Plimmerton is a really quaint beach town that was perfect to spend the afternoon in. After my class Friday morning, we left for our wonderful roadtrip. Plimmerton isn't far away at all, and after getting there, wefound a cafe (pronounced 'calf' - like your body part or the animal), had some lunch, and hurried out to explore. The day was just basically spent walking on the beach, collecting shells, and enjoying the gorgeous day. We could not have asked for a more beautiful weekend in terms of the weather.
Sidestory #1: Colin had not been feeling his best, but because he is the macho man that he is and never gets sick, he didn't think much of it. That night, he started running a high fever, couldn't swallow, hurt all over, etc. Just all around miserable. First thought? Swine Flu. Just kidding. Apparently NZ thinks it is a really 'sweet as' idea to close everything at like 5, so when I went out to desperately find some medicine, my only luck was at a 'new age' herbal remedy store. If you and I are on the same page, you will know how this story turns out. At this point, I was willing to take anything I could get my hands on. Well, $40 of herbal remedies later, and the guarantee of the owner, I hurried back just praying that Colin would start feeling better. Alas, a chocolate milkshake would have given him the same 'relief' these wonderdrugs did. I mean, 450 white pills that dissolve on your tongue and a surefire 'kiwi spray' that swore would get rid of a sore throat kind of shot up some initial red flags for me, but again, I was desperate. Anyways, the next morning we found some legit cold/flu medicine before we got on the road, and he is almost back to normal now. Hooray! (Mrs. D., he is drinking his OJ and Grandma D., I am trying to get him to gargle...)
The roadtrip to Tongariro was anything short of amazing. Wellington is really just like any big city. It definitely has a kiwi touch to it, but until you get a car and drive 45 minutes out, you don't really really know you are in NZ. Believe me, after those 45 minutes, you will already have seen sights that will take your breath away. I'm quite sure it took almost 90 extra minutes because of our extra detours and photo opportunities (I mean where can you NOT stop and get an amazing picture?) Oh, speaking of which, we saw so many sheep! Apparently the ratio is 35 sheep to every person. I believe it. I even made us go back because I saw two baby sheep by the road and no mommy nearby. We turned around (close to impossible on these 2 lane, 2 way winding roads), but we saw the mommy sheep come out. Oh, and we also saw a sheep birth! Well, Colin saw the first part, and we had to find a place to turn around to go back. There are 2 more sheep in the world (yeah, twins!!)Tongariro National Park. Well, we finally arrived, got more drugs in Colin's system, went to the only convenient store/gas station to get snacks for lunch the next day, and had a nice wood-fired pizza for dinner. Sunday morning, we woke up early, had breakfast at the backpacker's lodge, and headed out to do some tramping! Colin had suggested a nice 10 mile tramp to see the lakes (view videos), and get extremely close to Mt. Ruapehu (active volcano). I agreed, but against my better judgement, figured that this 10 mile tramp wouldn't contain the hills that NZ is known for. Hahaha yeahh. We had a beyond gorgeous day to be outside, and Colin was feeling better. The hike was just really wonderful. The pictures and videos try and do this magnificent place justice, but it is impossible to capture the true blue color of the sky and just the sheer beauty with a mere camera.
Sidestory #2: I have been having stomach issues since I have come here, and I am starting to believe it is a gluten intolerance. Anyways, that's not the funny part. I have been trying to be a bit more gluten friendly to myself, but gave in with the reheated pizza, 2 bites of ice cream and tiramisu, and chicken wrap after an exhausting hike. Within 20 minutes of dinner, my stomach bloated to the size of a 3-4 month old pregnant person. Painful, yet comical. It hurt to laugh at the time, and I was doing the pregnant lady squat vs. bending over, but looking back I wish I would have taken a picture. Colin was so good to me, but I think it freaked him out a bit too. Me=pregnant. Father=Gluten.
Anyways, enjoy the videos! I hope that they work. Oh, and the first one cuts out because I underestimated the steepness/difficulty of the first hill and didn't want to make you all motion-sick. In retrospect, I guess I could have attached it to a headband or something. Next time...
...and the part two.
Anyways, while it was a great weekend, it was just good to be back. I made it back for my geology lab, and got a 9/10 on my quiz (and no, the point off was not for a spelling error like my last 2 quizzes have been!!!). 'Sweet as'. You know the feeling of having a wonderful time away from 'home', and all you want to do it curl into your bed and take a nice shower? Surprisingly I felt that way about coming back. Despite the shower shoes, itchy wool blanket, and rave music, I was excited to be back 'home'. I guess I am really coming around.
More adventures to come later.
Oh, and if you need a link to see my facebook pictures, here you go: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2795508&id=8366411&l=c0239c6d3e
It so good to hear about you exciting adventures and see the beauty of NZ. It sounds like you've gotten to be a tour guide and nurse all in one. I can't think of a better one. Glad you're enjoying NZ. My parents had spent time there and it was one of their favorite spots in the world. Take care, learn much and love life!
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