From Whangerei we headed on up to an area known as Hikurangi everyone we told about our new years party there laughed or looked at us strangely. "I hope you don't get kidnapped by hillbillies" or "there is absolutely nothing up there" were common responses following "why???".
As it happened it was an extremely good way to see in the new year. People were supposed to 'dress up' so we lazily bought 3 last minute, extra large sombreros and some (not very sticky) moustaches and hung out of the windows of the beemer yelling things like "andele!" and arriba arriba it's tequila time!!!". Soon after our magnificent entrance we realised that most people hadn't even bothered dressing up and our meager attempt look slightly overdone in comparison. Still I've always wanted to be a mexicano!!!
Young Jim on the right had the same idea so we allowed him to be an honorary Mexican even though he didn't have moustache!
The party went down very well I am still amazed at how well everyone gets on with each other. The 3 months may as well be 3 years. So to use my classic phrase that I use when I don't want to let everyone know about my crazy debauched behaviour, "much fun was had!" Its candid but not that candid ladies and gentlemen...
Anyway the next day we headed off to the charming coastal town of Russell. We hopped on the ferry over from Paihia and then went back after not finding any reasonably priced accommodation. I couldn't fully appreciate the small but pretty touristy town of Russell due to a certain amount of sleep deficiency but it seemed pretty nice. What I could appreciate however was the slap up meal we had in an awesome restaurant known as '35 degrees south' an aquarium restaurant and bar. whilst the fish weren't particularly dazzling the concept was brilliant.
The next day saw a long drive back down south finished off by some truly exhilarating mountain luging. Who would have thought racing (often aggressively) down a mountain on a skateboard with handles would be so much fun?
Rotorua was the back drop to the big race
On the final leg back home we dropped in on our good friend 'Mr German' or Hinnerk as he is known in other circles. His house was incredibly comfortable compared to our 'hut' and it sounded like his host family was perfect. In some ways I felt envious but for now I am enjoying the independence.
So the fun was almost over but there was still one little thing that would cap off the perfect trip...
2 comments:
Hi Matthew,
What a great time you are having (again!). I am glad that you have found your writing flair again and that you still haven't forgotten "the cliff hanger ending" (or should that be bungee jump dangling) technique.
Great blog Matthew, reminiscent of your Japan blogs, nice to have the music as well. You did'nt do anything quite as hair raising in Japanas the bungy jump. Not sure you should do the big one.
Take care,
Lots of love
Granny and Grandad.xxxx
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