Today I arrived in Queenstown, on the south island of New Zealand. I had heard a lot about how gorgeous the scenery is here, and I can definitely say that I agree! The area reminds me a little bit of Colorado – beautiful mountains, crisp air, lots of trees and pine forests, and sort of a “ski chalet” resort atmosphere. (Speaking of atmosphere, it’s a little cooler today that I expected, although I think that the people wearing parkas and scarves are overdoing it! Luckily, tomorrow and Thursday are supposed to be warmer. By Friday they are forecasting thunderstorms, so I may be partaking of indoor activities that day!)
Queenstown is situated on this huge lake – Lake Wakatipu – and one of the claims to fame is that much of the “Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed here.
Tonight I just got my bearings and walked around a bit. I also scheduled my “activities” for tomorrow (which you’ll have to wait to hear about!). The area really is beautiful and I look forward to hiking around and taking the gondola up the hill to the scenic lookout point.
One other interesting “small world” note. On the plane, I was seated next to a couple from the UK about my parents’ age (in other words, young, middle-age-type folks) and after a while we got to talking a bit. (I’m sure that will surprise Nate.) Actually, I think the chatting started when they asked me how I liked my Kindle! Anyway, it turns out that they have children and grandchildren in both Australia and New Zealand that they were visiting. They gave me lots of suggestions on what to do in Queenstown and were incredibly nice. After we had talked a bit, they asked me what I did back home, and I mentioned recently getting my MBA and that I would soon start working for a management consulting firm called Deloitte. (I never know if someone is going to know what I mean when I say “consulting,” and I’m never sure whether someone will recognize the name Deloitte.)
They started laughing and nodding!
Turns out that the husband retired as a partner at the London office of Deloitte & Touche (the accountants) ten years ago!
Queenstown is situated on this huge lake – Lake Wakatipu – and one of the claims to fame is that much of the “Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed here.
Tonight I just got my bearings and walked around a bit. I also scheduled my “activities” for tomorrow (which you’ll have to wait to hear about!). The area really is beautiful and I look forward to hiking around and taking the gondola up the hill to the scenic lookout point.
One other interesting “small world” note. On the plane, I was seated next to a couple from the UK about my parents’ age (in other words, young, middle-age-type folks) and after a while we got to talking a bit. (I’m sure that will surprise Nate.) Actually, I think the chatting started when they asked me how I liked my Kindle! Anyway, it turns out that they have children and grandchildren in both Australia and New Zealand that they were visiting. They gave me lots of suggestions on what to do in Queenstown and were incredibly nice. After we had talked a bit, they asked me what I did back home, and I mentioned recently getting my MBA and that I would soon start working for a management consulting firm called Deloitte. (I never know if someone is going to know what I mean when I say “consulting,” and I’m never sure whether someone will recognize the name Deloitte.)
They started laughing and nodding!
Turns out that the husband retired as a partner at the London office of Deloitte & Touche (the accountants) ten years ago!
Well tomorrow there is today here, and you're probably dreaming of your adrenaline adventure- unless weather prevents you. Am drooling over New Zealand scenery. Sigh. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I hope you're getting all these. I don't see your family posting anything - perhaps I'm signed in on a profile where I don't see their postings. I'm on Google - anyway, wondered what they all thought about this.
Hey Joan,
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm getting them -- thanks! My parents just got a new computer after their old one self-destructed, thus the lack of comments! - H