Kudos from Kids

As parents, we often lament the overwhelming lack of appreciation from our offspring. Never once have I heard a child say thank you for the clean laundry, the supper I rejected, or cleaning up the vomit in my bed. Over the course of the last couple weeks though, I have to admit that Mikaela has been doling out encouragement. First it was the exclamations of "You know all the colours!" as I recited them in English, French, and Spanish at her request. Next, it was "Good counting!" as we repeatedly counted her Easter eggs in all three languages. And finally this morning, I was rewarded with a "You make me so happy!" when she heard me go wees in the toilet. I'll take whatever kudos I can get...

My Own Backyard

For months now, I've spent hours reading about what's what in New Zealand. I've sifted through the fluff, and decided what was on the must-do list, the wouldn't-it-be-nice-to-do list, and the damn-I'm-too-pregnant-to-do list. While undertaking this research, one cannot help but think of all the interesting places and activities that I've yet to experience in both Canada and the US. It could be something as simple as a day-trip to the Lusk Caves in Gatineau Park or visiting Boldt Castle in 1000 Islands. Alternately, I'd love to visit Jasper National Park in Alberta, the Grand Canyon in Nevada, or return to Gros Morne in Newfoundland. There are cities on my wish list too - Quebec, New Orleans, and San Francisco are all near the top of the list. The challenge, of course, is to balance the desire to see my own backyard with the desire to experience other countries. Perhaps alternating vacations are the answer...one vacation in Canada, one vacation abroad. Now if only we could win the lotto...

Bay of Islands & the Kauri Coast

With my time winding down in New Zealand, the Easter weekend provided a good opportunity to check a few more boxes on my NZ wish list. In an attempt to avoid the worst of the long weekend traffic, we departed Auckland on Friday morning. It would seem others had the same idea and the first few hours of the drive were filled with much stopping and starting; Dave even began to suggest we throw in the towel and just go home. I *think* he was kidding. After four hours on the road, we finally arrived at our destination - the picturesque Bay of Islands, specifically Paihia.

In a country full of 'picturesque' locations, I have to admit that the Bay of Islands was a bit disappointing. I mean, sure, it was pretty but Akaroa was prettier, the Coromandel Peninsula is prettier. Heck, I even think Piha is prettier. For scenery, I just don't think I'd put the Bay of Islands at the top of my list. On the other hand, it was a fabulous location for history! There is the Wantangi Treaty Grounds, considered the birthplace of New Zealand, Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, and historical buildings galore in the region. To amuse Mikaela, there was also shape-drawing in the sand, rock throwing in the water, and hide-and-go-seek in the gardens - all free of charge.

I would absolutely put the Bay of Islands on any itinerary of the North Island, but then, I'm a sucker for museums. Dave says he could spend minutes reading about the Treaty House, he means that, he literally spent a few minutes glancing over the information before moving on. I could spend hours, scrutinizing each photo, envisioning the original structure prior to the add-ons, and wondering if that statue is an eel or snake. I love the fact that they have a waka (canoe) that will hold 86 warriors, but I also want to know that it was built with wood from three different Kauri trees. And, not only that, I like knowing that these trees were blessed prior to the chopping down and that the Maori had to relearn lost skills to create the waka. I leave these sights filled with useless information that fascinates me and bores Dave as I try to impart my enthusiasm. He is a good sport though, and I appreciate all the time he spends chasing Mikaela while I indulge in my luxurious museum wanderings.

Yesterday, on the way home, we decided to take the road less travelled through the Waipoua State Forest. There are a number of tracks maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to allow visitors to view some of New Zealand's largest trees. Although I know we have bigger trees in Canada, I still wanted very much to witness the large kauri trees of New Zealand. They were incredible. On each track, there would be a number of large kauri trees that would put any tree I'd ever seen to shame until finally we would arrive at our destination and stand in awe of the 13.77m diametre Tane Matuna or the 16.71m diametre Te Maua Ngahere. It was a big hit with Mikaela too, as she ran through the forest, hiding in tree trunk holes or amongst the tall grasses!