We flew from Christchurch to Auckland to San Francisco on Air New Zealand. It was a comfortable flight but miserable. Very long and I can’t sleep on airplanes. I got this amazing shot out the window. My friend told me the glass was tinted to that kind of burst my bubble.
I spent a few days in San Francisco mainly going to art museums and hanging out with friends.
We took the ferry to Angel Island. We were hoping to go the Immigration Station museum but they had just changed their hours so we got there too late. Next time. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed it anyway.
Lyttelton is a port just east of Christchurch. At the top of the hill above town is a timeball constructed in 1876, and now is a registered heritage site. A time ball is a large painted wooden or metal ball that drops at a predetermined time, to enable sailors to check their marine chronometers from their boats offshore.
A friend of mine lives in Lyttelton and she took us on a day trip through Akaroa Peninsula. Amazingly beautiful. Along the way we came upon a Maori village.
Christchurch is a lovely town full of parks and public art. We spent several days wandering around. There was a major earthquake in 2011 that destroyed many buildings. You can still see evidence of the damage today. Some buildings are still under restoration.
There is a memorial along the river to remember those who died in the earthquake.
Postcard: Yoruba Coronation Cloth (detail)– Nigeria. To benefit UNICEF.Igu Mask, Nigeria
Paris, March 1973 We are on our way to Amsterdam. I’ll take KLM to Chicago, Bill to Frankfort and Lagos. The Paris weather has been cold but clear and sunny – lovely. I walked miles to know Paris a little better. Had lunch with Zina yesterday – she says Lisa is very unhappy here – she’s going to US for Easter. Do keep warm, for that helps to recover and prevent colds. Love to you, Mom
1985. NIGERIA The most populous single African nation on the continent of Africa, lies on the west coast and has a rich tradition and culture closely connected with her religious beliefs and the rites and practices relating to them. Traditional religion has given the people a heritage of culture and tradition which is still noticeable despite later influence by Isalm and Christianity. The agriculture, music, art, craft, language and economies of the country still bear traces of this influence.
Ibadan, Nigeria
Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Nigeria
Tinubu Square and Central Lagos
December 1973 T & J got here about 4 hours late but happy and not too tired. We are gradually hearing about their trip to Europe, their life in Australia. You can see Bill’s office at the top right of the photo. Hope you are well, Love, Dede
We had planned an overnight at Mt Cook or Aoraki but the road was closed so we stayed an extra night in Dunedin and made an early start the next day. On our way to Christchurch we stopped in a couple of small towns.
At Lake Pukaki we could make out Aoraki in the distance. Aoraki can be translated as “cloud piercer”, an apt name as it is usually hidden by clouds.
Mt Cook
We had lunch at Lake Tekapo and then crossed the plains into Christchurch.
Drove through several small towns on our way to Dunedin on the east coast.
Baldwin Street in Dunedin claims to be the steepest residential street in the world; it reportedly averages 1:3.41 (16.33° or 29.3%) for 161 meters but its maximum is claimed to be 35% for an unknown distance. My friend in Auckland said that when she was at University people would ride down it in trash bins. Apparently somebody got killed doing that so it is discouraged.
The train station is lovely.
Dunedin is home to the only dental school in New Zealand. It is commemorated by molar statues by the sea.
The road to Mt Cook was closed so we ended up staying an extra day in Dunedin. We were then scheduled to go on a boat excursion to see some wildlife but that too was cancelled due to bad weather. We did spend a lovely afternoon at Larnach Castle at the end of the Otago Peninsula. The castle was built by William Larnach and completed in 1874. Larnach had several personal and professional setbacks including the loss of his first wife in 1880, his second wife in 1887, and his favorite daughter in 1891. In 1898, he shot himself with a revolver. The property has changed hands several times since then and is now open to the public.
Drove through Arrowtown and Garston on our way to Te Anau. Te Anau is one of the entry ways into Milford Sound. When we got there we were told the road to Milford was closed due to an avalanche and they were hoping to have it open mid morning the next day. We all crossed our fingers. Luckily it did open up but just for one day. The day after we were there, it closed again and was closed for at least a week. The weather can be unpredictable and severe. It was raining the day we went and everybody said it was a good thing because there would be lots of waterfalls. It did not disappoint. As always, click for larger view.
Abu Simble, Egypt. Moving the temple to higher ground.
January 1970
This is the real Nefertiti – and she is lovely. We saw so many ancient things today – things we had studied in your ancient history at Greengates. We are in a FF apt. right on the Nile. Your letter was here – thanks – and today we got a cable from Tim. Will go to Pyramids manana and to Karachi in aft.
Love, Mom
Cairo, Egyptian Museum. Unfinished quartzite head of Queen Nefertiti.
