“Welcome to The Virus Factory” A. Sports stadiums are packed with 25,000+ fans—No masks, No distancing required. Zero community transmission of virus, after a 49 day hard lockdown. B. “It’s like everything is normal….” ZERO cases of the virus (excepting one diplomat who arrived from abroad). C. Disneyland is open, with no outbreak anywhere in…
Tag: New Zealand
American Exceptionalism At Its Best
“American Exceptionalism At Its Best” E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, One. The American democratic experiment has indeed been exceptional. Although our deadliest war was the one against ourselves—with over 600,000 Americans dying while fighting fellow Americans in the Civil War—we are also a nation of tremendous compassion. We lead the world in developing and…
Thank You, New Zealand…
[written on 27 March] For taking me in for 64 days For all the vegan friendly shops and restaurants For your stunningly gorgeous mountains For your shockingly turquoise, jade waters For the opportunities to drink from icy cold, clear waterfalls For your commitment to protect this uniquely beautiful land For your honest attempts at reconciliation…
Who is Sane?
Who is rational and sane?
Breaking News from China
(apologies for cut off words) This will most definitely alter the course of my current flight itinerary–I’m at Queenstown, NZ airport now–as well as my life…
The Crossroads
It’s taken around 12 hours in the past two days, not to mention more time over days before, to finally secure a reasonable route out of New Zealand. Very few flight routes are available. Every Southeast Asian nation I can name has closed its borders, even to transiting passengers. Prices are so outrageous you’d be…
The Haunting
It’s all gone down in a matter of hours. Shuttered. So sad. It’s all a ghost town now. Guess it takes an aggressively paced, swiftly enforced lock down to finally drag me away… 48 hours notice for anyone who needs to leave. Otherwise, 4 week minimum lock down. Universal. Even includes restaurants. No “takeaways.” Apocalyptic…
8 Week Anniversary in New Zealand
I know I’ve been in New Zealand for a while because… The trees are changing from green to red, gold, yellow. Seasons have changed from my mid-summer arrival, to early-mid fall weather now. Early mornings here on the South Island have been around 33F. My full tube of toothpaste has been depleted: Even though I…
What the F**k is Happening?!
Just received this from boss. If you were here now, in New Zealand, and this was your local neighborhood trail, what would YOU do? I’m in peak marathon condition. I’m consistently running 140+km per week. I’m strong and ready to race. I feel like a prison sentence looms over me like an executioner’s blade.
Peter’s Coming Over for Dinner
Meanwhile, Melissa and her future mother-in-law Karen need to discuss September’s wedding guest list. Ethan changed plans and didn’t come home last weekend, but it’s okay since his mates were also scheduled to arrive and it ended up quieter around here. These are the days of my adoption within a New Zealand family. Originally scheduled…
How is New Zealand Different?
Running down the trail, sulphur fumes permeate my nostrils. Steaming gases rise in the distance. Blackened craters spew acidic steam. Just down the road, a traditional Maori village welcomes foreigners to watch–and learn, for men–the Haka war ritual. Sacred Maori lands are home to Middle Earth, where I ran as close to Mount Doom as…
Don't Let My Parents Read This 