4 Xmas - 4 Continents

2009 in New ZealandI hadn't even realized it until a few weeks ago, but xmas 2011 was my 4th xmas celebrated in as many continents.  Admittedly, I use the word "celebrated" pretty loosely as I'm neither religious, nor into the gift-giving, commercial bonanza that Dec 25th has turned itself into.  Traveling, and my first xmas away in 2009, was a much needed break from the hustle and bustle that the end of the year inevitably brings back 'home' in Canada.

2008 - North America

Winter of 2008 in my hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada was particularly cold, even by Saskatchewan standards.  The temperature didn't get warmer than -25c for 24 days straight, a new record.  A day spent shuffling around town to visit family, it was cold, and the last one in Canada for awhile.

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Meadow of the Rings

Lost.  Well only kind of.

My travel partner had a thing for the Lord of the Rings, and apparently some filming was done in the area in and around Mt Potts in New Zealand's Rangitata Valley.  I can't say that it was for sure, but I can say that

• The gravel road to get here ate a chunk out of my rental car
• The winds were intense
• The rain soon followed

It was still beautiful.

Shot on December 11th, 2009

ps: I still haven't watched The Lord of the Rings.

Golden Beach

Shot on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, this photo brings out all of what I was feeling on that warm summer eve.  Warm rays of sun glaring over the mountains in the distance.  Long shadows letting me know that with time, how much things change.  The cool ocean waves, and the endless beach.  When I was there, I was only there.

Shot on Feb 2nd, 2010

Feeling New Zealand Jazz

A little more that a year out from a fantastic show by BlackSandDiva at the annual Nelson Jazz & Blues Festival, I'm still wishing I didn't have to travel so far to see them again.  The annual event takes place for 8 days in early January and features artists from New Zealand and abroad.  You can see / read more from my own Skinny Backpacker experience here.

January 9th, 2010

Big Skies @ Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand.  The deep blue skies, amazing clouds, and beautiful blue of lake makes for a pretty easy photo. 

Be sure to look back at some of my other photos and articles on my travels in New Zealand in 2009/2010

Dec 12th, 2009