New Zeal-landers

Wow! What a time we had in New Zealand! It was with great zeal (all puns intended) that we discovered the land … the lakes.. islands …beaches … rainforests. The landscapes we saw evocated far oft memories of maybe a book, a photo, a fairy tale?

We spent the first part of our ten-day trip in the welcoming home of Zac’s family on their farm outside Auckland. Our first glimpse of New Zealand was from their porch settled above rolling hills, some gentle and some steep. Although it was winter, the hills lay covered with a verdant green, cattle and sheep grazed nearby. A large hawk drifted on the waves of wind overhead. Although we saw much on the trip to New Zealand this first look remains the strongest.

Cavill Avenue

There is always something happening at Cavill Avenue … planned or not. I have seen people playing jazz on the sax, flamenco on the guitar, and Korean magic tricks. It is as much fun to people watch as to shop and that much is free!

Burleigh Beach

Burliegh Beach is one of my favorite locations. The beach is beautiful, the town square is peaceful. A bowling green is in the center and I have stopped to watch them play, they are pretty intense in this afternoon's pursuit. There is also a drumming session on the beach on Sunday afternoon that mixes percussion with the crescendo the surf. The Old Burleigh Theater is right across from one of the best restaurants on the coast, Oskars. Spectacular views, wonderful service, and exquisite cuisine combined with friends or that special someone makes for an evening to remember.

Another Kind of Independence

QDeck, seventy–seven stories above the Gold Coast holds a unique freedom.

There were no fireworks on the Gold Coast to celebrate Independence Day, but a freedom from everyday perspective was celebrated as we viewed the coast from above.