Author Archives: dalnamills

Yesterday we were in England. Today we were in Scotland. This town was settled by Scottish Presbyterians who left for NewZealand during the potato famine times in Ireland. Most of the town has lots of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Our tour guide was raised in Scotland and the gave us the best tour we have had so far. Loved his accent knowledge and sense of humor. We were in a little bus so it was easy to hop on and off. The area really does look like the Scottish Countryside I have seen. Our stops included Victorian railway station decorated with thousands of tile decorations and wood carvings, the steepest street in the world, and a trip to the beach to see the four or five male elephant seals that are just beginning to come for the season. One young seal was spotted on another beach we passed and struck a pose for us. Weather was cold (50’s) in am but warmer by afternoon. We bundled up.

Ok today is really the 20th. Honestly it is hard to keep track of what day it is and the date! We went to Christchurch today. Weather was sunny and windy and in the 50’s. We bundled up! Had tickets to the gondola but after two bus rides, we got up to it and found that they had just closed due to high winds. Another bus ride took us to town. Christchurch looked like a town in England! The street names made it so. Canterbury, Shakespeare, New Regent . We went in a punt ride on the Avon River. Could have seen Cambridge University if we had been in England.

The river is shallow and clear. We could see the bottom. Went through the city park that is the largest in New Zealand. Just beautiful!

This is a small tourist town. Colinda and Janice down for the count. Both stayed in bed all day. Weather very windy. I used the time to chill out and get some things caught up. I am sending some NewZealand slang from a book Colinda bought. Am including the G rated slang!

All hands and the cook = everybody

Box of birds=fine, happy,going well

Give it a burl=Give it a try

Home on the pig’s back=Successful,well-off

Loopie-A tourist

Had dinner with the Māori speakers who have been on the voyage for several days giving talks about their culture and customs. Miriata and Ngairo. Colinda had bought some jade jewelry and had been told the custom that it is ok to wear if it is a gift, but if you buy it for yourself you must have it blessed or dip it into a river. She quizzed him about it and he said he was the tribal priest and would be happy to bless her jewlery. They made a time for this morning. The ceremony was touching. I am sending a picture. Of course, we showed up with all our jewlery. He blessed us too. We split up to sightsee. Colinda and Janice went in the cable car to see the view and I went straight to the National Museum of New Zealand. It was fabulous. New and modern and very interesting. They met me later. Got back to the ship in time to see the comedic magician. This is our second magician. He is good but not that funny.

What a delightful day in Napier at their Art Deco Festival. In 1931, their town was totally wiped out by a large earthquake. The town decided to rebuild every buildingin art deco style. This is the first year the annual festival has been held in four years because of Covid. The town is by the sea and it was charming to see the locals and their children dressed in the styles of the 30’s. There was an antique car show that had cars I had never seen. Also steam engined farm machinery. Lots of fun things going on. Saw a contest of ladies fashions. Many men also dressed for the era. Weather perfect. When we left, everyone was gathering for a picnic dinner by the sea. A jazz band was playing. Was a lot like Friday night at the Mission downtown.

Tauranga is a beautiful bayside town. The weather was perfect…warm sun, cool breeze. We were tendered right behind the huge ship that has been going to the same cities for several days. Our three thousand neighbors. We went in a harbor tour and then checked out the stores. The tour was interesting. They have planted pine trees on the small outer islands. When they are cut down, they are exported to China. White Island was pointed out also. It is an active volcano. Several years ago it erupted and killed several tourists. We viewed it from afar!

Imagine waking up at Navy Pier in Chicago. We were docked right downtown. First thing we saw crossing the street were Lululemon and H &M stores. Felt like downtown San Luis on steroids. I expected to see Denise going for ice cream. McDonald’s just across from both stores. Auckland is big and has a Los Angeles vibe but everything is new and clean. We took the city tour for two hours and really got to see the town and the fabulous views. Next we went to the Sky Tower and saw the views again from above. Way above. Still fabulous. We ate at a Belgium restaurant for lunch. Next some serious shopping. There was a Woolworth grocery store where we got some things restocked. I noticed they had vanilla, lime, and raspberry CocaColas there. Do we have those flavor’s available in the states? I think between us we

could open a CVS. This is the first day of part four so got we got a new influx of passengers.

Land ho!! Got up at six to be on deck at seven to see the sunrise. Spectacular!! Bay of Islands is a huge bay with 144 islands. It is a true vacation paradise. Another ship was arriving the same time we were. They had three thousand people. They had thirteen large buses ready for tours. We went to the town of Paihia to see Waitangi Cultural Center. This is a huge park that is the place where the treaty was signed giving New Zealand its independence. There were several different areas and buildings to see. At the Carved Meeting House we attended a lively show of Maori dances and songs. The meeting house is beautifully carved inside and out. The view was spectacular and the weather warm and mild. It was so good to walk on grass again. The city had free shuttle busses so that helped getting around. Our bus driver decided he was my new boyfriend! I also found a new boyfriend at the treaty house. Really quite a Valentine’s Day. Back on ship they prepared a huge Valentine buffet and great show with a love song theme. This is the last night on ship for those on part three of the voyage. Will really miss a lot of our friends leaving.

Last sea day for this part of the voyage. Segment three of ten. Lots of activities winding up. Finished my printing project and the class had a little showing in one of the smaller bars. There are four bars. Had the special white night by the pool. Great food, hot band, dancing. There is one a segment. Saw a couple of the guys in their white Terry cloth robes! We had the Chinese new year party there last night. Getting used to these special events. Tomorrow is Valentines Day. Wonder what they are doing for it. We will be landing at The Bay of Islands Neq Zealand at eight and leaving at six. At two pm there will be a cultural show by local people onboard.

Where did the day go? We completely missed Sunday. I am told we will get a day back later. We will be watching the Super Bowl game on a Monday. The ship has bought four hours to watch it. If the time is up before the game is over there may be a bit of mayhem unless one team is so far ahead it does not matter. At the that point no one will be watching anyway. It will be shown in the bigger stage area complete with a bar. We are promised popcorn. No news about hot chicken wings. Probably not a good idea on a rolling ship at sea. More later….

LATER! What a good game! We were treated to sliders, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, beans, and pizza. Also the bar got lots of business. Sea was bumpy but it did not put a damper on anything. So celebrated Chinese New Year last night, skipped a day, had a Super Party all in 24 hours. One more day at sea then will be going around New Zealand with quite a few stops.