, Author at Global Dreaming

Dawn on the Kinabatangan River: Sakau, Malaysia

I’m roused from my slumber by the distant trumpeting of elephants and singing of thornbirds. It is morning on the Kinabatangan River and the animals announced the day’s commencement. (Actually, it was the roosters outside my window that first awakened me, but I...

Hiking Around Taupo, New Zealand

Australia/New Zealand, Hiking, New Zealand

Taupo is surrounded by dozens of hiking trails leading into the hills or along the river. Avid walkers and hikers frequent these trails morning through dusk, and I just may have covered all of them during my stay in Taupo. My favorite hike followed a winding trail to...

The Beauty of Taupo, New Zealand

Australia/New Zealand, Hiking, New Zealand

For the History Buffs – Since Captain Cook brought the first sheep into New Zealand in 1773, the sheep population has grown to over 40 million. That represents twelve sheep for every person living in tiny New Zealand. However, although a large percentage of New...

Seal Colony at Red Rocks Reserve, Wellington

Australia/New Zealand, New Zealand

The Wellington countryside was used in many scenes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Easy to see why with all the rocky cliffsides and lush meadows. For keen LOTR fans, there are plenty of tours and activites for all levels of hobbit lovers, including a $150 tour...

Best of Wellington, New Zealand

Australia/New Zealand, New Zealand

Wellington is a beautiful city, and once you acclimate to the gale-force winds blowing in from the south pier, there are plenty of things to fill up your days. After catching up on some much needed Z’s following my overnight bus ride from Auckland, I grabbed a...