New Zealand #1: The Zealanders

This will be a 3 or 4 part series, as there is no way to enter all the stuff I did in New Zealand in one shot. First, I want to describe the people in New Zealand, because they really made the trip special. Kiwis are pretty much the nicest people I have met in the whole freakin' world. Absolutely no exaggeration. I've been around the whole freakin' world and Kiwis are the nicest.

The people below however are not the Kiwis. This is just a picture of 3 starving tourists who wanted a fancy pants meal. I thought it was appropriate to introduce TEAM NEW ZEALAND though. Meet Jamie and Rudival (married) N. and Miss Fabulous Jessica.

The lady below sitting with Fabulous J and Jamie N. was truly remarkable. Meet Margaret. She owns the most beatiful house overlooking Auckland Harbor with a skyline view of the city. Why is she marvelous? She literally invited us over to smell the roses. She has a fantastic rose garden and she likes to open her home up for the weary and use it as a place of rest. She also gave us tea and cookies. Tea and cookies?! How cool is that?!

Jamie is a model btw, I would like to just write a disclaimer that if I look hideous, it's because I have to keep taking a picture next to her and it's really not fair. It's like saying "Hey! Heidi Klum--let's take a picture together! Cuz, you know...I would really look great taking a picture next to you..."


The group of gentleman (and Rudy) below are Maori men who did a cultural presentation. Apparently sticking out your tongue straight out is a sign of hostility and aggression. The tongue off to the side shows friendship. They must not like the photographer, even though she is fabulous. The cultural shows were really wonderful. We saw a lot of dances, and observed a lot of Maori history.

Oh, while we were in Tahiti, we also met some Kiwis. This couple found out we wanted to try a Tahitian pineapple so they actually looked for our room in the evening to deliver a pineapple that they bought. Seriously, we saw this type of hospitality everywhere in NZ. Do you think I can get nicer if I stay in NZ? Hmmm...I might become deported if I keep thinking outloud like this...I know several people who might consider doing me in...

Yup! That was my intro into NZ. Coming up are activities, food, and places we stayed out. It might sound pretty boring, but I will try to make it Fabulous. Not sure I achieved it with this post...but I always say start low...they will love you later. Also, the future editions may not come until next week. I am leaving for San Jo for Turkey Day. Or I guess some people like to say Tofurkey Day.