Ralph the Tourist writes of The Kiwi Quest

When not involved in the angst of the emergent work (ie earning a bread and travel money) it is our Quest to boldly go where so many have gone before, and see what we have not seen before, to explore paths clearly marked by others and consume foods prepared in exciting unfamiliar ways. In the past 3 days we have Quested in enjoyable fashion.

Friday: Jet boating up the Wanganui River. Having Tea and Biscuit in a pastoral pasture. Eating (almost dining - Kensell's usually eat and are working to learn the dining art) at the Indigo. Mary ate beef with hollandaise, while I ate sliced lamb. Resting at the Wanganui Grand Hotel.

Saturday: Drove to Opanuke. Walked, strolled and paused on the black sand surfer's beach with no one else in sight. (Perhaps others chose not to brave the 17 degree temp (Centigrade of course) and 40 Knot (oh yes) wind. Mary dined on Fish and chips while I ate a lamb shank at Sugar Juice (highly recommended by Lonely Planet and now by us as well). One might ask, "Why lamb twice?" Well, I don't get it in the states and it's really not Baaaaad ;-)

Sunday: From the Headlands Hotel in Opunake (200 meters from the black sand beach) to the visitor's center at the base of Taranaki ( ~ 8200 feet high mountain) we drove about 35 kilometers (for those wondering that's less than 25 miles). Taranaki is a volcanic mountain, awesome in size; and often obscured by clouds. But today, Taranaki showed its awesomeness in full splendor and we felt lucky in so many ways to be here. Strolled to Dawson Falls and walked Wilkie's loop all at the base enjoying the trails, the views and the stuff that a National Park is all about. Yeah, I like that stuff!!!

Even after a whole week here, there are still things that puzzle and challenge --- like coffee. Why is it so complicated? Single shot, double shot, cappuccino, latte, flat white (and these are just the nonalcoholic options)- no Folgers or just black or ?decaf sir. I've truthfully been a little intimidated. Especially, since this is part of my work routine that I have walked to the Cafe with the Docs who are orienting me here. Spent about 30 minutes googling coffees today just preparing for my next shift :-0

Seeking and enjoying further challenges.