Batt and Robin

Batt and Robin are Christians, Patriots, Teachers, Scientists, Artists, Authors and Travelers


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New Zealand: Sunday May 25, 2014. A drive to Taumata….

Taumata with arrow

This small hill in the southeastern part of New Zealand’s North Island bears the longest place name in the world. Even though the New Zealand map commission shortened it a bit for maps, it is still best known by the 85-letter name you still see on the sign at the site (there is an even longer version with over 100 letters). The name is: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

It refers to a Maori chief whose name includes some of his numerous impressive physical attributes, who fought a battle in this area during which his brother was killed; so every morning he would climb to the top of this hill and play the nose-flute in lamentation for his brother. Please watch our video. What Rick didn’t mention is that it took us most of one morning to find the roadside sign and the hill.

 


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On the (air) road again

North Island, New Zealand

North Island, New Zealand

We are waiting in O’Hara in Chicago for our flight to LA. Saw an exchange kiosk, and said let’s get a few dollars. So we did. DONT do this. We paid par for NZ dollars.  Save until you can find a better exchange, and she didn’t take travelers checks. Anyway here is the map of our first islands top. New Zealand North island.


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Travelin’ on

How do you plan for a trip? What does your checklist look like? Has our vacation started yet? It’s almost time to call for a taxi, lock the front door, stop the mail, give the gardner summer directions, unplug the TV, and head for the airport.  We think our to do list is completed and are ready to go into TRAVEL mode. Rick has our daily plans, I’ve got the snacks. We read up on what to do to have a great trip, did most of those things. What we are wondering is, if we did enough, too much or is it just right?  We’ll let you know after we land, get the car, drive on the other side of the road for the first time. So much energy revving up to go…. We do know that after five years of planning and saving, our Australia and New Zealand trip is about to begin.  Those of you who know us well, know what planners we are.   bon voyage.


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Iceland as a travel destination.

Here are some pictures from our summer 2011 trip to Iceland.