Wrapping it all up...

Before I wrap up my trip to New Zealand, I thought I would share what we did during the last week while I was there....

On Friday 6/29 we left for our week of traveling.  It was one of the best weeks I have ever had!  Annie and Kathy were on break from school and we had a week of laughter, fun and exploration.  I know I posted a few pics of the week when I was at the internet cafe, but I wanted to share the rest of the week.

We did a lot of walking....I mean A LOT...it was great!  It felt so good to be eating so well with fresh food and be out in the cold air and walking around exploring an amazing country.  The weather cooperated with us...for the most part.  There was only 1 rainy day, which was great because we just shopped...duh, what else do you do on a rainy day?!?!  The rest of the time it was COLD, but perfect.  We had sunshine and that was all that mattered.

Ready for lift off

The view in the canyon

Getting out of the zorb

White water rafting

Zip lining was great.  I never thought I would do anything adventerous like that in my life.  I decided this was my summer of new experiences and I wasn't going to say no to trying new things.  It was worth it.  Annie and I were strapped in and went 1/2 a mile across a canyon at 100 miles an hour.  So FUN!  The ride back was great too, because we were pushed slowly back and got to see the beautiful views of the river and canyon.  The other great adventures were white water rafting and "zorbing".  The zorb is basically a giant ball that you are strapped into and pushed down a hill.  It was less than a minute, and very bumpy, but very worth it.  I was definitely sick after that one!  White water rafting was not as cold as you would expect.  I think just because we were working so hard at rowing and staying in the boat that you forget how cold it is.

While in Rotorua, we went to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.  I probably laughed more that day than any other.  Annie was a little picture crazy, so you would kill me if I attempted to put them all up.  So I will just put up a few...of my favorites.  You will notice that most of them are ridiculous...just the way I like it :)

There is a geyser behind me...my mind is not exploding...

Annie and I decided it looked like Jurassic Park and there needed to be some dinosaurs.

Who knows?!?!

Uhm...who knows!

It was supposed to look like Janice uncovered a lost dinosaur...but it looks like she discovered me peeing behind a bush...oops!

Had to have a feet picture.

This picture doesn't even do it justice...it was NEON green.  Beautiful!

We also went to a Powhiri at a Maori village.  We were able to see ceremonial rituals, performances, and a hang feast.  The culture was so beautiful and it reminded me so much of living in Hawaii.  There were many similarities with their dancing and Hula as well as their Hangi and Luaus.  The performances were amazing and the food was delicious.

Since I have been home, so many people have asked me what my favorite part of the trip was.  It would be impossible for me to pinpoint one thing.  I think that staying with Annie and Kerry was the best part of it.  I feel like I was fully immersed into the culture and not just a tourist.  I loved the people, again it reminded me of Hawaii.  They were all so warm and friendly.  I loved the food.  Let me say that one again...I loved the food.  I am a picky eater, and I loved everything (except mussels). It didn't hurt that Annie was great at whipping things up, I better get out those cookbooks before she gets here.  New Zealand is just a beautiful country, both land and people.  I am excited for the day that I can take Mike and the girls back there with me.  

I could write for hours about the trip, but I know people would hate it :)  It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and will never forget it.  I can't wait till December when Annie and Kathy come to visit us in Arizona.

Cheers!