Tales from the South Pacific, July 13-29, 2011 - Page 12 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I woke up rather lazily. I did get a wake-up call, but I ignored it and dozed dozed a bit. Then I got up and washed my hair--almost as much for the warm water and the humidity as for cleanliness.
I dressed and went downstairs and waved the folks going whitewater rafting--including Sue--on their way. That's right, I was passing up the chance to go rafting. Why? Well, a number of reasons, not the least being that it was going to be cold (yes, appropriate gear was being provided) and I still had the congestion thing going. Also, while I can swim a bit, I am not terribly confident in the water, and I had visions of me falling off the raft and floundering like a whale unable to get back on the raft. Someone actually did fall off, but he was able to get back on. Recall also that there had been 10 days of rain; the site of the rafting had to be changed because of how high the river was at the usual spot. There were Class 4 rapids, I believe.
So, now you understand why I could have a leisurely morning--I was skipping the morning event. At the end of the trip report I will supply a link to a movie that Mick made of the whole trip, and it includes video of the whitewater rafting. It looked fun, but I don't regret my decision.
I went in to breakfast and Sladj joined me, so I got a chance to visit with her. After a while some of the other late risers came in, and I had a second cuppa with them, then went upstairs to pack, because when the rafters get back, we will be heading back to Auckland.
We had a late checkout, but I went ahead and took my stuff down by 11:00 AM and handed it off to Barry to go on the motor coach. Then, armed with a map and directions, I went for a walk. I went past the Government Gardens to the Pharmacist. I was continuing to take Sudafed and was going to need more. The shop was about 15 minutes walk. They had no regular Sudafed available (just the "new" stuff sold over the counter that doesn't work for me). The regular pseudo-ephedrine requires a prescription there, as it may well do at home before long. However, a nice lady helped me find a decongestant nasal spray that was da bomb! I'm guessing it requires a Rx in the States. Anyway, this would serve.
I made my way back to the hotel and waited with the others for the rafters to get back. They did indeed have a lot of fun even though it was cold. Debbye swamped early but did fine, and David went overboard but was recovered.
We bid adieu to our hotel and traveled a short way to the jade factory, where we learned a lot about where it is found in New Zealand and how it is carved and polished. There were some amazing sculptures and jewelry pieces, of which I seem to have zero pictures. I think I left my camera on the bus.
Sounds like a nice, leisurely morning. We all need one of those once in a while! Jade is so beautiful. It must have been very interesting at the factory. Zorbing?? I've seen film of this-- no way!
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What a great relaxing day! I'm glad you were able to find an awesome decongestant! Interesting how certain countries require prescriptions while others don't, isn't it? Glad you were able to get something that worked!
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I think you need to go back so you can take some pictures of the jade for us Sounds like a lovely leisurely morning; glad you got something else to help the congestion!
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Stacey
Why do these kids look so pathetic?
Find out in: A New Grade, A New House, and A Surprise!Final Thoughts 01/30
That sounds like just what you needed to be on the road to recovery. Nice, relaxing morning, coffee, and a nice tour. Looking forward to your next installment!
This trip sounds amazing. My son and I are scheduled to go on an EF trip in 2014 with a school group. The plans are Italy & Greece. I am excited to see that as an adult you had a good time on this tour. I would hate to wait 2 yrs and then not enjoy myself.. Everything looks beautiful and I can not wait to hear more.
Sounds like a nice leisurely morning and I can understand you not doing the rafting.
I remember when Sue and Steve were over here they were staggered at how easy it was to get Sudafed (don't ask me which one) - but we can get it over the counter, while it's apparently prescription in the States, so things do vary from one country to the next.
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Well, Larry, White Water Rafting ain't all it's cracked up to be... you could get really wet and cold!! after all it was winter!
Anyway, taking an easy morning seems like the best choice to me, and you got some good drugs in the process!
I guess you'll just have to go back and get them Jade pictures!
All caught up and I have to say you did and saw some really interesting things in Rotorua. I'm sort of jealous you got to see some live Kiwis because every time I visit the National Zoo in DC, I go into the little darkened Kiwi exhibit hoping to see the little suckers running around and ...nothing. Nada. No Kiwis...ever.
The full name of "Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao"
That's easy for you to say!
Fell behind, but I'm up-to-date now. This portion of your trip brought back delightful memories of summers past (interesting that you were enjoying these attractions during winter). The luge looks similar to the Alpine slide at Attitash Mountain in New Hampshire. Such a simple idea - careening way too fast down the mountain on a 2-mile concrete track riding a plastic sled controlled by a hand brake! It's been many years since I've ridden, but it is exhilarating!
Speaking of exhilarating - the white water rafting expedition aka Mother Nature's perfect rollercoaster ride - reminded me of the time we went on a summer camping trip in Maine, on the Penobscot river, think there was a class 4 rapid called lose-your-lunch falls. Good times. lol
I really enjoyed seeing the sheep and the Kiwi. Informative and fun! Loving this report and looking forward to the next installment.
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That's right, I was passing up the chance to go rafting. Why? Well, a number of reasons, not the least being that it was going to be cold (yes, appropriate gear was being provided) and I still had the congestion thing going. Also, while I can swim a bit, I am not terribly confident in the water, and I had visions of me falling off the raft and floundering like a whale unable to get back on the raft. Someone actually did fall off, but he was able to get back on. Recall also that there had been 10 days of rain; the site of the rafting had to be changed because of how high the river was at the usual spot. There were Class 4 rapids, I believe.
with them, then went upstairs to pack, because when the rafters get back, we will be heading back to Auckland.
Sounds like a lovely leisurely morning; glad you got something else to help the congestion!
. Everything looks beautiful and I can not wait to hear more.
PassPorter Guide Author
Nada. No Kiwis...ever.
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