Lentils Everywhere!

I was awakened this morning by an army style shouting informing me that I had to do push-ups. It was only Chris, but damn, it ruined my pleasant morning in my sleeping bag. We've been staying with this woman who is a music teacher in Auckland, but owns a farm in the Coromandel region. We've been stranded at her house here in the city for a few days since she had to attend a conference mid-week and before that her car was broken so she couldn't show us her country place. But it's been loaded with fun things to do and amazing scenery regardless of the 1 million people and such associated with big cities. Chris however, has been playing gym coach and whipping us all into shape, despite my Fiji-acquired sinus cold. I'm all better though--it must have been the sudden jolt of Patrick smashing a bag of lentils over my head in retaliation for me eating his cheese.

It was an easy plane ride, but I waited just as long for Patrick to pick me up as I did watching the instant classic of Mr. Bean's Holiday on the plane. My cold got worse and I had to keep my head clear for customs because New Zealand is extremely strict about customs and quarantine. I declared all I could think of that might be considered part of any of the categories--including my shoes and sleeping pad--but it was fantastic when I was opening my snorkel and mask case to show them the shells I'd brought. The shells were fine, but I'd forgotten about the seed pod I found. The official immediately confiscated it, leaving me to silently recite the mantra of "please don't fine me". Even better though was when the sand flie flew out of the case and caused a moment of panic in the woman who made a mad dash around the table to kill it. I pretty much thought I was screwed at that point. But like most New Zealanders, she was almost too nice and let me go with just the shaking of her head and a "have a pleasant stay in New Zealand".

Well, we've also been stocking up on essentials for our journey in Gerald (our car). Unfortunately, the only dominoes set that New Zealand sells are Cinderella and Spongebob picture ones. We do have Uno though, and that is essential for our entertainment needs.

We should be in the countryside of Coromandel by Saturday night. We've been given the task of building a deck outside of our host's house. Thank god Patrick knows what he's talking about, because I have no idea how to look at her blueprints and make it into the same thing. Her place sounds amazing and we're waiting to get a look at it and the work associated with it before we decide how long we want to stay there.