon scanner- in
fact apparently it is the first time she has scanned a baboon so I am honoured!-so timed my visit just right. The scanning room at radiography was packed out with vets,zoo staff, endocrinologists,families etc. The male baboon in question is exhibiting signs of hormonal imbalances - we were wondering if he had discovered his feminine side, sitting round making daisy chains, eating chocolate and talking about his feelings!Joking aside, I was impressed at how many people had come out and given up time to try to make this animal better- restores your faith in human nature.
Its really great to unpack the rucksack,not worry about valuables, have a proper bed, NO snoring competitions etc etc, although Im moving on again tomorrow. The rucksack seems to be expanding in size at an alarming rate, even more worrying is the fact i havent bought anything to make it expand- maybe i will have unilateral muscular hypertrophy of my right arm by the time I finsh my trip....hmmm sounds attractive.......
Saw the glowworms in Waitomo- they are really pretty little things, magical like twinkling christmas tree lights, deep in the depths of the caves.Apparently they only live a few days
in this form, glowing to attract food, and the brightest ones are the hungriest. The caves are pretty stunning too- well worth a visit, although as with all these things they are spoiled a little by the hordes of tourists tramping through on guided tours.
Rotorua lived up to its reputation of being smelly. Its an area of high geothermal activity and a sulphurous smell reminiscent of rotten eggs permeates the streets. I found the area really interesting, loads of geysers and hot pools, lakes with hotspots. Bubbling pools of hot mud looked really inviting- maybe now is THE time and place to take up mud bathing (great for the complexion I hear- even better if you wash it off ) , until I engaged brain and realised the blatantly obvious. They're bubbling and steaming because they are scorchingly HOT!! Also visited the Polynesian Spa - one of the top 10 spas in the world and amazingly relaxing, plus a Maori cultural tour/dinner ( much better than it sounds- semi-naked men parading round with weapons, showing off ancient traditions..again a bit toursity but a fun night )- It was on the Rotorua trip that I met Mark, a scouser,who
was travelling round on a budget of next to nothing and living off the free food remains at the hostels ( dont ask- doesn't bear thinking about). His worst meal that week had been boiled rice with gravy(yuk!)- so that evening I prepared a collection of cheap recipes for him....bit like the blind leading the blind I guess for anybody who knows about my culinary expertise!Mark became my chief photographer for the day - Im determined to get some good shots to build up my portfolio again - I suggested he supplemented his meagre travel budget by charging for his photographic expertise!
From Rotorua I moved onto Taupo and the Tongariro crossing ( from which I have still not totally recovered- I discovered muscle groups I never knew existed, which are making me well aware of their existence now!). Tongariro is billed as New Zealands best one day hike and I must admit it was a truly amazing day. Woken by a 5am alarm and a 6.15 start its not for the fainthearted or couch potatoes. But more of that later. Must go now and catch up with Lisa and Mark.Marks been sleeping all day so Ive been keeping
out of his way, but I am truly inspired by his dreadlocks and hatching a plan...............
Catch you later all xx
ps photos later when Ive taken enough pix to put them onto CD
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