The new header is Holland America’s Oosterdam. Definitely not the best photo, but I’m going to leave it for now. I’m still having trouble mastering the header thing.
Still reporting on the Australia/New Zealand trip, I want to tell you about one of our favorite things in New Zealand – the Taieri Gorge Railway. The train was waiting for us right on the dock at Dunedin, initially named New Edinburgh, later re-Christened Dunedin, the old Celtic name for New Edinburgh.
Our hosts were volunteers enthusiastic about old railway cars and routes. Seated at tables, we were served light refreshments as we traveled hills and gorges, over bridges built specifically for this revitalized train. Occasionally we paused at old station stops, greeted by people selling mostly home crafted wares.
I found it hard to imagine how they made it there in their in their vans, but I was told there were roads through the mountains. Chatting with one woman I realized what an ideal life it was for a craftsperson who liked isolation.
Doug – the real photographer – spent his time on the platform between cars, getting some fabulous shots, while I hung out inside, chatting with the folks from Rhode Island who shared our table.
I would have bought a gorgeous hand knit scarf, but the seller took only New Zealand cash, and I survived the whole time there without acquiring any local money. Credit cards and even dollars got me through.
Anyway, I’m including here a couple of my photos from the trip. Strongly recommended journey!
monagustafsonaffinito 
love the photo of the mountain!
Of course you’d find a basis for a positive comment. That’s who you are, and I love it.
Happy New Year Mona – I was interested in your Holland American Cruise. If I remember correctly in addition to New Zealand, you also visited Australia. A couple of questions…. Is this the time of year to visit those countries and would you recommend the Holland American package?
It sounds like a terrific adventure.
Best wishes, Pat
All I can say, Pat, is that it was great weather when we were there – comfortable temps and no rain. And I love Holland America Line for lots of reasons. Service, comfort, friendliness, personalized care, great food, options for dining, lots of possibilities for entertainment. And I enjoy gambling my $20 away. It usually lasts me for the whole cruise, getting permanently to zero balance just in time to leave the ship.
Someday I’ll tell of my long history with HAL — going back to college days …
what a magnificent back-drop view. thank-you so much for sharing with me Mona. I am sure you had a fabulous time on your trip by looking at the countryside view
It really was breathtaking!
I love seeing it through your eyes
You and Doug have certainly had great trips. Many good wishes, Marion
Thanks, Marion. If anyone knows good traveling, it’s you. And yours has probably been more adventurous.
Oh those rolling greeen hills. My mouth waters when I see it. And lucky you fro traveling on a yellow train. More photos!
It really was beautiful. And we were so blessed with wonderful weather. It is a delicious memory.