Category Archives: Travel Home

The Hobbiton- A Waste of Time and Money (for Californians)

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Gentle Reader,

Beautiful Rolling Hills and Sheep

Beautiful Rolling Hills and Sheep

I am never one to disrespect a beloved landmark, but remember my description of Kiwi’s? No Hollywood (i.e. pretense/narcissism)?  Well, Hollywood made it’s way to Matamata, New Zealand in a big way- self-aggrandisment and big ego are all apart of The Hobbiton (c’mon Californians we are trying to get away from Hollywood on vacation).  Matamata is GORGEOUS lots of thoroughbred stud farms, sheep and rolling hills.  A bit like another favorite place Calgary, Matamata is green, bucolic and filled with farms.   Until you hit, The Hobbiton.

The Hobbiton Sign in Matamata

The Hobbiton Sign in Matamata

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The Friendliest Place on Earth (a.k.a Auckland) Part II

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Happy Fourth of July, America!

Happy Fourth of July, America!

Dear Reader, No joke… Auckland is Los Angeles without Hollywood (or minus entitlement and pretense). Think a bunch of very mellow, friendly folks who love to be outside, laugh loudly, and spend time at the beach. Exhibit 1 Ceillhe (read K-Lee) Sperath founder and director (along with her husband Neill) of TIME Unlimited Tours +64 21 574 414 (I am writing down the number for me as much as you, Dear Reader, as she said to call her if we get terribly lost) and her very funny and wonderful sidekick Tracy. Continue reading

Auckland Rocks- Day 1

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Morning showers cleared to brings about a gorgeous day

Morning showers cleared to bring about a gorgeous day

Gentle Reader,

hold on to your woollies, but it is Winter here in The Friendliest Place on Earth (a.k.a. New Zealand).  This morning after a fab breakfast at Hotel DeBrett and a tête-à-tête about our itinerary with lovely Roberta ,at the front desk, we embarked on a walking-non-jet lag-thinking-self guided-tour of the city. Here are our recs with kids:

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Air New Zealand- The Most Perfect Flight Ever

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Dear Reader,

I’ve flown quite a bit. I know my levels of jet lag and, truly, I hate how jet lag cramps my desire to explore (well, as the children will attest, it doesn’t cramp my desire I just fight mightly with that irksome need to sleep). Air New Zealand has nailed that problem. The departure in Los Angeles (9:45) to the arrival 12 hours later (5:30 am) is an absolute dream for me and Little G.
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Nikon Re-Estimate AKA I Don’t Heart Nikon Anymore

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Yes Gentle Reader,

the unexpected should always be expected.  I just didn’t think after receiving notification that my Nikon was covered under warranty as was the battery- that a “Re-Estimate” would occur stating that NOTHING was covered and that I would have to pay $341.84 in order to get the camera into working order.

Nikon Invoice

 

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