[AT] Question about travel experiences for some of you tractor guys--OT

[Dean Van Peursem]

John,

I can recommend some countries in Europe and New Zealand depending on what your
interest is. We found Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, in Europe, the most
interesting with the best food of all the European countries we visited. We
visited several countries but these were our favorites. We enjoyed all the
history in England but we sure didn't like the food, especially the breakfasts.
Even tried some local pubs for food away from the tourist traps and it just
wasn't very good. Austria was our favorite for scenery.  Now New Zealand was an
adventure and very rewarding. We spent 10 days there on both the North and South
islands which are totally different but each has its interesting attributes. 55
million sheep and 3 to 4 million people. Very friendly people and with the
exception of a couple of the larger cities, very rural. The South Island has a
feel of the Pacific Northwest and the scenery is gorgeous. The feeling one gets
in New Zealand is that you have time traveled back to the 1950's with its laid
back generally happy and fulfilling lifestyle.  We met several other tourists
who had also been to Australia prior to New Zealand and they told us if they
would have known how much they were going to like New Zealand they would have
skipped Australia completely and spent all their time in New Zealand. If you
have the time try both, but budget more time in New Zealand. Antarctic museum
and even flights/cruises to the Antarctic. Excellent Fresh water fishing and
sightseeing. No commercial fishing is allowed in inland waters. If you want
fresh trout at a restaurant, you just catch one (easy to do) and they will cook
it for you. Huge fresh water fish, wide variety, and plentiful. Very tasty from
crystal clear pure water. A country not yet damaged by humans. 

But it depends on what you are looking for. European history with good food
(except England) or a wonderful experience in a country that is beautiful and
unspoiled in an environment that will remind you of your childhood/teenage
years.  Needless to say, New Zealand was a really enjoyable trip for us.  It
also helped that we used my United frequent flyer miles and flew round trip
First Class at no cost. A really long flight. About as long a non-stop flight
you can get out of Seattle. Even longer than to Tokyo, Taipei or Hong Kong.

PS:

A Travel tip: If you are going to be part of an organized tour which forces you
to a schedule, schedule your flight to arrive a couple of days before the
scheduled tour starts. This will allow time to adjust to the time zone change.
Otherwise you will be sleeping/napping on a tour bus the first few days and not
seeing what you are supposed to and want to see. Travel by train is very
efficient in Europe. We rented a car in New Zealand and had no trouble driving
on the wrong side of the road. But when looking at scenery sometimes we would
sometimes forget and drift to the other side. Not a problem, no other cars on
the road most of the time.

Have fun and don't try to do too much or you will get over tired. Stay in each
place a few days rather than do a marathon to multiple locations. Take a large
bottle of charcoal pills with you in case you run into some bad food or water.
Very inexpensive and works wonders. 


Dean Van Peursem
Snohomish, WA

If we take the time to count our blessings we don't have time to complain.



-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of John Wilkens
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 1:36 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: [AT] Question about travel experiences for some of you tractor guys--OT

I know, this is way off topic but couldn't think of a better bunch of 
men to ask.  If a guy and his wife want to experience a really 
special country outside North America (while they can still get 
around!)--where would be some good places based on your fortunate 
experiences? ....where friendly folks speak a little English, don't 
blow people up, and have good food.  Best time we've had so far is a 
10-day trip through Arizona.  I was looking at some fantastic country 
in Australia on Google Earth, but not sure I could survive 18 hours 
over the ocean--or figure out where and how to go once there.  Went 
to Hawaii several years ago which was a great experience--although a 
little "civilized."   Holler if you have any ideas.    Maybe I could 
call this a little "on topic" by looking for old tractors and engines 
along the way.  In Hawaii I did take a close look and photos of an 
ancient lawn mower powered by an old hit'n miss engine.   John

                    In the wide-open spaces of NE Oregon
   

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