On to New Zealand

Hi All,


We're now in Wellington, New Zealand. We arrived last night and this morning we were off to a late start. It's raining pretty well and Wellington is living up to it's reputation for being "the windy city". Our run this morning was slow, up and down hills, and against the wind. The views from our home stay are gorgeous, as it is on top of a hill looking out over the water and the mountains in the distance. We can even see the South Island, which is not too far. Our host, who has lived here for 43 years from Europe, is extremely kind and knowledgeable. We'll keep you posted on what adventures we come across in the next week. Hopefully, the weather will pick up too. We have four weeks here in NZ and we're expecting to encounter all types of weather and environments. No rush, we have time on our side.


As for now, we'll fill you in on the rest of our time in Australia. Melbourne Cup day was quite a scene. By two in the afternoon, bars and pubs were filled with people having a very good time. It's like the country stops to celebrate and enjoy. The women dressed up in dresses, hats, and heels. Watching them walk down the streets in the rain was true entertainment. The hats were not like the big Kentucky Derby hats we know, rather they were headpieces made of feathers and fabrics pinned up on top of elaborate hair styles. They looked wonderful. Two days after Melbourne Cup day in Australia is "Ladies Day" and basically it's a day for ladies of all ages to go out together and celebrate being, well, a woman. How great is that.

The best highlight of the week was our day trip to Fraser Island. It is about an hour or so north of where we were and you can only get there by way of a ferry. We initially planned to hire (rent) and 4wd and drive the beaches and rain forests ourselves. We were talked out of it and glad for it. Due to cloudy weather and spats of rain, our private tour with a couple of other people was truly amazing. Our guide, Mark, was a crocodile and snake hunter and a true Aussie. He was fantastic; Steve Irwin style accent and lingo. We learned so much about the plant life, animal life, Aboriginal history, and culture of the island and it's surrounding Queensland. The day included a ride that went from bumpy terrain to the smooth track of fine and white sand. We experienced everything from champagne on the beach, to a swim in the bluest fresh water lake, hiking through a rain forest, to sitting on a ferry enjoying the views. Australians are serious about conservation and we loved hearing about the efforts and organization to do so. Finally, we lucked out on seeing native and natural animal life. We saw so many kangaroos grazing in open fields, we even got close enough to take some good photos. They are a trip, with their big back legs and little arms. So cute!! We also saw three Imus, which are the Australian version of Ostrich. They are shy creatures and usually hide away but Jason spotted some and when we stopped they hung out for a few minutes. We saw a deer, two dingos, which are like cotoyes (we heard the story of "the dingo ate my baby" for those who know that saying from Seinfeld), and a white bellied eagle. The only thing we didn't see was a Koala. We looked and looked....didn't happen.

Fraser Island is teeming and full of life. The drives down the huge white beaches, with fast speeds, and the surf pounding off the coast line next to us spoke of freedom, exhilaration, and fulfillment. We held hands and we were both thinking the same thing "this is what it's about." Hiking through dark, freshly rained on rain forests looking at ferns and trees that were thousands of years old retaught us the reverence we should all have for the earth. The vines and trees that climb, twist, and wrap around, up, and down the rain forest reminded us that nature is the best artist; moving elegantly while creating stunning shapes and lines. The light from the sun way above the tree tops drew lines across the forest providing a lighted stage for the play, sounds, smells, and colors of nature. Being in situations like this remind us that integrating ourselves into nature and the earth is not that far from us no matter where we live. Why then do we always forget it and not enjoy is at much as we can?

From mid week until we left Australia I had to teach four days in Marrochydore. The mornings were filled with jogs along the beach watching the surfers and fisherman. I remember people telling me that jogging is the best way to see a new place. This was of course before I began running, and now that I do, I agree there is no better way to explore little streets, find shops and restaurants, and see people living there lives. One morning we woke up early and drove to the Glass House Mountain range and went for an amazing morning hike. The hike, straight up, lead us to breathtaking 360 views of valleys, the ocean, farmland, far off city of Brisbane, and other peaks. At the top was an Aussie family that we enjoyed the views with as they told us about their life in the surrounding town. When they left us, we sat for a bit in a peaceful silence as we listened to the breeze rustle through trees below, far off cars on highways, and buzzing insects. It was at this point that we decided to make the best of a situation that happened the day before.

As I was teaching the day before, Jason was very excited to go for his first Australian surf. I sent him off knowing that he would enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of the activity that he loves so much but doesn't get to do a ton of. I came back to the apartment for lunch and Jason was there, waiting. I asked "How was it?", he looked up with big tears in his eyes. I asked "Did you suck, did you get hurt?" He held up his left hand, with fingers extended, and with no wedding ring; it slipped off into the Pacific ocean on his second wave. He was devastated and we both heartbroken. The sentimental value more important that any cost value. Feeling upset and stupid for not remembering to take it off, Jason apologized and I touched was by his concern and of course, not angry with him at all; just sad like he was. Back to the mountain top while being surrounded by the pure beauty and power of our hike and the reaping the benefits of our effort, we decided to buy Jason a new ring in New Zealand and on one of the next mountain tops we stand on together we will recite our vows. This new ring will represent, of course, our great trip but mostly importantly, our marriage and ability to work through and adapt to situations that happen, getting over the bumps in life, no matter how small or big, together.

Travel brings out the best and worst in people and relationships. So far we've laughed a ton, discussed the silly to the complex, argued over what to wear to driving directions, had fantastic romance to the mundane of real life. We've been frustrated, amused, in awe, confused, challenged, peaceful, excited and much more with our surroundings and with each other, but all these feelings our accompanied with love and being in love with one another and these new places we are discovering together.

There are many other little stories about dinners in Australia, my experience teaching there, and meeting and spending time with great people. The week in Australia left us wanting more and me with several big bug bites. It was so much more than we thought. Now, it's time to get to New Zealand. It's cold and were bundled up ready to go.

Lots of love and take care,
Leah and Jason