An Overview of New Zealand

(CNN) -- A country of dramatically diverse environments, New Zealand offers an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

New Zealand's remarkably varied landscape includes beaches, mountains, fjords, glaciers and rain forests, making it one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The small country consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, each boasting a surprising variety of natural wonders as well as urban centers.

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand, be prepared to be mobile in order to experience all the country has to offer. Although the entire size of the island nation is roughly the same as Colorado, there are countless different environments and geographically distinct regions. The best way to truly see the country is to make sure you plan and come ready to explore.

That being said, there are also plenty of options for a more relaxing and peaceful vacation, but after the 12-24 hour plane ride it takes to get there, you should have had plenty of time to rest up.

Much of the country lies close to the coastline, making for an overall temperate climate. However, some areas can experience four seasons in one day, as the climate can shift dramatically due to sharp regional contrasts.

New Zealand was one of the last major land masses on Earth to be populated by humans and is the second-closest land mass to Antarctica, behind Chile. The Polynesian Maori arrived on the islands around 800 A.D. and it wasn't until 1840 that they entered into a compact with Britain; they surrendered sovereignty but maintained territorial rights to the land.

The South Island

Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island and is New Zealand's second-largest city. Often referred to as the "Garden City," Christchurch has an impressive park system and features neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the English settlers who founded the city. Here visitors have easy access to sunny beaches and snowy mountaintops within a short drive from the metropolitan center.

Travel south along the eastern coast of the South Island to the small town of Akaroa on Bank's Peninsula. The route offers some breathtaking views of the mountainous countryside. Once there you can relax in the quaint former French settlement and soak up some of the local culture or take a boating tour of the harbor to see the rare Hector's dolphins, seals and other marine life that thrive in the turquoise waters of the flooded volcano crater.

Experience history and learn a little something

Continuing farther down the coast of the South Island through the Southern Alps you will reach the hilly city of Dunedin, New Zealand's largest city in terms of area. During the journey, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast to marvel at the Moeraki Boulders, huge almost perfectly spherical rocks that date back 60 million years.

The city of Dunedin is a cultural and environmental hot spot with a rich history. The city boasts a well-preserved historic district with Scottish roots, a vibrant art scene and a thriving university life.


For those interested in ecotourism, The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, just outside Dunedin, is an attraction for those looking to learn more about southern New Zealand's remarkably diverse marine life. The Royal Albatross Centre, about an hour outside the city, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, offers a rare chance to see one of the world's largest birds (with a wingspan of up to 11 feet) on the only mainland colony on the planet. Also just outside Dunedin is the Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve where visitors can see the rarest penguins on the planet up close and in their native habitat.


At the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve a scenic walk through the forest opens abruptly onto Waopati Beach, where visitors can explore the Cathedral Caves.

Once you reach the bottom tip of the South Island, be sure to stop at Porpoise Bay along the Catlins coast and explore the abundance of rare wildlife and a Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The Catlins coast landscape is sparsely populated and is dominated by lush forests and rocky coastal bays. Another must see site is the Cathedral Caves, located a short walk through a flourishing forest in the Waipati Beach Scenic Reserve. The coastal caverns can only be seen during low tide and connect under the cliffs, reaching heights of 100 feet.

Fiordland: Dramatic natural beauty

The Kepler Track, stretching from Lake Te Anau and through Fiordland National Park, offers some of the most stunning views of New Zealand's South Island.

As you continue to wrap around the southern tip of the South Island and enter into New Zealand's Fiordland, stop in the lakeside town of Te Anau. Known as the "gateway to the fiords," Te Anau has plenty to explore. Take a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to visit the otherworldly glowworm caves. Those looking to stretch their legs a bit can check out the Kepler Track, across the shores of Lake Te Anau. The 100-mile trail can be broken up into more manageable portions and traverses a beautiful route from sandy beaches to lush forest to barren mountain tops, offering breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains.

Milford Sound along the west coast of the South Island is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Journey a few hours northwest of Te Anau through the steep, lush terrain of the Fiordland. Milford Sound was carved by ancient glaciers and is surrounded by towering cliffs that feature countless waterfalls. There are also several options for hiking on the series of trails that surround the sound and offer stunning views.

A thrill-seeker's dream

Making your way back north up the western side of the South Island, make sure to visit the city of Queenstown. Known as the "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown is a thrill seeker's dream. It's chock full of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, ranging from high speed jet boating, canyon swinging to a variety of alpine activities such as skiing. It also is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. Skydiving is a major attraction because jumpers can go as high as 15,000 feet, getting a breathtaking view of the county's landscape from above. Queenstown has a lively feel and features a condensed city center with restaurants, bars and many tourist-oriented shops.

There are also several hiking options in and around Queenstown, including the mountain ranges that served as the dramatic backdrop for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Take a stroll or a sip, and relax

The Rippon Vineyard, located on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Central Otago, offers beautiful views of snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance.

Traveling farther north, stop off for a day in the serene lakeside town of Wanaka. Here you can explore the town's picturesque parks that line the shore, offering views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Stop at the Rippon Vineyard and Winery and sample some wine while you enjoy the view. New Zealand is known for sauvignon blanc, which grows well in the temperate maritime climate. There are a plethora of wineries throughout the country, thanks to the ideal conditions created by coastal regions bordered by mountain ranges.

Where glaciers meet the forest
The Franz Josef Glacier, located on the South Island?s west coast, is one of the most accessible glaciers on Earth.

Continuing up along the west coast of the South Island through the Haast Pass you will reach the Franz Josef Glacier. This portion of the island is perpetually rainy and often cloudy, but offers stunning landscapes and some of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world. Take a guided hike up the Franz Josef Glacier and experience the rare formation up close as the glacier meets temperate forest.

Heading farther north toward the tip of the South Island, visitors can stop by the famous Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki, a series of visually astonishing limestone formations that have been eroded to create unique rock patterns that jet out from the coastline.
The multitude of inlets, islands and coves in Abel Tasman National Park allow visitors to relax on isolated beaches and see rare wildlife up close.

As you make your way farther north, be sure to make time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, just over an hour north from the city of Nelson. Here, visitors can take a guided kayak tour in the Tasman Sea and take in the clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. Explore the many lagoons and coastal caves and be sure to stop and relax on one of the many deserted island beaches.

The North Island

From here, travel east to the town of Picton and catch the interisland ferry for a three-hour ride across the Cook Strait to the capital city of Wellington on the North Island. Once in Wellington, head up to the Mount Victoria lookout to get you bearings and take in the panoramic view of the city center and harbor. While in Wellington, check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, the country's free national museum, where you can get an overview on Maori history and the diverse natural environment. Wellington is also known for fine dining and nightlife, most of which can be explored on foot.
Mount Tongariro, located in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand?s North Island, offers a variety of hiking trails and skiing in the winter.


From Wellington, venture up toward the center of the North Island to the Tongariro National Park. The small town of Turangi is an ideal base for day trips into the park, where visitors can hike around New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, experience world famous trout fishing on the Tongariro River and take in the sights of Mount Tongariro and other volcanoes within the park.

Continue around to the top of Lake Taupo and visit the surreal Craters of the Moon Scenic Reserve. This geothermal phenomenon is caused by magma heating up pools of water deep beneath the ground, causing steam to rise up eerily from the large craters and surrounding ground. Also, explore the nearby geothermal pool sites, which contain geysers, waterfalls, sulfur caves and a series of pools that vary widely in color because of the heated elements in the water.

From here continue north to the Bay of Plenty, one of the sunniest regions in the world. This area is a popular vacation destination for locals and features access to countless water activities and some of the country's most pristine beaches. The region's major city is Tauranga and visitors here will find a bounty of fresh seafood and local fruit such as the kiwi.

Discover Maori history and unwind

Travel just under an hour inland and stop off in the town of Rotorua, a place deeply rooted in Maori culture. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the Polynesian Spas. Here, thermal pools range in temperature from 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and contain minerals that are believed to have a variety of healing properties. Relax in the alkaline pools, surrounded by native flora, while you enjoy the view of Lake Rotorua.

From Rotorua, trek northwest to the city of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails," because it is said to have more boats per capita than anywhere in the world. Auckland is a progressive, multicultural city with a bustling nightlife and a diverse population. While the sprawling, modern city has plenty of metropolitan delights, its natural beauty is never far away as it sits nestled between the Waitemata and Manuka harbors and atop a series of dormant volcanoes, surrounded by lush forest. Explore all the cultural and recreational activities the city has to offer or escape from it all and jet away to a remote island getaway in the nearby Hauraki Gulf.

Confessions of An Over-Packing Addict

I really loved this article when I saw it, perhaps because it fits me!

July 28 2011 at 08:20am
By LINDA KELSEY

What not to do when packing for a trip...

Like the New Year resolutions we know we’ll never keep, every summer I swear a solemn oath that this will be the last time I’ll overpack.

Never again, I repeat, will the charge for my excess baggage equal the price of my return flight. No more will I have used up my holiday spending budget before I’ve even stepped onto the plane.

In future, I tell myself, I’ll master the art of the capsule wardrobe, with a few well-chosen pieces that mix and match and mark me out as a seasoned, sophisticated traveller. The kind of woman who swans elegantly and unencumbered through airports rather than resembling a beast of burden about to collapse under the weight of its load.

I’ll choose a pared-down palette of, say, navy and white (nicely nautical and suitable for a beach holiday), with accents of pink or red. That way, I can limit my accessories to a couple of pairs of flip-flops, two pairs of shoes for the evening, a beach bag and a stylish clutch for nights on the town.

But that kind of approach to my holiday wardrobe would take a lot of planning. Deciding what I need in advance and working out what I’m going to wear on any given day. And I don’t do planning, or lists, I leave packing until the last possible minute because without an imminent deadline I simply procrastinate ad infinitum.

Midnight is usually when I begin, which - after I’ve finished - gives me about two hours’ sleep before I have to get up at 4am for a 7am flight out of Luton Airport. My method never changes. I just open a large suitcase and lob things at it ferociously, feeling a wave of strength surge through me, like Petra Kvitova must have felt beating Maria Sharapova in the Wimbledon final.

Even if I end up having to trampoline on my case in order to close it, I’m confident of finishing victorious. When I counted up what I’d actually packed for my latest trip, it read as follows.

Sarongs, seven - that should be enough. Bras, ten - three strapless in black, white and neutral; three colourful ones and three comfy white ones, and then one more just in case. In case of what, I have no idea. Knickers, too many to count. Dresses, 13. Yes, I know, but they’re barely more than slips, and they hardly weigh a thing, and they do include cover-ups for lunch by the pool.

Except I don’t eat lunch by the pool, I eat it on the terrace of my apartment, wearing the bikini I’ve been wearing all morning, one of eight, which is, to my credit, three fewer than last year.

Shoes? I refuse to tell you. Though it’s never enough - on day two of my most recent holiday I happened to pass by the Spanish department store El Corte Ingles and it had these huge banners in the window displaying my favourite Spanish word, Rebajas. For those who don’t speak Spanish, Rebajas means Sale. And the two pairs of wedges I bought were exactly what I needed.

According to a recent survey, female holidaymakers pack almost double what they need, leaving half the contents of their suitcase untouched. Seventy two percent admit always to overpacking, while 42 percent still plan to shop for clothes while on their break.

The average woman will pack 19 tops for her holiday but will wear only ten, and will take 16 “bottoms” - such as trousers, shorts and leggings - but will wear just eight.

According to the same survey, women also come home with one pair of shoes which never made it out of the suitcase, a spare bikini and a couple of pieces of underwear. Is that all? It strikes me these women are amateurs when it comes to overpacking.

In an interesting paradox, while a fifth of women admit to having incurred excess baggage costs, another new study suggests that one in five passengers is travelling light and sharing a suitcase with the rest of the family in order to avoid the astronomical baggage costs, such as those charged by Ryanair, of £30 (about R350) per hold bag each way in peak season, plus an exorbitant £20 for each extra kilogram above your luggage allowance.

Suntan lotions are another weighty problem since we’ve become terrified of getting skin cancer and barely dare walk from the bathroom to the bedroom without slavering ourselves first, for fear of catching a dangerous ray through the open window while unprotected.

My spray says each bottle contains enough for six applications for an average body and should be reapplied every 1-2 hours. At that rate, and if I took any notice, it would require a bottle a day, totalling 14 bottles a person for a two-week, sun-lover’s holiday. Don’t those luggage allowances seem more meagre by the minute?

Of the many misunderstandings between the sexes, packing for a holiday has to be one of the biggest. A man sees a holiday as an opportunity to forget about clothes - no suit, no stiff shirts, no ties or proper shoes. Bung in a pair of tatty shorts and a pair of sandals and he’s in holiday heaven. But for a woman, a holiday is the perfect time to indulge in dressing up, and dressing to kill.

At home, I can get ready to go out after a long day’s work in ten minutes flat. On holiday, I might spend two hours exfoliating, creaming, washing and blow-drying my hair, applying make-up and putting on the holiday bling.

I thrill to the thought of trying on different dresses to see which one I’m most in the mood for. And even if we end up having fish and chips at a pavement cafe, I love the feeling of having primped and pampered myself without having to race against the clock. It’s a luxury that only a holiday can afford me.

And so I have decided to ditch my original resolution to travel light and vow to pack as much as I damn well like.

My secret holiday weapon is the new man in my life, who comes almost free of baggage. He once suggested he could fit his holiday gear into a carrier bag.

At first I thought I might encourage him to smarten up and expand his holiday wardrobe, but I’ve discovered that the joy of a dishevelled other half is that you can balance your overweight suitcase with his half-empty one.

The less he packs, the more room for me! Thirty-two whopping, irresistible kilos, mine all mine, and eight feather-light ones for him, make us an almost perfect match. - Daily Mail

Hospitality Needs No Translation

I found this so touching that I needed to pass it along...

Hospitality Needs No Translation
Tokyo, Japan
Posted by Chris Nicholson
Passenger Programs Specialist
June 28, 2011


Before me stood a house that I can only describe as coming straight off of an antique porcelain plate. With peaked roofs and gabled eaves, the house was a charming relic of a bygone era.

Hospitality Needs No Translation Chris, Mr. & Mrs. Kurihari, and comedian Larry Larkin pose for a picture together.

When most visitors travel to Japan, they think of the quiet serenity of the countryside, where an emphasis is placed on nature and religious sites, or the brash, kinetic lure of non-stop action along Tokyo’s dazzling shopping districts.

My first visit took a path not usually taken. I was invited into the home of a Japanese couple I met during a cruise aboard the original Star Princess.

I knew it was an honor to be invited into someone’s home while traveling, perhaps never more so than in Japan. So when this couple extended an invitation, I was pleasantly surprised.

That’s how I ended up a year later in my hosts’ Tokyo house, reminding myself to feel honored, as I forced down my first-ever plates of sushi. We eat our fish fried and with chips in Liverpool. But I didn’t want to offend. I’d wash down each bite of sushi with sake only to find my plate and cup immediately refilled.

What came next was even more disorienting. I was taken by limo to a community center and whisked through the lobby to a small auditorium. My hosts directed me to get on the stage and sing the “Love Boat” theme song.

There I stood, alone. No band, no back-up singers, an audience of five expectantly watching me, waiting.

“Love, exciting and new. Come aboard. We’re expecting you.”

Mrs. Kurihrari and Chris on the second formal night aboard the original Star Princess in 1990.

An already surreal situation took on a sense of déjà vu. Three years earlier, I stood in a rehearsal hall in Liverpool auditioning for a job as a vocalist for Princess Cruises. “Love. Exciting and new,” I sang, not realizing that “The Love Boat” was Princess’ theme song. What else should I have sung? I’d even brought along my own back-up dancers and dressed them in feathers and bikinis.

I got the job as a vocalist for Princess; later I was privileged to be Cruise Director and the world outside of my home town opened up. “The Love Boat” theme song even became part of my nightly repertoire. I’d sung it per usual one night on Star Princess during a run to Alaska. The next night, I was mixing and mingling with guests during a cocktail party when a very elegant Japanese couple approached me.

They were dressed in traditional kimonos and asked if they could take a photograph with me as they’d recognized me from the show. The couple asked for my address, and promised to send me a copy of the photo. Although we’d exchanged no more than two dozen words, they said I must contact them if I ever went to Japan.

A few months later, I received a copy of the photograph along with a beautiful sea-green silk tie with little flecks of blue. I couldn’t believe they’d remembered me. A year later, when Tokyo was on the itinerary, I thought I’d have a real Japanese experience with this family rather than go shopping with colleagues. I exchanged letters with the couple and they offered to pick me up at the terminal.

Mt. Fuji.

The approach to Tokyo is beyond beautiful. I woke up early and saw Mount Fuji covered in snow. As we pulled along the dock, the thundering sound of a troupe of traditionally dressed Taiko drummers greeted our arrival. I was pumped up for my tour of Tokyo.

I had researched the city and was wondering where my hosts would take me. Would I see the Harajuku district, made famous by trendy, Tokyo teenagers? Steps from the Harajuku train station, we could go to Meiji Jingu, a shrine devoted to a former emperor and empress. There’s a 400-year-old well there that is said to be a spiritual power spot. Also close by is Yoyogi Park, a forest within the crowded city.

Maybe my hosts would take me to Roppongi, a glitzy international area known for great nightlife. Perhaps we’d go to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the world’s largest with stall after stall of vendors. Or maybe I’d buy a clever gadget in the Ginza, an area world famous for electronic wizardry.

The Kurihari's Daughter & Son in Law at the pier to pick me up from the Pacific Princess, Tokyo 1992

Before I disembarked, the ship’s Deputy Captain came up to me and said, “Chris, there are people with a banner that says, ‘Welcome to Japan, Chris Nichol.’” (I used Nichol as my stage name.) That was my first hint that this tour would be a little different than expected. The ship’s social hostess said, “Chris, don’t you have a gift for them? It’s a tradition.” Of course, the ship’s boutique was closed and I had to scramble to put together a bag of key chains and pens bearing the “It’s more than a cruise, it’s the Love Boat” slogan.

The couple had brought along their daughter and son-in-law. I invited them on board for a tour and as we were leaving, Larry Larkin, an English comedian performing on the cruise, asked if he could join us. The couple, who spoke very little English, indicated their agreement.

We assumed we’d get on the Tokyo Metro with them, but a different transport — a huge, black, chauffeur-driven limousine — pulled up. As we glided through Tokyo there wasn’t a lot of conversation going on. They kept pointing at buildings, saying, “Apartments…. Apartments.” I was thinking to myself, “Buildings…what’s so special about them?” During the drive, the son-in-law pulled out a tiny cell phone, which was fascinating to see. After all, it was 1992 and most cell phones were as big as bricks.

The Shinjuku ward contains Tokyo’s skyscraper district (Nishi-Shinjuku), Shinjuku Station (the busiest train station in the world), luxury hotels, shopping centers, nightclubs and apartments, as my hosts continually reminded me. Much of it was constructed during the 1970s, and buildings shimmered with enough neon to rival Times Square.

Mrs. Kurihari in her garden wearing her kimono.

We drove up a quiet little side street and the limo deposited us by a brick wall. Ducking through a little door, I was surprised to enter a serene, landscaped garden with huge willow trees and a pond stocked with lily pads and bright orange koi. We’d just been surrounded by skyscrapers seconds earlier! Before me stood a house that I can only describe as coming straight off of an antique porcelain plate. With peaked roofs and gabled eaves, the house was a charming relic of a bygone era.

It had been built by my host’s grandfather, he told me. He ushered us into this delightful house, with traditional tatami mats, dividing screens and amber-hued woods. We exchanged our shoes for slippers, as is customary, and sat down for a sushi banquet. This is where Larry stepped up his act. Knowing I had a novice’s fear of eating raw fish, he kept passing me sushi with his chopsticks. (It turns out serving others with chopsticks is a no-no. Present the plate for others to choose from instead.)

After downing sushi–which I can only imagine must have been of the absolute best quality–with cup after cup of sake, I was then led to the community hall for my command performance of “The Love Boat.” As funny as it felt for me to sing there, my Japanese friends seemed to enjoy the performance and Larry looked highly amused.

My performance was followed by the host’s wife, who performed a graceful, traditional Japanese dance. It was beautiful and I was truly touched by her presentation.

We went back to the hidden house. I got lost while going to the bathroom and entered a room filled with hundreds and hundreds of mounted keys. Then it occurred to me. All those “apartments, apartments” were theirs. They owned tracts of valuable real estate in this most expensive of cities.

I had been befriended by Tokyo’s refined version of the Trump family.

Mrs. Kurihari and Chris sitting on the step of the Kurihari's tea house.

As we said our good-byes, my friends presented me with a delicate tea set. We promised to keep in touch and we did exchange postcards for a while. A few years later, I was saddened to hear about the father’s death, soon followed by his wife’s. They were gracious, lovely people.

The last letter I received from the daughter invited me and my mother to stay at the penthouse suite at one of their hotels (it turned out they owned some of those, too) the next time I was in Tokyo. That was more than 15 years ago, and sadly, I haven’t been back since.

I’m sure I’ll return one day to see the sights of that remarkable city—where ultra-modern glitter seamlessly melds with the quiet traditional. But I cannot imagine it will feel the same without the impeccable and considerate attention provided by my Japanese friends. What I would not give to have the chance to sing that song again in that little community hall.

World's Largest, Deepest, Darkest Motel Room

Formed over the course of 65 million years, sunken two-hundred feet below the earth's surface, discover the Grand Cavern Suite, the world's largest, deepest, darkest motel room. Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn invites guests to find themselves where they could never be found. As the largest dry cavern in the US, the suite is entirely devoid of any light or sound. The quiet air, free of moisture and impurities, begs to be breathed, and engages all the senses. The oxygen in the caverns is distilled as it stretches miles through limestone crevices beginning at the Grand Canyon. Since natural light is absent the suite comes equipped with electric lamps, along with a record player, and a library, including books and magazines dated back to the1800's. Necessities including bathroom, and table with chairs are also provided in this suite. Above ground find the full service inn and its friendly full service staff. For additional information, please visit Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn.

Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Experience one of the world's best-loved operas on one of the most breathtaking stages in the world: Sydney Harbour


Opera Australia is delighted to present Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – La Traviata for an exclusive three-week season from 24 March to 15 April 2012.

Verdi's La Traviata is presented under the stars at Mrs Macquarie's Point next to the Royal Botanic Garden for the first time. This huge production features spectacular sets, beautiful costumes, dazzling lighting and effects, fireworks and a 9-metre chandelier suspended above a purpose-built, shimmering stage on the waters of Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline will provide the magnificent backdrop.

A multi-award-winning team join some of Australia's best-loved artists to create an unforgettable evening of beautiful music and breathtaking spectacle.

Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist

Super Sardine Cans

Couldn't pass up posting this latest airline information for those planning on traveling in the future. Thought you had it bad now?

By Rob Lovitt, msnbc.com contributor

If you’ve been feeling cramped on some of your recent flights, hold on to your armrests.

Several airlines are currently considering aircraft that will hold 900 to 1,000 passengers, according to a report in Australian Business Traveller (ABT).

The "super sardine cans," as ABT dubs them, represent the latest variations on the Airbus A380. Already the world’s largest commercial airplane, the double-decker plane carries 525 people in a typical, three-class configuration.

But in the fractured world of air travel, individual airlines are ordering planes with different configurations to suit their specific needs. This week, Korean Air became the sixth carrier to take delivery of an A380, a surprisingly spacious model with just 407 seats. Amenities include an upper-deck-spanning business class and the world’s first onboard duty-free shop with actual products on display.

Compare that to the two A380s on order for French carrier Air Austral. Forgoing first- and business-class sections, the carrier plans to squeeze in 840 passengers in a cheek-by-jowl, all-economy configuration. They’re set to go into service on the carrier’s La Reunion–Paris route in 2014.

But even those winged whoppers are expected to lose their XXL status if Airbus starts producing its proposed A380-900. Featuring 650 seats in three classes and around 900 in an all-economy set-up, the plane has garnered interest from several airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and others.

Still not big enough for you? ABT goes on to say that Lufthansa and Air France "are already eyeing an enhanced 1,000-seat version that's also on the drawing board called — you guessed it — the A380-1000."

Sharon Oberritter
Premier Aussie Specialist

A Taste of a Kenya Walking Safari

I ran across this article and thought I'd share it with my readers. It was originally written by Janelle Cook

The Thrill of a Safari by Janelle Cook of Africa Answers.

As we trekked, enjoying our walking safari, we joked about how we had been advised to wear only beige and olive colored clothing so as not to alert the wildlife of our presence, while our Maasai guide wore brilliant crimson and red, and sparkling metallic jewelry. We'd be lucky to see a warthog with this much bling out in front.

The guide abruptly stopped and signaled the rest of us to do likewise. What? A lone buffalo had appeared over a ridge 50 feet away. Oh. No. For days we had heard that the most dangerous animal in Africa is not the lion, nor the crocodile, nor the rhino, but a lone buffalo. Nicknamed ‘Retired Generals' these buffalo have been forced from the herd by younger buffalo. Alone, they become insecure and aggressive, going on the attack without warning. Once in charge mode, there is no diversion, only a bullet can stop them. What to do? No tall trees to climb, no deep ditches to dive in. The guide raised his rifle while motioning us to retreat quietly. Gored by one of the Big Five in Kenya; what an epitaph. 60 feet…65 feet, we inched away, exchanging looks, our tension palpable.

Behind, a flock of birds flew out of a bush, startling us. We clamped hands over our mouths, suppressing shouts and nervous laughter. Busted. The General now knew we were there. He raised his nose and sniffed the wind. He peered toward us myopically. The stand-off seemed interminable. He became bigger, and bigger. Huh? He grew another head, then another, then another. Oh! Yes! He was not alone; his herd had been behind the ridge and now emerged behind him, one by beautiful one.

Were you afraid, we asked our guide, later. Yes, he said, very afraid; but not for you who wear the colors the buffalo cannot see. I was afraid I might not be a good enough shot when the General came for me.

Janelle Cook is a Product Contractor at Africa Answers, a division of Down Under Answers, and recently participated in a familiarization trip to Kenya.