Just when I think the newness of this coastal town could be wearing off, there’s something strange and surreal to experience. For one thing there’s an 8,000 ft active volcano around the corner. Literally, it’s around the corner from our house! Mt. Taranaki has a massive presence when clouds aren’t obscuring its top, which they do most of the time unfortunately. We rallied for brisk 2 hour hike to a main ascent trail recently. It’s beautiful and deserves a dedicated expedition to the summit- right Doug?! Two nights ago we experience our first New Zealand earthquake. It was only a 3.6 but woke us up about 2 am with a shudder. Not to worry, they are common and we aren’t on a major fault line in the ring of Fire.

 

A few days prior the town was shaking and rumbling as classic American cars paraded through the city. And I mean paraded, for days! The annual Americarna event commands everyone’s attention. It was pretty cool but the rebel flags were disappointingly abundant. Kiwis don’t truly understand the flag’s meaning in today’s American culture, they just think it’s redneck and wild and, well, American. Kai and his new Kiwi buddy checked out some of the cars and the Texas BBQ truck outside the main basketball stadium after school. The owner of the new BBQ company wanted my critique as a real Texan. I told him “more spice, more sauce!”

But isn’t this New Zealand? Yes, it is! There’s a full on horse racing track between Boys’ High and their practice stadium. So yesterday after basketball practice we walked over and chatted with a young racing crew. These young farmers race their miniature horses and ponies a few times a year at the cart races. Kai thought “that would be so fun!” I had to get some photos and watch a race or two. The main attraction is a dangerous sport but the kids were keen on it.

And here’s something I’d never done before- had a night out with the girls on Valentine’s Day while Des and Kai patiently waited for my return home. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery was showing an 80s movie and a local female band returned from cryogenic suspension to perform before the show. My neighbor said I had to go. Live music is always appreciated and it was hilarious, entertaining, and “heaps of fun”! Here are some clips of Ladies 80s choir.

And coincidentally, today is Bon Jovi’s birthday.  Des went to a cheesecake party at the hospital to celebrate both Bon Jovi’s birthday and his friend Cain’s. Everyone sang their favorite song, Cain’s is “She a little runaway.” What’s yours?

This never gets old and is surreal to me– The scenery on a bike ride through town! Below, Kai and I hiking and Des biking at Lake Mangamahoe, best place to mountain bike locally. We share one bike for now.

and this is really surreal – Kai mows our lawn! To end, enjoy a few surf shots from Stent Road, Oakura and off a jetty in town.

New Plymouth is growing on us. Over the last 6 weeks we’ve tested out the waters, beaches, cafes, and museums. There’s much to like in this easy going town. We think all of you reading this would love it too! Here are a few of our favorite things:

Jen’s spot- Petit Paris “cafe” on the coastal walkway. The ham, cheese and tomato toasties are delicious and there’s always a good vibe.

PukeKura Park. Cricket field on one end and concert venue on the other- what’s not to like? Walking and jogging trails take you through a gorgeous botanical garden with exotic plants, huge ferns and pine trees.

Kai’s favorite pastime is swimming at Back Beach. Getting down to the water by the Sugar Loaf Islands involves a run/ roll down a big black sand hill. Oh my knees! It’s a slower slog back up so luckily there are some stairs. It’s even more fun with surf boards- whew!

Other than playing video games and drawing pieces like this on his iPad Pro….

Kai also likes practicing his shots at Devon intermediate outdoor courts …

However, things drastically changed at his first day of basketball practice at New Plymouth Boys High. The kids are big here! One player is 6’7″! Kai swears he’s his age. The athletic coach and phys ed teacher is also the coach for the NZ National Basketball team. Guess that’s bringing in the top talent and there’s no JV team. Ouch! Kai’s in the red shorts.

Des’ best day ever always includes a mountain bike ride. His favorite place is Lake Mangamahoe trails, just a couple miles south. It’s pretty awesome and makes Des feel like this..which is a lot more pleasant than reading stuff like this…!

Surprisingly, one of the coolest places is the Puke Ariki library. Fast internet, a research section, and an adjoining museum make it a true gem.

The current traveling exhibit at Puke Ariki is the history of New Zealand beach fashion .

It’s hard to imagine swimming in a wool one piece but that’s what was worn up until the 1940s. (Soon after nylon and elastin fibers were invented.). But New Zealand wool shops dove right into the new market- bathing suits- for a good couple of decades.

Things really picked up fashion wise during WW1. Due to fabric shortages the mid sections of swimsuits were cut out, women could wear trousers and shorts, and female athleticism was a positive. The 50s introduced brands even I have worn, Jantzen suits for one! These ones below were manufactured here.

Then came the 70s..

Surf lifesaving is a competitive sport in Australia and NZ. The 2 present day clubs in New Plymouth, East End and Fitzroy, date back to the 30s. The video below shows lifeguards demonstrating rescue techniques. They employed a tow rope tied to a flotation devise. The strong swimmer swam to the victim and the others hauled the distressed to shore. Today the clubs train lifeguards and prepare kids for various competitions in jet ski/zodiac “driving”, board races, surfing etc. Kai tried out a large knee board awhile back but hasn’t committed to taking the course.

And this has to be Jen’s favorite photo!

Below is a short video made on Waitangi Day. It’s a national holiday ” celebrating” the treaty agreement between the British government and over 40 Maori chefs on February 6, 1840. New Zealand was thus under British sovereignty and became an official self governing country a few years later. Many see Waitangi Day as an opportunity to protest the loss of Maori land and traditions. But overall it’s a joyful holiday where many Maori traditions are celebrated. By the way I still can’t stay it correctly but Maori is pronounced more like “mawdy”.