I am staying the night at Poipoi, a typically tiny hamlet, at the house of "Dodderyoldfart", the blogger who runs Rest Area 300. I knew that he is a road worker, and he turned to be such a fascinating guy, and so different from what I expected... Also, he is the first "blogger" I've ever met.
This trip is turning out to be excellent. Already on my second day I've reached the conclusion that this is the place where I want to live the rest of my life. My main problem will be not to make the move before my target date. I still have some financial considerations that I need to complete before making the switch, and I hope that I will not ignore them, and try to hurry up the process instead.
Because New Zealand seems to be everything that I expected it to be, and more. First of all, it's just beautiful, so green & lush. I've logged over 1,600 km in the car, and haven't seen anything ugly yet. Everything is so clean, so peaceful, so simple. The people I met were ALL really nice, each in their own way.
There is nearly no traffic anywhere! I drive for hours on the main "motorways" (highways) 1,2,3,16,25 & others, and most of the times I am alone on the road for 10-20 minutes!
There is very little visible commercialisation of space. Everything is unspoiled, uncluttered, simple: I hiked to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, which is the northern spot of the country. At the end of the peninsula you drive through 20 km of gravel road, and when you get there, there are majestic rocks, vistas and a little sign, explaining that this is the place where the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean. But there is not a single store selling trinkets, no soft drink machine, no bus tours, no brochures. Just nature.
Also, many cute cows, sheep & llamas everywhere, very fresh food, a strong coffee and art culture, and so much more. The music on the radio focuses mostly on late 70's blend of UB40, Paul Simon from the Graceland era, lots of Crowded House, and the other local bands, The Feelers & The Dudes.
It also rains a lot.
I’ve had many excellent experiences during the first week, but I don’t have time to share them now. I’ll just say that this afternoon I met Nandor Tanczos at a gas station in Hamilton. He is a member of parliament for the Greens party, and his intricate dreads are over 5 feet long...
And no, I didn't take the SkyJump...
Anyway, I’ll probably continue with the story here only sporadically until my return home, and then I’ll add lots of good links, photos & background. Please leave comments & messages below.
But are you going to try your luck with the ZORB?
http://www.zorb.co.nz/menu.html
Posted by: Brian | December 23, 2005 at 05:52 AM
Not to be difficult, but I wonder how long NZ will remain lush, green, and uncommercialized? Seems like Californians are discovering it, and possibly bringing the ills of California with them...
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Happiest of Holiday to YOU! I am jealous. So glad you have shared this site. ~Wonderful~
Posted by: Sallie | December 23, 2005 at 06:52 PM
Glad to hear you're having a great time, I cant wait to see some pictures!
Merry Christmas...wait, never mind, you dont believe in it. Happy Holidays!!
Posted by: Izzy | December 23, 2005 at 08:23 PM
Are you planning on fitting Napier into your itinerary Hanan??
If so drop me a gmail and I'll tell you some spots.
Posted by: TheProphet | December 24, 2005 at 12:55 AM
Hi prophet - I tried to email you the other day, but your email bounced back. So, please send me a good one... As far as Napier, I was there last night, and had a great evening by the water, at one of those fancy/trendy/yuppy waterholes...
Hello Izzy!
Posted by: Hanan | December 24, 2005 at 08:23 PM
Our theory is that a Californian who recognises the special charm of New Zealand is a good Californian, remembering that a)they have to enjoy the untouched wilderness etc etc etc, b)not be bothered by the independence of NZ foreign policy and c)accept the fact that the country is not jumping with the latest consumer durables, cable and baseball.
Have a beer with the restarea expert for me - he is a pleasure to read in that way which you know means he is a terrific person.
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