It's An Adventure
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009 - DAY 4, WANGANUI
11.16.2009
It took awhile because I (Alison) got sick Vegas-style. But we've moved on. Auckland was fine but not much different than any other city. Same crappy radio as the US with hideous morning DJs. McDonalds, Burger King, KFC on every corner. Whangerei was nothing special either BTW. So after two nights we were happy to leave, even though the hotel was really beautiful. Maybe I just didn't give it enough of a chance because we weren't able to venture out and see other areas, like Ponsonby, the second night. But the drive from Auckland to Taupo was nice (other than feeling like I was going to throw up). Chris is doing really well and not getting too upset. I know it's difficult concentrating so much but so far no worries!
When you hear there are a lot of sheep here you don't realize there are A LOT of sheep here. They are actually everywhere. And cows, too. Even in larger towns people have them in their yards.
We stayed at a really cool place Sunday night. Rex & Donna Farrell have a home, Bellbird Ridge Alpaca Farm, they use as a B&B. They have 10 gorgeous acres way out in the country with 4 alpaca and a small flock of sheep, along with a 6-month old labradoodle named Jack. An old sheep, Dolly, lives with the alpacas. When you shake a food bucket they all come running, and Dolly knocks the alpacas out of the way to get the food. She even climbs up the fence to get your attention. There area is a lot like Seattle with many of the same plants - like rhodies - and similar weather.
We drove from Taupo to the Waitomo Glowworm caves - really cool to see all the little larva that make the roof of the cave look like an amazing night sky. Then down to Wanganui. It's a very quaint old town with really cool architecture. Our hotel is on the river and the folks who own it are so nice. Well, just about everyone we met has been so nice. It's an old hotel that they've updated a bit. It mostly caters to backpackers but we have the only room with its own bath.
Tomorrow on to Wellington for our last night on the North Island!
Also, the newscasters are so much funnier here. Great senses of humor, not to mention, more racy!
Posted by ChrisAlis 23:14 Archived in New Zealand
