En Zed (NZ)

Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa

They say 'zed' here in New Zealand rather than 'z'. They also don't measure distances in blocks (think meters) or have brussel sprouts. Other than little things like that, and if you disregard the obvious  British influences (accents, driving on the left side), being in New Zealand is a lot like being back in the U.S. Among other things, this means a cornucopia of foodstuffs.  Even small convenience stores carry much more than most of the 'big' stores we have visited over the last few years.  The kids were literally running around the supermarket yelling, 'Look! They have shrimp!  Look! They have broccoli!'

Pompallier House, Russell

Whereas in most of the areas we have frequented, 9-year olds were seen driving dinghies and there were rarely working seatbelts in cars, New Zealand requires seatbelts and wants kids to be a bit older before they drive a boat by themselves. They have laws here and expect you to follow them (and they actually have police to enforce them).  We bought a car to use while we're here, which makes things seem even more civilized. We no longer have to walk a mile to the store to find out that there's no fresh food or produce, but the supply boat might come in next Thursday.

Tannery at the Pompallier House. They used to soak
the leather in urine to soften it.

Speaking of cars, our new "beater" car is a radical departure from our previous vehicles.  We have always been very practical, point-A-to-point-B car people (Honda Civic).  We were hoping to get perhaps a Subaru wagon or a beat up van or something else similar.  So of course we have somehow ended up with a 1999 BMW 328i.  Mark on Amelie IV says it makes perfect sense as we are just perpetuating the stereotype of lawyers in a Beamer. In our defense, it was the cheapest car we could find without super high mileage.  We got a great deal on it so we're hoping it will be easy to sell when we leave.

Our new (to us) wheels

We have been steadily working on our list of boat projects. The good news on the transmission is that nothing appears to be wrong with it (which is good since they're not available from the factory until mid-March 2016). The bad news is that something is still making a very cranky noise. Matt dove into the very chilly (for us), murky, and mutant-jellyfish-infested water to check out the shaft, which seems fine. As soon as we get our new batteries installed within the next few days, we will move the boat and do some more diagnostics.

Trail from Okiato to Russell. We can still find
ways to torture the kids.

 

Nearly vertical climbing hazard? Send the kids!

In the meantime, we are managing to see some of the sights around Opua and the kids are having a good time with friends, both new and old.

Santa and the Tooth Fairy at the Christmas Parade in Paihia

Waiariki Pools--Jed Clampett discovers hot springs
rather than oil in his backyard, digs pools, charges admission.

 

 

Ruapekapeka pa battlesite

 

A train that runs down the main street in Kawakawa