Saturday, January 24, 2009

1/23/2009 - Central Park Doesn't Have a Flying Fox

Even in a comfortable bed, I can't sleep in past 7:30AM. Kayra is up about the time I am, and teaches me the proper way of eating Weet-Bix (basically, they are compressed thin corn flakes cut into 2x4inch cakes. You cut up fruit (apples and kiwis) and put two Weet-Bix cakes on top of that, then add milk. Really good).


Kayra is fantastic. She is Kylie's sister-in-law. She and her husband are living here while they get settled in New Zealand - she is an art therapy counselor and also does massage therapy. Kevin (her husband) is finishing up a job in the US but will be back soon. They are planning on staying in Masterton for awhile.


Kayra takes me for a nice tour of the city, mostly of the very large park system they have here.




IMGP1403.JPGKayra by Queen Elizabeth Park.


Once again highlighting the lack of liability suits here in New Zealand, they have a "flying fox" - basically, a zipline running about 100 feet - that all the kids play on. Talk about cool! There was a small line of kids waiting for it, so I will return to get pictures. No one was injured while I was there.


The park has the nicest wooden playground that I have ever seen, modeled after a castle/fort motif. There is a miniature train that you can ride for a dollar (it is about the height of my knee). The track runs around the park. A two-year old, apparently, was hit by the train a couple of weeks ago, but is doing OK now. Intermixed are lawns and forest, and eventually a bird sanctuary. Dirt tracks run at the edges of the park and connect it to other parts (such as the lake, wetlands, and river).


I think this is New Zealand Disneyland.




IMGP1405.JPGOne of the suspension bridges across the river, definitely needed given the 6-7 inch raging torrent below.




IMGP1406.JPGLooking over the lake to the nearby mountains. Ducks and swans jockey for position around anyone that appears like they might have food.




IMGP1407.JPGOne of the birds at the bird sanctuary. He says, "Hello, darling" and cannot hide the New Zealand accent.


Finish out the walk after about two hours and I head to the clinic to talk to David, then grab lunch and meet with the pharmacy - I now have a book that lists all of the nationalized medications - should be some truly exciting late-night reading.


Grab a quick nap, then return later around 3:30 for a staff meeting. Meet with even more people and am endeavoring to remember everyone's names, but, again, it will take a bit. Toward the end of the meeting, two guys come in and we help them bring up band equipment. Everyone hangs around for live music, wine, beer, and some really good snacks - this turns into quite the little party. Tons of fun.




IMGP1408.JPGThis is a staff meeting, if it isn't obvious at first sight. The band is playing with David Nixon (head of the clinic) accompanying on the keyboard. It turned into karaoke at some point. You will all be relieved to know that I did not sing.


We end up going to another house by the end of the night, and don't leave until midnight. Not expected, but what a great way to meet everyone!


We crash back at the apartment at that point. No major plans for tomorrow, but I think I will explore the town some more. And get the blog updated, as I am falling down on my duties there.



3 comments:

  1. Hey Ryan! Loved the Masterton party-clinic...wanted you to know that indeed I sent via registered mail your check on this past Tuesday (the 20th). I sent it to the Masterton Clinic via Helen Thompson. Let me know when you get it, will be relieved when I know it arrived safely.

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  2. Hi Ryan,
    Continuing on the theme of "Bikers in NZ being a small community"; I found your blog via Kat Lange's posts on Crazyguyonabike.com since she is planning to stop in to stay with us when she gets to Nelson. We are recent escapees from the US (Boulder, CO) who have ended up on Tasman Bay - all of us ride for fun and we offer a bedroom for bikers coming through. If you end up coming over to the "Mainland" let me know and maybe we can catch up.
    -dave bonnett- hdbonnett gmail.com

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  3. Ryan

    My name is Elizabeth. I am a friend of your mothers. Neighbor actually. You have a wonderfully talented and friendly mom. She gave me your blog to follow your travels and to also follow them as they meet you soon to bike around the countryside. I hope you do not mind as I find your pictures beautiful and your blogs very interesting.

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