21 Comments
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Dinah's avatar

New Zealanders are the nicest people in the world. So nice that this Canadian married one. Enjoy the South Island, It beautiful!

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Ha Ha! Yes -- and if anyone knows nice it is the Canadians!

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Fiona writes's avatar

Thank you for this delicious trip down memory lane (after the awful flight, of course and yes, she really was! Sorry about that). I didn't make the crossing either but I dream that I could always go back... such a lovely place that I extended my ticket by a fortnight. Enjoy! ☁️🏔

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Fiona, thank you. I agree with you -- I don't want to leave.

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P M A's avatar

Ahh was just going to cheekily invite you over for a flat white when in Ōtautahi.. kia ora from a scottish-kiwi who has lived here over 20yrs.

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

See? You really are some of the nicest people. Keep the kettle on...I'm coming back!

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P M A's avatar

No worries!

Will see you when you get back!

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P M A's avatar

If you are flying out from Chch …hit me up for that cuppa.

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Darn! We did fly out of Christchurch...but yes! Next time.

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P M A's avatar

Aw bummer!

And I had just been churning up a batch of icecream..just in case!

When did you fly out?

I hope you had a good time on the Mainland (as the rugby one eyes might call it) or alternatively known as Te Waipounamu...

I really do hope you do come back and that invite is open any time...serendipitous connections are cool.

Best wishes and safe onward travels. I will look forward to your updates on Substack.

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

We left on Friday. Definitely going back…

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Laura K Bray's avatar

Another charming postcard of your travels, filled with reasons for me to be insanely jealous of you. Just kidding. I'm so happy you are having this adventure and that you are willing to share it all with us here. BTW-can I just tell you how absolutely gorgeous and serene you look in that photo of you guys in the mud baths?

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Laura, thank you. It's easy to feel serene in this place...

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Julie Dow's avatar

Ha. Your New Zealand flight had me recalling my own, 40 years ago. I was front row bulkhead in Coach--located JUST behind the smoking section! Ooops. But I also remember the cardiologist seated next to me who loaned me his son's new Sony Walkman. I listened to Pergolesi's Stabat Mater as the sun appeared and the waves of clouds parted, revealing the mountains of Aotearoa below. Magical!

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Wow! That does sound magical. I'm thinking the cardiologist was a New Zealander....they are just that nice!

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Loren's avatar

In the immortal words of one Ozzy Osbourne “of all the things I’ve lost. I miss my mind, the most“

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

True. If only there were air tags for my mind....

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Chloe Ackerman, PsyD (she/her)'s avatar

Every time I read your travel writing, I fall in love with the places you've been. I love the way you describe places!

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Awww. Thank you, Chloe.

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Anne's avatar

Small world - we just finished 3 weeks on the South Island - we're in Wellington right now and head to Rotorua tomorrow! Are you going to Abel Tasman?

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Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

We flew to Christchurch and then went south -- so missed Abel Tasman. Our next trip? We just finished 24 hours cruising Doubtful Sound, which was incredible!!

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