If there's one more thing...

If there's one more thing that is to be said about New Zealand it is this: the winds are more than horrific - if that can be. And if there is even one more thing it is: summer time here is a state of mind, not at all reflective of temperature.

As I sit here in the lounge - living room - writing this the winds are topping 75 mph, and it is daunting and continuos. Outside the large window that overlooks the street pictured in my last post, trees sway almost to the point of breaking. It is very unsettling. Fortunately the trees, most with very small diameter, bend with a natural ease Walking is nearly impossible particularly given the very hilly terraine.

Now the temperature: After nearly a week of observation, it can honestly be said that summer here is strictly a state of mind that is reflected in clothing choices not temperature. Today, I moved about Wellington wearing sweat pants, knee socks, a hooded sweatshirt and a long sleeve tee shirt, and I felt no excess warmth whatsoever. Notably different are the Kiwis donned in light weight clothing, flip flops or sandals with sweaters or jackets. They're nuts! (Here I will note that summer colors do not abound. Most clothing is black or dark grey.) And I think I know why.

You see, New Zealand, despite it proported changes in climate never looses its greenery. As Kamini and I walk to the shops and stores, we observe Geranium, roses, daisies and more in full bloom on very woody branches. Nearly everything winters over! So I guess the locals depend on the calendar for seasonal changes, because you surely can't find it in the weather! If it is December in New Zealand, it must be summer! Regardless.

Walking is a major source of transportation. That and a wonderful bus transit system. Take today: David dropped me off at the pool at 9:45 in time for a one hour water aerobic class, (More about classes later), After the class, I changed out of my suit and I headed for the #3 bus - about a ten minute walk. The bus arrived on schedule and the ride took only ten minutes. Following this was another five minute walk before I arrived at 12:00 at the friends of my friend Lois who had suggested that I visit with them. The overall trip was short, inexpensive - maybe a dollar - I'm not sure of the coin denominations yet - and interesting. I had the opportunity to Kiwi watch!

Kiwis are an interesting lot. They are friendly, very un-style conscious, yet it is nearly impossible to obtain accurate info from them. Take my inquiry into water classes at the local pools. On the day after my arrival David drive me to two pools he had previously located for my use during my visit - both government operated and affiliated with each other. With me I had the pools' schedules, which I had printed out in November on my home printer. Almost none of the info was accurate.

Pool #1: Here we appealed to the information desk clerks. Clerk one: There are no more classes until after the first of the year. Clerk two: There are no classes in the therapeutic pool, warm water, but there are classes in the large pool. Of course, no one thought to mention that there was no therapeutic pool at this location. When I referred to the schedule printed from the internet, I was assured that if it were online, it would be up to date.

Pool #2: Here I am assured that there is a therapeutic pool, but it will be closed down from December 21 till January 15 for cleaning and repair with no classes before then. However there will be classes in the regular pool. After leaving the pool I asked David to phone and recheck the info. (I have difficulty understanding the Kiwi accent on the phone.) He phoned, left a message and the call was returned with promptness. Yes there would be two classes at 9:00 and 10:00 on Saturdays in the deep pool.

I decided on the 10:00 a.m. one and put the schedule aside. Then yesterday, while I was moving it into my file folder, I noted a 12:00 noon class in therapeutic pool. Of course, it was 11:55. So okay, I stuck today's 10:00 a.m. after which the instructor announces that this is the last class of 2009.

But there was a silver lining. I decided to observe the class rather than participate, thus avoiding the back cramping that results from cold water. Moreover my position on the deck, from which the instructor taught, would allow me to take notes and observe the instructor's moves. And I again learned that the world is small; our exercises, including their titles, were nearly identical. Additionally, I noted that my warm-ups were more effective! At the end of the class we had the opportunity to share info and discuss the class a bit.

Enough for now. Please feel free to comment -

LOL,

B