New Zealand

There is really no way to describe the beauty of New Zealand. Some places reminded us of Alaska and other parts Montana. It was all about the scenery, serenity and sheep.

Fjord land National Park

We were lucky and had our cabin on the back of the ship, which gave us great views!

Napier, New Zealand was by far the most fun. This is where I applied a "Happiness Project" rule - Be Karen. We took a very LONG, bumpy bus ride to the river and went on a jet boat ride. These boats are very fast and turn on a dime. The boats only need 4" of water to operate. Our driver was a riot! He would head straight for a huge rock and turn at the very last second. He would do 360's, which I thought would be no big deal, but OHMYHELL!!! I haven't been that scared in a long time, but I laughed the entire way!

"Crazy"

Shot of the other boat doing a 360

This sign cracked me up. I thought he was exaggerating the "hold handles" rule! I tried to take pictures and not hold on to the handles. I ended up with video of the boat floor.

On the rocks you can see red paint, where the boats got a little too close!

2 V8 engines, water jet propelled

People were bungee jumping off the bridge

The Mud House Winery

Wellington, New Zealand

River rafting

Rolling hills and farmland everywhere!

My favorite time of day...sunset

Sunset on the balcony

View leaving Auckland, New Zealand

The rain forest at The Bay of Islands

The Adventure Down Under

During rough seas, I picked up my book "The Happiness Project." This book has been compared to "Julie & Julia" and "Eat, Pray, Love" and I can see why. I love both of those books, so I really enjoyed reading T.H.P. The book explores Gretchen Rubin's journey of spending a year trying to explore happiness and have more fun. She created Gretchin's 10 commandments, which she originally started to be resolutions. Her #1 commandment is "Be Gretchin." In a nutshell, it's to do things you like to do, not what other people claim to be important or fun.

During our trip, I tried to apply some of her tips. I'll point them out as I blog.

Day #1 Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Opera House

View from our back balcony on the ship

Street Performers (the music makes you want to go fight a crocodile)

View of the coast as we were headed out to sea

OHMYHELL the best oysters we've ever had!

Harold showing the tree who's boss!

Hello from Down Under!

It's day 3 of our Aussie/New Zealand adventure. We flew in to Syndey on Thursday. Australia is a place I've wanted to go since I was a teenager. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Everyone reminded me so much of my nephews. It made me wish we had flown to Perth instead! Harold and I enjoyed touring the Opera House and ate the best oysters we've ever had!

On to the ship...leaving Syndey Harbor we hit very rough water. We've spent 2 days trying to keep our balance! After trying to run on the treadmill, I finally broke down and took sea sick pills, which wiped me out! IT WAS SO WORTH IT!

Funny thing:
Try passing Australians in the halls of the ship. They drive on the left side of the road and pass on the left side of the hall!

Tomorrow we arrive in The Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The sea has finally calmed down! We had lamb for dinner..."when in Rome." We love and miss you all!

Bingo Betty