Queenstown, NZ - Rugby & A Roast

We spent a solid four days in Queenstown enjoying the small town ambiance. Queenstown is also New Zealand's most popular ski resort so we were around to see the town gearing up for the kick-off of their 2007 season. Unfortunately, we will miss opening day by a few hours but we've heard NZ mountains haven't the best snow on the globe (much of it is man made) so we'll have to look forward to our own winter (Jaci can't believe she just said that). What became most evident during our time in Queenstown is that New Zealand has fully entered into its winter season. Temperatures at night dropped down to -4 Celsius (around 22 Fahrenheit) and each morning we found thick ice and frost covering the ground and camper van. Perhaps the cold weather is what inspired such generous hospitality, because in Queenstown we experienced many warm and open arms from the locals. For most nights in Queenstown locals offered us a warm bed to sleep in , a hot shower, and lots of good conversation. We were reluctant at first to take people up on their offers but the temperature in the campervan at night was starting to reach unacceptable lows. A couple of personalized 'shout outs' are necessary here...


First, there are Pat and Cezna, a local couple we met out one evening while playing pool. Pat offered us a spot at his place above the pub he runs just outside of Queenstown. The pub, Arthur's Point, is one of the oldest licensed pubs in New Zealand and one of the few remaining local hang outs around much-developed Queenstown. We spent a couple of evenings hanging out with Pat and Cezna and had a great time getting to know each other. Thanks you guys for being so gracious and good luck with all your endeavors in Queenstown!


We also met a local developer, Paddy Baxter, who provided tons of history on the town as well as another offer for a warm bed and shower. Paddy has done his share of traveling the globe and he shared his stories of the generosity he encountered from strangers while abroad (including a great story about Charles Schwab involving Paddy, Wallstreet, and a jet). These stories must have inspired Paddy to return the favor because he opened up his beautiful mountain side house (which he and his wife built 15 years ago) to us and we got one of the best local experiences since arriving in the country (involving a home cooked roast of lamb, local wine, watching live NZ All Blacks rugby and, of course, the Haka). Thanks Paddy for being so generous! If you're ever in Atlanta please let us know!
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