when we arrived at our hotel in auckland, new zealand we were two haggard adults with a two and four year old in tow and nothing but showers on our mind. we passed a member of the hotel staff with a weary nod and they asked “are there four of you in the room?” expecting a problem, i offered up the vague response “yes, we’re traveling together.” to our surprise they said “let me get you some more towels since you’ll be needing them” and they disappeared down the hall for a moment returning with two more towels.

the next morning we took a shuttle back to the airport to make the final leg of our trip, auckland to wanganui. we shared the twenty minute ride with a registered nurse from new plymouth, a town about two hours drive from wanganui. half way to the airport she says “my kids are grown and its always nice to know someone in a new town. if you ever wish to visit new plymouth here’s my card, give a ring and you can stay with us.”

toto, i’ve got a feeling we’re not in kansas anymore…