Problems in paradise?
Ok, it must be evident to all of you who sometimes read my blog that there are problems. Luckily they are all due to shitty Internet cafes in Fidji that have windows 98, browsers not supporting this or whatever. I have thus far failed to find any place that allows the use of USB's so might be a while until real updates with pics. Also, I have tried to chill a bit as this constant travelling is taking its toll on me. Don't worry, everything is ok! (that one was for mom..) Tomorrow I will embark on a 5-day adventure tour around Viti Levu, main island of Fidji -so probably next time you will see activity here might be up to next sunday or monday.
But anyways, about New Zealand (the massive Fidji package is coming up later, hopefully with pics...): I spent the last full day in Rotorua, a city some four hours south of Auckland. The place looked like an American midwest small city that was dropped between beautiful mountains and a huge lake (Lake Rotorua). In this setting there are hiding some old Maori villages, which are right next to geothermal wonders like hot spots, mud pools, geysirs, etc. becuase the Maori believe that those are gifts from their gods. Due to shortage of time I picked the "one stop shop" there, Te Puia. There I saw the Maori habits, how they live and make their handicrafts -not to mention all the natural wonders among them, including Pohutu, a geysir that erupts some 30-40 minutes per day peaking at 40 meters of height. Later I spent time wondering in the town itself and noted that the people actually have hot spots right in their backyards, so the area is really active! And the dead are buried in sealed coffins above the ground as the earth's crust is too thin for safe digging.
My hostel in Auckland was some 3 kilometers from the center, so I had to walk through the hills (more like mountains) in a hurry in the morning to catch the bus to the airport. Upon arrival to the airport I walked straight into a bar, totally dehydrated and exhausted, just to be greeted with an unappreciating question: "You are one of the early birds, aren't you?" So what if I just really needed a cold one at 10.30 am? Luckily, customer is king in that country as well.
Concluding, New Zealand is a place with numerous activity opportunities (especially extreme sportsmen and -women and adventurers, head here...) ranging from skydiving to sailing and glacier hikes. This place has everything one could imagine nature having. The older parts have beautiful beaches and sand dunes whereas you have the young, big and snow-topped volcanic mountains right next to them. One would need a month the very least to say that has experienced this country. Have to get back here as well, some day when I am not too old for all the experiences.
Best national beer tasted: Steinlager
Best national dish: Lamb cutlet in sweet and sour garlic sauce
Best sight/experience: Te Puia trip
posted by Kassu @ 9:06 PM
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