Mini-golf, art deco and a movie
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2006
1
36
45
Trip End
Mar 23, 2007
Napier, New Zealand
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The drive to Napier was long and boring at some points and curved and dangerous at others. Since Brazil is only 20 he wasn't able to drive, which meant our lives were in my hands for the next 4 days...muah hah hah. We finally arrived in Napier in mid-afternoon and booked into one of the few buildings that survived the earthquake of 1931--Toad Hall. We then set out to explore the city, which after the 1931 earthquake, rebuilt itself into New Zealand's premiere art deco city.
After buying some CDs for the long drive, we went to examine the "black" beach that ran along the Pacific Ocean. I'm not exactly sure how, but the beach is made completely out of black stones and is not comfortable to walk or lay on--K and MJ Ehrbar would not like it. Since the beach wasn't an option, we decided to try out the miniature golf course, where we had a good time people watching and teaching Brazil how to putt. Later that night we had pizza at Hell (good NZ company) and went to watch "The Good Shephard" with MAAAAATTT DAMON (pronounced as in Team America, World Police).
Not too exciting, but a good relaxing day.
Comments
relaxing is always good
Although these posts lack in the excite found in swinging off cliffs and plunging towards the ground with a middle aged man strapped to you back they do still interest me quite a bit. I like to image that some day I will grow up to be just like you (excluded political affiliation....sorry to disappoint). I don't think driving on the left side of the road would be good for me, especially with your sister in the car. I have enough trouble keeping her comfortable when I'm driving on the right side. I think leaving yourself four unplanned days was a great idea. It gives you a chance to experience down time in the country and see more of the local life...great success.
Since the post gave me little to comment on (although still great) I think it is time for USA update time. I am sure you have been following your boys in red (no, not the Republican Party members but the Badgers). Although they lost to Ohio State, which made me grin a little, I am sure they will still get a number 1 seed in the tournament, or at lowest a number two. In more important new the packers are, as you know, sitting at the number 16 spot in the draft. On nearly all mock boards I have see the Packers are consistently looked at take Marshon Lynch (not sure on the spelling I will learn that if he actually becomes a Packer). That pick is the only consistent mock draft pick I have seen on the boards so I would bet he is a likely candidate. I have also seen a few with the packers taking Dwayne Jarrett, WR from USC which is probably unlikely since Ted Thompson is looking for vet for the WR position. His combine workout was descent but every football enthusiast knows that the combine is only a small piece of the puzzle when looking at how well a player is. On two less interesting notes your boy from Wisconsin, Joe Thomas, is looking to go number one or two in the draft either to the raiders or the lions. Too bad the teams interested in him both suck hard. His combine work out was great, but being already up in the top five for the draft his stock can't go up too much. For the second less interesting note, the bears (your hometown team but not your favorite) are looking to improve their offensive strength with an offensive guard from auburn, Ben Grubbs. They need all the help they can get to protect not so sexy Rexy.
Besides the massive snow storms to recently hit the area (sorry Al Gore for messing up that whole Global Warming theory of yours) that is all the relevant news to go down. I would hope that your boys in blue (and yes this time I mean democrats) will get some handle on who the front runner for the presidential race will be by the time you return, and I hope for your sake it isn't Mr. Hillary 'Bill is my money ticket' Clinton. I am sure they are waiting for you to get back to help with this decision.
Can't wait to party like a rock star, or in your case an Aussie rules football player, at the Madhatters reunion when you return. It must be comforting to know that as soon as you return from an alcohol filled trip you will be pressured into drink all weekend when you return. What a life.
Stay Classy as always.
Matt
gas
how much is gas in NZ? I'd appreciate it if you did the liters to gallons conversion for me, but I guess I could do it if need be.
Sounds like your in the 7th inning stretch of your trip. Enjoy!