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Pictured: Mt. Ruapheu,
North Is.
New Zealand
(Most of the pictures in this
issue are of the North Is.
Next month, the South Is.
will be the foucs.)
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Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
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Mission: To provide poetical and
...............................thoughtful comments on life
VOLUME VIII – ISSUE 2: Sunday, March 29, 2009 (91st issue)
Welcome to the New Zealand Issue 1 of 2
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Haere mai
- Poems: Eternal Sunlight and Field Track
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: Aotearoa
- Recommendations
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Contest Winners
- Pay It Forward Update
- PJ Forum
- Reminder: If you are filtering...
- PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 71 countries
- PJ Online
- PJ Policies
- Subscription information
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Welcome
I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe. If your country is not listed in the demographic section at the end, please let me know so I can update the list.
The next issue will come out on Sunday, April 26, 2009.
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Tai chi time in Palmerston North
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Opening Comments from Bob - Haere mai
The above Maori greeting is translated into "welcome" or "come" and sometimes includes the touching of the other person's nose with yours. Fear not, that only occurs between Maoris or in formalized ceremonies. Otherwise, "hello" works. In any country you visit where the people speak the same language as yours, you tend to believe the customs are the same. Do not be mislead, New Zealand culture differs from the U.S.'s, though in some cases the differences are only in small degrees. For example, when you request cream in your coffee, you receive whipped cream. "White" means milk. If you like your coffee rich and dark, request "a tall black" and the spoon will almost stand straight up in the cup. Bigger differences, other than just language, occur in the Kiwis' perspectives on life, the role of government, and personal responsibilities. These will be touched upon more in this and the next issue. Please enjoy my overview on this delightful country and my encouragement to add it to your visitation list.
Premium Subscribers: I am pleased that four joined in the past month. Help others by becoming a premium subscriber.
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Two Poems this Issue
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Eternal Sunlight
The air is bitter cold, crisp–
Not a cloud above.
The horizon stretches
And begins its unreachable curve.
Below, lies the otherworldly darkness
We’ve thundered through–
The brief bumps but memories.
Ahead, cumulus clouds
Hint that those in the nether world
May again see the golden rays
Soon brighten the day.
Encased in our jet propelled fuselage,
Most are oblivious to daily events–
The arguments, joys, the mundane–
That embrace those miles below.
We hurl onward,
Into the sunlight
Which never cease.
Comments: The long journey had just begun, having taken off from the Columbus airport on a cloudy, gloomy day. As we passed through the cloud layers, the plane bumped about for a few moments. Suddenly, we were in the sunlight. As far as one could see, the sky was clear. I jotted a few thoughts at the time, which later became this poem.
Field Track
“Make a U-turn as soon as possible,”
...the GPS drones for the third time.
.....Should I ignore?
.....I'm going the right direction.
.....Again, comes the insistent plea.
.....Hmm, U-turn it is.
“Turn right in 200 feet.”
.....Right it is.
.....Broken pavement, a single lane,
........must be doing construction.
“In fifteen miles, turn right.”
.....Rising, beautiful vistas
........and oohs and ahs of appreciation.
.....But wait, the road is narrowing,
........the curves now hairpins,
........barely room for one car
........let alone two.
.....What have I gotten into!
“In five miles turn right,”
...the voice calmly says
...as the perspiration builds on my brow.
.....Thank God, we are almost there.
.....The views of deep valleys
.........and steep ranges
.........mesmerize with camera stops galore.
.....Thankfully, only two cars
.........have inched by.
.....The open abysses to the right
.........still cause shivers.
.....Almost to the right turn
.........and back to civilization.
“Turn right in 800 feet.”
.....What! Where is the main road?
.....This section looks no better.
“Continue for ten miles.”
.....Past the point of no return,
........the car hurls forward
........sometimes reaching speeds of 15K
........(9 miles per hour).
.....With white knuckles onward,
.........upward, downward,
.........turning, turning, and turning
.........the kilometers pass.
.....Miles later, another right
........and then left turn,
.......the main road appears.
Thanks are given for survival
...and the magnificent panoramas
...that graced this unplanned journey
...on Field Track Road.
Comments: I must admit that the poem contains a bit of hyperbole. I have actually driven scarier roads in Hawaii. But the drop offs and the narrowness are not exaggerations. Usually, a GPS will take you only on main roads. But in NZ, there are few roads so the program decided this was the shortest way. When we arrived at our friends house ninety minutes late, they laughed and explained that most New Zealanders have never traveled that road though it is famous in the area. It was built primarily for the cattle and sheep raisers who live in the upper ranges and need access to markets. They also explained that if we had followed our original plans, we would have traveled on much better roads. This is one time that technology got in the way of good map reading skills. But then, we would have missed the spectacular views, the adrenalin rushes, and the poem generated from the experience.
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Overlooking City of Taupo and Lake Taupo
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Mt. Ruapheu – Field Track begins on its backside
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The adventure on Field Track began here.
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The climb has been continuous
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Driving along the top range
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| Toi toi – all along the way |
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| Finally arrived 90 minutes late |
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My Book, An Oasis in a Cluttered World, is HERE!
An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available. If you enjoy the Poetical Journal and this web site, you will enjoy this book. It includes vignettes, poems, recommendations, and guest submissions. (If you order through my web site, you will save a bit, and if you so wish, I will sign the copy.) For more information, go to
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Auckland, the City of Sails
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Auckland at night
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Vignette: Aotearoa Part 1
This Maori word freely translates into "the land of the long white cloud," their name for New Zealand. Imagine a country about the land size of California that has a little over 4 million people; 17 million sheep; almost every type of geographical regions from a small desert to rain forests to the southern Alps; some of the world's cleanest air; police that do not carry guns; and people that traditionally say, "Thanks" before ordering and "Thanks" after receiving. The country is New Zealand.
Imagine my surprise as I took flights within the country simply to walk aboard the plane–no taking off shoes or going through scanners. The liquid carry-on bottle rules do not exist. It was wonderful not worrying about my pants falling down while my belt passed through the scanner. This current state exemplifies Kiwi life. Though a very modern and developed country, the pace of life is slower and laid back, and people still have time for each other. Dinners with friends include intellectual conversations, the TV off. Mom and pop stores, motels, and restaurants dominate on the commercial side. There are few chains including McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken and, in the larger resort cities, international hotels, but even there, locally owned businesses rule. However, I noticed that the more traditional supermarkets have replaced many of the greengrocers and small bread shops that existed during my last visit in 2001.
For most American and European drivers becoming use to driving on the left side is an important adjustment that must happen quickly. Only one extra trip through airport parking, with a bit of muttering, was necessary before my adjustment occurred. Luckily, once out of Auckland the amount of traffic drops off quickly. The fact that the car instrumentation is also on the opposite side is a challenge. Many a Kiwi saw my wipers go on instead of the turn signals and thought, "There is another American." More than one laugh occurred as I walked to the passenger side to get in, not to sit, but to drive. Then there is the unique rule to NZ that on two lane highways the person turning left must give way to the person turning right (Think on that one.). Expect to see drivers via your rear view mirror riding your tailpipe. The reason is that roads are windy and there is not much passing room. Oh yes, the use of yellow lines for no passing zones are almost nonexistence so you make the decisions when to or not to pass.
Next month, I will write more on the schools, sports, and Kiwi lifestyle including "to tip" or "not to tip." If you haven't already visited my trip blog, go to the access page. Until then, Hei kona ra.
If you have a guest vignette you would like to submit, please do so. Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, printing it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Equally important, it should fit the overall tenor of this newsletter. Ideally, it should not exceed twenty lines. Please send to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
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Devonport, a short ferry ride from Auckland
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| Windpower on the ranges outside of Palmerston North |
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| Recommendations
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Visit New Zealand: Though I realize that most readers will not have an opportunity to visit this land of diverse scenic vistas and wonderfully friendly citizens, I would be remiss not at least to make the recommendation. NZ is a favorite country of mine, having been there six times. In the early 80's I lived there for a year. There are many recommendations to make, but space is limited. Consequently, I will limit them to a special few. (More will be given next month. There will be suggestions on wineries to visit, where to buy magnificent sweaters, and more.)
- Places to stay: I stayed at some fine establishments on this trip but will only focus on two. The Auckland Hilton has a worldwide reputation for elegance and excellent service. The rooms are spacious and being located on the waterfront adds to the overall ambiance and views. Though the rate is expensive, the strength of the U.S. dollar helps bring the pricing into an affordable rate, especially when compare to similar hotels within the U.S. The second, The Palazzo Motor Lodge, was a wonderful surprise. This new facility located in the Kiwi resort community of Nelson on the South Island is an excellent value with real class. The elegant rooms allow plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Owners and hosts Bob and Kiara do everything possible to make your stay is an enjoyable one. I could not have been more pleased with this visit.
- Restaurants: Over the years the quality of NZ restaurants have continued to improve. For use of fresh ingredients and creative menus, they are excellent. I will mention five, from gourmet to carryout. The White Restaurant in the Auckland Hilton is very upscale, serving delectable food. The breakfast buffet is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. On a less grand scale is the Soho Restaurant located at 59 The Strand (07 577 0577) in the resort city of Tauranga. Expect fine provincial cuisine served by a friendly staff. This was my second visit there, having recommended the restaurant in my first book. I was pleased to see that the standards are still high. The Soho is a fine place to enjoy leisurely dining. At our request on the final night, friends Barry and Lyn suggested the Monsoon Asian Kitchen at 165 The Square in Palmerston North. What an evening of feasting we had! A young couple Jacky Deng and Amy Zhou operate this first-rate establishment. The four of us enjoyed a scrumptious five course dinner, including four entrees, for less than $57 U.S. You are also allowed to bring your own wine, which is another plus. When in the Marlborough region of the South Island, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Allan Scott Winery. The setting is picturesque, the menu creative, and the food delicious. The final suggestion is for carryout, Milton Street Fish and Chips in Nelson. Ask almost anyone, other than another tourist, and they can tell you how to get there. All I will say is "Umm!"
- Note of Recognition: After receiving years of mediocre service through a variety of car rental companies, I must recognize one stellar employee working for Thrifty Car Rental in Nelson. Her name is Marisa. I was greeted with such warmth, I almost fainted. Then, I was personally escorted to the car, given a review of the vehicle, provided specific directions to the hotel, and handed a business card with her name and a friendly, sincere, "If you have any problems at all, please call me." If I could name a Thrifty employee of the year, she would be it.
- The specail continues on Poet Prints. They make wonderful holiday gifts.
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The Auckland Hilton, taken from the ferry
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Palazzo Motor Lodge, a great place to stay
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Interior of the tastefully decorated Monsoon Asian Kitchen, Palmerston North
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My gourmet lunch at the Allen Scott Winery
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Nothing like good ole fish & chips
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Coromandel Peninsula (the browns become deep greens during the winter)
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Huka Falls (note the guy standing on the platform)
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Gulls near Lake Taupo
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"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." – Dalai Lama
"Would that life were like the shadow cast by a wall or a tree, but it is like the shadow of a bird in flight." – Haggadah (A Jewish religious text)
"And he said to him, ’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." – Jesus (Mathew 22:36)
"The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is 'look under foot.' You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think. The lure of the distant and difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are. Do not despise your own place and hour. Every place is under the stars, every place is of the world." – John Burroughs (1837-1921) American naturalist and essayist.
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
Bill, Jim, and Scott were at a convention together and were sharing a large suite on the top of a 75-story skyscraper. After a long day of meetings they were shocked to hear that the elevators in their hotel were broken, and they would have to climb 75 flights of stairs to get to their room.
Bill said to Jim and Scott, "Let's break the monotony of this unpleasant task by concentrating on something interesting. I'll tell jokes for 25 flights, Jim can sing songs for 25 flights, and Scott can tell sad stories the rest of the way."
At the 26th floor Bill stopped telling jokes, and Jim began to sing. At the 51st floor Jim stopped singing, and Scott began to tell sad stories. "I will tell my saddest story first," he said. "I left the room key in the car!"
Winners of the Pocket Calendars and Surprise Contest
Winners of the last month's pocket calendar contest are Vicki from Marshall, MN and Coral from Lake Tapps, WA.
Another surprise contest was held for a poet print. Readers had to go to the web page to enter. There were many entries, which surprised me. Alas, only one could win. The winner is Steffanie from Vancouver, who chose the poet print Dance of Life.
By clicking on this link you can see winners from earlier contests. Anyone who has won a poet print in the past and would like to be pictured on the Grand Winners Page, please send via email a jpg of you holding the print.
As of March 25, 2009, the following has been pledged:
Welcome to our 2009 premium subscribers, Jules from Modesto, CA, Robert from Colorado Springs, CO, Elinor from Mt. Vernon, OH and Sally from Old Town, Alexandria, VA. If you are interested in becoming a premium subscriber for 2009 or to learn more, click here. (Specifics will be provided when more have joined.)
PJ Forum
I regret that I cannot publish all of the comments. However, I personally responded to each one. Below are samplings of comments received this month. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
Enjoy reading Bob Hinshaw's new poem God's Sound and Light Snow.
This is Bob's 638th poem. He was also published in my last book, Oasis."
"Bob good friend, thanks for the February journey, excellent reading and photography. Paradoxically, we've been experiencing the hottest summer on record. Swap you some cold for heat? I'm starting to feel better so please thank those readers who have enquired after me. Always warmly," – Jerry from Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Here is what Jerry has to say this month. Blessedly, the fires, though near his place, missed his community.)
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"Great poem about youth and train travel. Did you manage to see any of these magnificent 'iron beasts' in New Zealand? What wonderful machines the old engines were, puffing away like grampuses. Were we not full of luck to have had the opportunity to ride the rails behind the behemoths pouring out steam and smoke? In fact all that is not over, a taste can still be had at the Railway Museum at St. Constant, Quebec. A great number of engines, cars, streetcars, snowplows etc. in operating condition are housed there, and one can take a ride on a vintage tram around the site. It's too long a way to walk I hasten to add. Even if not a rail enthusiast before visiting Expo-Rail, one becomes addicted before leaving. New Zealand is probably enduring a heat spell in the middle of summer, a far cry from your lovely winter photographs. The view from my window is not as pretty as your gardens but spectacular just the same. The evergreens are laden with the piles of snow, and we are expecting another storm today. Look forward to spring and your impressions of your latest trip." – Elspeth from Montreal (Ed.: As always, thank you for your poetic comments. Sorry, no iron beasts were spotted in NZ though train travel is a viable option there. NZ's weather differs greatly from Australia's, its neighbor 1,000+ miles to the west. Summer temperatures seldom rise above the 80's except in isolated sections where an occasional 90 degrees may occur. Most of the days were in the 70's with the clearest smog free skies you could ever want.)
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"Loved the poems in this issue – I am only this moment getting around to reading it. Have fun in New Zealand. Send pictures." – Bobbie from Texas (Ed.: Thanks, Bobbie. I took your advice and included plenty of pictures on the blog.)
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"Thanks for the publication of my poem, "time, passing," Bob. It was beautifully presented and will be included in my bibliography. I'm looking all the time for opportunities to publish online---such a simple process and, probably, the wave of the future." – Joe from Dover (Ed.: My pleasure. If you didn't get a chance to view Joe's site last month, go here.)
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"Great Newsletter Bob! I really appreciated your "Stitch in Time" and the blurb on its origin. Continue to enjoy New Zealand . . .Smiles" – Lisa (Ed.: Thank you, Lisa. As you know from following the blog, I had a wonderful time. Visit Lisa at http://www.dynamicarthouse.com.)
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"Enjoyed viewing your pictures. So glad that you and your family are traveling all these places. Enjoy. Hope to see more. " – Betty (Ed.: Much appreciated!)
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"Hey Bob... A big thanks for sharing your poems ..lovely words...enjoys your laughter too...Hugsss.. thanks again" – Joyce (Ed.: Hugs back to you.)
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"You have outdone yourself with your winter garden pictures! . . . Have a great time in New Zealand! That is just one of a very few places . . . I have wanted to visit but have never made it. I've spent time in Australia, but that was it. . ." – Ted from Gambier, OH (Ed.: I am glad you enjoyed the pictures.)
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"I was so pleased to see Journeys in my inbox today! I've just baked a batch of blueberry, chocolate chip, banana muffins, and am enjoying the treat while ENJOYING your treat!" – Steffanie from Vancouver (Ed.: The muffins sounded so good that I almost detoured my trip via Vancouver to sample one or two.)
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"How exciting! I couldn`t stop reading although it is well past my bedtime! WOW! very impressive, you should do a documentary of some sort on national TV, worth sharing with the world. Very well put together....made me feel like I was right there, I can almost taste the food....." – Anonymous from my blog (Ed.: I had to share this enthusiastic comment. I offered the individual an opportunity to be my agent. With that kind of support, I could not fail. If you haven't gone to the blog to see the trip, I encourage you to do so.)
IF YOU ARE FILTERING
Like you, I receive many unwanted e-mails. However, sometimes some e-mails I want to receive are filtered for a variety of reasons. May I suggest that you place the following in your address book or approved senders list: poetjournal@poeticaljourneys.com This process will increase the odds of you receiving your issue.
Reader Demographics
Geographically, subscribers reside in all U.S. states. Subscribers also live in Albania, Argentina, Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & Western Australia), Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, & Quebec), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
PJ Online
To read or copy back issues of the PJ, go to.
The next issue will be out Sunday, April 26, 2009.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
PJ Policies
Guest Poetry: Often readers send me a poem stating they would like it included in the PJ. Many of the poems are well written. Although I enjoy reading them, at this time I do not include guest poetry as part of this newsletter. Instead, I suggest that they submit them for inclusion in the Guest Poet section of my web site. A number have chosen to do so. However, time limitations and quality govern the number that will be accepted. I currently am not accepting poetry from minors.
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Guest Vignettes: On occasion, I publish guest vignettes submitted by one of my readers. If a guest vignette is submitted and selected, the author understands that there is no remuneration provided; the vignette will be included in the e-mailed and web site versions; and will remain posted until I choose to remove it from the site. In all cases, the guest vignette remains the property of the guest author who has given permission for its usage as described in sentences one and two.
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Privacy: I take it very seriously. Your name will never be sold to a third party nor will we disclose at any time your subscription information.
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Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. If you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you.
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Reproduction and Forwarding: While the material is copyrighted, you have permission to forward all or part of this newsletter. You may also quote from it. Out of common courtesy (We will forget all the legal jargon and requirements.), I would appreciate at least a mention or a footnote. -- Much appreciated!
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Recommendations: All recommendations are personal ones offered for your information. I receive no remuneration of any kind from the sources or individuals being recommended – other than when I recommend purchasing my books. Actually, many are never aware of their listing. One may ask, "Why do you provide recommendations for specific establishments or locations, especially since many of your readers are worldwide and may never be able to use the information?" The key word is "may." When I travel, I plan much of the itinerary myself. This planning includes reading and listening to recommendations from professional and personal sources. My wish is that any suggestions provided will assist some readers as they make their plans. (Incidentally, I have already received feedback that readers use them.)
Subscription: To unsubscribe click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.) Or send a BLANK e-mail (Be sure not to write anything in the subject or body) to
leave-poetjournal@pro.netatlantic.com
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Fredericktown, OH 43019
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
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