Sharing the pictures and adventures we will experience on our trip to Italy

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

We are not part of a group!

Hi everyone,

We went on a steamship cruise tonight out of the harbor to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It is an old homestead that we actually could see from our hotel. The trip took 45 minutes and they announced that if we sank we could last in the water only 30 minutes. Pretty cold, it was. The house is beautiful and we had a fabulous buffet dinner when we arrived. The dessert table was wonderful too and we had our first chance to taste Pavlova. A wonderful meringue dessert that is mentioned in Mem Fox's picture books for the teachers reading this blog. After dinner we got to see a border collie herding sheep. It was amazing. The farmer, Lindsey, then sheared one of the sheep. Fascinating to watch and the best part was how funny the farmer was. A regular stand up comedian.

There were several groups on the boat and as we drank our ale and wine we toasted the fact that we were 58, single and not in a group. They were really something. Most were pushing their way onto the boat like there was something free for the first 25 passengers. We did meet 2 other women from Australia who were quite interesting to talk to. But not until the end of the evening. On the way back on the boat they had a sing-a-long which was quite fun. Another memorable evening.

We did get the chance to do a little shopping this morning. We found out that the blue pearl comes from the Paua shell and only grows as a half pearl. They are not exported and can only be found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, even though it is only half a pearl, they are very expensive. We didn't buy any of those but did find some other nice things made from the shell. There is always something to buy!

Now to pack and then on to Rotorua tomorrow. This will be our last flight until we leave on Sunday to fly to Okinawa. Lucky, here we come!

Take care. We miss you.

5 comments:

treva said...

What adventures you are having! I'm checking the map of NZ to follow your route. Fjords, sheep-shearing, blue pearls, Pavlova - I can't wait to hear more details ...

BTW, we did observe Earth Hour in Phila. I'm saving the Inquirer article for you, Nancy.

Looking forward to travel reports from Rotorua!
Treva

patty said...

GOOD MORNING. WELL I SURE AM GLAD THAT YOUR SHIP DIDNT SINK. SOUNDS LIKE YOU TWO HAD ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE. NOTHING LIKE THAT GOING ON BACK HERE. JUST RAIN. THE KIDS RECEIVED THEIR POST CARDS IN THE MAIL. WE OF COURSE HAD TO TAKE OURS TO SHOW SPENCER AND JASON. SARAH WALKED IN YESTERDAY HOLDING HERS AND ANNOUNCED, SISSY IS AWAY AT THE BEACH. LOOK AT THE POLAR BEAR SHE SAW?? (SHE MEANT KOALA BEAR.) SHE IS FUNNY. WELL BE SAFE IN YOUR TRAVELS. I AM SURE YOUR FRIEND LUCKY CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS. BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN. CHAT TOMORROW.
LOVE
PAT

CColetta said...

Fliss
BLUE PEARLS!!! Never heard of them but I would love to have one. My life sounds sooo boring compared to yours! My big plans today are to take my car to Nissan then softball ball and dance practice. WOW Oh and I have to go grocery shopping in between.!! Miss you and cant wait to talk to you.
Be safe
Love
Collette

Alex said...

Your descriptions about all the experiences you're having on the trip are so vivid and are a great read. I'm thoroughly enjoying your travels vicariously. Keep the blog reports coming.

Erin said...

Hmmm. Did they tell you about the 30 minutes before or after you boarded the boat... He, he! Can't wait until your next description!

:) Erin