Everything is great — just off the grid!

We are having a splendid time in New Zealand, although the internet is a little spotty, hence the lack of report. Auckland was wonderful, and David and I are happy that we will have another day there next week before heading back. We spent the past two days in Rotorura, which is midway into the north island, and is the center of geysers, hot springs and the Maori culture. Yesterday was magical, beginning with a sheep and dog show at the Agrodome, which was vastly more entertaining than it sounds. We then visited with the kiwis (the birds), saw the amazing geysers and then finished with the Maoris and a fascinating show they performed for us. Today, we are on our way to Queenstown on the South Island. Our friends are headed back on Sunday, and we will head on to Wellington. Given the weather we hear about in Cincinnati, we are happy to be staying with the Kiwis (the humans) for a while longer. We have never met friendlier and more welcoming people than we have encountered in Australia and NZ — just delightful.

Lisa and David