Foo - NZ very cool for words so here's a show

A quick hi from down under - I hope everyone is ok in fooland - now I see why everyone comes here - great people / fun / food / even bungy jumping off a tower. Sorry that some pix aren't rotated - but u get the idea :D
1.) NZ-FullShow2007
http://plus.xdrive.com/us/XFS-1546623063/333459259xHsaZwc6DIcRJVUsGjq

have a vegimite sandwich for us

Lucky you, Steve!! Enjoy it while you can! Thank you for sharing the pics, the traveling comes to me, now!

Wait. Who's watching our cats? :eek:

When did you sneak off for vacation?

Are you saying that was you bungy jumping off the tower?

Wait. Who's watching our cats? :eek:
:eek: J/K
I'm told by Laurie the Cat Sitter that Cali has torn open just about all the new Cat Toys I bought and is completely covered in that really potent catnip, meowing like a miniature banshee. My sister wanted to do it but I didn't want her to see what a real bachelor pad looks like :eek: :eek:


When did you sneak off for vacation?
Are you saying that was you bungy jumping off the tower?
Late Saturday
;)

Unable to see it on dialup, but I'm sure the pics are fantastic -- I understand that NZ is beautiful! :)

Unable to see it on dialup, but I'm sure the pics are fantastic -- I understand that NZ is beautiful! :)
Awww VV - I'll try to get a reformatted show when I return - hope all is well; I miss talking with you guys. FYI I'm in Charlotte visiting another friend next Fri...

Steve, I'm JEALOUS!:p Looks like a great trip!

Awww VV - I'll try to get a reformatted show when I return - hope all is well; I miss talking with you guys. FYI I'm in Charlotte visiting another friend next Fri...
:)

How long will you be in town? Will we have time to throw together a Foo lunch or ride? <curious Vega look>

Are you going anywhere else in NZ?

Well I just got back...slightly jet lagged, but I have to say that this is one of the best experiences of my life. The Mauri are an amazing people; the Kiwis as well!

The last night, I (and two others) were presented with a type of spiritual and religious symbol by one of NZ's most influential people, who also happens to be Mauri - I was so honored; I will never take it off. Anyway, if anyone wants to sit through a bunch more pix, I included also some shot ontop of the Sky City Tower!

1.) NZ-FullShow2007
http://plus.xdrive.com/us/XFS-1546623063/333459259xHsaZwc6DIcRJVUsGjq

I lived in Tauranga for a couple months before I decided to come back home for school. Amazing country. So much different than the states. No guns, little crime, and tons of pregnant teens. (Just a few observations) I hated the fact that when I spoke, they immediately knew I was American.

Where all did you go? Did you stay at Skycity? Nice hotel, but wasn't happy with having to pay for inroom internet. Pretty crazy you can go from an almost NYC feeling in Auckland, drive 2 hours, and it's like no where else in the world.

I couldn't look at any exif but is that a 15mm fish eye on a canon body?

Were you given a green stone? (jade) What symbol? Fish hook, intertwined OOO, spiral, etc...? I have one myself I was given. (not suppose to buy them for yourself!)

How'd you get to make a trip there? Impulse, planned, business? Look forward to reading your responses. :D

-Zack

I lived in Tauranga for a couple months before I decided to come back home for school. Amazing country. So much different than the states. No guns, little crime, and tons of pregnant teens. (Just a few observations) I hated the fact that when I spoke, they immediately knew I was American.

Where all did you go? Did you stay at Skycity? Nice hotel, but wasn't happy with having to pay for inroom internet. Pretty crazy you can go from an almost NYC feeling in Auckland, drive 2 hours, and it's like no where else in the world.

I couldn't look at any exif but is that a 15mm fish eye on a canon body?

Were you given a green stone? (jade) What symbol? Fish hook, intertwined OOO, spiral, etc...? I have one myself I was given. (not suppose to buy them for yourself!)

How'd you get to make a trip there? Impulse, planned, business? Look forward to reading your responses. :D

-Zack
Wow, Zack; good to hear from a "stateside Kiwi" ! So here's a few answers to your questions ~
I was there for a bit over a week, and was speaking at the New Zealand Security Association Conference, who were so very generous in hosting me there. I was also very lucky that we have offices near Auckland, so I was treated with amazing hospitality, that can only be called "the Kiwi way." When people are there to meet you as you get off a plane at 5AM on a Monday Morning, I am simply honored, but, like I said, and you already know this, that they would not think of doing it any other way.


Yes, I stated at the SkyCity Hotel, very nice room, very slow internet, but I was able to sneak up to the Business Centre where the internet was free.

One of the highlights was meeting Mr. Brendan Horan, Sky News Weatherman, who is an amazing guy, great singer and best of all, a new friend of mine!

Since the conference was Wed - Friday, I pretty much had to stay near Auckland, but I made my way around to the sailing area, aquarium, museum, Mount Eden (?), the top of SkyCity Tower (of course!) and onto a few of the residential areas to sample their Thai, Asian food and probably some of the best beer I've had. The people were what made it though.

At the conclusion of the meeting, I was presented with the Greenstone in traditional fashion, noses pressed up against each other, by one their Parliament heads - I was so honored! I told him later that I would never take it off, and him and his wife explained a little bit about the Mania. Here's a Pic posted below:

http://www.nikonians-images.com/galleries/data/500/10379Mania.JPG

I miss my Kiwi friends already!

Actually Steve, Zack sounds like a stateside Yank.

Wow, Zack; good to hear from a "stateside Kiwi" ! So here's a few answers to your questions ~
I was there for a bit over a week, and was speaking at the New Zealand Security Association Conference, who were so very generous in hosting me there. I was also very lucky that we have offices near Auckland, so I was treated with amazing hospitality, that can only be called "the Kiwi way." When people are there to meet you as you get off a plane at 5AM on a Monday Morning, I am simply honored, but, like I said, and you already know this, that they would not think of doing it any other way.


Yes, I stated at the SkyCity Hotel, very nice room, very slow internet, but I was able to sneak up to the Business Centre where the internet was free.

One of the highlights was meeting Mr. Brendan Horan, Sky News Weatherman, who is an amazing guy, great singer and best of all, a new friend of mine!

Since the conference was Wed - Friday, I pretty much had to stay near Auckland, but I made my way around to the sailing area, aquarium, museum, Mount Eden (?), the top of SkyCity Tower (of course!) and onto a few of the residential areas to sample their Thai, Asian food and probably some of the best beer I've had. The people were what made it though.

At the conclusion of the meeting, I was presented with the Greenstone in traditional fashion, noses pressed up against each other, by one their Parliament heads - I was so honored! I told him later that I would never take it off, and him and his wife explained a little bit about the Mania. Here's a Pic posted below:

*pic*

I miss my Kiwi friends already!

Those pesky Air New Zealand overnight flights. :) (assume they sent you the right way and the fact skycity is not cheap! :lol: )

Very neat you got to meet Brendan. Miss the consistent forecast unlike the states.

1 in 5 are asian in Auckland. Very big influence in the city.

As far as the beer, I hope you aren't talking about lion red. (the "piss" taste like piss :p ) Tui beer and Fiji beer are among my favorites.

What an awesome experience! Too cool you recieved a Greenstone in that fashion! That is a BEAUTIFUL piece. Money value does not mean anything, but that is $500+.

My sister, brother-in-law, 2 nephews, and niece live in Tauranga. Mother is moving back in a couple months as well. Can't wait to visit this winter (their summer).

Sad to hear you didn't get to venture too far out of Auckland. It's absolutely amazing 1-2 hours away. I spent some time in Rotorua at the lakes as well. Amazing there! I have a bunch of photos on my facebook and myspace I could link you too from my stay. (Yes I'm a cub and use those :p )

Glad to hear you had a great time.

Take care,
Zack



Actually Steve, Zack sounds like a stateside Yank.

I ain't no damn yankee! :lol:

"You can all go to hell. I'm going to Texas" - Davy Crockett

I ain't no damn yankee! :lol:


I bet you were called that a lot in NZ though.

I bet you were called that a lot in NZ though.

And I clarified the term for them. :p

I was talkin to this group of guys at a water fall and they were asking me all about the states. Asked me where I was from,

"Texas"
"Oh isn't that where George Bush is from? Best buddy of Osama Bin Laden"
"George Bush was born in Connecticut. I knew that was coming!"

:lol:

Those pesky Air New Zealand overnight flights. :)
I wish!!! ANZ is an awesome airline with great people managing it. Unfortunately it was Qantas for me, but at least I'll have some mileage.


Very neat you got to meet Brendan. Miss the consistent forecast unlike the states.
Zack he is one of the nicest people; I can't wait to visit him.


As far as the beer, I hope you aren't talking about lion red. (the "piss" taste like piss :p ) Tui beer and Fiji beer are among my favorites.I really liked both Steinlager and Fiji. We had a positively proper piss up at the airport blue bar drinking those before the flight!


What an awesome experience! Too cool you recieved a Greenstone in that fashion!I will treasure it always; I have to get a better cord for it. I had no idea of its monetary value.


My sister, brother-in-law, 2 nephews, and niece live in Tauranga. Mother is moving back in a couple months as well. Can't wait to visit this winter (their summer).I really want to go back in Nov. - stay in touch as I am building a little network of folks to visit ;)


I spent some time in Rotorua at the lakes as well. Amazing there! Yup, one of our speakers visited there, but I had to teach another class; it's ok I got to meet some more great people both at the class and locally around Auckland. I'm also very glad I spend some time at the Museum studying the Mauri history.

There is only one downside to NZ - the drivers generally do not like cyclists!