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By muimui, May 11, 2011 4:52 pm

I hope we don’t need any introductions. The couple of the week is Boris and MuiMui. While we were interviewing couples for our weekly couple section, we actually got asked to answer a few questions for Holly, who will be starting her travels in a few months. You can read the original interview on her blog [...]

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By muimui, February 1, 2011 5:00 am

Our stay in Auckland is easy, as public transportation is plentiful and for the most part, the city is clean with various neighborhoods to discover. Right away, I am impressed with how culturally diverse the city is, something I had not seen so far in New Zealand. Like many other large cities, there are lots of trendy restaurants and shops; western luxuries I feel very comfortable being around. [...]

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By muimui, January 30, 2011 1:12 am

I head back to suburbia with our arrival in New Plymouth. In the middle of the city is Pukekura Park. I wish every city had something like this. We spend over three hours here enjoying everything about this marvelous park. The botanical garden includes a collection of Japanese plants. I find a new beautiful flower, which I still don’t know the name of. The ponds are filled with ducks waiting for thoughtful visitors to bring bread. There is even an amphitheater where we spot a wild Takahē bird speeding by us. At the free zoo, I watch the cutest monkey entertain himself. I later find the funkiest white bird. [...]

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By muimui, January 26, 2011 5:00 am

One of the things I am most looking forward to in the North Island is an active volcanic area, called Wai-O-Tapu. As we enter the park, it starts to smell like rotten eggs. This can only mean we are approaching the Champagne Pool. While the name sounds quite nice, you probably don’t want to actually sip this water. The carbon dioxide in the water creates the bubbles like in Champagne. The bright palette of colors in the pool is due to the sulfur mineral deposits. I just want to stare at the pool for hours but the smell is so strong I have to move on. [...]

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By muimui, January 24, 2011 5:00 am

Joining us for the North Island is Boris’ mother and her boyfriend. They greet us French style, with lots of kisses and Champagne! We make a compromise with them. From this point on, we travel their style and in return, we cook for them when feasible. Thank you Marie Hélène and Gérard for giving us the better end of the deal. [...]