Notes on First Day of Travel (April 3 in NZ)

 

1. 13 hours is a long time to spend in an airplane seat -- nice to have an empty middle seat.  NZ Air served 2 good meals-- even wine.

 

2. Luggage did nto arrive on carousel.  They found it in the wrong bin..Whew!!

 

3. Nice scenic winding trip in Toyota rental car up the Coromandel peninsula--watch out for 1 lane bridges and narrow hairpin curves.

 

4. Keep repeating mantra "Keep on left, look to right".  But I still signal for turns using the windshield wipers.

 

5. Visit to Thames Butterfly Garden -- hot and humid inside-- camera fogs up.

 

6. Rapaura Water Gardens -- very pretty.

 

7. Lion's Den Hostel -- clean and cozy.  Friendly hosts.  In 5 bed dorm -- got a double lower with lots of room..Czech couple, Japanese gal, and Irish gal in other beds.