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Published: March 12th 2012
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Well rested and set out this am on a day tour with Great Sights again. Had a quick breakfast at the hotel. I wonder why I keep seeing beans (like pork and beans) and spaghetti at the breakfast buffet? Anyway, Allison loves the paskeddi!
Our first stop is Te Puia where we walked by and around sulfur hot springs, geysers and mud pots. I was reminded of Yellowstone National Park while walking around. The big geysers spout off for about 20 minutes every hour to hour and half. We discovered Rotoura is situated inside a volcano with the lake being the lowest spot of the volcano. To leave, in any direction, you must drive up hill to get out. So, I can say we slept in a volcano last night!
After wondering around the mudpots and sulfur springs we headed toward the Agrodome. Sounds hokey, but what a great show! We were introduced to 19 different live sheep and learned about where each one is from and how the wool is used. The host was a tough sheep farmer with a quirky sense of humor (most Kiwi's have a quirky sense of humor). He sheered a sheep completely in
about 70 secs. We all got some of the fresh sheared wool - it's pretty stinky.
He showed off his herding dogs - and they were something to show off. I wish Leo (our Shih Tzu) would just follow the command, "come". The dogs responded to whistles, voice, and wooden staff commands. The dogs walked on top of the sheep, a herding move called, sheep stepping. Pretty impressive and odd too!
Next out came the dairy cow. Remember Dairy farming is the number 1 or 2 export from NZ. He asked for volunteers to come up and try to milk the cow. Guess who got picked? Right. Allison. She cruised right on up there with Daddy and was the first to milk the cow. She used both hands and actually got some milk out. She was given a "Certificate of Udderance". Allison also pet several sheep, the herding dogs and a few lambs.
We finished up with a trip through the visitors shop. Have you ever noticed when you go to an attraction you always have to exit through the gift shop? Same thing here in NZ. Speaking of shopping, something I've noticed over here is while
you are shopping the shop attendents engage the children. This is a great selling strategy. While your child is being entertained (I mean, entertained - we had one shop owner get out crayons and paper and encouraged Allison to make art for her wall) you are shopping and can concentrate on what you will buy! Love this strategy.
Our last stop was Rainbow Springs - 22 acres or flora and fauna (mostly birds and fish). It is a National Kiwi trust Conservation Center. They also raise different species of trout with the majority being Rainbow trout. So we cruise around this place with a guide and he points out all the different birds, fish and trees. A truely beautiful place. I felt like I was walking through a rainforest - oh, and it was raining (all morning). It's funny how the worst weather on vacation is better than a great day when you are working! Most impressive had to have been the Kiwi's. They really exist. Our guide told us over 70% of New Zealanders have never seen a Kiwi - we're doing pretty good, huh? The Kiwi's are actually a pretty large bird - like the size a hen. The egg they lay is about 2/3's the size of the female -ouch. They are flightless birds and have no tail. Allison loved them and now owns a stuffed animal Kiwi!
While I'm on the subject of stuffed animals - Allison wants a new stuffed animal every time we walk through or by a gift shop. Need to learn to say, NO or I'll be buying another new suitcase. We made our way to "The Warehouse", this is NZ's equivilent of WalMart, and purchased a new suitcase for all of my great souvenirs!! I have 2 1/2 more weeks to go - poor Bill.
We have a break now and will be heading shortly to a Maori dinner and show. We are renting a car tomorrow and making our way somewhere. I don't know what we are doing yet. Bill will post me tonight. Can I tell you how utterly relaxing it is to just go along for the ride - no worries about schedules or reservations. Life is good.
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Jackie
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Great reading
Hi Bill and Sue, I love reading your plogs. It sounds like you are having a great time. I am sure this trip is a dream come true for you Sue. Hope to see some pics soon because I am sure I will never see NZ.