Cape Kidnappers- New Zealand

Whatever I might say about this place would inevitably still be deficient. The pictures posted here can only show a small fragment of the beauty. Pictures can't capture the quiet, and the sound of the wind blowing and the birds singing. Pictures can't capture how nice it is to watch the horses and sheep grazing on the hillside or how delicious the food is here or what it's like to learn about the Maori peoples that had lived here long ago. The landscape here is, I think, the prettiest that I've ever seen. It's simply beautiful. I can say that every few moments and it's still not enough. Still, I hope you enjoy the photos.

Honeymoon- Waitomo Caves

Yesterday, we drove down from Auckland to Waitomo and visited two of the 300 or so caves in the region. In addition to the Anrunui cave (where these photos are taken), we also went to the Waitomo Glowworms Cave, which was weird and interesting but they don't allow photos inside the cave so my description will have to suffice: it's like a peculiar constellation (you have to look up to see them) where you already know that the glow of the worms comes from the bioluminosity of the chemical process of their digestion of the bugs that they lure with their sticky feedlines. Maybe it's just me, but I found it a little difficult to overlook the sci-fi/horror potential of being stuck in a cave with these little critters and having no real means of egress. Plus, we were in a boat and we had to be really quiet. I'm just going to leave it at interesting.

Today we go to Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast. It should be stunning.

Honeymoon and Extreme Jet-lag

The last week or so has been a bit of a blur because of the wedding and all of the contingent details: family, friends, last minute things to do and trying to make sure that skinnyskinny had enough inventory so that everything could function while I'm away. Brian and I have begun our honeymoon in New Zealand, after a forever-long flight and the resulting jet-lag. Most of today has been spent just recovering and trying to sync-up with the locals. This is the view from our hotel room in Prince's Wharf in Auckland. Tomorrow, we will probably go to one of the farmer's markets nearby before heading inland to Togariro (sp?). The trip has been lovely so far and should only get better.

Saipua Flowers (and Soaps)

It may seem strange that I would choose to include products from another soap company on my blog. Eh, maybe it is, but I happen to like a Saipua a lot. Actually, they are probably my favorite non-skinnyskinny soap company and they are also local. Sarah, who runs the store in Brooklyn is creating all of the flower arrangements for my wedding on the 9th of May (this weekend). She does amazing work with a really interesting mix of flowers and pod-like things. Take a look at their site and buy stuff from them when you can't buy stuff from us.