Susan's Travel Sagas

Woke this AM realizing that I and my garments still smelled of sulfur. Took another shower and think it improved, but not totally. Had my breakfast of instant Oatmores and yoghurt and packed up. Saw Kiri and ended up speaking with her and Martin for about a half an hour and got some tips on which geothermal areas would be best to visit as I left Rotorua (Waitopu). We each took some pictures and I parted to head off to Waitopu. I think it was the best geothermal area of all with the most variety in one place. I chose not to drive off to see Lady Knox geyser go off (goes off regularly at 10:15 after some organic soap is sprinkled in to make it go off. I’ve seen geysers and preferred to spend my time seeing the sights in the park. Sun was out much of the time which was nice. There are pools of water there with amazing colors, either

Left about 11:30 to head to Taupo. Stopped off just north of Taupo at the Volcanic Activity Center, a small but interesting center explaining the volcanoes of NZ and the recent eruptions with some short films. Then went to the Prawn        nearby and had lunch there, some filo wrapped prawns with some dipping sauce and a desperately needed cup of coffee.  Chose not to go prawn fishing or take a tour of the prawn farm. Next door was the Huka Falls Jet Boat Center and saw a few boats return, doing some 360°’s as they approached the landing dock.

Drove down to Huka Falls which was magnificent with turquoise blue water and amazing force. I could have watched for a very long time, but was then distracted by a jet boat approaching. After taking the requisite pictures and  some short videos I headed into Taupo. It is quite a large city built on Lake Taupo which is a volcano crater. The area near the waterfront looked very tourist friendly with lots of cafes and shops. There are many motels, even a Hilton there.  Taupo is mainly a center for various adventure activities, so no real reason to stop there. Passed through town and then on to Napier on the east coast. The drive was pretty, through mountains. Lots of road construction going on with a few stops as the road was down to one lane. Saw areas of extensive logging, but also areas, for the first time, of reforestation.

Stopped at Esk Valley Winery to sample a few wines on the way into Napier, then into central Napier. As the art museum is open late on Thursdays, I had planned to go there. It is small, but had some interesting Maori art, an exhibit of several 20th century artists who did wood block, linoblocks, and lithographs. Napier was devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and there was an interesting an exihibit about that as well. Then saw a bit of the town, some of the art deco buildings, and then to the B&B. Realizing I did not have the confirmation with me, I stopped in an internet café hoping to go online to retrieve the information, but got it for free from the proprieter, The B&B is not far from downtown up in a nice area called Hospital Hill. Driving through the residential area reminds me very much of  being in L.A. residential areas such as in the Hollywood Hills or Studio City.  Had a lovely chat with my hostess, made arrangements to get laundry done in the AM, and realize I have the entire first floor of the house to myself.

Set off for dinner, following a recommendation in Lonely Planet, only to find the restaurant space vacant. So I headed out to the beach area which seemed to be where most restaurants are. Ate at Milk and Honey and had a lovely meal of John Dory, rocket salad, and a wonderful dessert of semifreddo with figs poached in wine. The two woman servers there were very nice to me. One, Pauline, chatted with me about her book club (since I was reading while waiting for my meal) and recommended a very nice wine, Vidal viognier from Marlborough. After leaving I had no idea of where I had actually ended up, but with the aid of the trusty map made it back to the B&B, got the laundry together, and wrote this.