McCrain's in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures in New Zealand

In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.

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Background Information: New Zealand is an island nation, situated to the southeast of Australia and directly south of the South-Pacific islands of Fiji, the Soloman Islands, and Easter Island. It is a land of tropical rain forests, volcanic wasteland, rolling grass lands, and glaciated mountains. Rivers and streams cross the islands with crystal clear water as well as with aqua-colored glacial melt and silt. It is a land of abundant bird- and marine-life, and a vast array of human cultures. From the native Mauri inhabitants to the influx of Asian peoples, this country has the most diverse cultural population of any country I have ever visited. It is the perfect spot to invission "Middle Earth."

And for those people that do not know what the "Middle Earth" reference is about, please go rent the movies "Lord of the Rings." Not only will you be entertained with a fantastic tale of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, not to mention the study of languages and cultures, but you will also see an incredible landscape. One that does not seem to belong to our known planet, but that can only belong in a place called "Middle Earth."

And Now, The Adventure Begins!

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Begin the Adventure!

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