Where in the World is HHM...

[HHM]

Just thought I would check in.

October 30, 2005, I am in Taupo, New Zealand

I hope everyone is doing well. Since I have to pay for internet access, I cant type for to long.

So far the trip has been great.

Cheers

HHM

[Genenco]

Just thought I would check in.

October 30, 2005, I am in Taupo, New Zealand

I hope everyone is doing well. Since I have to pay for internet access, I cant type for to long.

So far the trip has been great.

Cheers

HHM

Having to pay for access? Gee, I'm always doing that...Sort of...Hmmm..Need to find GF who works for cable company

Glad to hear from you, don't be too much a stranger!

[tinroofrusted]

Take some pictures and post them when you can.

I have always heard NZ is beautiful!

[robivi3]

I just googled ya'. North Island Center. Must be gorgeous! Is that a Volcanic Lake? Nice, small town. Envy, envy, envy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Minnymouth]

I'm so jealous, but happy for ya!!! I'm sure this trip has been "well earned"....

ENJOY AND KEEP IN TOUCH

Minny

[HHM]

Good one Robivi, it is a volcanic lake, in fact it erupted 1800 years ago (if I remember correctly), and it was the largest eruption in recorded history sending up enough ash to cerate a layer of ash all over the world and the eruption was even mentioned in ancient Greece.

Presently, I am now in Napier, New Zealand, but leaving tomorrow to head to the South Island of NZ.

HHM

[robivi3]

Are you visiting any Lord of the Rings sites? I think the Return of the King pictured the Country so beautifully. Especially the seen in which the signal fires are lit. What a magnificent place, I love the mountains!

I have a bad fear of heights yet my wife thinks I'm insane because i always go to the mountains for rest and relaxation. It's not the height that makes it scary, it's the realization that you are not in control, the world is just to big! So, you just give up and relax!

[robivi3]

Ah, South Island tomorrow. You will see some mountains!

[HHM]

Robivi3

Regarding LoTR sites, so far the only one I know of that I have seen is the Mointain that inspired Mt. Doom (it is the Mt. Tongariro), and I nearly climbed to the top, but there was too much snow and I was not prepared for a technical assent.

Regarding a comment about paying for interent, realize, I am essentially paying in 10 or 20 minute increments. The average rate is about $2NZ per 20 minutes.



I am presently in Greymouth.

[Minnymouth]

Gosh I'm so jealous..........
Wish I was there with ya....
I'm up for adoption.......
LOL,

Have a real good time, be safe,

Minny

[robivi3]

The rates for a motorhome in NZ seem reasonable, I looked them up. Just finished watching The Return of The King again last nite. Peter Jackson did an amazing work.

I especially love the scene in which Gandolf has Merry (or Pippin, I forget) light the signal fire and we see the vast mountains of New Zealand as the fires are spread across the Countryside and of course the soldiers are encouraged and we are all encouraged as Aragorn runs in to Theodun and proclaims "Gondor calls for aid" and thinking for a moment Theodun says with great conviction "and Rohan will answer... muster the Rohirim!" (the famous horsemen of Rohan) it is probably one of the greatest movie scenes ever filmed and it was all filmed right there in NZ.

Thank God for great cameras, beautiful countries and shakespearian actors!

[HHM]

Just thought I would give everyone an update. I am back in Auckland, NZ as I conclude my NZ adventure. I am leaving for Bangkok tomorrow afternoon. New Zealand was a great country to visit, the small size makes it easy to see most of the country, and there are a variety of things to do to keep it interesting.

Here is a list of places I have visted in NZ, some of the spellings may be a little off...

Auckland
Rotorua
Taupo
Napier
New Plymouth
Wellington
Picton
Motoeka (Sp?)
Greymouth
Franz Joseph
Queenstown
Lake TeAnu
Lake Tekapo
Christchurch
Kaikoura
Fiordland National Park
Abel Tasman National Park
Marlbourough Sounds
Mt. Cook National Park

My next e-mail will be from somewhere in southeast asia.

Cheers

[Minnymouth]

Great to hear from you!! Was wondering what country you were in now thru the Christmas Holidays.....
You said you were off to southeast Asia next.....very exciting country from what I've been told..... Many of my friends in the the Military were in Bancok (can't spell).....

I'm glad your trip has been so rewarding and interesting for you. A chance of a lifetime - you'll probably only do it once.

Have a great time, keep in touch, take lots of photos to share with us when you get back.

Merry Christmas HHM, where ever you may be!!!

[Genenco]

WOW! Talk about major traveler!

THere's a good reason to save your pennies for that once in a lifetime splurge.

(I won't mention about keeping the pants zipper closed, I know the Mod is not one for taking chances with his health)

HAve a great time and if you ever can, make a place for the pics!

[robivi3]

I think they have an Imperial War Museum in Thailand. I'm not sure. There are alot of things to see there. Also, a friend of ours from way back was able to get into a Buddhist Temple during a certain ceremony and film it. Very eye opening. Did you know that Yule Brenner (a small Jewish man) was once their King and he got to kiss Deborah Kerr!

The seedier side, no thanks, I don't even want to think of that industry, it is disturbing because tose involved are appearently VERY young or at the least VERY trapped and i don't like the thought being "entertained" by a human being under threat.