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Published: January 28th 2009
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Hi Everybody!
New Zealand is a very friendly, safe place to visit. The land is GREEN and beautiful! After visiting the Christchurch Cathedral, we went across town to the International Antarctica Center. This center supports the Antarctic scientific programs. It is run by several countries and Christchurch is considered the gateway to Antarctica. We visited the Antarctica Attraction which simulates the weather and conditions there. We had to put on heavy parkas before entering. We experienced the 4 seasons while we were in one part. This included very low temperatures and light snow. We a small colony of little Blue Penguins. We viewed an excellent movie of the continent on an IMAX style screen. We noticed some U.S. Air Force planes across the street. We walked over and checked on the possibility of flying back on Space A. They encouraged us to try. I believe that all workers headed for Antarctica have to pass through this center. This is the place that outfits them with clothing and all necessary supplies. Planes go regularly to take food and other needed items.
Our next stop on the cruise was at Dunedin, a beautiful town with many stone buildings. This town was established by
the Scottish people. Convicts were used to level off the top of a hill for the First Church of Otago (Presbyterian.) I took some pictures of the inside and was surprised at how large the pulpit was. I finally found the perfect Roadkill piece in a shop called Seriously Twisted. It was a beautiful black mohair wrap edged with twisted possum. The owner of the shop told me that I had excellent taste (because I had picked the most expensive thing in her shop.) Walt decided that could be an early anniversary gift. Dunedin has the steepest streets in the world. The town was having a vintage car show on the square. The owners were dressed in period dress, and the cars were in mint condition. We stopped by the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and the Speight's Brewery. We enjoyed sampling their products - especially the beer.
After leaving Dunedin, we cruised around the tip of the South Island. We passed through a heavy rainstorm with rough seas and strong winds. We were unable to view any of Dusky or Doubtful Sounds. Luckily, the skies cleared by mid-afternoon and we could see the beautiful fjords of Milford Sound. Because of the
rainfall, the waterfalls were even more spectacular!
Many American young people come to New Zealand to work on organic farms. They don't receive pay - just their room and board. This is called WOLFing (working on organic farms.) Many of you know Brooke Nichols - daughter of Margaret & Barry. She is spending a year in NZ and is currently working in a vineyard.
We are enjoying this cruise much more than the last one. The weather has been very nice. The temperature around the tip was in the 60's. It has been in the 70's and 80's in the towns.
Take care,
Everette
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Sandy Plummer
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Everette, I was born in Dunedin, Florida. So, this caught my eye. Looks like you are having so much fun.