Checking Off The Bucket List

Category: Vietnam

  • The long journey home begins

    Well, we are in a Mercedes van, just the six of us, and Donna. We left our last hotel at 930 and expect to be in Auckland around dinner time. A quick bite and then an early departure for the airport to fly back to Sydney, Los Angeles and then Phoenix.

    Our quick bite provided us with our last picture of the gang.

    Drinks were coming.

    Back at the hotel.

    Beautiful
    Tour mom’s final time with her boyfriend. Like a sailor she has one in every hotel!
    A light fixture on the lobby of the hotel.
    My only shot of Auckland.

    This trip has been different than our others.

    It is not so much the sites and places we have visited and seen. It is more about the friendly and kind people we have met and raw scenery we have observed. Both countries are beautiful. Amazingly clean. Very little graffiti. Not a whole lot of signs. If you are tired of cathedrals and museums visit these two countries. What amazed me, and to quote junior silverback, is how many cultures exist harmoniously here in Australia and New Zealand. Culturally diverse but very accepting with each other.

    I told my blog coach that all of my travels blend together like a patchwork quilt. Each has its own beauty and memories. But together it is a mosaic. I am very lucky to have a great band of mates to travel with.

    Until next time. Thanks for reading. I appreciate the likes and comments.

    Next stop on the blog is Japan next spring!

  • The land of the long white cloud

    Last night was fantastic. If you have been to Hawaii, you most likely have attended a luau. We went to a First Nation village. The tribe was the Māori.

    Name of the village

    We were greeted by the chief.

    The chief

    They wanted to know if we came in peace or for conflict. Peace of course. But their warriors did a hookah to show they were not afraid.

    The hookah

    Once in the village we were taught how to perform the hookah ourselves.

    They were fabulous.

    Then junior silverback and I spoke to the chiefs son.

    Note the tongues.

    We then learned a lot about the tribes culture. For the last forty years they have brought back the customs and traditions and their language. In fact today, everyone child in school learns the native language. Here is one of the cousins answering our questions.

    The home in the background is a traditional house.

    Then it was on to dinner.

    The gang plus two.
    Practicing the tongue

    All in a great evening.

    By the way, the land of the long white cloud is New Zealand in the native tongue. When ships saw New Zealand on the horizon, they saw the snow capped mountains and thus named it thinking it was clouds.

    Today is tours and spa day. We had another hearty breakfast and it was off to the duck tour.

    Our vessel.

    This vessel is 84 years young. There were about 21,000 made for world war 2 and about 1,000 remain. She goes both on land and sea.

    Our ladies trying out for the crew positions.
    Our captain and driver.
    A geothermal bath. Over 100 degrees Celsius.
    The redwood forest. Same trees as in California.
    Junior silverback in the redwoods
    The Don not looking down!
    Lanterns for the night and birds
    Timber grown for housing. Redwoods are not solid enough.
    Our vessel entering the water. It has its own ramp!
    We are entering the water!
    The lake.
    On the blue lake.
    A geothermal area that is “extinct”
    Lake Otaka. The place of sweet food in the native tongue.
    Another beautiful lake

    All in we saw the town and three lake rides. It was a blast and well worth the effort and time.

    Then it was off to the spa.

    Our spa.
    Ladies know what they want. Don is struggling between a facial and full body massage
    Our private pool
    Our view from our pool. Since my blog is kid friendly I can’t show us without suits. It was an experience!
    Why you do this.
    How these spas started.

    After the spa we had time to relax and pack for the next trip. One more city to visit on this beautiful country. But we needed to get some advice on where to have dinner. Remember the three wise men? Here they are looking for dinner spots.

    What did we do before I phones?

    We ended the day, the Princess and I, with a cloudy bay and Pinot. Excellent!

    Nice way to cap a nice day

    We are almost to the end of our journey. But one more stop. Until then, have a great evening.

  • My sense of smell is going to be tested I hear

    One thing I have noticed about New Zealand is how laid back the people are. They are not in any hurry. No rushing around. No let’s get it done. They take their time and enjoy the moment.

    This morning it took almost twenty minutes to get my latte and sourdough toast for breakfast. This has not been unusual. Just something to get use too. I am not yet.

    Where are we off to now? What city or town on New Zealand? Let me show you.

    Rotorua here we come.

    The airport.

    Very modern.

    One unique thing about flying domestically in New Zealand is there is no security screening at all. You weigh and check your bags. We were just under the acceptable weights. Then you wait for your plane to be called. I looked it up and they found the cost of screening was not worth the investment. Interesting approach.

    5782 is our flight.
    Our plane.
    Another pic of this beautiful country.

    We are flying at 18,000 feet and being able to enjoy the sights.

    Another shot.

    Check this out. Courtesy of the GOAT.

    Yes. A volcano.
    The city from 9000 feet.
    It appears mud is in our future.
    Our hotel.
    Don, the map guy, checking out where to go.
    Lunch spot.

    Some of the sights around town.

    King George the 5
    The lake.
    Entrance to the gardens.
    A very unique fence around the gardens.
    A restored building
    Don thinking if they serve gelato.
    Today’s picture of the day. Outside of the bathrooms. GOAT knew she was welcome.
    Our afternoon walk back to the hotel.

    I told you my sense of smell was going to be tested. I could smell this odor everywhere we walked.

    Not true. It is everywhere.

    We had a special dinner tonight and just came home late. I will fill you in on the next blog.

  • Is Christ in Church today?

    Last night we arrived at our hotel in Christchurch.

    Very nice.

    We had a liquid dinner and some small plates.

    The name of the beer is three boys. In honor of Don, Nate and me.

    We had breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the morning stroll.

    French toast

    Our first stop on our excursion is the world famous botanical gardens. Bigger than Hyde park, not Nate’s place but the one in England. Not as big as Central Park.

    We are headed in the right direction.
    One of the gates.
    Construction around the cathedral which was partially destroyed in 2011 during the great earthquake.
    Part still standing.
    Beautiful fountain.
    The gang taking many pics. Thank god we have I phones and not film.
    One way to see the park.
    The highlight. The rose garden.
    Three beautiful roses.
    A garden of spring flowers.
    More roses. The thorns are elsewhere!
    This tree was the first planted over 170 years ago.
    Yes. It is an oak tree.
    Trying to read the sundial. Is it time for lunch yet junior silverback asked.
    Interesting sculpture.
    The great arch memorial. The arch of remembering.
    A street performer we saw.
    Restored building from the earthquake.
    What you see all over. They never rebuilt.
    Interesting sign.
    People wanted our picture. I wonder why!
    My new cap courtesy of junior silverback.
    We are getting close. Looking for a tram for our tour.
    Our tram!
    Boarding our tram.
    Our place of choice for lunch.
    Just sitting down to lunch.
    Finally. A glass of what they are famous for in New Zealand.

    After lunch.

    We walked some more but nothing struck my fancy to take a picture of.

    For dinner we went to an Asian fusion place.

    Fantastic.

    Started with junior silverback and me drinking a great Pinot.

    Not much left

    The gang really enjoyed the dinner.

    A little dark but we loved the food.
    And then our nightly gelato. Raspberry and chocolate.

    I bet you’re wondering how this place got their name.

    Now you know.

    There is no question Christ lives in this town. The devastating earthquakes wiped out 90 percent of the infrastructure. Slowly, with gods help, they are coming back.

    Our trip continues tomorrow. I understand mud baths are in our future. Until then, thanks for reading and coming along. If you like the travel blog drop me a like!

  • Time to pause and catch our breath

    Last night we went to Flame for dinner. The princess said it was one of her best meals so far in New Zealand.

    The place

    Some of the gang waiting for their meal.

    The steaks were wonderful

    After the nightly gelato, we called it a night.

    This morning we were promised a luxury coach ride to Christ Church. I thought as I stare out the window of our coach to share a few pics that did not make it to earlier posts.

    Sheep having breakfast.
    A ram up close. Love the horns.

    The above bird is the kiwi. It is the national bird of new Zealand. It can’t fly. It is not good to eat. But New Zealanders love their kiwis.

    The view from the coach.
    Incredibly green hills.
    Our coach.
    Richard our driver and tour guide. He talked non stop for two hours. He is immensely proud of his country. Very knowledgeable.
    A stop along the way.
    Incredible.
    The gang with the highest peak on New Zealand in the background.
    Mt. Cook
    My princess!

    We got back on the coach and shortly had an emergency. A flock of sheep blocked the road. Check out the video.

    What a treat!

    If the video does not work here is a picture.

    They love their sheep.

    Then it was on to lunch where sir Edmund Hilary trained before Everest.

    The name.
    Lunch.

    Here are a few more shots from the coach.

    Everywhere you look.

    We are at one last sightseeing stop before finishing our trip to Christ Church.

    We missed the service.
    The church.
    A statue of a sheep dog. What kind of dog did you expect? A pit bull?

    As I titled this entry it was a day to pause and catch our breath. The princess is at 100 percent. Junior silverback and I have a bit of a head cold. GOAT and sheila are taking drugs and are clean and healthy. The most interesting man in the boulders jumped out of the bus and is limping. We hope he is ok for our hop on hop off day tomorrow. Until then have a good sleep.

  • If god wanted man to fly he would have given him/her wings

    Well today we are going to Milford sound via small fixed wing plane. But a lot to see before then.

    After a hearty breakfast the gang was waiting for our tour guide.

    It was 39 degrees.
    Our van.
    All electric. They are very conscious of the environment and their land. Very proud of it.

    On the way to our first stop we pulled over for a view and quick pic.

    Beautiful.
    The gang.
    Pointing out the best shots.

    Then it was on to a winery for a stroll through their grounds. They spent $100 million in New Zealand dollars to refurbish the place.

    The name
    Some of the grounds
    Billy’s, their restaurant
    Spud would want to eat here. First star!
    Now that is a big tree!

    Then it was off to the Bungy jump. No one was willing but we got a few pics.

    The sign
    Getting his nerves ready
    Gone. There was a chiropractor at the bottom.
    How could this be closed.
    Add it to your jumper, I mean bucket list.

    Then it was time to taste wine.

    The place.
    My flight. Alan Brady founded the winery in the 80s. Won best Pinot in the southern hemisphere in 2001 at taste of London.

    Then it was on to Allentown, an old gold mining town.

    One side of the street
    Can you believe our former president is now a New Zealand male model!
    We need these in America.

    Then it was on to lunch at the bakery.

    Everyone wanted meat pies
    I saw this in the back of the store and became worried. I went for the beef pie instead.
    The princess enjoying hers
    Mine.

    Then it was time to say good by to our guide Taimi.

    She was outstanding.

    Then it was on to something I was dreading but ended up enjoying. Flying!

    Junior silver back reading the insurance waiver
    Our briefing. That lady is our pilot we learned.
    Loaded and ready to roll.
    Emma at the controls.

    Here are some snaps from our flight.

    The world famous Milford Sound
    The gang with Emma
    This place is world famous but after our pies we did not eat there. We heard the burgers were so big you had to share.
    She had no trouble!
    Dinner tonight

    I have to say the flight was scary until you got up in the air. Then you were blown away by the beauty of the mountains, water and snow. I can see why the kiwis want to protect their land.

    For now signing off. Will report on dinner tomorrow.

  • Snow is for cooling Chardonnay

    Last night we went to the Sydney opera house for a show. We stopped to look back at the city at night.

    Check out the view.

    Words can’t describe it.

    Then we arrived early and had to wait.

    The husband and the princess.

    After taking our seats we got a quick pic of the orchestra setting up. We had seen this from the other side the day before.

    1500 people will be here soon

    The evening performer.

    She is world renowned. 36 years young. Playing a Stratovarius violin from 1775. It was insured for tens of millions of dollars. How about her hands?

    Us loving the music.

    What a way to cap our stay.

    Then today we left Sydney to fly to New Zealand. We met the Albons at the airport. I, at the princess direction, bundled up. Here are dons shoes.

    I understand they are good on snow!
    The gang waiting.

    Coming into Queenstown.

    Where we were to where we are going.
    Not bad timing.

    We were met by David who gave us a tour on the way to our hotel.

    We help each other.
    Our hotel.

    After a quick check in we walked to a gondola for a ride up over 1,000 feet to dinner.

    The place.
    Loving the views.
    The town.
    From the gondola.
    Dinner place.
    Our view.
    Breathtaking.

    And of course dinner.

    A buffet that we all feasted on.

    Our first day was filled with views that took our breath away. We are excited for the next few days. Strap in tight. A helicopter ride is coming!

    Over and out.

  • Who are the fences for?

    When I travel I have time to ponder the great questions of life. You will hear one in a moment but let me catch you up.

    Last night we had a great cocktail hour and dinner.

    This is what caught my eye in the bar. I have never seen thirty year old scotch.

    Going into the restaurant this was the floor.

    It was glass over a map of the harbour. Trust me.

    Here is tonight’s gathering place.

    I need to learn how to rotate pictures.

    Our gang.

    The blogger and the husband. He is highly photogenic.
    Spud and sweet pea. He picks the wines.
    Sweet pea and GOAT. Junior silverback was under the weather down under.
    Me, cap, and my beautiful princess.
    This is what is left of a desert plate after a fantastic meal.

    Another great evening with the gang. We were home early because another big day was planned.

    So here is the question I have been pondering for years. Do zoos have fences to keep the animals in or keep people away from the animals?

    To answer this question the princess and I went to the Sydney zoo.

    Where we get our boat. me being captain made sense.

    We decided to go via boat to the zoo. I want to state on the record I got tickets for us myself for the zoo. I gave the tour director the morning off.

    Our ship. waiting for its captain.
    The zoo entrance. Impressive.
    The zoo map.
    Welcoming sign.
    I wanted to go to the African area. The princess had other ideas. She wanted pure Australian.
    Our first stop of course.
    Checking us out.
    A great shot!
    Sleeping.
    Sitting.

    Read the sign closely. Learning moment.

    Dads to the rescue!
    Emus share the land with kangaroos.
    Reminded me of Maui.
    Very strong legs.
    Checking out the ladies walking by.
    The highlight for the princess.
    Sleeping.
    Holding on.
    Now you can see the face.
    Saw this sign.
    He was looking at me.
    Check the beak on this one.
    Then it was back to the bus for a return to Sydney.
    Enjoying the ride.
    The city from the boat.
    We will be there tonight for a concert.
    The bridge. There are people walking at the top!

    All in it was a great day. I concluded that the fences do both. It protects the animals and keeps people safe. Life is full of compromises.

    We then had dinner at the same Italian spot as the princess and I did a few nights ago.

    The gangs final night.
    My dinner.
    Junior silverback asked GOAT for one of these for Christmas. It would be great for brisket.

    We are now off to the opera house for a concert. Because it will be a late one I will give my musical report in the morning.

    The gang loved this city. It is now on everyone’s top ten. Please add it to your bucket list if it is not there already. Spend a week and fall in love with Sydney.

    I will have sweet dreams tonight!

  • Touring in the rain!

    Last night we had a special cocktail hour with the gang.

    The Pinot was very good!

    Then onto dinner to meet the husband and bloggers friend from Australia. He had the most unique name I have ever heard. Storm. Here is where dinner was. Excellent.

    Great food. Schnitzel for the princess and me again. Gravy on the side.

    A great day capped off by a comfy bed and dreams of what tomorrow will bring.

    The morning. Tuesday for us and Monday for you. I cannot get over we are a day ahead of you.

    Big day ahead. Two big tours planned in this fantastic city.

    The princess on her throne looking at the sights of Sydney harbor.

    I can find her in our room always in this chair.

    This is what she is looking at.

    Very busy place.

    Waiting for the gang to assemble.

    What would we do without our phones.

    Looking at what we will visit this morning. It is a behind the scenes tour of the opera house.

    Excited for our tour

    Arriving early.

    We had to find the magic door

    One of the only problems we have discovered in this city. They restrict the photos you can take. Kind of like Disneyland behind the scenes. They don’t want to spoil the magic.

    Here is our costume for the next few hours.

    From the orchestra pit
    From the stage. It seats 1,500 people. We will be seated tomorrow for a concert.
    Back in the pit. That is where the tour guide, I mean conductor stands.
    I found these on a music stand. This person missed a fantastic party!
    The tiles on the roof or sails of the opera house. There are over one million tiles, made in Denmark.
    Besides the tiles, the structure, now fifty years old, is made of steel cables and concrete. None of the concrete is painted. Easier to see cracks!
    The gang, post tour. If you are ever there well worth it.

    Then it was on to our second tour. Most of our travel in the city is via trams. Here they are.

    On time, clean and inexpensive. Why not in America?
    Yes. The rain came but that would not deter us from…
    The new fish market.
    Here it is. It took five years to build at a cost of almost one billion dollars.
    If you like fish!
    Caught this morning.
    Now I am hungry.
    Why not eat at a lab!
    We watched our lunch being built.
    Junior silverbacks lunch

    And how about some desserts? My nephew makes croissants. Check these babies out.

    All good things need to come to an end so we are leaving the fish market after another special tour.
    Yes, that is your captain, and junior silverback, walking up to the hotel for a mid afternoon nap before the evening festivities.

    Another great day in a special place. And with the princess almost back to 100 percent, what more can I ask for.

  • My criteria for a fantastic city versus a great city

    Last night, the princess wanted seafood. I wanted Italian. We found this place and both satisfied our desires.

    It was four and a half stars.
    Swordfish, sultanas, pine nuts and raisins and a dash of garlic, butter and capers. The best the princess has ever had. You know whose wine that is.

    The morning started with breakfast in our room.

    She is looking up the calorie count for French toast with apple.

    Then it was off to meet the princess best friend. She loves to meet and bond with concierges.

    Setting the days agenda.

    Next stop was something we do in every city. The hop on and hop off bus tour.

    The stop
    Making another friend. He told her to take the red bus first, then the blue bus. Three and a half hours of tours.
    The princess just firing away. Here are some of the best pictures of the city.
    A residential tower
    A government building made from original stone from the area.
    St. Mary’s, the largest Catholic Church in Sydney
    A meeting place for locals. Under the coke sign.
    They are paying for part of this trip for us!
    This clock is the tallest clock in the central city and can be seen in all directions.
    The world famous Sydney harbor bridge
    The largest fish market in the world. We visit tomorrow.
    The tall sphere building is the only six star hotel in Sydney.
    The opera house. We visit tomorrow for breakfast.
    Bondi beach, not enough time to surf.
    A bit crowded for us.
    They sun bathe everywhere
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