Jack – this blog will be fun for you. I think you’re going to be my little world traveler. You have such a natural interest in geography, countries, continents and the world! Grammy and I bought you the “Little Travelers” subscription for Christmas because of this. I hope we can go somewhere cool together when you’re a little bigger.
In my January blog I told the story of how Grammy and I worked hard to build a better life for ourselves and our family. The blog ended with my new company – Soulful Advantage – and how I would work hard to see if I could visit New Zealand. Good news! I made it happen by proving and convincing my new client they would benefit by me being in New Zealand in person vs. having meetings over the phone or via the Internet. After much back and forth discussion, they agreed it would benefit their company and offered to pay my way. It’s a great example of making your own dreams come true vs. waiting for them to magically happen. Work hard and you will find a way!!
My April adventure included three bucket list dream destinations:
- Stepping foot on Australia, my fifth continent. Africa & Antartica remain!
- New Zealand – the North & South islands
- The Sydney Opera House, the #1 “Wonder of the Modern World”
In addition, I also stopped in Las Vegas and spent time in Oahu, Hawaiii (my fourth time on that island) on my journey Down Under.
My journey: Left April 11, returned April 23. 9 flights; four different airline brands; 30 car/taxi rides; three islands; two continents; 20 time zones!
“I’m off on an adventure!” (Bilbo Baggins, the most famous Hobbit)
Here are photo highlights:
boring a koala bear at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia
I was amazed at how this golden guy floated on air – Sydney waterfront
beautiful light on Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. Love how the outrigger framed the beach and sky.
passing through Las Vegas at midnight on my way to Australia – have been to Vegas many times and it’s always a beehive of activity. It was weird seeing it so dead.
early morning view of famous Diamond Head on Waikiki Beach
overlooking the #1 Wonder of the Modern World, Sydney Opera House
greeting at 2am @ airport as I stepped foot in the land of Kiwis – my #2 bucket list dream destination
very cool hot pink bike path, as seen from Auckland Sky Tower, 1,076 feet high
Auckland Sky Tower @ dusk
my favorite photo – the famous lone tree of lake Wanaka, with the Southern Alps behind it. Such an incredibly unique and beautiful setting.
I thought Glacier National Park in Montana had the most waterfalls in one place, but New Zealand’s famous Milford Sound had a LOT more. Here’s one amazing example.
even though I was in New Zealand in April it was their Fall. Here’s a shot of pretty Arrowtown in the autumn. Our cold January is June in New Zealand! February is July and March is their August!
overcast and about to rain but spectacular – Eglinton Valley, Fiordland National Park, South Island. Could have stood there forever
Mirror Lake, Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand
Coronet Peak with Queenstown in distance at base of the mountain V
stunning vista outside of Queenstown with golden poplar trees. Poplars are Popular in the south island!
Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park
Hobbiton, New Zealand, North Island – home of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. This amazing landscape is in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.
Wai-0-Topu geot thermal hot spring in North Island – about an hour’s ride from Hobbiton. Sulphur smell is disgusting; colors amazing.
gorgeous late afternoon light looking at the Remarkables mountain range – on way to Queenstown airport
Papa Bear in front of Bilbo Baggins hobbit hole at Hobbiton, North Island
where the Hobbits threw a big party
crazy green water pool at Wai-O-Topu geothermal
amazing attention to detail at the Hobbiton movie set included hobbit clothes drying on clotheslines
view of movie set when you walk in – Bilboa Baggins’ hobbit hole is below the first tree on the upper left
looking down at the Hobbiton village wiht Green Dragon Pub (where I drank a Stout beer and ate a meat pie)