At The Core

Ever since I heard the word Coromandel and saw the look on the peoples faces that mentioned it, it was in my mind as the final destination.  Not far from Auckland the area is a peninsula.  You can take about an hour and a half ferry there and arrive on the bay side to Coromandel town.

I arrived in my car and just before reaching town, I saw a handwritten sign, fresh oysters.  I had 12 shucked for me as well as had a bowl of mussel chowder as I starred at the bay. 

Cathedral Cove

I attended the Buddhist retreats for three days and then went scouting for a location for a photo shoot.  I visited first a beach off Black Jack road, that Salli at the retreat mentioned.  It was  beautiful secluded beach down a dirt road.  I was then on to Cathedral Cove which is a famous post card beach. On the way I passed a sign that said "Organic Fruit."  I actually passed it and turned around to go back.  The place, just a shack looked closed, but when I went around back, saw that is was open.  The guy inside had an American accent and said to me, "I know you, you are from Miami." I said, "I know you from Miami?"  He said, "no, I was on the glacier hike with you."  Well the glacier hike, was on the South Island and maybe 300 or 400 miles from this place. I have bumped into or had coincidences with people around 10 times on my trip.

Cathedral Cove

I arrived at Cathedral cove and It took around a half hour to hike the beach and it was magnificent.  I got on the phone to the modeling agency to set up the shoot the next day.  Coincidentally, I stumbled upon this modeling agency on my way home one day in Auckland.  In fact, I could see the agency from my apartment window. I decided on the beach off of Blackjack Rd as it was more secluded and you could park right next to it.  

My friend George, from England, who I met at the retreat went with me on the shoot.  We stayed at a camp site.  George stayed outside, he didn't even sleep in a tent, but just a covering with open sides.  I stayed in something like a tool shed with a bed and electricity.  The lady who gave me the key, told me not to lose it and I promised I wouldn't

The next day we were to meet the model who would take the ferry from Auckland.
I woke up, packed my car, met George and then proceeded to look for my car key, which incidentally was attached to my shack key. 

We looked all over and the key was lost.  I did not have another set but remember seeing another set attached, underneath the seat of my car.  We found the camp director and she new a garage near by.   They came out within ten minutes and opened the door in less than one.  It cost $10 or $15 NZ dollars which is around $7 to $12. 

We arrived at the ferry just in time to pick up the girls.  The shoot went great.  George assisted me and shot video.  The model, Kendell, brought a friend who helped with the make up.  George and I swam in the ocean to take a break.   The shoot went great and on our way back we stopped at the camp ground as I wanted to give one more shot at looking for the key, after all I promised I would return it.  We went back near the shack to look.  George cam up to me with the key in hand.  It was in the door to the shack.  I asked George why he thought we found it now and not before.  As we had just come from the Buddhist retreat, everything became highly symbolic.  He said, the reason was that the key was not important, what was important was getting to the shoot.

Life is full of obstacles but do not get hung up on the obstacles and lose sight of your goals.

Afterwards, we drove the girls back to Auckland and ate Indian food.  The girls told us that they nickname and shorten all the words.  University is Uni, Australians are Aussies, and New Zealanders are Kiwis.

I have done two model shoots on this trip and both were amazing days.  I had the feeling of being young again which sure beats feeling old.

More photos from swimwear shoot here at Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/29795088@N07/sets/72157625776221091/

Buddhism In A Nut Shell

Taking about the most windy road possible, which says a lot for New Zealand, I arrive at the Buddhist retreat.  It is in an area called the Coromandel, which is know for its beautiful country side, fabulous beaches and laid back attitude.

The grounds are nestled between low peaks in farm area.  My room is something out of a movie.  It is small and painted red.  It looks out onto a hill with the site and sounds of cows.  The curtains blow in the wind as the sun comes streaming in.  It is perfect.

I meet the director Salli, who seems familiar, quickly we find out, we were both born in Cleveland.  I am there to take part in a two day seminar called "Buddhism in a Nut Shell".  The two days are filled with teaching, meditation, silent meals and camaraderie between the students.  The classes are given in the temple by a Buddhist Nun from the US.  The students were all from different countries.

I thought I knew a lot about Buddhism but the teaching is vast and seems limitless.    The main thing I learned was that Buddhism espouses the eradications or at least the ill effects of what they all the afflicted emotions (negative emotions).  Ultimately, enlightenment is the goal, which is a blissful state.  From there, it is also possible to stop being reincarnated again on earth and to go to a higher place.

Each deed you do and each thought you have effects your karma.  Your karma is basically your future.  So, what you do and think effects your future.  The more serene you are now and the better deeds, the better will be your future.

The reason for this  practice is it will lead to a better life and in this better life, you will have more time and less distraction, to follow a more noble goal, the pursuit of Nirvana or eternal bliss.

Another well known practice is meditation.  The point of meditation is to still your mind so that you transcend your thoughts and realize a higher state of being.  There are many kinds of meditation and meditation can encompass prayers as well.  As part of our meditation we practiced we sent love, compassion and forgiveness to our loved ones, our enemies, all human beings and all live beings.  Right now someone at this minute someone is sending you a blessing.

What a wonderful concept, to bless, to do good deeds, think good thoughts and to be good to yourself all with a higher purpose in mind.

Ah Love Peaks and Falls

Tamata Peak

There are two things that are certain, there are no straight lines in the universe and surely there are no straight roads in New Zealand.  I am now heading North after taking the ferry from South Island to North Island.  The ferry ride was another choppy ride.  The people on the front deck were scared off by a huge wave.  On the ferry I ask someone where I should stay, while I head to the east coast on North Island.  He suggested Havelock North.

Race Track Near Havelock North

The town square is filled with upscale boutiques and young good looking families drive around in BMWs.  I find out that this is where the kids of families who have made it move.  In New Zealand you never know what you are going to find from one town to the next.  From one street rural towns to sophisticated communities, you can find both. 

On my way I stop a bird sanctuary that had no birds in it.  The lady gave me my money back. 
Driving, I spot a sign that says olive oil tasting.  Considering that there are around a million vineyards in New Zealand and I don't really drink wine, this sounded like a good stop.  I drive up to a small estate and an older gentlemen greets me.  I have a choice of around 6 different olive oils to taste with bread.  In the end, I opted for a bag of olives, which were a tasty snack for the road. 

I asked to se the groves and he said, he could not take me but the dogs would give me the tour.  I have seen so many incredible sites in New Zealand.  But this little farm really struck me with its simple and serene beauty.  The dogs accompanying me was like walking into heaven. 

Back to Haverlock North, I ate in a incredibly cute restaurant that was in a stand alone older building and was painted pink on the outside and inside, with shabby chic furniture.  I thought how much my nieces would have loved it.  I visited Tamata peak, which I would say is one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen.  It was getting dark and over cast and unfortunately did not get the picture I was looking for.

I then headed to the town of Napier.   Which is on the east coast.  The town had a deco feel and reminded of a town from another era.  I ate a really cute restaurant that had pictures of rock stars called Zig Zag Cafe.

I think I had a chicken satay sandwich, which was incredible.  In New Zealand, a lot of the food is influenced by the east.  I also had a cup of real green tea, which tea leaves and a fusion pot. 

On ward I head to lake Taupo, which was an incredible touristy lake more in the center.  I had a quick dinner and as it was getting  late.  I headed to Huka falls to try to see it before Sunset.  I did not know what to expect hear.  The falls were not huge and they did not drop far but what I saw were the bluest and strongest falls that I had ever seen. 

The water going to the falls and the falls themselves were mesmerizing.  Since the water is pushed through such a tight gorge, it gives it, its momentum.  And some how the word turns that blue.  I don't know how it is easy, but almost every lake, seaside view and now waterfall has the most amazing blue color. 

The trip has not always been easy and has its ups and downs but olive the peaks and falls.

From See to Sea

As I head north to the south island behind.  I take a detour through hammer springs.  Hanmer Springs is a natural hotsprings area in the mountains and popular with families on holiday.  I soaked i a few different pools.  The best were the natural ones without chlorine and smelled like rotten eggs.  There was also a pool with a strong cascading shower to sit under to massage your back.  The soak and shower were a great remedy from any stiffness I had from driving.

The drive too and from Hanmer Springs was spectacular. On my way out I see bungee jumpers on the bridge I am about to passover.  They turn out to be Americans.  Older people with kids in their twenties or thirties.  They were not too friendly.  Actually I realize now how friendly the Kiwis were.  Kiwi is the term for a New Zealander.  American people are much more guarded.

On toward Kaikora for Whale watching.  When I arrived to Kaikoura I witnessed this amazing beach scene.  The water was the most saturated turquoise that I had ever scene but the beach was black and it was almost raining.  The scenery in New Zealand is so unique, you really never know what to expect.

I went into to town and found a fish and chips place.  This was the second time I had fish and chips.  The first was in Littleton to a place that was supposed to have the best fish and chips in the Christchurch area.  I had waited to eat fish and chips as I don't normally eat fried food.  Fish and chips is a real staple here.  It costs less than $5 sometimes and that means it is in the $3 US range.  It so much food and tastes so fresh.  The trick is to eat at a shop and not at restaurant where it is not as good and a lot more expensive.

The next day I went whale watching.  The day before, they had to cancel because of rough seas.  The day I went it looked calm.  They tried to sell me sea sick pills before I got on but told them I had sailed a lot and did not get sea sick, boy was I wrong.  The waves were enormous.  The boat itself was very nice and the seats were like a first class airplane.  There were lots of families with children. These poor young girls got so sick and the staff kept talking about getting sea sick, which made you even more sea sick.  They had bags in front of every seat.   It was torture, I would have paid anything to get off.
There were no whales too, I thought we would never see any but then they said they think there was one up ahead and sure enough we saw the spout gushing and then the tail.  We saw two whales in all.  I would never do that again but it was one of those experiences.  At the end they actually gave us a partial refund.  Not sure if it was from the lack of Whales or how bumpy it was.

Going To Church

I think Christchurch was my favorite city in New Zealand.  It is very sad about the earthquake.  You can see my picture of the city square and iconic church.  That Church was heavily damaged.

Christchurch has more of a European or English feeling.  There is a huge English style park with a green house and garden.  A river runs through the city and garden and you can take a ride on a punting boat with a gandolier or punter.   There is a also a vintage tram that runs though part of the city.  It is for tourists and costs around $20 to hop on and off.  It is strange as they have the same one in Melbourne and it is free.  You never know what something is going to cost down here.

There are lots of cafes and restaurant throughout the city and by the river.  A number of them are in old stone English style buildings.  The food was very good, I had something like a seafood Paella which was excellent.   I also had Souvlaki at a counter, which is like a Gyro and that was amazing too.

For all the quaintness, I happened to stay in a very modern boutique hotel.  My room was very small and had no window.  There was room under the bed for your luggage and you could turn the bathroom light on in 5 different colors.  I think these very small rooms are a trend.  They are clean and modern and perfect for the modern traveler. 

I also had an excellent foot massage.  There is one famous place there that you can get a Chinese foot massage.



It is a lovely city and my hopes and prayers are with the people for a full recovery.

Bay Watch

Near Christchurch in Canterbury I visited two different bay communities.  The first was called Akiroa.  It was first settled by the French.  It is a quiet seaside town with charm and simple beauty.  It is the type of place to get away and I did just that.

I rented a room in a modern beach house and did nothing more than relax, walk around, watched people fish and relaxed.  I needed a vacation from my trip.

My friend from the trip Brian suggested that I go there.  It is interesting that much of my trip was based on talking to people.  I really did not plan much when I was in the US.

At the end of a the pier were here there was an Israeli couple that were engaged.  He caught the smallest fish I had ever seen.  They looked like bait

One thing that is amazing about New Zealand is the birds singing.  They have a variety of unique calls.  These are sounds you do not hear in the states.  Did I also mention the clouds?  We don't have clouds like these either.

The sunsets are spectacular too.

Around the next bay and around an hour of the most windy road one could travel, I found Diamond Harbor.  It is more of a place people live then a tourist destination but quite beautiful.

I attended a spiritual retreat, which was basically a woman's home on a small compound.   I stayed in a quaint guesthouse with out facilities.



 The shower and toilets were in the house. I took part in a Journey, an aneagram reading, ozone sauna, cranial sacral massage, yoga, watched video and did an exercise where you let go of your breath as well as your negative and positive emotions.  The meals were vegetarian and some were very good.  Let's just say the whole thing was up my ally and got a tremendous amount out of it.

We walked around during the day and visited the beach and some friends of the director.  The friend had the most beautiful garden.

She had a French girl there that was a woofer.  There are kids mostly from Europe who go from place to place in New Zealand who work for room and board.  I think it is a bit like slavery, but, oh well!

Rocky Road

Moreaki Bolders at Beach

Onward towards Canterbury, which maybe my favorite province.  I stayed one night in a room reserved for truck drivers.  It was very clean and modern with a mini flat screen TV but was probably smaller than Grammy's bathroom.

Looks Like Two Seals

One thing about the road is there are little pie shops and cafes.  The pies are what they call savory and are meat and lamb, like pot pies.  Another favorite are Toasties, which are cheese sandwiches with tomato, onion, mushroom etc.  They do something that makes them taste really good.  That with a fresh fruit smoothie, really makes a great combination and something to look forward to after a long drive.

St. Bernards Face

On the road always lots of sites.  The boulders on the beach are the Moreaki boulders, which is a big tourist attraction.  The large rocks on the hill is called Castle Hill Rocks. 

Mother and Baby Seal

They are really spectacular and remind me of a natural Stonehenge.  I spend a few hours hiking among the rocks and even meditated.  This place is know for good spiritual energy.  The Maori feel that all the beautiful places have a spiritual dimension.