Feb 9-12 From ice covered Antarctica to a sheep farm!

 It’s a long way from Antarctica to NZ so once we left Antarctic waters we spent many days at sea navigating north through the mighty Southern Ocean. Those days were filled with lectures and a few cooking classes, cocktail making workshops and charcuterie specials – and entertainment. The ship had a group of professional dancers on board as well as musicians and they were marvelous. Two days before landing the crew and expedition staff put on a fantastic show – so much talent.

What a wondaful distraction - Creme Brulee

At one point the captain came to us to say that someone had book very early flights from NZ so he was going to end the expedition or at least get in to port a day early! Most of us were outraged.  As ‘compensation’ they arranged tours for us in Christchurch and surrounds. We went to a sheep farm! I ask you!? That’s a far cry from the Antarctic which was the entire focus of this lavish journey.  It was shameful.

We hit NZ along with the cyclone and flights out of Auckland were cancelled. Fortunately our wonderful travel agent was on top of it all and booked us on a flight from Christchurch to Melbourne the following day and also booked us in to an airport hotel overnight.  We were pleased to get home – but we hit the floor running as we would be heading back to the airport less than 3 weeks later to once again fly across the Pacific. I will tell you about what comes next soon …..