Back North to the Bay of Islands…
Travel Location: Paihia,New-Zealand
So we headed back north on thursday evening, but before I leave Queenstown, I forgot to mention that Amy P., friend from New York city (no, she’s not my girlfriend) and travel partner met the man of her dreams Thursday night. His name is Taylor, and at the moment he was traveling the world for a year. Amy danced the night away with him, but bid him goodbye as we left town. A chance meeting that may lead something more (he’s from Colorado) or perhaps she will always think of him when she thinks of Queenstown.
After our flight, we rented another car and headed towards Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. It was only a three hour journey, but there was a torrential downpour and curvy roads to overcome. Meanwhile, my travel partner was fast asleep, recovering from her night out. I have to admit I was wondering why we were driving so far in one night. We finally reached our lodging a little after eleven at night.
A good respite from working again…
The next day after a sumptious eggs benedict, Amy and I split ways. I walked along the grounds where the Treaty of Wantangi was signed. For history buffs, the treaty is the founding document for the nation of New Zealand signed between the Maori chiefs and an emissary of the king of England on September 6, 1840. Unfortunately, the Maori translation does not match the english, and it has been a source of conflict as the nation has evolved. The english version states that the Maoris ceded sovereignty to the king, while the maori version states that the King will protect the maoris as their subjects, but that they will retain their legal rights. Interestingly enough, the British did not take New Zealand by force as it had elsewhere, but decided to offer the maoris protection as white settlers from Australia and other parts of the world arrived.
James Busby, the settler who petitioned the King to provide protection over New Zealand, lived in the Bay of Islands in a pre-fabricated home from Australia. He was the Bristish official assigned to the area. His home is still there. The British government only gave Busby half of what he asked for in salary, and reduced the plans for his home to include only two rooms because they couldn’t afford more. Apparently working for the government hasn’t changed much over the years.
It was an easy going day for me as I visited the grounds. I finally had a chance to continue reading “Motherless Brooklyn” which I had been meaning to finish since I left Guatemala.
Later in the evening, we took the ferry to Russell Island, where I dined on Pacific oysters at Komatura, a restaurant along the shoreline.
The next day, I went for a run and thought I saw wild kiwis in the tree, but later realized that I must have been mistaken. Wild kiwis are small flightless birds that have nearly become instinct as pigs, dogs and cats were introduced to the country. They live on the ground and are the namesake for the citizens of this country.
Later in the morning, Amy and I joined a small yacht for sailing among the islands. Our skipper was Glenn, and his boat was named “She’s a lady”. We enjoyed the ride, and I even got to skipper a bit. There were six other people on the boat. The highlight, however, was that a group of wild dolphins swam along our boat, slapping the water, playing in its wake and generally surfing off of it. It was great to see the wild dolphins playing out in the bay. Don’t worry, I took many pictures.
I fly back to the US tomorrow, and I will certainly miss the beauty of New Zealand. I will also miss the beers. Speights, Monteith, and Mac’s are good brews. More importantly, I am reminded that every adventures that ends begins a new one. I will continue my reincarnation in San Francisco, and am scheduled to start a trial Monday afternoon. This however was a good respite from working again…
yours,
asit panwala
