reflections on NZ

Well, I'm back home in Minnesota now. What a trip! As I sit and decompress today, I am having thoughts about the adventure. These are some of the things that are going through my mind:

- it's nice to tee off at 4:00 pm and still get in 18 holes (ah, summer)
- it's nice to wear shorts and a tee shirt on Christmas day
- it's fun to see the flowers and trees in bloom in December
- it's great to fire up the bbq on new year's eve
- it's nice to have tan lines in January
- it's strange not seeing chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, etc.
- it's a pleasure to not have to deal with our presidential election process 24/7
- it's nice to see that there are places in the world where the top story on the news isn't the war in Iraq
- it's fun to go for a bike ride on new year's day
- it's invigorating to have the windows open and hear the birds sing
- it's interesting to read the sports page and not have a clue what any of it means
- it's fun gazing at the Southern Cross and all the other stars
- it's interesting to talk with people halfway across the world who also think our president is an embarrassment
- New Zealand is the most beautiful place I've ever been, but it's a very long plane ride away
- the Kiwis are very friendly people

on returning home
- it's very cold here
- it's nice to use an electric razor again
- it's good to sleep in my own bed
- it's good to hear Minnesota Public Radio
- it's great to be with the one's I love
- for as much as I enjoyed it, it's good to be home!

Thanks to all of you for listening to me ramble. It was nice knowing someone was out there!
Regards to all. Scott

farewell Nelson

It is January 23rd and I am ready to come home. I will be leaving Nelson this afternoon. It has been a fantastic trip and a beautiful place.
Even though it is not yet the 23rd at home, since it is here, I can wish Chris a happy birthday. Happy birthday Chris!

kite contest

A kite flying contest was held on Sunday. Unfortunately, the winds were relatively mild and not great for the kite folks. It's too bad because it was really windy Saturday. Oh well. In any event, it was a beautiful day otherwise and people seemed to have plenty of fun. The color of the kites and expertise of the kite flyers was impressive.
Today was the state funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary. It was quite a big deal here. I heard one commentator say he is probably the most famous kiwi of all time. Apparently he was a very humble man and a true national hero. Here's to you Sir Ed!

bowls

This is another new game for me. They call it lawn bowling or bowls. I am told it was originally a men's game and croquet was developed as a counterpart for women. Lawn bowling is played on a grass surface much like a golf putting green. The object, it appears, is to get the large balls as close to the small white ball as possible (similar to bocce ball or petanque.) While I was watching, there were 8 games occuring simultaneously, each played on a narrow section of the lawn called a rink (like a bowling alley). Each team would alternate bowling a ball toward the small ball. I have seen many lawn bowling clubs around town. This may be the counterpart to our beer soft ball leagues.

no junk mail

What a great place! All you need to do is put a notice on your mailbox and, voila, no more junk mail. This is a very common site in NZ. By the way, clear blue skies, sunny and 80 today.

cricket: and I don't mean Jim'ny

On Sunday, a cricket game was held at the local stadium. It was a regional team playing their counterparts from Auckland. I must say I was lost for the 1st hour or so. I got some insight from a fellow observer. In the end, I think I understand the basics. However, I'm not sure I'd rush to the next game. The game started at noon. After about an hour or so, I left to play croquet with my croquet friends. I returned about 2 hours later and it was just half-time! I went home, got the grill going, called Brenda and Chris, cooked my dinner, ate my dinner, returned to the stadium about 6:15, and the game was still going. It didn't end until about 7:20. How is that for a way to spend your Sunday?! I don't need another sport to follow anyway!
Just in case you've been wondering about my tomato plants, I'll have you know they are full of tomatoes and some are beginning to ripen. I bet you thought I was daffy when I planted those.

lemons

There are many things about NZ that are fascinating and intriguing. One is the many different varieties of birds and plants that I have seen and/or heard. Many I am unfamiliar with. I suspect that we have some in the US, just not in Minnesota. One tree that fits that category is a lemon tree just off our deck. It has been a pleasure to look at and enjoy. I have never picked a fresh lemon before until now.