A Magical Day

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September 24

"The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there!" – Gandalf



Today we entered a magical world and walked in the footsteps of Frodo, Bilbo and Gandalf. We went to the Shire in Hobbiton! I was concerned it might be a tourist trap, and … it was, and … it wasn’t. The price was a little much, but the experience for two dedicated LOR fans it was definitely worth it. We had ginger beer in the Green Dragon, walked under the Party Tree, and visited Bag End.

David and I had such fun here and took a slew of photos. It was so hard to choose which ones to use, so I made up a little story with them. It just seemed like the right thing to do.



"It’s a dangerous business, walking out one’s front door." – Gandalf



Our day ended with a bit of magic as well. David and I drove outside of Rotorua up to the Green and Blue lakes to a place with not a soul around. We turned off all the lights and stared at the stars. The Milky Way was closer than I’ve ever seen it in my life, and the stars were beautiful. We attempted to find the Southern Cross, but even with an “app”, we could only guess. These were not our stars, and we are strangers in this magical land.



(No photos here. Some things you just need to experience as a photo wouldn't do it justice.)

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Photos

Bag End
Home of Bilbo and his nephew, Frodo

The Shire
Such a lovely place. I'd love to live here!

Nice neighbourhood
I think we'll talk to the local real estate agent and see what the neighbourhood is like.

Idyllic
Who wouldn't want to live here? Even a private lake.

The Baker's Hole
I hear he even does a gluten-free bread.

It's a small world
We thought about buying this one, but David didn't quite fit.

The 'Party Tree'
Local 'hot spot' on hot summer nights

My new 'Business'
Great place to start a new business!

Friendly neighbours
Sam & Rosie's Hobbit Hole

Fishing
Private lake stocked with fish that are guaranteed to bite!

Boating opportunties
Little round boats free of charge for residents

Fresh food
Plenty of fresh produce at the local outdoor supermarket

Totally Upgraded Hobbit Hole
Grass roof and garden totally re-grown last year!!

'Green' Hobbit Hole
Eco friendly - thermal heating and glow worms for lights!

'Starter' Hobbit Holes
Cozy hobbit holes that won't eat up all your carrots.

A Heritage Home
Required a bit too much work to fix up.

The Mill House from the bridge
You can throw pennies into the water and make a wish. There's a wizard that will make them come true.

A house that's just my size & matches my outfit!
Definitely, a contender!

All the amenities
Lovely parks & pathways

Location, location, location!
Property values likely to increase due to famous neighbors, Bilbo & Frodo living just up the path.

Home Sweet Hobbit Home
Matthew & Curtis sell the house!

Stop in for a pint or two
Neighbourhood pub with a great atmosphere -- they even let you dance on the tables!!

Our new address
Pick either one. I'm sure the postman will get the right hole.

Cheers!
Celebrating our new home (it's okay to dream a little.)

Comments

[Dave Driftmier]

What fun!
It's the kind of tourist place I'd like to go! (I'm a Hobbit fan!)

[Two of Us]

Hobbiton fun
Hi Dave, You would have loved it! I felt just like a kid in a candy shop!

[Aussie Rello]

It's a small world
Hi Lovies, I think this is our size Dave, I bet I know what Michele was wearing, her thermals. Looks like you two are having a great time. Love Judy and Mal

[Two of Us]

It's a small, cool, windy world!
Yes, I think we could just dig a few extra rooms and move in together. And, of course, I'm wearing my thermals, they're all the rage! Love, Michele & David

[D MJ Binkley]

Gandalf quote
Or so true...the world is to be experienced...one country at a time. Enjoy the quiet and the stars. No photos needed.

[Two of Us]

Wise words
Yes, we love taking the photos, but it's really "being" here that makes them come alive for us.

[Allan Chambers]

Cute homes
I suspect they aren't dirt cheap, but, built for the right sized people!

[Two of Us]

Lovely Little Places
"dirt cheap" -- very clever!

[Darlene Maguire]

What a lot of great photos, glad you are having such a good time.......Darlene

[Two of Us]

So many great places to see!
Yes, Darlene, we are seeing and experiencing so many wonderful people and places. I think I'll need a month of rest just to get over my vacation! Looking forward to seeing you when I get back. Michele

[Terri]

Laughed & Cried
I've just sat down to catch up on you adventure down under. We've been in Houston enjoying Jacob and had poor internet connection. Some of David's photo's brought tears to my eyes - they touch places in your soul you didn't know were there. I had no problem seeing you locked out of your room and trying to get David's attention - classic you! Now I changed to tears of hilarity! I'm not sure what price the boys listed the house for.

[Two of Us]

It's been a whirl wind!
We've been a little 'out of touch' too -- either not great computer connections or so many great connections with the people we've met that we don't get to the computer! I'm so far behind on the blog, but we're now in Wanaka for about a week & should get caught up. So glad you're enjoying the blog. David has been on top of the world taking photos -- don't know how we'll return to normal when we get home. (Glad we made you laugh & the crying is good if it touches the soul.)