Nudity, flying and fire sticks.
Kiwi's are continuing to surprise me with their hospitality, humor, friendly nature, and most recently, drinking habits. Saturday evening, ladies evening at the pub, not only drew Milford's finest young women dressed to impress (does wearing earrings negate the fact that my "dressy" shoes are my keen's?) but also happened to fall on National Nude Day. Thus, several of Milford's finest (ahem) young men joined us at the pub completely nude. Now, in some places this would seem offensive, inappropriate, or just plain in bad taste, but here their forage into public nakedness was greeted with cheers, laughter and a few more rounds of drinks. I think I will forever remember the round white bums of certain boat crew members. Cheers to that, I suppose.
Yesterday may have been my most favorite Milford day yet. Though slightly sleep deprived due to a late night Saturday, I woke up cheerful to sunny skies. Is there anything better to do on a beautiful clear day than go for another cruise down the fiord? Yes, and that is to go for a scenic flight through the fiord and mountains. There are several perks to being a "local" as I am after just over a week. When Nathan, a boistorious jolly pilot offered a free seat on his next take off I was not one to refuse. I took off my apron and followed him to the airstrip. With four others we quickly took off the short runway and flew along the incredibly high cliffs, over the mountains to stunning waterfalls, mountain lakes and jagged snow covered peaks. There were times when our left wing seemed only inches away from the cliff faces. We flew south, then west to the Tasman and looped back into the fiord. The beauty here is truly indescribable and astounding.
Shaking and jolted awake, I returned to work to finish closing for the day. How many people can say that they have the ability to leave work in the middle of the day to go for a quick flight over scenic paradise? Back at the lodge I suggested a campfire on the sand up the river. Some were interested but not many were motivated, so I took it upon myself to get it going. I have some skills, people, truly. By 9 my fire was roaring and I had helpers gathering wood. By 10 all our staff were around. The night was clear and the stars were glittering. A few talented women brought their fire poi (fire balls ont the end of strings that you dance with) and made beautiful fire art to the sound of beating hand drums. Our talented 18 year old australian impressed us with his fire stick throwing abilities as well. Fires seem to create a certain ambiance; reflective, quiet and intimate. Needless to say, and great end to a great day.
This morning I woke up at seven to the lovely singing of some sort of bird. It is my last day of work before four days off. Loads to do in these four days! Kayaking, hiking, a trip to town, another cruise?
I'll keep you posted!
Kiwi's are continuing to surprise me with their hospitality, humor, friendly nature, and most recently, drinking habits. Saturday evening, ladies evening at the pub, not only drew Milford's finest young women dressed to impress (does wearing earrings negate the fact that my "dressy" shoes are my keen's?) but also happened to fall on National Nude Day. Thus, several of Milford's finest (ahem) young men joined us at the pub completely nude. Now, in some places this would seem offensive, inappropriate, or just plain in bad taste, but here their forage into public nakedness was greeted with cheers, laughter and a few more rounds of drinks. I think I will forever remember the round white bums of certain boat crew members. Cheers to that, I suppose.
Yesterday may have been my most favorite Milford day yet. Though slightly sleep deprived due to a late night Saturday, I woke up cheerful to sunny skies. Is there anything better to do on a beautiful clear day than go for another cruise down the fiord? Yes, and that is to go for a scenic flight through the fiord and mountains. There are several perks to being a "local" as I am after just over a week. When Nathan, a boistorious jolly pilot offered a free seat on his next take off I was not one to refuse. I took off my apron and followed him to the airstrip. With four others we quickly took off the short runway and flew along the incredibly high cliffs, over the mountains to stunning waterfalls, mountain lakes and jagged snow covered peaks. There were times when our left wing seemed only inches away from the cliff faces. We flew south, then west to the Tasman and looped back into the fiord. The beauty here is truly indescribable and astounding.
Shaking and jolted awake, I returned to work to finish closing for the day. How many people can say that they have the ability to leave work in the middle of the day to go for a quick flight over scenic paradise? Back at the lodge I suggested a campfire on the sand up the river. Some were interested but not many were motivated, so I took it upon myself to get it going. I have some skills, people, truly. By 9 my fire was roaring and I had helpers gathering wood. By 10 all our staff were around. The night was clear and the stars were glittering. A few talented women brought their fire poi (fire balls ont the end of strings that you dance with) and made beautiful fire art to the sound of beating hand drums. Our talented 18 year old australian impressed us with his fire stick throwing abilities as well. Fires seem to create a certain ambiance; reflective, quiet and intimate. Needless to say, and great end to a great day.
This morning I woke up at seven to the lovely singing of some sort of bird. It is my last day of work before four days off. Loads to do in these four days! Kayaking, hiking, a trip to town, another cruise?
I'll keep you posted!
posted by Karen at 2:01 PM
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