Washington DC in the Spring of '16

This was Kay's first trip to Washington DC and my third visit, but we covered more ground on this trip than my previous visits combined. It was my first time touring the US Capitol, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, and the National Cathedral. We were also very fortunate to be able to witness the reenactment of a Revolutionary battlefield at Mount Vernon, all thanks to Kay's research and planning. Our spring trip came with some spring showers and cooler overcast weather, but nothing that could hinder our activities as we went about by foot and subway. Just keep those umbrellas handy! Our only sunny afternoon became quite uncomfortably warm so we were glad when the clouds returned. The region has seen a lot of redevelopment since my first visit in the early eighties, so there was much to explore and a must-see for every American. Below are a few pictures from the trip. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on Google Photos.

Fiji

After Auckland, we flew to Fiji staying at the Sofitel Resort and Spa in Port Denarau near the city of Nadi for three nights before heading home. After 26 active days, Kay and I decided to spend most of our time poolside, especially since it was too hot and humid to do much else. My only outing was a thirty minute boat trip to a snorkeling spot out on the coral reef breakers. Overall, our entire tour gave us a wonderful quick overview of Australia and New Zealand. If there's ever a future trip back, it would be on our own so that we could explore in more depth and at a slower pace. Below are some pictures from Fiji.


Our ocean front


The resort had a grand pool.





The only way to beat the heat is in the polo








Nights are a great time to sit out by the beach listening to the waves and feeling the breeze.


Port Denarau


How hot and humid was it? Condensation on my lens below.





The gang in Fiji

Auckland

We only had two nights in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, so we had to make the most of it. Although very metropolitan, I liked Auckland due to its smaller size, about one and half million people, hilly terrain and great active waterfront. Like other major cities we've visited on this tour, there is a strong Asian presence which means lots of Asian cuisine.


Robert, Glen, and Barbara bounce down the hillside inside an "ogle"


For "Lord of the Ring" fans, North Island is the land of the Hobbits where fans can visit the shire


Approaching Auckland along the harbor


Visiting the Auckland's Sky Deck, tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.


From the Sky Deck





The Sky Deck Tower is a great landmark when walking the city. You always know where you are.


Ferry Building and Terminal


Auckland at night














We hired a tandem on our free day and rode the northern suburbs across the harbor








City view from harbor


City view from Devonport

Rotorua

Flying from the South Island to Rotorua on the North Island along the Southern Alps. Two pictures from our turbo propeller airplane.





New Zealand's volcanic origins was clearly visible during our visit of the Whakarewarewa Maori village.


A guided tour of the living Maori village.


Dinner is ready by the time they get home for the day





Bathing pools; way too hot for me


Around the village





Carving illustrates the standard greeting of the Maori people


Looks like Yellowstone


Visiting a Kiwi park where are they trying to save the Kiwi bird. Eggs are removed from the wild, away from predators, and hatched in the safety of the sanctuary. When the chicks have grown in size enough to protect themselves, they are returned. Note the size of the egg.


Lake Rotorua near our hotel smells of sulphur


Dinner with the Maori


The greeting: are you a friend or foe