The Full Monty Part II
Fall is in full swing on the southern island of New Zealand, painting the landscape in a magnificent palette of autumn hues. The leaves have turned a beautiful array of yellow, orange, red, and purple. For the first time during our trip, we have had to put on long-sleeved shirts and windbreakers to stay warm. The most obvious tell-tale sign that the weather has changed is that no longer am I seeing people walking the neighborhood in bare feet - but just plain socks - no shoes, of course.
I love airports that enable you to descend the steps of the plane onto the tarmac. It gives you a real 360-degree impression of your new destination before you descend into the chaos. Queenstown is one such airport. Moments after stepping onto the tarmac, the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding southern Alps is overwhelming to take in. So entranced was I by nature's splendor that the ground staff had to nudge me along, gently reminding me that lingering on the tarmac wasn't part of the itinerary.
The South Island is a haven for adrenaline junkies. It's been a whirlwind of thrill seeking adventures as we gear up to bid adieu to Oceania for the intensity of Asia proper. Despite my inner voice screaming "Are you out of your mind?", we've plunged headfirst into the madness, fueled by equal parts fear and stubborn determination.
Enter zorbing – a concept that initially sounded like a medical condition, but the girls assured me they were fine. Picture this: cramming yourself into a giant balloon, filling it halfway with water, and then hurtling down a hill with the reckless abandon of a cat chasing a laser pointer. Naturally, Kasia and Ayana were all in, while I found myself contemplating their life choices faster than you can say "Help, they’ve made a terrible mistake.”
The lead staff member gave me a quizzical look, wondering why I was hesitating, I mumbled something about being too old for this nonsense. But lo and behold, like a scene straight out of an action movie, a sprightly 75-year-old grandma emerged, soaked from her zorbing escapade with her grandkids in tow.
I can't remember who spotted it first, but as he turned to face the bungee platform, we were taken aback by the unexpected sight that greeted us—a young man in his birthday suit. With a fearless determination, he was prepared to dive headfirst into the unknown abyss below. What was meant to be a typical adrenaline-fueled bungee jump quickly transformed into a surreal experience, as we found ourselves unwitting participants in what seemed like a scene from a nudist retreat rather than an adventure excursion.
The gasps, laughs, and sheer shock ricocheted through the crowd, including yours truly, who's seen their fair share of oddities. His family, trying to be supportive, cheered him on, while the senior citizens' group gleefully enjoyed the unexpected bonus entertainment.
One elderly lady, elbowing Janice for clarification inquired, “Is he really naked?” Janice explained that he was and she retorted, "Guess my eyesight isn't what it used to be!" She should have considered herself lucky…
Ironically, in the old days, baring it all would have given you a free jump, but too many bare souls bankrupted that idea. That’s the naked truth of it all…
In New Zealand the wine flows like water and the vineyards are as abundant as its sheep. Janice and I have embarked on countless wine tastings, dragging the girls along for the ride. While we expected the usual spiel about grape varieties and soil conditions, one vineyard took it to the next level. Not content with just educating us on the wine, they delved into the realm of entertainment, prescribing Spotify playlists and Netflix shows to accompany each glass of vino. Because apparently, a Pinot Noir pairs best with a gripping crime drama, while a Chardonnay demands a soundtrack of smooth jazz – who knew?
I've even left my resume with the vineyard owner, just in case they're hiring a Chief Entertainment Officer. After all, who better to curate the perfect wine-and-movie experience than yours truly?
Milford Sound, or should I say Fjord, is a natural marvel that defies description. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and on this rare occasion, sunshine graced our visit. As we marveled at nature's splendor, we struck up conversation with fellow Canadians, only to discover they were colleagues of our next-door neighbor – a small world indeed.
As our journey draws to a close today in Christchurch, I find myself charmed by the city's resilience and renewal post-earthquake. A rainy day spent at the library's children's floor whisked me back to childhood, where Lego towers and interactive books reign supreme.
Oceania has been a whirlwind of excitement, but as we prepare to trade fall breezes for the tropical heat in the Philippines, one thing's for certain – socks will be optional.
