New Zealand

Lia Soneson September 13, 2018

Landing in New Zealand in Autumn felt like being dropped into the mystical land of Catan. Like the board game itself, NZ is neatly organized with varied and extreme landscapes in close proximity of each other. Natural resources abound, and the pulse of the land and people who live on it and off of it are visible by the countless sheep and neat stacks of hay and lumber.

Pastoral landscapes are created by lush farmland filled with ever-grazing sheep, cows, and deer. Picturesque farms and vineyards are nestled into rolling hills framed by epic mountain and ocean vistas.

Within each part of our adventure, we encountered distinct unique climates: dry tussock covered passes, craggy glacier-capped mountains with ice blue lakes, green jungles filled with giant fern trees, glow worms, the exotic sound of the tui bird, shiny coastline with pancake stepped rocks, blow holes, and flax plants that dwarfed the trekker.

We explored via undulating ribbons of roads, along one lane bridges, hairpin turns, occasional washouts and invisible shoulders. Drivers are patient, waiting for a turnout to pass, and like on many islands, a friendly wave between camper vans is customary.

New Zealand is dramatic yet approachable. The Kiwis are helpful, friendly, and seemingly relaxed. Even the easy screw top bottles of Sauvignon Blancs reflect the laid-back vibe that is NZ. Sweet as.

NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS

Do rent a camper van and drive around for 8 days with your husband and two best friends
Lake Tekapo
Lake Pukaki - super private camping along lake
Mt. Cook - do the short hike to see the Kea Point, do a longer/overnight hike to Mueller Hut for epic alpine views
Lindi's Pass - epic landscapes
Lake Wanaka - the Wanaka tree is really cool, cute little town, check out the eels under the dock
Rippon Winery - overlooks the lake, super beautiful vista, free wine tasting
Drive from Wanaka > Queenstown via the very windy Cardrona Valley Road
Drive Queenstown to Glenorchy - super beautiful, we camped on the lake Wakatipu and saw the best stars ever
Fergburger - have to get a giant burger from here when in Queenstown

Milford Sound - fly/cruise/fly day trip from Queenstown - worth every penny to see the glaciers from above, epic views from the plane and boat, and saved a lot of driving in the slow camper van.
Blue Pools - must stop location for clearest blue water
Fantail Falls
Epic views of the West Coast around Bruce Bay
Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest Check out glow worms for free!
Franz Joseph Glacier Hot Pools
Punakaiki - pancake rock stacks, really beautiful sea stacks
Able Tasman National Park - we camped outside the park, then took the water taxi for a day trip, much easier then driving all the way into the park. It would be amazing to backpack for a 3 day+ trip. Beware of sand flies…
This random parking lot with a beautiful reflecting pool
Hamner Springs Thermal Pools

Marrakesh

Lia Soneson May 31, 2016

Marrakesh, Morocco is an enchanting place to visit. The dry air within the oldest part of the city is punctuated with the smells of the street… wafts of delicious food, mint tea, orange blossoms, and spices as well as less desirable things like dust, moped exhaust, donkeys, cat pee, and curing leather. The juxtaposition of peacefulness inside our riad (complete with a tortoise) to the commotion outside in the souk was exhilarating. The red clay walls, and dusty dry bread served everywhere are the only bland things contrasted with so many rich details. Everywhere one looks are intricately designed doorways, tiles, rugs, and patterns. Walking around the maze of the city was incredible - with each turn was another doorway to photograph. Nothing was more cleansing and rejuvenating from the dust and exhaustion of exploring then our very rigorous scrub and relaxation time in the hammam.

Thailand

Lia Soneson May 31, 2013

My first impression when we landed in the concrete jungle of Bangkok was the heat. The humidity dripped off every pore, and waves of sweet and spicy street foods wafted through the air. The dichotomies of ancient and modern, wealth and poverty, pulsed through the city. Exploring for miles by foot each day, weaving through wild traffic of tuk tuks, mopeds, and busses, the intensity of the city was intoxicating. The many temples gleamed with gold and intricate ornamentation. The peacefulness of the lotus, fresh orchids, and daily Thai massage was a welcome retreat from the business.

Island life in Phuket was a complete retreat with sparkling waters, squeaky fine sand, and dazzling fish. The food was divine - all perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty.