02 February 2006

Another day without too much to share. We went back to the botanical gardens yesterday before dinner. Brian took a picture of the punters on the river.



These guys spend the whole day pushing people up and down the river with a big stick (not an oar - they push, not row). Going downstream probably isn’t too bad, but I would think upstream would be hard work! They never look tired or hot though.

Here’s a picture of me with the kind of flowers I want get from now own. They never need water, never go bad. Just kidding, I prefer the live kind.



Brian’s mom wanted to hear about some words that we hear down here that we’re not familiar with. I hear a bunch every day but I always forget them when it comes time to write! Here’s a picture with a couple good ones.



A “tog” is a swimsuit, “nappies” are diapers, “jandals” are flip flops. Let’s see…there’s the “dairy”, which is like a convenience store. The “chemist” is the pharmacist. “Entrees” are appetizers and they refer to the main course as “mains”

About that hole in the ozone…

Everyday in the newpaper they post the UV Index. Here’s one from a couple of days ago.



Yeah, on a scale of 1 to 11, it was an 11. “reschedule outdoor activites” It’s enough to strike fear into the heart of freckled people everywhere. The weird thing is, it’s not even that hot or THAT sunny out!

Not too much else to talk about today. We have a three day weekend coming up because Monday is Waitangi Day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waitangi_day (why doesn't the link maker work on safari!!!???) We’re going to try to go up to the mountains and do a little “tramping” – hiking in NZ terms.

Isn’t today groundhog day? I guess that would be tomorrow to you all. Let me know how much more winter is left! It better not be too much cause I just saw the gas bill online. $253.75 and we're not even living in the dang house!! The next one better be like $10 or Columbia Gas is going to get their first call from NZ!

5 Comments:

Blogger Erin said...

It was kinda warm here today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring though...

I love the pictures and the words! You'll have to collect a whole bunch of that kind of stuff to bring back.

Happy Ground Hogs Day! When we know what happened here, I'll let you know!

By the way, do you have an email address? Email me with it if you can!

Love y'all!

01 February, 2006 14:51  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey guys! It sounds like you're having a great time! The pictures are gorgeous and you're great story tellers! We look forward to reading the updates. Have fun and don't work too hard, Brian!
Jill and Adam

01 February, 2006 18:11  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want to know if they consider North America "up", do they call the season you are in winter or summer and are New Zelanders consider themselves Australians.

If you get into the ocean tell us if the water is warmer than the Pacific on our west coast.

Have fun and be safe. Aunt Kit

01 February, 2006 19:14  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Brian & Kate:
The groundhog saw his shadow, so 6 more weeks of winter(channel 4 said "mild" winter). We miss you guys, though this blog and your phone calls sure shorten the distance.
I got my new computer and am currently using it after Allan went through a couple of hours of trying to update the virus protection. With that new "worm" that's suppose to hit his Friday, everyone was accessing McAfee for updates!
Keep up the good work on the blog. We're looking forward to seeing pictures from your hike this weekend.
Love, Toni & Allan

02 February, 2006 07:12  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just read you comments and seen your pictures, don't forget my spoon or a shot glass(THX). I see you're having a great time, don't forget you have to come back, so enjoy yourselves while you have the time and energy. Keep the pictures coming, I love the scenery. Keep us informed on the treats you have enjoyed that americans don't have.
Jenice Brown

13 February, 2006 08:09  

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