We just returned from a two-week vacation to New Zealand. Hang on, did I say vacation?
Well.. its not exactly ours.
More like.. hmmm... for our parents. We brought our parents, his and mine, plus my little niece - Megan, to New Zealand on 29 February 2008 (please don't ask why we chose 29 Feb. I shall not bore you with details on that - two words - nothing significant).
We chose to go slow (which does not necessarily translate to stressfree vacation of course). Hubby was Driver by day, and Dishwasher by night; while I'm Vehicle Commander (VC) by day and Cook by night. Our fathers are into Chinese food. Of course my FIL did tried several times to get the whole group to go for NZ version of Chinese food. Really, if you ask us - we're not keen coz the price just isn't right, not to talk about how different it would taste from those we have at home. So here I am cooking rice and dishes for dinner. Hah! So you say, our fathers are singing similar tune - which is good! We certainly count our blessings that our parents are in good talking terms so far (even after the trip).
Anyway, we only covered South Island. Surrounded by lush greenery with occassional downpour when we are on the road followed by blazing heat from the sun), rolling hills and majestic mountains covered in grass that glows as if its made of gold under the hot sun, and pine trees that stood astudely on the mountain slopes - you just can't help thinking - yeah, this is the place I want to retire (of course subsequently reality hits you with questions like - power supply, water supply, internet access and of course - mobile phone coverage). The air was cool and crisp - smells so clean that you'll hate the air in Singapore when you return. Long straight and curvy roads run through mountain valleys and plains, and herds of sheep and cows can be seen grazing on the mountains or lazing under the trees on a hot day. Horses are reared as pets or for farming purposes.
As you approach places like Blenheim and Queenstown, vineyards line both sides of the road and yes, you are free to visit private / boutique wineries for a wine tasting session. Although speed limit was 100km outside towns, you can still see fast cars disappearing into the sunset in a matter of seconds - yes, even when its windy single lane roads that wrap around the mountains! Nonetheless, I must admit that the New Zealanders that we meet have so far been very friendly and helpful (when we asked for it of course). Road courtesy is often seen (you can almost tell the difference between a foreigner on self-drive vacation and a local on the roads based on the way they drive).
Now have I make you wanna go to NZ too? ;-)
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