Hakarimata Walkway

New Zealand

The Hakarimata walkway is a one way track but can be walked as a return trip to summit from either end. It can be accessed both from Ngarawahia and Huntly with the Ngarawahia track being a little more challenging. It is all stepped and I understand there are 1349 steps!!!! Haven’t tried that side yet. Huntly side can be accessed from Parker Road, and although this too is stepped, it has some flat sections as well which are very pleasant. Allows the heart and breathing rate to slow down.

Omaru Hut

New Zealand

Saturday saw six of us tramping into the Oamaru DOC hut. This site is adjacent to Poronui Station off the Napier – Taupo Road. Beautiful Weather. Four hour walk in.

Hiking food never gets any more enjoyable!! However sitting outside in the dusk, overlooking a most beautiful stream, is a wonderful reward for the hard work.

Music, cobblestoned streets and the beauty of Taormina

International

It is 5 p.m. on a beautiful warm Wednesday afternoon. My verbs and adjectives have been wrestled with so have slipped down to a little bar which overlooks the ocean for a cafĂ© latte and to gaze at the beautiful people. To be very honest, they are no different looking than a group of New Zealanders – some slim, some a little curvy but all seem to have slipped into the Italian way of life, regardless of when they arrived as tourists. Walking slowly along the Umberto Costa, eating gelatos and seemingly enjoying their time in Sicily.

Train Ticket

International

This is the train ticket which people get when they travel from airport to the train terminal in Rome! Why was I so worried? Also bought myticket by self service for Roccasecca. When you are on a roll you just need to keep going.
Had first glass of Prosecca and a most beautiful latte for lunch. I have arrived.

Wish you were all here too.

Fun and Adventure

International

Wow! I am looking out my 20th floor window watching people doing Tai Chi in a beautiful wooded area, beside a most amazing skyscraper.

The diffences are amazing but all seem to fit together. What an adventure I am having. From my initial “not too sure about this to now to how lucky I am.” Friday afternoon I had high tea with the son of an old friend at the most grand hotel in Hong Kong.