January 17th, 2017

January 17th, 2017


Affirmation: “Today is a new day. Today is a day for you to begin creating a joyous, fulfilling life. Today is the day to begin to release all your limitations. Today is the day for you to learn the secrets of life. You can change your life for the better. You already have the tools within you to do so. These tools are your thoughts and your beliefs.”
 
Word of the Day: cordate (adj):

1. heart-shaped: a cordate shell.

2. (of leaves) heart-shaped, with the attachment at the notched end.

Love Moves Away

Pale sunlight,
pale the wall.

Love moves away.
The light changes.

I need more grace
than I thought.

____

Sorry I have not updated the blog in the past few days. I have been going to bed past midnight and waking up at around five in the morning so I've been feeling pretty sleep deprived and busy! But it's been a wonderful Pascagoula days. I don't know that I will be able to completely update you on everything but I will post pictures for the days that I cannot fully update as well as tell you about today.

I am in Auckland now and I left early this morning for my tour of Hobbiton and glowworm caves. The tour guide was exceptional and the 2 1/2 hour drive there went by in a flash as I have learned all about New Zealand and it's history and culture and more. Hobbiton itself was an incredible experience that words cannot do justice to. I'm not even the biggest Lord of the rings/ Hobbit fan in the world though I do love the books and the movies, but the experience really reignited my passion and made me want to reread and rewatch all of them. We also got to tour the farm around the complex and learn a ton of cool to be about the movies and books. The tour ended with a selection of 4 ales (3 ales and 1 non-alcoholic ginger beer) from the pub that are brewed only there (http://www.hobbitontours.com/the-green-dragon-inn/our-brews/).

As I mentioned earlier, I seldom if ever drink alcohol, but the low alcohol beers tasted pretty watered down even to me. I was expecting to enjoy the stout the most but the Apple cider ended up being the best and even the non-alcoholic ginger beer was better than the pale ale. I had one of the biggest lunches I have ever had. It was a true hobbit style feast buffet lunch. I loaded up on rolls and rice with butter, roasted vegetables, sweet-and-sour meatballs, honey soy chicken drumsticks, Broccoli and cheese gratin casserole, Thai coconut and peanut vegetables, Indian Chana masala, fish cakes, pesto chicken penne, salt crusted steak tips, and a lot more. I saw selection was also great: chili compote, sweet chili jam, creamy horseradish, tomato compote, and more that I'm forgetting. But that was not all! I quite literally ate 10 (!!!) desserts (in addition to fruit salad) PLUS seconds of the carrot cake, red velvet cake, and frosted brownie. The Lammingtons were wonderful as was the caramel frosted pie and ginger pies. I probably shouldn't have eaten until I was sick to my stomach!

After that we drove about an hour and a half to the Waitomo glowworm caves which were exceptional as well. We learned all about Maori culture as well as New Zealand politics and world affairs. After the guided glowworm tour and boat ride, we began the long drive back to Auckland, arriving at about 7:30. Tomorrow is my last day in Auckland before flying back to LA/ Denver. This trip has been an experience of a lifetime and I can't believe how the time has flown by.... I know I always say that I will get to bed early, but tonight I really will try (by 10:30 at the latest). I will continue to keep you updated as best I can!

PS Here is a description of the tours:

Enjoy guided tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day sightseeing tour from Auckland.

Journey south through lush rural farmland to the Hobbiton Movie Set, hidden on private farmland near the town of Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies.

During your guided tour of this amazing location you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, return to Auckland.

“Hobbiton™ Movie Set is an experience to tantalise the senses of visitors from all across the globe, as guests find themselves engulfed in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of The Shire™, at the home of the Hobbits™, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

The extraordinary following that the movies have amassed has led to our tours becoming a must see while travellers are in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set is the only set that remains intact from the trilogies, and that allows our visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of The Shire.

Visitors are given the once in a lifetime opportunity to see an iconic movie set in its full glory; from wandering the rambling paths of The Shire, to seeing the submerged Hobbit Holes™ that litter the rolling hillsides.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be taken around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you can sample our exclusive, specially brewed beverages to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.”

And:

“​World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.

The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.

THE BOAT RIDE

Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.”