Bay of Isles, Bay of Shmiles

This way to Dan

Haere Mai (Welcome) Friends!

Its winter here, in mid-August, and watersports don't really have that same euphoric jump up-and-down excitement as they do when it is mid-summer, and you are 8. The place was mostly deserted, save for the tragically over-hyped speedboat tours to see a "hole in a rock". Only $98 per adult. . . um .. . for a rock with a hole in it? No thanks.

Ahhh.... the Bay of Isles. The crowning blue glory of New Zealand's famously gorgeous "Northland". Just, I guess, not in Pahia, where we stayed.

After a long day of driving north, we got suckered into renting a room with the old "Stay 2 nights and get the third night FREE!" at the Centabay Lodge. We thought it would be nice to settle in somewhere, get our bearings, give our travel-weary souls time to catch up with our feverish bodies.

We basically grumbled boredly for 3 days, paying amusement-park prices for second-rate food (at the Thai restaurant, the Pad Thai was so excruciating, it nearly sent Kim into an emotional panic).

OK, it wasn't that bad. It rained only every 2 hours, which is less than half the time, and hey, who are we to judge. We're the ones who went to the beach mecca in the dead of winter. We watched a bunch of excellentWeeds episodes and some hilarious Flight of the Concords, so it wasn't a total wash.

FINALLY, after 3 days imprisoned in boringland, we made a break for a few more of NZ's delicious beautiful wonders.

1. Kauri Forest: One of the two remaining forests of these giant trees, the second largest species (after the Sequoia) in the world. All of NZ was once covered with them, but the Europeans cut down and hauled most of them away to be used to make boats. So now, the majority of the country is farming and grazing land, and the few remaining kauri are now revered and protected. By the way... did you know that in 2002, there were 12 sheep for every person in New Zealand? Plenty to keep you warm on those warm, lonely winter nights.

2. Viewpoint:Some random place off the side of the highway became one of our trips most unexpected and amazing moments. We just stopped around Hokianga Harbour so that Kim could pee, then we turned onto a random road, and came upon a most amazing, breathtaking view. Let this be a lesson to always pee in strange places, and let your intuition guide you down mysterious paths. For a false historical perspective, please see our video.

3. Rotorua: The "heart" of NZ, this place smolders and boils with sulphuric geysers so much that the entire city is nicknamed "the stinking city". Dan expected it to smell like a big fart, but later commented that "It doesn't smell that bad... it kind of has a fresh, crisp smell to it." Yeah, whatever Dan... it smells like a big fart.

As we are writing this, we are in Rotorua, and in fact, we are having a fantastic time and enjoying some awesome adventures. Certainly a highlight of the trip! We will be updating all of you, our sweet loved ones, with the details as soon as we can, so please keep your Internet tuned.

Love,

Dan&Kim

P.S. Here are some words of wisdom... if ever you pick up a snail shell, and the seemingly lifeless snail falls out of it... DO NOT attempt to rescue the snail, and put it back in it's shell. The seemingly lifeless snail is definitely lifeless, and by this time decomposing. If you do attempt to put it back in it's shell (like Kim did), you will be punished with the wretched stench of dead snail clinging to all of your belongings and following you around the country for days. Eeeeyuck!

Dad posted on 2007-09-02 at 11:54 am

Hello young lovers, I know where you are...(not really, but the thought to paraphrase a song from The King & I just popped into my head). I just viewed your latest video, and I feel like I'm falling in love with the two of you all over again. You make such beautiful video together. I made a promise to myself (outloud so mom could hear me) to write to you every day, which I promptly broke, so be happy with what you get. I miss you both and I'm enjoying exorbitantly (I forgot how to spell immensely for a moment)the beautifully touching videos and photos you're making. Excellent in all aspects, and getting better all the time. Love til next time...Dad

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David posted on 2007-08-21 at 11:37 am

What great views! And it looks like there has been good weather despite your comments. And the Kauri forest looks great. Here's some trivia back for you, a list of the largest trees in the world: Sequoia Kauri Cypress Eucalyptus Douglas-fir Spruce Baobab And I agree with the random pee theory...except if there are a pack of Mexican cops around. BTW, when you get to the next 3-day prison, check out a pirated version of the new movie SuperBad on the Internet which is SuperGood.

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Libby posted on 2007-08-13 at 3:52 pm

That totally something I would do, Kim- stuffing a half-rotten snail back into its shell out of fear that I'd simply de-housed it...ahhhh...we poor, tenderhearted animal lovers...!

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Mom posted on 2007-08-12 at 1:58 am

It was nice to see the tadpole and the turtle out in the open for some fresh air. We are enjoying the grand adventure.With love, hugs and kisses to both of you. Mom.oxoxoxxoxox

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katerina posted on 2007-08-11 at 8:35 pm

i love this. i love checking to see if there's any new gifts of words and photos and videos here at danberly. and then i love when there are new wonderful gifts. and i love what a beautiful time you guys are having. i just love love love it. the only thing i don't love is hearing kim's little laugh and missing it *so* much! :) it's so wonderful.....and i'm so glad you're such nerds with all of your fancy photo~video~computer skills. ah. it's the best & i love you!

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Auntie posted on 2007-08-11 at 2:54 pm

Thank you thank you, thank you for sharing!!! You are both bringing tears to my eyes. You both look so-o-o-o happy, especially you Kim which is great to see. I love the pictures, feel like I'm right there with you. Dan, because you are an Apple geek, I had to download a program to view your video. You will have to help me remove it when you get back (if you get back!) I think you two are having one of the best times of your life. I've seen more of you since you've been gone than I did when you were here. Thank you for taking the time to journal and include all of us in your travels. Stay out of the Big City's, they are just tooooooo congested, yuck!! Anyway, keep having a wonderful time and I am looking forward to more food, landscapes, creatures and fun. Mata ne!!!!

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