Checkers Penguin posted a picture of himself with a chocolate fish on Instagram, and I thought, “Eh, chocolate and marshmallow? I don’t know.” Then I saw these chocolate fish on different YouTube videos about New Zealand snacks, and I was still unimpressed. Marshmallow just isn’t my thing. They’re all right; they’re good for s’mores. I just, generally, won’t choose to eat them as a part of another dessert. Then, we went to Bohemein Fresh Chocolates.
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New Zealand: Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s
After visiting Devonport, on the ferry back to Auckland, we had to choose between a whale and dolphin watching cruise and Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s. The wind was aggressive and cold enough to encourage us to opt for Sea Life. Plus, Tarlton’s has the world’s largest display colony of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic penguins. It was time to see penguins, even if they are in captivity. They also have one of the coolest vehicles in the world. I just wished it would have played a selection of shark music. (You know, the “Jaws” soundtrack, Mack the Knife, Baby Shark, Fins… Am I missing any shark songs? (affiliate links) Let me know in the comments.)
Continue readingNew Zealand: Take the Auckland Explorer Bus to Get Acquainted
The Auckland Explorer Bus offers the opportunity to hop on and hop off at several of the city’s more notable attractions. The tickets include a ferry ticket to Devonport. The brochure says that each of the two routes offered takes an hour to complete. That may be true, but only if you don’t get off at any of the stops. Jenya and I spent the day, about 5 hours, using the buses. We hope to use the ferry ticket tomorrow.
The first place we hopped off at was Bastion Point. We walked around the summit and looked at the harbors, islands, and Auckland itself. It was a nice vantage point, but we didn’t linger too long here as the main attraction was the view.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Going Full-on Kiwi for Our First Real Meal in New Zealand
For our first real meal in New Zealand, and by “real,” I mean the first meal where we weren’t so tired, we couldn’t think straight, we went with an all New Zealand theme at our hotel restaurant. We’re staying at the Kiwi International Hotel in Auckland, and its restaurant blows the reputation of hotel eateries out of the water. As long as you’re willing to sit and eat a leisurely meal, there have been few hotels that I’ve stayed at that have had food this good.
Continue readingLeaving Khabarovsk for New Zealand
We got up for our flight from Khabarovsk early. From the window, it looked like the skies were clear. We showered and made sure everything was packed. Our first taxi couldn’t make it t the hotel, but a second taxi was quickly dispatched and arrived. The roads were slick and ice covered. There were the fewest number of cars on them that I had ever seen in Khabarovsk. It was 6:30 am on a Tuesday; surely there should be more traffic.
Continue readingA Day in Khabarovsk before Heading to New Zealand
Getting off the train in Khabarovsk, it was cold. A bitter wind blew; tears streamed down our face. When we finally found our taxi, we both were hesitant to be outside. Even with our heavy gear on, it just wasn’t pleasant. Still, we would need to find food. However, after our arrival at the Intourist Hotel, it started to snow, and then it started to blizzard. The view went from pleasant to almost being a whiteout.
From Blagoveshchensk to Khabarovsk by Train
Every international trip from Blagoveshchensk starts with a train ride to Khabarovsk. This isn’t because Blago doesn’t have an airport. It isn’t because there aren’t any international flights out of Blago. Rather, it’s because the flights that go out of Blago go to other destinations or must pass through Moscow, and flights from Blago to Khabarovsk are prohibitively expensive, especially when you consider the cost of the train.
Continue readingNew Zealand: A Short Survey of Rotorua
By booking a Hobbiton/Waitomo tour and travel together with Bush and Beach, we were able to extend our time in Rotorua by a day. That’s great news because Rotorua is a volcanic bonanza of amazingness.
Continue readingNew Zealand: A Short Survey of Wellington
Wellington is not only the capital of New Zealand but also the Creativity Capital of New Zealand. With the emphasis that New Zealand is putting on creativity and innovation, Wellington is a step ahead of most of the country according to Infometric. With its designation, it’s only natural that I would want to experience the city myself.
Continue readingNew Zealand: A Short Survey of Dunedin
Jenya and I are going to Dunedin, New Zealand to relax. We’re not going to go whole hog to experience all of the attractions available. Instead, we’re going to see the penguins and the beach.
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Penguinate! Positive Creativity 