Turn off the light

My light was on.  I drifted down the cave, alone with my thoughts until I turned off my light. In silence, looking into the dark, the most beautiful creatures guide me through the cave. Glow worms, the most beautiful freak of nature I have ever seen, I am not alone, I am surround by thousands and thousands of little glow worms. The only sound is my heart, my breath, and the waterfall getting louder the farther we drift. Sometimes you need to turn off the light to see what's really there. 

-Mira

New Zealand, lots of water and fun

What can I say, New Zealand is a land of beautiful landscapes and plenty to enjoy outdoors. Last week we spent a couple of days on the Coromandel Peninsula, two hours north of Auckland along the coast, where we had a fun day at the sea. The beach we visited has hot water bubbling up through the sand and where people dig pools so they could sit in their own natural hot tubs. On the way south, we were fortunate enough to see our good friend Liz, who Nadia worked closely with in Eritrea and who treated us to a delicious brunch (thanks Liz). 

Once on the west coast of the north island, we stayed three days at a surf hostel which is situated high on a hill with a spectacular view of the coast and the beach we surfed on for 2 days. On the first night there we slept in a tent in the forest shaped like the inside of the I Dream of Jeannie's bottle. The following two nights we stayed old converted railway cars. The surf at the beach was perfect so the kids really had a chance to improve their skills by riding lots of ways.

Today we hiked into two very large caves in a place called Waitomo and even took an inflatable boat ride through a river cutting through one of the caves deep underground. On the ceiling of the cave their were thousands upon thousands of glow worms which glow a bright green. With the headlamps on our hardhats off, and without and talking we silently drifted through the tunnel with only the light of the glow worms - a truly magical sight. 

Tonight we're bunking down near Lake Taupo, which is a volcanic crater lake created from the largest volcanic explosion ever recorded (i.e. 2000 years ago by the Italians and Chinese who recording dust settling down in villages). We've traveled here because tomorrow we've scheduled to go white water rafting. It should be fun.

After Taupo, we head south in a couple days to New Plymouth where I'll run in the Mountain to Surf Marathon which I've been training for over the last four months - running through towns, villages and along the coast in India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Australia and now New Zealand. 

Cheers, Rob

Our friend Warwick teaching Mira how to tend bees

Maya jumping off a high rope swing

Hot springs right on the beach with Mira making her own hot tub from sand

Our digs for an evening at Solescape surf hostel in Raglan Beach

Waterfalls to be enjoyed everywhere

"Ah Papa, it's too early to pull out the camera"

Nadia listening to surf stories from the girls

Maya at a raging, deep blue river we came across while driving from somewhere to somewhere else

Not a bad view to have while doing school work or planning future legs of the trip

Never Again?

Two days ago, while at staying at a gorgeous youth hostel in Raglan, New Zealand, I met an American (USA) family.  They have two girls (8 and 10 years old) with whom they are traveling for six months.  They are also homeschooling their kids.  They were only three weeks into their trip, which is heading west (compared to our easterly travel direction).  Next week, they will be heading to Asia, where we spent seven months.

We only spoke together for a few minutes, but the mother asked me for advice for their upcoming time in Asia.  She said "There are plenty of good places but is there any place we should avoid?"

It was a good preface to her question.  There ARE lots of good places.  There are tons of great places.  We have seen and done so many wonderful things so far, but quickly, three "must-do's" come to mind - places I would recommend in a second (interestingly, they are all very remote or natural places)!

Staying in treehouses and flying along 15 kilometers of zip-lines through the forest in the Laotian Nam Kan National Park.

Spending four incredible days snorkeling and hiking while camping and kayaking on the beautiful islands in Palau.

Exploring the remote backwater villages through the jungles of Borneo for five days in a motorized dugout canoe.

Surfing the long left-handed breaks on a near-empty beach when staying in a teepee at a serene and healthy hostel in Raglan, New Zealand.

But is there any place I would recommend travelers or families avoid, from amongst the many places we have been so far?  Places I would never ever go to again?

No.  There is no place (to which we have been on this trip), that I would never go to again or would tell people to avoid.

That might seem unlikely - but remember - attitude is everything!

Nadia

The Jump

Carefully, I bring my left leg over the railing. Just sitting there, half way off, have way on, the wind blows in my face, making me wobble. This is the scariest part. I pull my right leg up, and slide it slowly over the cold brass pole. My weight is balanced just so, between my hands, my butt, and the tips of my toes. If my hands or toes slip, I will fall. I've waited long enough. I take in one last breath of air, and push off with the tips of my feet. The wind blows my hair up, as my arms and legs flail in mid air. What seems like eternity, is actually only a couple seconds. First my feet slap the surface, then my hands, and then I'm fully submerged. The river has engulfed me, and now I'm floating downstream. I did it, the perilous jump from the foot bridge. And now it's time to do it again :)

Maya

Never Mess with Lola

"Ah," I mouthed as the Icey cold wave splashed all over my stomach. SPLASH. Maya had dived in, my jaw dropped, I chickened out. ..........moments later.......... I threw the ball and Lola ran faster than I have ever seen a dog run. I handed the ball to Warwick and ran out a little hoping to race Lola to the ball. Warwick throws the ball and I start running, Lola passed me, then we hit water and I pass her, suddenly my foot catches something and I go crashing into the Icey water, I jump up my body tensed! I had learned my lesson, never mess with Lola.        -Mira Photo cred. to Warwick Thompson Doodle credit MEEEEE!!!!!

More Colonial History

When someone says New Zealand, what comes to mind?  Ok, besides rolling green hills and your typical western towns?

Rolling green hills in the central part of the North Island

A church in Napier, North Island, New Zealand

A beautiful art deco building in Napier, North Island, New Zealand

What other image pops into your head?  What do the people look like?  What types of clothes do they wear?  What kind of food do the people eat?  What kind of music do they sing or play?

Not surprisingly, I think of people who are descendants of Brits, with light colored, sun-sensitive skin.  I picture western-style clothing.  I taste fish and chips and roast and potatoes.  I hear European or American pop music.

The reality is a little different.  Much of the country is tropical.

A reserve on Cooks Bay, North Island, New Zealand

And the people, well, the pre-colonial people are not unlike the other people of the South Pacific, in their looks, their clothing, their food, and their music!

An amazing Maori singer in Whakarewarewa, near Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

A powerful haka performance in Whakarewarewa, near Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

The cultural similarities to Tahiti and Hawaii and Fiji and Somao are not surprising, not when you think about it, given the geographical proximity.  But I was surprised at my own stereotypes.  And surprised that I was surprised!

My reflexive images and ideas of the country are a good example of the strength of the colonial history and the power of the current dominant culture...

Nadia

  

Goodbye Australia and hello New Zealand

We recently wrapped up our time in Tasmania by hiking along the east coast of the island, taking a ghost tour at night through an old and brutal penal colony, visiting an amazing art museum and spending a couple of days with newly made friends Tonia and Pierre who hosted us at their beautiful house on the backside of Mt. Wellington and just outside of Hobart. 

Once back on mainland Australia, we were hosted by Nadia's old friend Leslie who took us surfing at Bondi Beach before cooking a beautiful dinner for us on her rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline of Sydney. We also took the kids to a play (Westside Story) and traveled on a ferry across Sydney to meet up with our friend Denise from our time together in Eritrea. 

Australia is a huge and diverse country with something to offer to everyone. Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to and I only wish we had a bit more time spend there.

We've now flown to New Zealand and are spending time at our good friends Helle and Warrick's house. They live in the countryside, close to the coast, and it's so good to see with them and catch up.

The kids are doing great and so is Nadia. We all continue to enjoy this grand adventure and be inspired by seeing old friends, meeting new people and visiting new places.

Cheers, 

Rob

Stunning landscapes of Tasmania 

Lunch on the rocks at Wineglass Bay, Tasmania 

Extensive tidal flats

Crab eating lunch 

Scenic Sydney Harbor 

Sydney Opera House 

Sydney skyline at night

Mira being Mira in the hills - Hastings, NZ

 Beautiful rivers, hills and coastline of New Zealand

Sisters hanging out

With dear friends Helle and Warwick

Enjoying the beach and rugged coastline

A Swim in Hastings

I don't think I've ever been in such cold water. Today we went to the beach here in Hastings, New Zealand. The wind was howling, and the sun was hiding behind the puffy white clouds. Even as I walked barefoot on the wet sand, I could feel how cold the water was going to be. As soon as my toes touched the surface, my foot recoiled due to the icy cold temperature. But being the brave person I am, I ventured into the choppy Pacific Ocean. The wind howled around me, blowing sand around the beach. The sun seemed to hide behind the clouds, as if the cold was contagious. Slowly, I made my way out into the foaming white waves. I just had to do it fast, nice and easy. As a small wave came towards me, still unbroken, I took my chance, dunking my head as the wave rushed past. Never have I ever been in such icy cold water. However, despite the temperature, the swim felt good. It was exhilarating, body surfing as my arms, legs, and chest convulsed underwater. Once I was out of the water, the sun came out, and the wind quieted, praising me for daring the great icy waters of Hastings.

- Maya

Imagine!

Imagine a march mellow! Imagine a marshmallow with the face of a koala.  Imagine a marshmallow with the face of a koala so furry. Well I don't have to, because I touched one , in the wild, this weekend! It's called a wombat.  I named him Dave.

- Mira

This is my #1 wanted animal!

Urban vs Rural

Because it is the middle of February (already), we are actively talking about our next posting.  To which country will we move in July or August?  Where do we want to live?  What sort of city or town would be our ideal?

I don't know the answer to that question.

Today is our last day in Australia.  We explored the cities of Melbourne, Hobart, and Sydney.  We relaxed in the smaller towns of Torquay, Pambula, and Coffs Harbor.  We trekked and hiked trails in Tasmania.  We had time in urban, rural, and natural settings.

Each has its advantages.

I love the politics and the uber cool, artsy things in big cities.

Hobart protest about refugee treatment by the Australian government

I love the community and friendliness of smaller cities and towns.

Morning visitors in Pambula garden

I love the outdoors and active lifestyle of natural settings.

Coastal hike in Port Arthur

Whatever happens, I do know that the sea must be nearby and nature must be accessible.

We shall see where we end up...

Nadia

Camper

Who knew you'd have to wear seat belts while in a camper? I always thought it would be fun while driving, being able to move around, or lie in bed, for the long car rides at least. But as it turns out, there is only one seating area where one can sit in while driving. The seat belts dig into your neck, and are hard to move around in. Then, if say, one wanted to lie down and go to sleep, their legs hang off the end of the chair. The only way to nap is curled up in s little ball. It's really quite uncomfortable, more so than a regular car. I guess one plus could be the table at the seating area. But then again, one can never put much weight on one side when there's nothing on the other, because then the table will come undone and fall. In the end that's ok, because one can't leave much out anyway. Anytime we want to move, we have to pack everything away in the cupboards. Otherwise things will fall off counters and roll around the floor. However, despite all those negatives while driving, it was so much more fun than I thought. I figured it might get a little claustrophobic, but it didn't. It felt like here was much more space than there actually was. All in all the negatives evened out with all the positives of the camper. We drove around for about a week in Tasmania. First we went to Deloraine, then Cradle Mountain, afterwards we went to Wineglass bay, and finally to Port Arthur. We flew in to Launceston and out of Hobart, but we didn't stay in either with the camper. It was a great trip, and all the camper parks were great, even if one of their playgrounds put a dent in Mira's neck. 

Maya

The sea shore was beautiful all around Tasmania 

10 Days in One Room

Imagine living in a room the width of half the road, and the length of a small swimming pool. Imagine living where 2 beds, the kitchen, and the bathroom are all in one room. Imagine living in a confined space with your parents for 10 days. Imagine driving for four hours everyday with a teenager who gets car sick. Imagine staying in a park with a playground and people who are incredibly nice and have fabulous dogs. Imagine waking up in the morning to kookaburra, and parrots, and birds I don't even know the name of. This was my life for the past eight days and will be for the next two.

- Mira

Luxury in Australia

"It is a luxury to do something that serves no practical purpose: the luxury of civilization!"
   The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Steadman

Luxury:  swinging on a rope swing above Coffs Creek

Luxury: surfing at Park Beach on a weekday

Luxury: hiking Coffs rainforest with a friend

Luxury: rescuing and caring for orphaned or abused animals

Practical:  doing school work to learn and grow

Luxury:  doing school work in a lounge chair by a river in Tasmania

Luxury:  hiking with your family in Cradle Mountain National Park

Practical:  transporting family from one lodging to another

Luxury:  transporting your lodging (camper van) from one national park to another

Luxury:  sitting at a view point on top of Cradle Mountain

Practical:  washing sweat off your body

Luxury:  bathing in Crater Lake

Yet again, I am reminded of how lucky we are...

Nadia