Monthly Archives: October 2023

31/10/2023
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Fire & Water

Fire AND Water, you say? Well, slap me around and call me Susan.

There’s been quite a bit of walking around and doing things in the last few posts, so I am switching it up today. I’m making it more sedentary. Quite frankly, my legs were sore by the end of this entire trip, if I’m to be honest with you dear reader. I relished the quiet moments and I think you will too.

To start it off, let’s get it hot in here.

My partner and I are invested in the Netflix reality competition show Blown Away. If you don’t know, it’s a glass-blowing competition show. It might not sound exciting but it is! You would be amazed at how resilient, malleable, and (obviously) fragile glass can be. The vision of each contestant coming to fruition is fun to watch.

Anyway, we were out driving and when we were close to Lake Taupo we passed a spot that advertised itself as a glass-blowing studio and shop. We filed that away for later and when we were circling back, we made sure to drop in to Lava Glass Studio.

Tucked behind a shop door, after paying a reasonable entry fee, is the studio itself. Here we watched one of the local artisans (literally – he said he walks to the studio) work on several pieces. While we were sitting there, we chatted with him about his life and the work he does while also sharing what we were up to. While we were watching, we could feel the intense heat from the furnace each time the artist, Chris, opened the furnace doors. It was intense!

Naturally, he mentioned that a fair number of people have been coming through the studio because of the Netflix show. It was fun to see and learn more about this art form. He also informed us that the studio we were in was 100% sustainable and carbon neutral. That’s [expletive deleted] impressive!

Usually, they tell you that you don’t want to see how the “sausage is made” because it’s a nasty process. Not this. We were amazed at the finesse, skill, and artistry on display in front of us. Watching hot, molten glass turn into a new shape before your eyes is mesmerizing and impressive. This is an activity that all can and should participate in.

Now it’s time to get wet.

Okay, not literally. It was a bit rainy on the day we visited but beyond that, you won’t get wet if you go. Or you shouldn’t get wet. You’d have to fall into the water to get wet-wet. Enough talk about moisture levels, it’s time to enter the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

Located south of Hamilton and northwest of Lake Taupo, are the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. It’s a bit off the main road but it’s well-traveled and worth it in every regard. I mean, I wouldn’t write about it if it wasn’t worth it.

Please note that photos were not allowed while in the caves so I am going to describe as best as I can what I saw.

The tour took us underground to see some truly magnificent natural structures. I’m talking stalactites and stalagmites growing every which way that they are allowed, creating cool as hell rock formations.

After being taken on a short walking tour of the caves (which are themselves impressive), we were ferried into a darker corner of the cave and into a long metal row boat that was operated like a Venetian gondola. The guide pushed us along the water using a large wooden pole that dug into the riverbed.

With the near-total absence of light, we witnessed the ethereal glow from the glow worms hanging on the ceiling of the caves. Every so often a tiny droplet would fall on us, reminding us that it was real. The gentle rocking of the boat and the silence from the other visitors transported us to another place. It felt alien to be in the dark only to find illumination from such small creatures. It was, simply put, beautiful.

Cheesy face aside, it was very cool to see

Yeahhhh, that’s not a real photo from inside the caves. We were in front of a green screen. I went full cheese for my pose. I probably should’ve told my partner the same. SMDH.

Well, that’s it for today. Thank you for visiting and I will see you next week!

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25/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Roaming ‘Round Rotorua

During one of our excursions out of Auckland, my partner and I looked for things that both of us would enjoy. Essentially, it was one for her and one for me. I’m going to be recounting what she chose and what I chose for our adventure.

Now, I know that this may frustrating to hear for some of you planners out there but we did not plan everything out day-by-day. We winged it at times but mostly had a rough idea as to what and where we wanted to go see and do.

My partner is in love with trees. Not just any trees either. I’m talking about the mammoth tree that is the Redwood. She can go on and on about how beneficial they are to our ecosystem here in California. So, when she discovered that a few hours away was a Redwood walk she knew she had to go.

Not far from the downtown area of Rotorua is the Redwoods Treewalk. It allows you the ability to get up there with the trees and see what they see…if trees had eyes. It’s a trees-eye view if you will.

The first step I took out onto the suspension bridge scared the hell out of me. I dropped a few inches or so and maybe or maybe not let out a slight yelp. Then I laughed and it was all fine! I was not prepared for the bridge to move as much on the first step. It caught me off guard. Now I am making excuses for being scared…smh.

Taking a walk at tree height gives you, literally, a new perspective on what it’s like to be a tree. OK, not really, but you get the gist of it. It’s just super cool. I’m going to let the photos do the talking for the next few paragraphs. Enjoy.

As you can see, it’s a wonderfully designed experience that, you discover while on the walk, was made with the utmost care for the trees and the surrounding environment. It’s a fantastic nature walk that people of all ages can enjoy.

Now, for the second bit of fun we had in Rotorua…we turn to Zorbing.

That’s right. Z-O-R-B-I-N-G.

Essentially, you hop into a giant hamster ball filled with warm water and roll down a hill. I first remember seeing a Zorb on an MTV’s Road Rules episode, and it’s been in my brain ever since. When I learned that Rotorua is the home of Zorbing, I knew it would be my pick for our activity.

You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque view than this, could you? No.

Strip down, change into your swimmers (or whatever you want to get wet in), and then you’ll be ready to Zorb. It’s an odd experience sliding in a ball half-submerged in water, but it’s a butt load of fun. In between runs, seasons permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in a hot tub or lounge in a mini sauna.

This is one of those experiences that you have to ehh experience firsthand as writing about it does not truly lend the full effect it has on the rider but I’ll do my best here.

You slosh around in a ball not entirely sure what direction you’re facing. The water bounces off you and the walls of the Zorb creating a cacophony that is equal parts exhilarating and disorienting. You will hear your heartbeat through your ears. You will try to sit upright but the momentum and gravity will keep you down. You will laugh. You will scream. You will cheer the entire way down. You will slow to a stop and slide out feet first onto firm ground as you are no longer bound to the liquid womb of the Zorb. Then, you will want to do it again.

That is it for me for today. Thank you for reading and I will see you next time!

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18/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Walking, Geothermal Walking

Last week I took you to Huka Falls. This week, I am taking you literally across the street, or road, or highway or whatever you wanna call it.

While we were at Huka Falls we were doing some research as to where to head next. I saw this next place’s name nearby and said “The name alone makes a visit necessary.” Ok, maybe I didn’t say that word-for-word but I am pretty sure I was excited about the next stop.

That place is the Craters of the Moon.

I love the way that rolls off the tongue. It sounds so, well, ethereal. That makes sense given that its name inspires thoughts of parts beyond our own atmosphere. And it does deliver just that.

Enter through the gift shop, take that Banksy, and you’ll come out to a covered platform that looks out over the grounds. As I mentioned, you will feel like you’re in a different place than before. You look around the park and see rolling hills of green and shrubs and trees and then BOOM there’s where you are. Steam rises from the ground creating pockets of warmth where various flora exist and thrive due to these special conditions.

You won’t find these plants surviving in just any old place. They exist here because of the geothermal activity beneath the Earth in this very spot. I was totally unprepared to be as wowed as I was. It’s an easy walk to make thanks to a well-maintained walkway.

I have only seen steam like that coming up from city streets, volcanoes, or fog machines. To see the steam rising naturally from the Earth was very cool stuff.

The walkway has numerous short branches from the main path to provide you with a better look at the grounds. Take the time to look at it all. It’s well worth it.

I know that this may not look like much but it’s cool as hell. The vents have created a completely different ecosystem from what is across the road. Mere meters separate you from one type of topography to another. I know I must sound like a yokel being amazed by nature, but it’s true! It’s a fascinating place and amazing to behold.

I brought my jacket with me, given that it was the middle of Winter (August, Southern Hemisphere, reversed seasons, etc.). But, I did not need it. It was quite warm on the walk thanks to the vents and our constant movement.

Towards the end of the walk, there’s a part of the path that goes up. You’ll have to double back but, whatever, get yourself up the trail. It’s a tad steep but worth the trip. Once you’re up there you’ll be treated to a hilltop view of the park and the various vents that populate it.

Double Selfie! Ussie???

After you’re back down to the main trail, you’ll exit through the gift shop (mutters an apology to Bansky) and head off on your next adventure.

Thanks for visiting, and I will see you later!

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10/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Falling in New Zealand

OK, so by now you’ve seen a bungy jump and some other sites around Auckland. And if you haven’t yet, click on those links! But for now, I am going to take you further south.

Today, will I tell you about me actually falling? No. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble. It’s a play on words. I am writing today about Huka Falls.

It’s kinda, sorta, maybe in the middle of the North Island. It’s in the Lake Taupo area (ahem, the bungy. Remember that?) and it’s a popular spot. You’ll see soon once you scroll down AFTER! after reading my words here. Don’t just scroll past my words that I put time into reading! Please & thank you.

If you are driving there from the North, you’re most likely going to be heading down State Highway 1. After a few hours you’ll see the signage for Huka Falls and the Lookout spot. Believe me when I tell you that you will want to park at the Lookout. The parking lot closest to the falls is not that big and will most likely be full. Parking at the Lookout will, hopefully, save you that hassle. It will also afford you the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long drive as you make your way down to the water.

It’s a fairly easy walk down. Little ones should be ok doing the trek but be mindful as it’s still a trail. Once you’ve made it a little bit down the trail, the noise of the passing cars from the road will fade away and a new one will fill your ears. A steady hum and rustle of gallons upon gallons of water crashing onto rocks will alert your ears that nature is nearby.

Huka Falls and my lovely and amazing partner, Kristen

Quite the sight, no? We must have stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. We even saw a jetboat race up the river and zoom around the base of the falls, getting the occupants a little wet. We both valued our dryness so we abstained from the jetboat.

Quick side note: There are some trails that branch off from the falls area that we did not have the time to walk, but you might!

Looking toward the Falls

Closer to the parking lot is a bridge that traverses the Waikoto River as it turns into . . . the falls? Yes? That’s right? I think. I don’t know. I don’t know much about rivers and such. I have the oceanography merit badge. This, this ain’t the ocean. Either way you slice it, the bridge is a great viewpoint to get on top of the water and see where it came from (photo below) and where it’s going (photo above).

Looking away from the falls

I’ll tell you what, the sound of the water pounding against the rocks really makes you appreciate the power of water. What can start out as a trickle of a stream can turn into a roaring torrent and consume all around it.

It’s a serene spot where plenty of families and travelers alike will stop and admire nature. It’s important to admire and respect what the Earth has to offer us. This is the only planet we’ve got and you should get out and see as much of it as you can.

Thank you for visiting and I will see you later!

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03/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Game Day Part I

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my partner and I went to New Zealand because of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Being from the United States, that meant that we were going with the intention to support our four-time World Cup champion USA.

We felt confident enough that we could skip the group stage and see some knockout round matches featuring our home nation. Never in the history of the competition had the USA failed to reach a semifinal at a World Cup.

Until 2023.

The IKEA-loving Swedes knocked them out of the tournament but it did not knock us out of our trip. Our plans remained the same: go, see the country, and watch some world-class soccer.

Eden Park, Auckland

Now, with the USA knocked out and sent home I needed to choose a different country to support. Luckily for me, I have a system: Every country I visit I buy a sport jersey. Rugby or soccer or whatever. But, it’s mostly a growing collection of soccer jerseys. When we left for Auckland I had a few jerseys to choose from: Japan, Spain, and Australia. Now, logistically I would not be able to wear the Australia jersey because they were playing across the Tasman Sea in, you guessed it, Australia. Still, I brought it anyway because I had to wear something on other days!

That left me with Japan and Spain.

It worked out beautifully that I could wear my Japan jersey to the Quarterfinal and then, should Spain advance, I would wear my Spain jersey (more on that game in a future post).

Pre-game walkout and anthems

Attending an event at Eden Park is relatively simple thanks to Auckland Transport. The train takes you within steps of the ground courtesy of the Kingsland station stop. During the tournament, the fees associated with using the train were waived for all fans attending a match. We simply had to show our ticket for the match to a Transport worker and that was the same as a valid fare purchased. Lovely!

I love trains. I love public transport. While this train moved slowly at times I was very appreciative of it. Coming from a car-dominated country, I always appreciate a train when I can.

Eden Park is a gorgeous stadium. It’s primarily a rugby stadium for the super successful All Blacks (you can even see that in the black-grey color scheme they chose for the seats). I was told that it was updated for this tournament and walking around it, I can say that there was not a bad view of the pitch from any level. The only thing that bothered me was the urinal trough. I need a barrier between the dude next to me! Other than that, great stadium!

An early corner for Japan

It was a truly great atmosphere in the stadium that night. There were pockets of blue & yellow Viking-clad fans speckled throughout the park but, for the most part, the audience was pro-Japan. I could spot a fair few of my fellow USA fans throughout the stadium. They, like us, thought that it would be the USA taking on the Japanese that night. Still, I was happy to be there.

One thing I’ll note about the grounds is that the food was standard gameday food. In that it was mostly fried. We tried a pork bao bun type sandwich thing but it was more like a Sloppy Joe and nothing to write home about…except I’m…now writing…about it…smdh.

Japan denied from The Spot

Now, you’ll look below and see a bird-looking thing. That’s Tazuni, the official mascot of the tournament. Nearly everything has a mascot these days and I love it. I love mascots. I have a soft spot for them because I was one back in my college days.

For my junior and senior years at Santa Clara University I was Bucky the Bronco. It’s not easy to don some fur and a giant head and prance around an arena. Tazuni gets my admiration and respect for bringing joy to a lot of people on that and every night.

Tazuni, the official mascot for the tournament

After the final whistle blew the Japanese players dropped to the pitch in despair and the Swedish players jumped in jubilation. The world of sports is cruel at times. It can give you everything and take it away just as easily. I felt for the Japanese players. They left it all out on the field that night. They had looked to be the best team in the tournament leading up to this match. But all it takes is one off night.

As we left and made our way through the neighborhood surrounding the stadium we could hear the faint echoes of music coming from ahead of us. We turned a corner to make way to the train and there was a house with an amp on their front steps blasting ABBA. Now, you might expect “Dancing Queen” or “Take A Chance On Me” to be played at this time but no.

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” was playing for some strange reason and you know what? We loved it! It was weird and gave us something to smile and laugh about on our journey back to downtown Auckland.

As we made our way back to our hotel I took a fleeting moment to recognize the Sky Tower. I noticed that it was lit up in Swedish blue & yellow. A fun and simple tip of the cap to the victors that evening.

Sky Tower in Swedish Blue & Yellow

Thanks for visiting and I will see you later!

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