Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Summer Has Arrived
Now that school goes back next week, summer has arrived. Days are constantly warm, though not necessarily sunny. Thunderstorms yesterday! Drove back from Wellington yesterday and all along the coast people were swimming, sailing, walking along the beach - the way it should be. I'm enjoying it while I can.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A Rail Journey through the North Island of New Zealand
I have a list, quite a long list, of things I'd like to do right here in New Zealand. Tourist type things, places that you read about but, because they're right on your door step, never quite get done. Well, last week I managed to tick one of those experiences off my list.
New Zealand is a small country, just over 4 million people. It sometimes seems we're quite isolated here, down under, close to the bottom of the world. Consequently the rest of the world seems more attractive than our own backyard when we holiday.
I grew up in, and now once again live in Palmerston North, less than two hours drive from the capital city, Wellington. My city is on the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line. There was a time, as a teenager when I had more time than money, that I travelled by train. But rail travel is no longer attractive. It is quicker to fly or go by car.
However, growing up as I did right beside the railway track, I've always had a fascination for trains. Last week I decided the time had come to make a train trip I'd been thinking about for a long time. I flew to Auckland, spent a day and night there, then early next morning boarded the Overlander train, a scenic North Island journey, for the long trip south.
Long it was, taking 10 hours to reach Palmerston North. But it was well worth the effort. I saw scenery and places I'd only heard about or read about before. I saw mountains and viaducts, small towns and rivers. I learnt about the history of my country from the hostess on the train. I crossed the rebuilt Tangiwai bridge that was once swept away in a lahar, causing about 150 deaths and being NZ's biggest rail disaster back then in 1953.
I learnt about the Maori Queen and some of the Maori history of the King Country and the Kingite movement.
As well as all that, I relaxed, enjoying the sights and talking to the passenger next to me, and getting to know her children. It was compulsory time out, with nowhere to go and nothing to do, except enjoy the ride.
The day did stretch a little too long towards the end, I'm not all that good at sitting still doing nothing. But once we entered familiar, close to home territory, I knew we were nearly at my destination. My enjoyment returned, as I mentally ticked off familiar landmarks.
As a quick way of getting to know the scenery and history of New Zealand, I can recommend riding the Overlander train. I was pleasantly surprised.
New Zealand is a small country, just over 4 million people. It sometimes seems we're quite isolated here, down under, close to the bottom of the world. Consequently the rest of the world seems more attractive than our own backyard when we holiday.
I grew up in, and now once again live in Palmerston North, less than two hours drive from the capital city, Wellington. My city is on the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line. There was a time, as a teenager when I had more time than money, that I travelled by train. But rail travel is no longer attractive. It is quicker to fly or go by car.
However, growing up as I did right beside the railway track, I've always had a fascination for trains. Last week I decided the time had come to make a train trip I'd been thinking about for a long time. I flew to Auckland, spent a day and night there, then early next morning boarded the Overlander train, a scenic North Island journey, for the long trip south.
Long it was, taking 10 hours to reach Palmerston North. But it was well worth the effort. I saw scenery and places I'd only heard about or read about before. I saw mountains and viaducts, small towns and rivers. I learnt about the history of my country from the hostess on the train. I crossed the rebuilt Tangiwai bridge that was once swept away in a lahar, causing about 150 deaths and being NZ's biggest rail disaster back then in 1953.
I learnt about the Maori Queen and some of the Maori history of the King Country and the Kingite movement.
As well as all that, I relaxed, enjoying the sights and talking to the passenger next to me, and getting to know her children. It was compulsory time out, with nowhere to go and nothing to do, except enjoy the ride.
The day did stretch a little too long towards the end, I'm not all that good at sitting still doing nothing. But once we entered familiar, close to home territory, I knew we were nearly at my destination. My enjoyment returned, as I mentally ticked off familiar landmarks.
As a quick way of getting to know the scenery and history of New Zealand, I can recommend riding the Overlander train. I was pleasantly surprised.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William was in Wellington, New Zealand this morning. He walked in Lambton Quay. So did I, about an hour behind him.
Prince William went to Kapiti Island this afternoon. He landed back from his excursion at one end of Paraparaumu Beach while I was walking along the other end, wondering why a crowd had gathered around the boat just landed.
Meeting the Prince just wasn't meant to be.
Lost Opportunities or Lack of Preparation? Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William went to Kapiti Island this afternoon. He landed back from his excursion at one end of Paraparaumu Beach while I was walking along the other end, wondering why a crowd had gathered around the boat just landed.
Meeting the Prince just wasn't meant to be.
Lost Opportunities or Lack of Preparation? Prince William in New Zealand
Thursday, January 14, 2010
No, New Zealand is Not Dropping off the Bottom of the Earth
In spite of reading that some officials in the USA consider New Zealand is pretty unimportant in the scheme of things, we think we're doing pretty well down here in our part of the world.
And, in response to those who think New Zealand is an island off the coast of Australia, we are not. In fact, Australia is at least a three hour flight from New Zealand, across the Tasman Ocean. We are rivals in most sports, especially rugby. However, we do unite when pitted against the rest of the world.
New Zealand consists of three major islands, the North Island where I live - known by North Islanders as the Mainland, the South Island - known by South Islanders as the Mainland, and Stewart Island, way down at the bottom of the country. The North and South Islands are separated by a sometimes wild, but always beautiful, piece of water called Cook Strait.
People of New Zealand are often called Kiwis. We don't really mind. But the kiwi is really a flightless native bird. Once this seemed as if we, the people of New Zealand considered ourselves flightless. However, because we are so far away from everywhere else, we are far from flightless, as if we want to go anywhere away from our shores, there is little choice but to fly. New Zealanders are well travelled and can be found in most countries around the world.
New Zealanders are proud of their country. We are considered a clean, green paradise and hope we can remain this way. We offer amazing outdoor recreation possibilities in our lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. Our food is fresh, unspoiled and mostly produced in natural outdoor surroundings.
And we are civilised, in spite of some concerns that nobody could be when they live so far away from anywhere. You just need to consider the movies we have produced, Whale Rider and Lord of the Rings for example. We have internationally remowned artists, poets, and sports people. Our education system, especially in literacy teaching, is a model for many other countries.
New Zealand may be small, having a population of around four million people. But we are far from being in danger of dropping off the bottom of the world.
If you are interested in reading more about our wonderful country, articles I have written include:
Aotearoa New Zealand - Maori Discovery, British Colony, Dutch Name
International Arts Festival, Wellington, New Zealand 2010
Come to New Zealand
Holiday in The Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
And, in response to those who think New Zealand is an island off the coast of Australia, we are not. In fact, Australia is at least a three hour flight from New Zealand, across the Tasman Ocean. We are rivals in most sports, especially rugby. However, we do unite when pitted against the rest of the world.
New Zealand consists of three major islands, the North Island where I live - known by North Islanders as the Mainland, the South Island - known by South Islanders as the Mainland, and Stewart Island, way down at the bottom of the country. The North and South Islands are separated by a sometimes wild, but always beautiful, piece of water called Cook Strait.
People of New Zealand are often called Kiwis. We don't really mind. But the kiwi is really a flightless native bird. Once this seemed as if we, the people of New Zealand considered ourselves flightless. However, because we are so far away from everywhere else, we are far from flightless, as if we want to go anywhere away from our shores, there is little choice but to fly. New Zealanders are well travelled and can be found in most countries around the world.
New Zealanders are proud of their country. We are considered a clean, green paradise and hope we can remain this way. We offer amazing outdoor recreation possibilities in our lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. Our food is fresh, unspoiled and mostly produced in natural outdoor surroundings.
And we are civilised, in spite of some concerns that nobody could be when they live so far away from anywhere. You just need to consider the movies we have produced, Whale Rider and Lord of the Rings for example. We have internationally remowned artists, poets, and sports people. Our education system, especially in literacy teaching, is a model for many other countries.
New Zealand may be small, having a population of around four million people. But we are far from being in danger of dropping off the bottom of the world.
If you are interested in reading more about our wonderful country, articles I have written include:
Aotearoa New Zealand - Maori Discovery, British Colony, Dutch Name
International Arts Festival, Wellington, New Zealand 2010
Come to New Zealand
Holiday in The Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Palmerston North - Flat Isn't Always Boring
There was a time when Palmerston North, the city I live in, was considered too boring to be worth visiting. Fortunately times are changing. I grew up in Palmerston North, and couldn't wait to escape from it at the age of 19. My husband and I chose to return here just over five years ago. We left Wellington, the capital city, behind and have never regretted our move.
Palmerston North may be the heart of rural Manawatu, but it is alive and vibrant. Apart from the attraction of returning home, to be closer to family, we have found much to capture our interest here. For a start, education here is alive and well. It is a university and research city, therefore alive with developing minds, intellectual stimulation and challenging issues. The public library captures many visiting literary figures and regularly attracts authors and poets to read and share their works with locals.
The flatness of the city, built on a river plain, also has its attractions for sports people. Top sports people develop here - triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, roller skaters and of course rugby players, to name but a few. The hills that overlook the city to the east, the river and the nearby beaches offer limitless outdoor recreational opportunities. One of my favourite local facilities is a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool.
I couldn't live without my coffee drinking, dining out and live theatre, so these were an important consideration when moving back here. There is an amazing range of cafes and restaurants, both in the city and nearby in rural areas.The rural ones are combined with other attractions such as herb and lavender farms to make the short trip out of town worthwhile.
Theatre is alive and well here in Palmerston North. One local professional theatre produces shows of a high quality, but so do the amateur groups providing regular top class entertainment.
Palmerston North is my home town and now my home of choice. Sure, it's landlocked and has indifferent weather, but short drives take you to those two qualities elsewhere. We love living here and will probably never move.
Palmerston North may be the heart of rural Manawatu, but it is alive and vibrant. Apart from the attraction of returning home, to be closer to family, we have found much to capture our interest here. For a start, education here is alive and well. It is a university and research city, therefore alive with developing minds, intellectual stimulation and challenging issues. The public library captures many visiting literary figures and regularly attracts authors and poets to read and share their works with locals.
The flatness of the city, built on a river plain, also has its attractions for sports people. Top sports people develop here - triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, roller skaters and of course rugby players, to name but a few. The hills that overlook the city to the east, the river and the nearby beaches offer limitless outdoor recreational opportunities. One of my favourite local facilities is a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool.
I couldn't live without my coffee drinking, dining out and live theatre, so these were an important consideration when moving back here. There is an amazing range of cafes and restaurants, both in the city and nearby in rural areas.The rural ones are combined with other attractions such as herb and lavender farms to make the short trip out of town worthwhile.
Theatre is alive and well here in Palmerston North. One local professional theatre produces shows of a high quality, but so do the amateur groups providing regular top class entertainment.
Palmerston North is my home town and now my home of choice. Sure, it's landlocked and has indifferent weather, but short drives take you to those two qualities elsewhere. We love living here and will probably never move.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Walking in the Sunshine
While the southern hemisphere is snowed under, New Zealand enjoys summer. Depending on where you live, depends on how much summer there is to enjoy. Some parts of the country can be bathed in sunshine; others at the moment are looking at grey skies and wondering how summer can be so cold. Every day is different.
There’s no better exercise on a summer’s day than walking. I’ve been doing plenty of that lately, taking my camera with me, capturing the moment.
Water is important to me, huge expanses of it. Maybe that’s because I am a Pisces. I love to walk beside it, swim in it and soak up the views. These days I live in a land-locked city, so have to make the effort to visit some of my favourite places.
Our local river, the Manawatu, provides plenty of walking opportunities, having a well developed walkway called the Bridle Path. As well as getting the exercise, I find being out in the open, just me and my thoughts, so refreshing. The sound of the flowing river clears my mind and often provides me with new writing ideas.
There are other people out and about as well, of course. The runners nod and grunt as they pass, other walkers smile and say hullo. Cyclists, with their heads down don’t really notice you until it’s almost too late. But my favourite friends on the path are the dogs, the big ones, always friendly with tails wagging and insisting upon a little attention. Those times I miss our old gal Holly, a golden Labrador gone for over ten years now.
Walking and writing over these summer months, what better life could I ask for? In a few weeks, my time will become restricted as I return to my part-time teaching role.
Meanwhile, I shall spend as much time as I can walking in the sunshine.
To learn more about the Manawatu River, read: Manawatu River, New Zealand
There’s no better exercise on a summer’s day than walking. I’ve been doing plenty of that lately, taking my camera with me, capturing the moment.
Water is important to me, huge expanses of it. Maybe that’s because I am a Pisces. I love to walk beside it, swim in it and soak up the views. These days I live in a land-locked city, so have to make the effort to visit some of my favourite places.
Our local river, the Manawatu, provides plenty of walking opportunities, having a well developed walkway called the Bridle Path. As well as getting the exercise, I find being out in the open, just me and my thoughts, so refreshing. The sound of the flowing river clears my mind and often provides me with new writing ideas.
There are other people out and about as well, of course. The runners nod and grunt as they pass, other walkers smile and say hullo. Cyclists, with their heads down don’t really notice you until it’s almost too late. But my favourite friends on the path are the dogs, the big ones, always friendly with tails wagging and insisting upon a little attention. Those times I miss our old gal Holly, a golden Labrador gone for over ten years now.
Walking and writing over these summer months, what better life could I ask for? In a few weeks, my time will become restricted as I return to my part-time teaching role.
Meanwhile, I shall spend as much time as I can walking in the sunshine.
To learn more about the Manawatu River, read: Manawatu River, New Zealand
My Entry Into the World of Blogging
Everybody is doing it, it seems. So why not me? Well, I've been convinced and here I am, with no idea what I should be doing. I'm assured it will be easy. That's fine for those who know what they're doing. I guess, having made this first step, I've declared that I'm ready to learn. Hopefully, this first wobbly step will lead to another and another, until one day I realise, like everyone else, I'm doing it too.
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