On the 26th of December, called Boxing Day… With other words a mad big sales day… people recovering from theirs hangovers… I travelled in convoy to a place near Rotorua, where I wanted to meet up with my flatmate Karrie-Ann. We were totally in the middle of nowhere, not even my New Zealand company had been there before… No wonder, that I can’t remember the name of the place. Anyway, it was beautiful. I was heartily welcomed by Karrie-Ann’s family at her grandparents’ farm. Their first comment was that they had been waiting for me all day long, because I should be the photographer for their family portrait. So, minutes later I found myself in the position of coordinating this huge family so that I got all of them in one picture. And I can tell you that was not easy… and I was still so fascinated by the scenic surroundings.
After the photo session, we went with Karrie-Ann’s father on an off road-trip with their jeep. That was fun! We were driving up hills that were deceptively steep; I did not want to believe that it was possible to go up there by car. The guys with the jeep behind us had to leave their vehicle behind. It could not get up the hill. Unfortunately, not even we could make it up the steepest hill, so we walked up the last few meters, from where we unwound and enjoyed a superb view of the surrounding countryside. Ahhh, did I tell you that when I had gone to the craters of the moon two days before that, that I had been confronted with problems with my camera… The screen did not work anymore. Nevertheless, I kept on trying to take pictures… That’s the reason why some of them are a little bit uncoordinated.
In the evening we went to Rotorua, where Karrie-Ann’s parents live... a very pretty neighbourhood with innumerable mansions. We ended the day with having a yummy dinner, watching “Pirates of the Caribbean” and having a bath in their own spa pool--- luxury! By the way… for all those Rotorua enemies: It does not smell like rotten eggs everywhere in Rotorua. Nonono!!The next morning Karrie-Ann and I got up early and went to the mud pools. It is always good to have a local with you, because locals get in for half the price. And with Karrie-Ann’s company the same was valid for me. J
Besides, never go to the mud pools situated in town, always go to the ones that are 10 kilometres away from Rotorua. First, the entrance is cheaper; second, you see more and third, there’s a fabulous geyser to admire as well.
