Discovering His World

Thursday, April 4 Charlie stopped by for a short visit in the morning before going to class. That afternoon he was leaving for a weekend trip to the North Island of New Zealand, so Mom, Dad, and I were on our own for our last days. Ice cream treat in Twizel The only thing on our itinerary for today was drive to Benlea Cottage & Farm, our overnight accommodation and next day adventure. Taking the most direct route would have been four hours, but Mark, our tour guide from a few days ago, suggested we take a longer path that would let us see Mt. Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. So, from 10am to 5pm we drove. And it was so worth it! Shortly after stopping in the quaint town of Twizel (and getting some ice cream!) we passed Lake Pukaki. First, we were blown away by the bright torquoise-blue water, then we rounded the tip of the lake to see the mountains, with Mt. Cook proudly at the center, at the opposite end. Stunning. Surreal. Literally breathtaking. The guidebook I

Tuesday, April 2 This morning Mom, Dad, and I participated in a "Castle Cruisers" tour of Larnach Castle and sites around Dunedin. Our driver and guide, Mark, picked us up right at the apartment and we were the only people in the 13 passenger van, so we got a private tour (fancy, I know). We visited the Larnach tomb, the Dunedin Railway Station, Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world), The Octagon, and then Larnach Castle. Dunedin's Railway Station During the drive, we learned all about William Larnach, the man who built the castle we were about to see. Of Scottish heritage, Larnach grew up in Australia and became a bank manager there and eventually moved to New Zealand and became the Otago Bank Manager. When he was 26 years old he married a 17 year old heiress, Eliza Jane Guise. Before becoming the Otago Bank Manager, he traveled to London with his wife and her half sister, Mary Alleyn. His first wife died and two years later he married her half sister

Sunday, March 31 Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, possibly the world, and Charlie was not going to miss his opportunity! Our day started with a trip to the World's First Bungy Jump, Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Charlie was the second jumper of the day. Although the rest of us didn't jump, it was really cool to watch and see how smoothly everything ran. This jump is over a river and jumpers can choose to get dunked under the water when they jump. After jumping, bouncy, and swinging back and forth, a team in a raft holds a long pole up for the jumper to grab. While the team in the boat is pulling the jumper in, the bungy is slowly released until the jumper is laying in the boat. Then, with what I assume is crazy amounts of adrenaline pumping, the jumper has to walk up the long, steep path back up. Charlie, geared up and ready to jump! Jumpers can choose to be dunked in the river Steep trail to the beach We watched a few

Friday, March 29 How glorious last night's sleep was after traveling for so long! We packed up and hit the road about 9:30am, finding a parking spot near downtown and walking mainstreet. We found Olive Cafe, which the lady who checked us in last night recommended because it's tucked away from the main sidewalk so not many tourists discover it. How you order your food confused us at first as we sat ourselves at a table, then realized menus were at the front door, then after bringing the menus back to our table, realized you order at the counter then wait for your food at your table. Good thing it was uncrowded because we probably looked a little ridiculous. Service was really fast and the food truly delicious! The stack of three pancakes with bacon and a seared banana was the best way to start the morning. Following breakfast, we walked the rest of mainstreet and shopped a bit before picking up the key to Safer Parking, a gated parking lot where we would keep the car while w