Good bye, New Zealand

Two sea days are in front of us. We are headed across the Tasman Sea to Hobart. Here are some final impressions of New Zealand:

The Kiwis have made us feel very welcome in every port of call. There is no question that tourism is a mainstay of their economy. 

Crowded European cities such as Venice or Dubrovnik have enacted measures to reduce the number of tourists. More people should come here, I think.

The Maori language is alive and well and used. 

Chinese Tapas? Multiculturalism thrives. 

Paths or trails are called “tracks“. A very appropriate name in our digital age. 

The country is determined to keep uninvited pests (plant and animal) out. There is a massive continuous effort to remove any that arrived in the past. 

I do not have a photo, but flagmen and women on the road crews who control traffic are required to wave to every passing vehicle, at least according to Donna. We (I speak for a number of my fellow passengers) have the impression that everyone is friendly here. 

We also are struck by how clean and orderly it is. No graffiti in the cities. No trash in the streets. There is an emphasis on following the rules, which certainly pleases us Germans. (I will go to my deathbed wondering what happens if I press the button twice.)

And finally, you can never be too careful. If one warning is good, two must be better. 

If you get a chance, visit New Zealand.