Just wanted to do a quick post and say we have both returned safe and sound from the Milford Trek. I'll post more details soon. We're tired and sore. In the middle of the rain forest we managed to have 4 days of NO rain. The previous day in Te Anau was total downpour, so we were prepared for much worse. We're limping around town now, no injuries but muscles are plenty sore. Haven't hurt this much since a 3 hour dodgeball session!
For those that have written emails, I will try to get back to you soon. We're around Queenstown today and tomorrow just hanging out and recovering.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Day 5: Preparations for Milford
Today we spent the day nursing our bodies from the river surfing the day before. We have to be very well rested for our 3 night/4 day journey down the milford trek. We made a list of the things we needed and did some shopping at the local stores. Got enough food for 4 days in the woods for 2 people, which is quite a bit of food. Also broke in my new cooking stove with some fuel and some eggs we hard boiled. Works like a champ! The packs are full now and we're all checked out of our hotel. We worked most of the day on this project...getting the food, packing the packs...phew! Tomorrow we'll be in a micro-town called Te-Anau before heading out to the trek the next morning on a boat ride across a river where we start the trek.
Tonight we had a burger at the Fergburger in town. Stacey had one made of deer meat. Mine was just New Zealand beef. We paid for ketchup...or, as they call it, tomato sauce. The chips are great...or i mean the fries. But they think ketchup is a gourmet topping. Tip #1 if you are going to New Zealand, France, or anywhere else: check on the ketchup policies. if they don't agree with you, bring Heinz!
Cheers,
adam
Tonight we had a burger at the Fergburger in town. Stacey had one made of deer meat. Mine was just New Zealand beef. We paid for ketchup...or, as they call it, tomato sauce. The chips are great...or i mean the fries. But they think ketchup is a gourmet topping. Tip #1 if you are going to New Zealand, France, or anywhere else: check on the ketchup policies. if they don't agree with you, bring Heinz!
Cheers,
adam
Day 4: River Surfing...
Today a DJ saved my life. Not really, but Stacey did have to be yanked out of a rapid called 'Man-eater'. It apparently was the gender neutral version of 'man'. Fortunately, the guides were rather gifted at moving in and out of whirlpools, eddies, and other river nasties so they scrambled in to yank her back onto course. They really do mean it when they say 'stay in the middle of the river. Also, the body boards most important purpose was really to keep others from kicking you.
It started with a beautiful drive through a local canyon in a bus up to the drop zone which was also the site of an old gold mine. We got all of our gear on: flippers, wet suit, life jacket, etc. Next, we got some training. They were actually very thorough and actually made everyone practice the moves with the body board before diving into the river full of class III rapids. Basically, its a high volume flow so your body next comes into contact with rocks...well most of the time. And the rapids flush you out the other side...most of the time. Stacey got stuck on one of the rapids and had a little bit of a calf get sore but other than that was good. At the end there were some fun activities including getting pulled behind a jet ski at high speed, a rope swing, a slide, and a jump that some women at our hotel loosened her front teeth on a few days ago and discouraged. She recommended the river surf but recommended to NOT do the jumping. The slide and jet ski rocked and we had a great time in the river.
After that we were very sore but felt great. Took the bus back to town and took it easy in the evening. I'm plowing through Neal Stephenson's Quiksilver, which has had its ups and downs. I'll probably chat more about it later.
Tomorrow, we prepare for the Milford Trek.
It started with a beautiful drive through a local canyon in a bus up to the drop zone which was also the site of an old gold mine. We got all of our gear on: flippers, wet suit, life jacket, etc. Next, we got some training. They were actually very thorough and actually made everyone practice the moves with the body board before diving into the river full of class III rapids. Basically, its a high volume flow so your body next comes into contact with rocks...well most of the time. And the rapids flush you out the other side...most of the time. Stacey got stuck on one of the rapids and had a little bit of a calf get sore but other than that was good. At the end there were some fun activities including getting pulled behind a jet ski at high speed, a rope swing, a slide, and a jump that some women at our hotel loosened her front teeth on a few days ago and discouraged. She recommended the river surf but recommended to NOT do the jumping. The slide and jet ski rocked and we had a great time in the river.
After that we were very sore but felt great. Took the bus back to town and took it easy in the evening. I'm plowing through Neal Stephenson's Quiksilver, which has had its ups and downs. I'll probably chat more about it later.
Tomorrow, we prepare for the Milford Trek.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Day 3: Queenstown
Today was great! Started off with a coffee at a local shop, coco's, which i've become fond of after trying a few others. Did some reading there and headed off to brunch with Stacey at Vodo Cafe. After that, we headed to our rendevous with The Rung Way. This is a BVI course, which while i can't remember what the letters means: its a set of rungs drilled into a cliff, a very long, tall cliff . The guide claimed the Swiss used this to cross the Alps during WWII, but I didn't ever think the Swiss fought in any war and am an ignorant American thus I really have no knowledge of history and couldn't confirm/deny. Our guide was from Monroeville, PA, which is rather ironic since I'm here in NZ and he knew more about the house my mother grew up in than I did since he lived like 3 doors down from it. But back to the BVI course, its a set of rings setup that allow you to climb straight up a rock face with a climbing harness and some caribiners to attach you to a cable should you fall. It was rather scary in some places. There were 3 large sections to this course and by the end I felt very comfortable. Its hard to trust the gear in those situations though. I'm always afraid I'm going to space out and forget to attach something somewhere or some other krap and fall to my death hundreds of feet below. Yes, we climbed hundreds of feet on these rungs. I would have NEVER been able to do it top roping, just not skilled enough without the holds. I greatly underestimated Stacey who at the end said, 'yeah, i liked it but i wasn't really scared enough', which tells me she's ready for the 180 MPH jet attached to a rope we're going to do later.
Tonight we went to a little pizza joint the guide recommended called the Cow. Because there were only two of us they put us into a table with another couple (apparently in NZ this is FINE). They were very friendly and we chatted the whole time about NZ, Europe, the US, etc. Its always fun to have these conversations. The kiwi's are aggressive at recruiting people, particularly in technology, so they spend a good deal of time giving you a sales pitch. It was clear why they are having trouble recruiting. At any rate, twas a good conversation.
Cultural tidbits: trim is skim milk, flavored lattes are not common-they tend to come straight. i haven't figured out the short black, tall black, and 'white'. I believe these are like the starbucks short and tall but straight-up coffee and the white is with milk however it is steamed or something. french people think it is okay to take the menu off of YOUR table without asking. most people have asked before they take a chair, others have just taken the chair...i haven't figured out when each is more appropriate.
Restaurants are very different here. In general, you order at the counter and they watch where you sit, then they bring you your order. At some you pay at the counter, at others you pay in advance. Service in restaurants is close to non-existent because they are not compensated in the same way as the states. It has its advantages because there are always tables available, however when it is busy you are always sitting at a table that hasn't been bussed yet and won't likely be bussed anytime soon. This is quite different for americans who consider it kinda gross to sit at a table with dirty dishes and it is usually taken care of quickly. Also, tipping is basically built into the bill and this affects the service. Closer to the international hotels there is a tip line on the receipt but in the main part of town it is not. credit cards are in use everywhere however i feel a bit unhip because i get this grumble due to the singature requirement, apparently the kiwis have moved to PIN numbers sometime in the last century and I just show how backwards I am as they scrable under the counter to find a pen.
I'm curious: what your your favorite pubs, coffee shops, hangouts, here in Queenstown?
Its raining a bit outside now...probably head somewhere inside to read a book or play some games.
Tonight we went to a little pizza joint the guide recommended called the Cow. Because there were only two of us they put us into a table with another couple (apparently in NZ this is FINE). They were very friendly and we chatted the whole time about NZ, Europe, the US, etc. Its always fun to have these conversations. The kiwi's are aggressive at recruiting people, particularly in technology, so they spend a good deal of time giving you a sales pitch. It was clear why they are having trouble recruiting. At any rate, twas a good conversation.
Cultural tidbits: trim is skim milk, flavored lattes are not common-they tend to come straight. i haven't figured out the short black, tall black, and 'white'. I believe these are like the starbucks short and tall but straight-up coffee and the white is with milk however it is steamed or something. french people think it is okay to take the menu off of YOUR table without asking. most people have asked before they take a chair, others have just taken the chair...i haven't figured out when each is more appropriate.
Restaurants are very different here. In general, you order at the counter and they watch where you sit, then they bring you your order. At some you pay at the counter, at others you pay in advance. Service in restaurants is close to non-existent because they are not compensated in the same way as the states. It has its advantages because there are always tables available, however when it is busy you are always sitting at a table that hasn't been bussed yet and won't likely be bussed anytime soon. This is quite different for americans who consider it kinda gross to sit at a table with dirty dishes and it is usually taken care of quickly. Also, tipping is basically built into the bill and this affects the service. Closer to the international hotels there is a tip line on the receipt but in the main part of town it is not. credit cards are in use everywhere however i feel a bit unhip because i get this grumble due to the singature requirement, apparently the kiwis have moved to PIN numbers sometime in the last century and I just show how backwards I am as they scrable under the counter to find a pen.
I'm curious: what your your favorite pubs, coffee shops, hangouts, here in Queenstown?
Its raining a bit outside now...probably head somewhere inside to read a book or play some games.
Days 2: Queenstown
Yesterday we hiked up a local mountain. At the top there was a luge, 2 tracks. A fast track and scenic route. We took a ride on each one of them and took the gondola back down the mountain. The hike, while very steep, was actually much shorter time wise than it looked. I would have estimated a several hour hike and we finished it in about an hour. Beautiful views at the top. Some treacherous hiking in the first half but it got easy after that.
After we returned I took some time to sit on the balcony...errr...fire escape, and overlook the lake and did some reading, then did a bit of shopping around town. Discovered a whole area I hadn't really seen much of that had a few pubs, trendy bars, and some more shops. We played some Set at the pub later in the evening. Ate salad and took in the view from a park bench by our hotel. Was cooler last night than the previous night. Saw a magician do some tricks and listened to some bagpipes.
After we returned I took some time to sit on the balcony...errr...fire escape, and overlook the lake and did some reading, then did a bit of shopping around town. Discovered a whole area I hadn't really seen much of that had a few pubs, trendy bars, and some more shops. We played some Set at the pub later in the evening. Ate salad and took in the view from a park bench by our hotel. Was cooler last night than the previous night. Saw a magician do some tricks and listened to some bagpipes.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Queenstown
Day 1 in Queenstown.
At 5am we woke up this morning to take a plane from Auckland to Queenstown (north island to south island) where we'll stay for a few weeks. No more flying for awhile. Queenstown is much much smaller than Auckland, apparently around 25% of the population of New Zealand (4.1 million-ish) lives in Auckland, close to 6500 live in Queenstown. We couldn't check into our hotel when we arrived so we dropped off the bags and wandered around town a bit. Its beautiful. Think the Gorge in Oregon, and a town like Hood River but bigger and more intense in the downtown area. That's not exactly right but it gets it about right. The moutains here are more intense. On one side, reminiscient of the Swiss Alps. On the other, like the mountains in the high deserts of central Oregon. Instead of a river, we have a beautiful lake. The hotel room at Thomas's hotel overlooks the lake which Stacey had the foresight to put in a request. It is JUST AWESOME!
We got a bite to eat at Vudu cafe, saw a choir in the park singing some hymns and a battle song of the Maori people. We both liked the Maori song the best, and tried to get our bearings on the city and where all the things are one needs when vacationing. Internet, coffee, microbrewery, grocery, etc. We had some Thai food tonight, Stacey got 2 giant lamb shanks in curry sauce. Sat down for awhile and read through about 200 brochures on what to do, prioritizing, discussing, etc. Its quite a challenge with so much to do! I think we settled on a hike up the mountain and a luge ride down tomorrow. From here, it looks like a hike straight up, but they are never as steep but always 10 times longer when you actually start up the hill.
Lots of thoughts running through my mind right now, about life, about communication, about societies and common traits among civilizations. Lots out there in the world affirms my belief that sentient beings are only of minor computational interest to the universe and memevolution. Hope to say more on this later.
Pictures will come soon.
At 5am we woke up this morning to take a plane from Auckland to Queenstown (north island to south island) where we'll stay for a few weeks. No more flying for awhile. Queenstown is much much smaller than Auckland, apparently around 25% of the population of New Zealand (4.1 million-ish) lives in Auckland, close to 6500 live in Queenstown. We couldn't check into our hotel when we arrived so we dropped off the bags and wandered around town a bit. Its beautiful. Think the Gorge in Oregon, and a town like Hood River but bigger and more intense in the downtown area. That's not exactly right but it gets it about right. The moutains here are more intense. On one side, reminiscient of the Swiss Alps. On the other, like the mountains in the high deserts of central Oregon. Instead of a river, we have a beautiful lake. The hotel room at Thomas's hotel overlooks the lake which Stacey had the foresight to put in a request. It is JUST AWESOME!
We got a bite to eat at Vudu cafe, saw a choir in the park singing some hymns and a battle song of the Maori people. We both liked the Maori song the best, and tried to get our bearings on the city and where all the things are one needs when vacationing. Internet, coffee, microbrewery, grocery, etc. We had some Thai food tonight, Stacey got 2 giant lamb shanks in curry sauce. Sat down for awhile and read through about 200 brochures on what to do, prioritizing, discussing, etc. Its quite a challenge with so much to do! I think we settled on a hike up the mountain and a luge ride down tomorrow. From here, it looks like a hike straight up, but they are never as steep but always 10 times longer when you actually start up the hill.
Lots of thoughts running through my mind right now, about life, about communication, about societies and common traits among civilizations. Lots out there in the world affirms my belief that sentient beings are only of minor computational interest to the universe and memevolution. Hope to say more on this later.
Pictures will come soon.
Scientists discover new species...
Okay, I should be posting about New Zealand. But I logged in and noticed this and thought it was an incredible thing...that here on earth, we still have so much undiscovered and unknown to us...things that have been visible with our naked eye if we had only looked...
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060208/1041632.asp
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060208/1041632.asp
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Auckland urban adventure
Today we wandered around Auckland. Took in the sites. Had a lamb kabob at a lebanese place that was EXCELLENT. Visited the Auckland Museum and Auckland Domain, a giant park in the city, was beautiful. Did LOTS of walking around the town, just enjoying the sites and sounds of a new city. For dinner, we went to the Hogshead Brewery. Walked Queen St., down to Victoria street, into a suburb that then connected to Khatmandu St. and we took this to the park. The Museum was a war museum. Wondered about war and its potential inevitability for man. Went to a very cool bar called Minus 5 that is....well...kept at -5 degrees. You have to wear a coat and gloves its so cold, and its filled with cool ice sculptures. Took some pictures. Getting kicked out of Internet Cafe....
Arrival in Auckland...
Well...what a trip! We've been flying for over 26 hours. We hit LA and Chad picked us up late in the evening (11pm) at the airport. We had some time that night to catch up and did some sightseeing around LA the next day. Went to the Farmer's Market, which is an old LA market that's been around since the 30's at least. Went down to Santa Monica and walked around the peir. Stacey was sucked into a Zara on the 3rd Street Promenade and Chad, Vincent, and I watched the street performers. Jacklyn disappeared into the basement of the Gap looking at kids stuff. Had an excellent dish at Testavere's or whatever that place is on the Promenade.
We then jumped on a plane and headed West. Way west. To Melbourne, then to Sydney, finally Auckland. Qantas is a good airline. The food was great, flights were on time. Seating was a little tight but no moreso than any other flights.
Despite me having the wrong name on my Visa, leaving my phone in Chad's car, getting us to the wrong gate in Sydney, getting busted by customs for having honey roasted peanuts (they were a suprise for stacey!), getting my shaving cream taken from me at Melbourne security check-in and a corkscrew that has a tiny blade on it, we managed to make it here on time. After checking into the airport and getting a quick shower we walked the streets in Auckland a bit, its now about 1am New Zealand time. Not sure what tomorrow holds. Perfect :)
We then jumped on a plane and headed West. Way west. To Melbourne, then to Sydney, finally Auckland. Qantas is a good airline. The food was great, flights were on time. Seating was a little tight but no moreso than any other flights.
Despite me having the wrong name on my Visa, leaving my phone in Chad's car, getting us to the wrong gate in Sydney, getting busted by customs for having honey roasted peanuts (they were a suprise for stacey!), getting my shaving cream taken from me at Melbourne security check-in and a corkscrew that has a tiny blade on it, we managed to make it here on time. After checking into the airport and getting a quick shower we walked the streets in Auckland a bit, its now about 1am New Zealand time. Not sure what tomorrow holds. Perfect :)
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Sabbatical begins!
In less than 3 hours our trip commences. I've spent the past 2 days stocking up on cool new camping gear including stoves that can accept any form of fuel (alcohol, methane, kerosene, etc.), liners for sleeping bags, new ultra light and tiny Thermarests. Decided to stick with the classic tent (11 lbs…ugh!). Also got a pair of 12-mile Motorola two way radios in the event we misplace each other.
It was weird, looking back at the buildings on my way out of work. I just kinda stood by the car for awhile and looked out across JF. I remember when I started: there were 3 buildings, the 4th was under construction. Now there are 6 including the new IT building. I found it far more emotional than I expected. So much of who I am, and what I define myself as being, has been created within those buildings, meeting rooms, hallways. Work is not what I imagined it would be, something adults do drudgingly. Instead, the people I work with, they are my friends. My closest teammates, we have been together locked in a decade long dance in and out of each others groups, teams, and projects. We work together, we play together, (and sometimes, even create a kick butt dodgeball team, booyah!). You look so forward to going away for awhile you forget that you are actually going to MISS people. Fortunately, I’ve gotten to spend the past couple days with friends around town and say good-byes before the trip.
They say sabbatical changes you. Everyone comes back different, take radical turns in their careers. And some don’t come back at all.
Next update will be sometime after our 26 hour flight to Auckland. But first, an overnight stop off to see one of my closest lifelong friends and his family in LA. A perfect way to get this adventure started!
It was weird, looking back at the buildings on my way out of work. I just kinda stood by the car for awhile and looked out across JF. I remember when I started: there were 3 buildings, the 4th was under construction. Now there are 6 including the new IT building. I found it far more emotional than I expected. So much of who I am, and what I define myself as being, has been created within those buildings, meeting rooms, hallways. Work is not what I imagined it would be, something adults do drudgingly. Instead, the people I work with, they are my friends. My closest teammates, we have been together locked in a decade long dance in and out of each others groups, teams, and projects. We work together, we play together, (and sometimes, even create a kick butt dodgeball team, booyah!). You look so forward to going away for awhile you forget that you are actually going to MISS people. Fortunately, I’ve gotten to spend the past couple days with friends around town and say good-byes before the trip.
They say sabbatical changes you. Everyone comes back different, take radical turns in their careers. And some don’t come back at all.
Next update will be sometime after our 26 hour flight to Auckland. But first, an overnight stop off to see one of my closest lifelong friends and his family in LA. A perfect way to get this adventure started!
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