Day 3 was mostly spent sitting in the coach, gazing at the passing pasture, and listening to Mr Beady-Eyes swallow his inaudible words because "It's my job to keep all of you entertained during the trip." Since he was mostly talking to himself and answering his own questions, most of us soon fell asleep. Those who were asleep should not be accused of being insensitive, for when the occasion calls for it, they responded with a snore or two.
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| Water-sprinkler |
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| Grazing sheep dotting the pasture on both sides of the highway |
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As we entered little townships along the route to Queenstown, Mr Beady-Eyes showered us with statistics regarding its populace. There was one town along the way which had about 300 people living in it, mostly farmers. This piece of intelligence called for some oohs-and-aahs, which were promptly delivered.
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At the above pasture by the side of the road (Mackenzie District), we stretched our legs for a while, taking pictures of the distant sheep (No sheep? They were there just two seconds ago!) while Mr Beady-Eyes had his handmade ciggie break. This, in itself was another interesting ritual. First he took out a little tin box from his pocket, retrieve a slip of a paper, filled it up with tobacco (probably) then roll them up into a cylindrical tube before lighting it up and puffing merrily away.
Once we were back in the coach, Mr Beady-Eyes began The Helicopter Saga. We were passing the Southern Alps at the time and entering the Lake Tekapo region. For NZD325 pax, we could opt for a 30 minutes helicopter ride which will take us above Lake Tekapo to see the glazier. Most of us have seen glaziers before so the ride wasn't much of an attraction but Mr Beady-Eyes, not knowing that it wasn't such a big deal, strongly promoted the ride. He repeated this promotion between six to seven times until it began to irritate some of us. Cindy, our Group Representative interrupted him just as he was about to start the Helicopter Topic all over again, by asking for a show of hands. Only 3 person were interested. The minimum pax was 6 per helicopter so we were obliged to listen to The Helicopter Topic a few more times before it finally dawned on the Tour Manager that no more than 3 were interested in the ride. This time, the minimum pax per helicopter was reduced from 6 to 4. We were told how popular the ride was with the Americans. We listened to the Helicopter Topic two more times before it finally ceased.
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The Placenta Serum Topic was next. New Zealand's Placenta Serum was amongst the best in the world and at the next wash room break he will take us to an outlet selling said serum for a song. The coach promptly deposited us at the outlet. It was attended by Chinese speaking sales representative all ready to serve us. It turned out to be a gift shop of sort selling souvenirs and said serum. Above the cash counter, an electronic display flashed Mr Beady-Eyes's name as the man sipped his coffee fully satiated from a hard day's work.
Soon, we were back on the road where Mr Beady-Eyes started The Cheese Topic and yes, we found ourselves at the Cheese Factory where more purchases were made while Mr Beady-Eyes began another handmade ciggie ritual.
Soon, we were back on the road where Mr Beady-Eyes started The Cheese Topic and yes, we found ourselves at the Cheese Factory where more purchases were made while Mr Beady-Eyes began another handmade ciggie ritual.
It was past noon by the time we finished and most of us were famished. Back in the coach, the group was eerily silent as The Helicopter Topic made another round. Cindy, our Group Representative, tired of the repetitive topic, finally requested that it be stopped.
A new concern took Mr Beady-Eyes. We were scheduled for lunch at 1 pm at a restaurant along the highway miles away. As the restaurant manager called to inquire, Mr Beady-Eyes remarked almost sorrowfully that the Coach Manager would not breach the speed limit.
"We'll be stopping at Lake Tekapo next, right?" asked Glen, the Coach Manager.
"Oh no! Out of the question. We're late for lunch." replied Mr Beady-Eyes.
"What about Lake Pukaki?", asked Glen.
"We'll have to skip that too." replied Mr Beady-Eyes.
"That's a shame. We'll be skipping three important tourist spots." Glen reiterated. (The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at Lake Tekapo)
"We don't have the time."
"You should let me take a picture of your itinerary. That way, I can help you plan the trip," offered Glen.
Mr Beady-Eyes shrugged
"You should let me take a picture of your itinerary. That way, I can help you plan the trip," offered Glen.
Mr Beady-Eyes shrugged
We finally reached the empty restaurant after 3 pm.
"We shouldn't be waiting for you," lectured the Restaurant Manager, looking cross.
"So sorry about this. We have problems with the bus," was Mr Beady-Eyes's excuse. You must remember that this is the man who lectured us about time and punctuality being the essence in a tour such as ours.
It was the most hurried lunch ever. The waiters were clearing away our plates while we were still chewing on the last morsel.
After lunch while some of us were in the washroom, Ms Manuka (so called because she bought a crate of manuka honey from Jones Fruit Stall) confronted Mr Beady-Eyes.
"Why did you keep promoting the Helicopter Ride when we have so little time?"
"Oh no. We're not going there anymore," replied Mr Beady-Eyes looking displeased as he walked away.
"But you were promoting the ride so aggressively," said Ms Manuka as she followed him.
"We'll go there only if we have the time," was Mr Beady-Eyes's final say on the matter.
Lake Tekapo was a scenic spot for star gazing. The Church of the Good Shepherd was located by the side of the lake. Both were listed as photo-stops in our itinerary. The third tourist spot was Lake Pukaki from where Mount Cook could be seen. It was also the spot where the village of Dale was filmed for the Hobbit movie, "The Desolation of Smaug".
But that did not matter anymore!
But that did not matter anymore!
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Jones Fruit Stall was a scheduled stop for the washroom, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and manuka honey.
As we stepped into the stall, Mr Beady-Eyes chirped, "I've brought you some business today." The lady, presumably Mrs Jones grinned appreciatively, took him aside and offered him some prunes and nuts.
Large sacks of rose apples were selling for NZD10 each. At a corner outside the stall, two Chinese girls were offering cups of wine for tasting.
It was here that Ms Manuka bought a crate of manuka honey for distribution back home.
Little white boxes (bee hives) dot the countryside along the way to Queenstown. These are usually planted near the Manuka trees for its collection by the bees.
The manuka tree is important to the Maoris who used it for healing.
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Manuka - In the forest, all trees and birds are *Tane's children and all contain his divine spirit. The Manuka plays an important role in his domain. As a low-lying shrub it is ready cover for open country and acts as a gentle shelter to nourish new forest. Manuka is *Tane's special child. Small, shrubby and nondescript, it's appearance belies a great healing power.
* Tane means "man" in Maori. In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Tane is the god of forests and light.
After checking into the hotel on this night, Cindy (our Group Representative) sent a complaint to the Tour Company regarding the three points of interest that we have missed due to the poor time management of the Tour Manager. Florence, a member of the group spoke to a local contact who poured over the South Island map to propose an alternative itinerary on Day 7 wherein all 3 points of interest could be covered. Glen, the Coach Captain, when consulted on the matter on the following day, was quick to agree to the proposed alternative itinerary on Day 7.
The only thing left to do was to inform Mr Beady-Eyes. (Mutiny!)
The kumara (sweet potato) does not speak of its own sweetness .....Maori proverb
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