Saturday we left Picton and took the scenic route to Nelson, stopping frequently along the way to take pictures. As we drove along the coast we noticed many cars parked along the side of the road. We turned around, thinking that this must be an especially beautiful scenic stop. As we started walking up the road to a hiking path, we discovered that we were walking beside a woman dressed in silk, wearing high heels, holding the hand of a young boy wearing black pants and a white tuxedo-type shirt. Bagpipes could be heard in the distance. "What's going on?" I asked the fancy dressed lady. She replied, "My daughter is getting married." Will and I continued to the top of the hill where the guests were waiting for the arrival of the bride. By this time will was saying, "Let's get out of here!" So we hurried to the start of the hiking trail. At this point we were trapped as the ceremony had started. Also trapped was a nice young couple from Holland who were riding their bikes all over the southern island. Their 20 month old daughter was in the carrier behind one of the bikes and their camping gear was attached. (What energy these young folks have!) The "I do's " were said and the champagne popped, and we proceeded down the hill, calling ourselves "wedding crashers"!
We continued to Nelson where we checked into another one of those backpacker hostels. We called our new friend, Mary whom we had met on the ferry. We made plans to go to her cottage on the sea. Mary's family cottage is around 100 years old and she has been coming there for as long as she can remember. It is a darling cottage, painted green with red roof and accents. When we arrived, Will and I walked on the beach and Will swam in the ocean. I was the life guard.
Mary had made reservations at the Apple Shed located next to the sea. The dinner was very special. Mary suggested that we start with an olive plate--------Greek olives and green stuffed olives in a warm orange-flavored sauce, homemade crusted bread to dip into an olive oil/balsamic vinegar and spread with roasted garlic. We thought it only proper to have a Nelson wine------Neudorf sauvignon blanc. I ordered salmon with quinoa saffron and sultana pilaf with coconut yogurt dressing. Will had the Apple Shed specialty---- the fish of the day, Turbot, with pea and prawn risotto with lemon hollandaise sauce.
We enjoyed Mary's company as she told us about life, politics and work in NZ. Mary is making a life change by returning to make the cottage her permanent home.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Good News----Will Got His Annual Practice Certificate
We have another change of plans. Will starts work at TeKauwhata on Monday! We will be flying from Nelson to Aukland on Sunday, renting a car and driving to TeKauwhata. We are happy to be able to work in TeKauwhata for a month as the doctors were counting on us and we were looking forward to spending time in this little town of 1,200 people. Now we can save our vacation time for later and can have time to plan it out in more detail. After the month in TeKauwhata Will's cousin, Ron and his wife, Caroline, will join us for 2 weeks of traveling. Our initial plan was to work for 3 months and travel for one month.
The Wine Tasting Tour was great fun! We joined 14 others and were driven by bus to 5 different wineries. It was interesting to learn about the Marlborough area which produces 75% of New Zealand's wine. I remember seeing the name, Marlborough, on many of the NZ wines sold in the states. Monkey Bay is a NZ wine and we visited the winery where it is made. We learned that if you like a special wine and you don't know if you can find it in the states, you can go to the website, www.winesearcher.com and enter the name of the wine.
One of my personal favorites was a sweet after dinner wine called The Doctor's Riesling 2011. I got such a kick out of the wordy description. "NZ 'cult' wine. All citrus on the nose with a hint of granny smith apples. On the palate a touch of natural sweet fruit, then tart and tangy and the most delicate spice A must in your fridge this summer!" I know that when I get back to the states I will look for the NZ Marlborough wines. They are known for their sauvignon blanc which is also a personal favorite of mine.
Frost and birds are the two enemies of the grapes. To warm up the area, helicopters are hired at a cost of $2,000.00 per hour to move the air around to keep the temperature above freezing. Nets are often used to prevent bird attacks.
Tomorrow we plan to drive up the coast from Nelson and enjoy the beaches. We will be looking for the golden sand which they say is beautiful. It will be our first day driving on the left side of the road. Today we got front row seats on the bus and kept our eyes on the road so that we could get the feel for having the driver on the right hand side. The bus driver gave us tips and some "rules of the road".
The Wine Tasting Tour was great fun! We joined 14 others and were driven by bus to 5 different wineries. It was interesting to learn about the Marlborough area which produces 75% of New Zealand's wine. I remember seeing the name, Marlborough, on many of the NZ wines sold in the states. Monkey Bay is a NZ wine and we visited the winery where it is made. We learned that if you like a special wine and you don't know if you can find it in the states, you can go to the website, www.winesearcher.com and enter the name of the wine.
One of my personal favorites was a sweet after dinner wine called The Doctor's Riesling 2011. I got such a kick out of the wordy description. "NZ 'cult' wine. All citrus on the nose with a hint of granny smith apples. On the palate a touch of natural sweet fruit, then tart and tangy and the most delicate spice A must in your fridge this summer!" I know that when I get back to the states I will look for the NZ Marlborough wines. They are known for their sauvignon blanc which is also a personal favorite of mine.
Frost and birds are the two enemies of the grapes. To warm up the area, helicopters are hired at a cost of $2,000.00 per hour to move the air around to keep the temperature above freezing. Nets are often used to prevent bird attacks.
Tomorrow we plan to drive up the coast from Nelson and enjoy the beaches. We will be looking for the golden sand which they say is beautiful. It will be our first day driving on the left side of the road. Today we got front row seats on the bus and kept our eyes on the road so that we could get the feel for having the driver on the right hand side. The bus driver gave us tips and some "rules of the road".
Thursday, January 12, 2012
We're in the South Island
I must say that our experience in NZ is definitely an Adventure with a capital A. Yesterday we took the 3 1/2 hour ferry trip to the south island. We sat down by Mary, a lovely NZ woman. In the time spent on the ferry we talked and talked, sharing about our lives and at the end Mary invited us to stay in the porch of her cottage, located on the coast outside of Tasman. How kind of her! We exchanged phone numbers and email addresses.
It was a beautiful day and as we approached the south island we were impressed with how green everything was---- just like the pictures in the guidebooks!
We checked (cheeked, with the long e sound) into a Backpacker's Hostel. I would say that we were the oldest ones out of the 80 + young folks staying here.
We ate fresh snapper and beef pot pie at a nearby cafe. Then we set off on a trek above the Picton harbor. When it was time to turn around, I set my pack down on the trail and before I knew it, the pack was cascading down the cliff. In typical "Kathy" fashion, I yelled and Will responded by nose-diving down the embankment, grabbing the the pack and luckily getting stopped by the bushes. We laughed and laughed, but later realized how dangerous this was!
It doesn't get dark until after 9:00 so we took advantage of the daylight and strolled back to the hostel. The hostel is quaint and colorful. Our room is painted bright purple, my favorite color. You can easily get lost trying to find the bathrooms. This morning we had toast and jam with coffee in the communal kitchen. The backpackers put their name on their food and store it in one of the refrigerators or on a labeled shelf. Will set out to get us some food at a nearby grocery store.
We were to pick up a rental car, but since it is raining, we decided to cancel the car and book a 1/2 day winery tour of the Marlborough region. We got this idea from talking with one of the young folks from Australia. Previously, we thought we would trek along the Charlotte Trek where you can be dropped off and picked up again by a water taxi. It rained most of the night, so that idea was out. We keep reminding ourselves that this is practice in being flexible.
Yesterday while on the ferry, Emma from NZ Locums, called our cell phone and said that there was a possibility that Will could begin work after all in TeKauwhata if they could get an ok from the NZ medical board. If she gets approval, then we would fly on Sunday or Monday to Hamilton on the north island which is close to TeKauwhata.
Who knows where our next blog will come from!
It was a beautiful day and as we approached the south island we were impressed with how green everything was---- just like the pictures in the guidebooks!
We checked (cheeked, with the long e sound) into a Backpacker's Hostel. I would say that we were the oldest ones out of the 80 + young folks staying here.
We ate fresh snapper and beef pot pie at a nearby cafe. Then we set off on a trek above the Picton harbor. When it was time to turn around, I set my pack down on the trail and before I knew it, the pack was cascading down the cliff. In typical "Kathy" fashion, I yelled and Will responded by nose-diving down the embankment, grabbing the the pack and luckily getting stopped by the bushes. We laughed and laughed, but later realized how dangerous this was!
It doesn't get dark until after 9:00 so we took advantage of the daylight and strolled back to the hostel. The hostel is quaint and colorful. Our room is painted bright purple, my favorite color. You can easily get lost trying to find the bathrooms. This morning we had toast and jam with coffee in the communal kitchen. The backpackers put their name on their food and store it in one of the refrigerators or on a labeled shelf. Will set out to get us some food at a nearby grocery store.
We were to pick up a rental car, but since it is raining, we decided to cancel the car and book a 1/2 day winery tour of the Marlborough region. We got this idea from talking with one of the young folks from Australia. Previously, we thought we would trek along the Charlotte Trek where you can be dropped off and picked up again by a water taxi. It rained most of the night, so that idea was out. We keep reminding ourselves that this is practice in being flexible.
Yesterday while on the ferry, Emma from NZ Locums, called our cell phone and said that there was a possibility that Will could begin work after all in TeKauwhata if they could get an ok from the NZ medical board. If she gets approval, then we would fly on Sunday or Monday to Hamilton on the north island which is close to TeKauwhata.
Who knows where our next blog will come from!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Change in Plans
Instead of working for the next two weeks in TeKauwhata we will be traveling. To work for NZLocums, a CGS is required. During the application period, Will had his CGS (Certificate of Good Standing) sent via the postal service which is the requirement. DORA, Department of Regulatory Agencies, is responsible for providing these certificates. The CGS has to be given within three months of Will's starting date. NZLocums and Will thought that we were within the three month period as Orientation started Jan. 9th, but since he doesn't start working until Jan. 16th it is over the 3 month period. Another certificate must be sent from the states. An email is not sufficient.
This was a major disappointment, but we are trying to adapt and switch gears. Since we are in Wellington, the southern tip of the north island, tomorrow we will be taking a ferry to the south island. We will rent a car and travel for 2 weeks. Then Will plans to work for 2 weeks in TeKauwhata. Let's hope that all the paperwork arrives!!!
This was a major disappointment, but we are trying to adapt and switch gears. Since we are in Wellington, the southern tip of the north island, tomorrow we will be taking a ferry to the south island. We will rent a car and travel for 2 weeks. Then Will plans to work for 2 weeks in TeKauwhata. Let's hope that all the paperwork arrives!!!
Surviving in a Foreign Country
Living in a foreign country even if they speak English presents some initial problems-----there is a learning curve. The other day while writing our blog, I plugged in my laptop using the NZ adapter. After an hour I looked at the % of battery power and to my surprise it registered 23%. What was happening? When I unplugged the adapter I noticed that on the black plug panel was an on/off switch. I plugged in the adapter, plugged in the computer, flipped the switch and within no time I noted an increase in battery power!
Second Aspect-----the Language. Will and I love to hear the New Zealanders talk with their "British-like" accents, however, at times it is hard to understand what is being said. Today a young girl told me that she liked My Accent!
We are adding new words to our NZ Vocabulary:
lift---------elevator
torch------flashlight
"no worries" (said quickly)-------no problem
lovely-----------spoken by men and women
Today we purchased a mobile broadband kit for our computer. The way I understand it, we will get internet coverage wherever there is cell phone coverage. This should be helpful in the rural areas where we will be.
This afternoon NZLocums arranged for a Maori guide to give us a special tour of Te Papa with the emphasis on the Maori customs and belief systems. He advised the doctors to ask the patient before touching their head otherwise they would be offended. Another interesting custom is that they bury the placenta after childbirth. Children are taught to not look at their elders when they are being spoken to. (This is the opposite of what we teachers would expect from our students.) Will and I hope to learn more about the Maori people-------500,000 in NZ.
Second Aspect-----the Language. Will and I love to hear the New Zealanders talk with their "British-like" accents, however, at times it is hard to understand what is being said. Today a young girl told me that she liked My Accent!
We are adding new words to our NZ Vocabulary:
lift---------elevator
torch------flashlight
"no worries" (said quickly)-------no problem
lovely-----------spoken by men and women
Today we purchased a mobile broadband kit for our computer. The way I understand it, we will get internet coverage wherever there is cell phone coverage. This should be helpful in the rural areas where we will be.
This afternoon NZLocums arranged for a Maori guide to give us a special tour of Te Papa with the emphasis on the Maori customs and belief systems. He advised the doctors to ask the patient before touching their head otherwise they would be offended. Another interesting custom is that they bury the placenta after childbirth. Children are taught to not look at their elders when they are being spoken to. (This is the opposite of what we teachers would expect from our students.) Will and I hope to learn more about the Maori people-------500,000 in NZ.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Day In Wellington
I have internet connection for 1/2 hour so I will tell you more about our adventures. Wellington is a beautiful city, but there is a cartoon image of residents bent doubled over as they struggle to make their way against the chilly wind. We put on our raingear and got our umbrellas to head out. First stop was Mr. Buns----recommended by a local at the hotel. Mr. Buns is an all day breakfast bakery. We got a table by the window and watched the people go by as we waited for chicken asparagus omelets and banana pancakes. I noticed a rather large woman choosing a pie for lunch. I asked her about it and she responded that New Zealanders enjoy minced meat pies for lunch. Her personal favorite had mashed potatoes on top. We'll be sure to try these on our journeys.
After a relaxed brunch we walked in the rain to Te Papa Museum-------free. We were especially interested in learning about the native peoples, the Maori, so we headed to Floor #4 which had exhibits relating to their way of life. Knowing our time was limited we purchased tickets for an hour guided tour of the museum. It is my hope to return by myself while Will is in Orientation.
One unusual exhibit was the earthquake house. You stand in a frame house and feel the effects of a major earthquake. (While I was typing my first post today, I noticed a couple sitting across from me. When I looked up from typing, they started a conversation with me. They are from Christ Church and told me all about the effects of the earthquakes on the people. When we finished our conversation they gave me their phone number and email address and invited me to get in touch if we get to Christ Church. I have heard that the people of NZ are friendly and on my third day I have proof!)
On the way to our hotel we stopped at a little Malaysian cafe and ordered satay and curry chicken----delicious! We decided that we can't eat out every meal so found a grocery/liquor store and stocked up on fruit, yogurt, cheese, fresh bread, and wine. We will be learning about the NZ wines, but this time we took the recommendation of another New Zealander-------pinot gris from the Nelson area.
Will is at Orientation today and I am a woman of leisure.
Until I blog again,
Kath
After a relaxed brunch we walked in the rain to Te Papa Museum-------free. We were especially interested in learning about the native peoples, the Maori, so we headed to Floor #4 which had exhibits relating to their way of life. Knowing our time was limited we purchased tickets for an hour guided tour of the museum. It is my hope to return by myself while Will is in Orientation.
One unusual exhibit was the earthquake house. You stand in a frame house and feel the effects of a major earthquake. (While I was typing my first post today, I noticed a couple sitting across from me. When I looked up from typing, they started a conversation with me. They are from Christ Church and told me all about the effects of the earthquakes on the people. When we finished our conversation they gave me their phone number and email address and invited me to get in touch if we get to Christ Church. I have heard that the people of NZ are friendly and on my third day I have proof!)
On the way to our hotel we stopped at a little Malaysian cafe and ordered satay and curry chicken----delicious! We decided that we can't eat out every meal so found a grocery/liquor store and stocked up on fruit, yogurt, cheese, fresh bread, and wine. We will be learning about the NZ wines, but this time we took the recommendation of another New Zealander-------pinot gris from the Nelson area.
Will is at Orientation today and I am a woman of leisure.
Until I blog again,
Kath
We Made It To New Zealand
Wednesday evening, Jan. 4th, the night before leaving for NZ, Will and I were busy packing and "ticking off" as the New Zealanders would say, our list which had grown to #83.
Diana, Michaele, and Ellie, close family friends, will be house sitting for us while we're gone. For this reason, we were dumping clothes in boxes to open up dresser drawers and transferring hanging clothes from one closet to another. At 2:30 A.M. we hit the sack and were awakened 4 hours later at 6:30 by our alarm.
Our flight went well and we were able to sleep, arriving in Aukland feeling rested. The only set back occurred when they weighed our carry-on bags and found them to be overweight. Problem solved by paying more money.
We flew from Aukland to Wellington, a one hour flight. Wellington is the capitol of NZ and located at the south of the north island. We spent a "lovely" day riding the cable car and touring the Botanical Gardens which were established in 1868. The Lady Norwood Rose Garden has 106 beds.
Wellington has long been compared to San Francisco. Quoting from the guidebook, "In addition to a susceptibility to earthquakes and a punishingly hilly topography, both cities have a superb coastal location with ocean vistas, an abundance of cool, sunny weather, and a shared penchant for old wooden houses done up in rainbow colors." Like San Francisco, Wellington has cable cars.
On Sunday we woke up to rain. Our friends, the Daleys, had called us on Wednesday before we left town to tell us to bring rain pant, rain jackets, umbrellas, and ponchos. They had just returned from a trip to Australia and NZ and had encountered rain. Following their advice, we were prepared for our Sunday adventure.
I will post this now as I have limited internet connection and may loose it all if it goes out on me.
Diana, Michaele, and Ellie, close family friends, will be house sitting for us while we're gone. For this reason, we were dumping clothes in boxes to open up dresser drawers and transferring hanging clothes from one closet to another. At 2:30 A.M. we hit the sack and were awakened 4 hours later at 6:30 by our alarm.
Our flight went well and we were able to sleep, arriving in Aukland feeling rested. The only set back occurred when they weighed our carry-on bags and found them to be overweight. Problem solved by paying more money.
We flew from Aukland to Wellington, a one hour flight. Wellington is the capitol of NZ and located at the south of the north island. We spent a "lovely" day riding the cable car and touring the Botanical Gardens which were established in 1868. The Lady Norwood Rose Garden has 106 beds.
Wellington has long been compared to San Francisco. Quoting from the guidebook, "In addition to a susceptibility to earthquakes and a punishingly hilly topography, both cities have a superb coastal location with ocean vistas, an abundance of cool, sunny weather, and a shared penchant for old wooden houses done up in rainbow colors." Like San Francisco, Wellington has cable cars.
On Sunday we woke up to rain. Our friends, the Daleys, had called us on Wednesday before we left town to tell us to bring rain pant, rain jackets, umbrellas, and ponchos. They had just returned from a trip to Australia and NZ and had encountered rain. Following their advice, we were prepared for our Sunday adventure.
I will post this now as I have limited internet connection and may loose it all if it goes out on me.
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