As she said it would be… She is talking about the difference between the North and South Islands. Sometimes when we read, we must go back and pick up where we left off. So that is what we will do.
-The south is more mountainous…at least where we are now on the east side. Tomorrow we head to the west coast and the glaciers and fjords. To be continued.
-Because there’s not a lot of industry, the air is clean. And because they are dedicated to using every available resource, they recycle all they can. So there’s not a lot of rubbish in the streets or along the roadways. And they’re careful about packaging. Most packages are recycled products or recyclable.
-One of the most civilized things is that toilets are not gender specific. And they’re clean. Public loos are the norm, rather than having them in stores. And they are considered multifunctional. For instance, they might be public art, or information stations, or in a complex of food venues and small select museums of specific to the area.
No matter where they live, however, New Zealanders love where they live and they don’t seem to be critical of other customs. They just ARE. They BE . I hope. The smile. And smile back
Sunday morning arrived early…at least it was almost daylight, and we were at the train station well before 7, thanks to Guy who is well older than , having been brought by his parents from Lake Como region of Italy when he was 15. And, he said, that was 1951. Surely he was pulling our collective nose.
Once again, The Great New Zealand Journey proves to be accurate and the tranzalpine train is a great way to travel.
Loving the couple we met on the train from Berkeley area who are traveling for 4 months. Originally from Canada, they have lived in the states for 4 years. Michael is an internet, Michelle (or Michel) is a teacher and artist,. They have been in Japan, now NZ, next stop Nepal where he will teach for several weeks at a med. school. Hope to meet their adult children in Barcelona for Christmas.
There is one main road from Franz Josef to Queensland. While the department of transportation maintains it well (rock slides and all) and monitors for same, there is only enough money to maintain a single lane bridge. Therefor drivers and not only mindful of the bridges, but respectful of other drivers and the right of way. But then the Kiwi seem to be respectful people whether driving or walking.
People don’t seem to be tattooed just to be tattooed. The tats seem to have a purpose.
lots of red tipped photunia?