October 18, 2024
Back Packers and Traveler's Hostel in Seville
It's been a long time since I stayed in a Hostel and boy have they gotten better! Annie had her choice of at least 3 in downtown Seville. This one was just down the street from SETAS or Wild Mushrooms. She paid $20 Euro/night and got a bunk in a room for 8 women. The room included a lockable storage spot under bed, private shower w/2 additional sinks outside, a cafe, bar, roof top pool and deck. Also use of kitchen facilities and breakfast for an extra 8 euro. I went with her to check in and see the place first hand. Not just 20 year olds stay in hostels anymore - all ages and ethnicities co-exist! Adios Annie ! Such a nice catchup and lovely 2 days in Seville.
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!
Rotorua, New Zealand is known for it's geothermal activity ( geysers, mud pools, hot springs) and rich Maori culture . I saw lots of that last time I was here in 2016, so this time I wanted to see their Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. John and Colleen joined me in exploring. Their redwoods are smaller than the ones in Muir Woods California, but still impressive. Both are planted forest dating back to around 1908.