Feb 9th- Aukland, NZ

Things I've learned about NZ....there are NO snakes...there are rugged individuals like Billy Black who has a one-man NZ "Heritage" show. He can neutralize a crazy sheep by flipping it on its back in 3.5 seconds and shear it in another 1.5 minutes. Kiwis are fruits AND "baminals"...birds that have mammalian characteristics like fur and no wings!
Go to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves...I was so fascinated I didn't even think of feeling claustraphobic more than 16 meters underground...unfortunately, no pix..they're shy little fellas.
A MUST have is a jar of native Manuka Honey. It's great for anything that ails you, and if by chance it doesn't work, you can take yourself to Urgicare and NOT be alarmed at the question: "Have you come here to die?"....it's just a New Zealander asking if you were admitted TODAY!
Aukland is a great little city of 1.4 million, clean, very safe with interesting architecture...I think almost everyone owns their own boat because there are a lot of marinas everywhere. When you go to the movies, you purchase reserved seats...courtesy and "good" behavior seemed in order even among the roving youth.

Speaking about youth, I couldn't resist including this picture of G really happy with his non-alcoholic green punch with "carrot-bird" at a super little Thai bistro.