Most travelers know that sheep outnumber human beings in New Zealand. To be exact, for every one person there should be five sheep. I was also quite astonished to discover other unusual habits. Residents in smaller regions have a tendency to take early dinners as like at FIVE (17:00) in the evening. That's a bit too early compared to my usual routine in Asia or even by Western European standards.
Otago in Maori either means "isolated village" or "place of red clay." One of the best parts about traveling is meeting old friends. As I have friends and relatives scattered all across the world, it's very convenient to plan coffee dates whenever I decide to break free from self-imposed solitary confinement.
The strange-looking palm tree above is commonly known as the cabbage tree by locals. Its scientific name is Cordyline australis. This tree is endemic to New Zealand, grows up to 20 meters in height, and bears fruits that serve as food sources to native birds. Nearly every part of this tree is useful. The rhizome serves as a traditional food supply to aborigine Maori people. The fibers can be weaved into baskets, ropes, sandals, fishing lines, and more. The seeds are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The most amusing fact about this tree is its ability to recover from fire thus being a highly suitable candidate for medicinal purposes.
I am very impressed by the diversity of flora and fauna in New Zealand. It will take me an eternity to learn in-depth about everything. The sight of an adorable baby seal was too irresistible to be missed out on. At that point in life, I must have been the luckiest woman in the world!
There are countless hidden secrets within the animal kingdom. Right before sunset, seventy centimeters tall fishermen clad in black and white smart tuxedos began to appear one after another on the coastline. They were slowly waddling towards the hill in the beginning. After some time, the speed of their waddling increased. It turned out that they had to quicken their rhythm to avoid becoming dinner to the mighty lion of the sea. It was a spectacularly entertaining and powerful sight to behold. I was spellbound.
The smart-looking creatures in tuxedos were yellow-eyed penguins. They left at dawn to forage in the sea and returned to their nests at dusk. Yellow-eyed penguins can live up to twenty years. These birds are monogamous and endangered.
The trip to Otago Peninsula had been full of unexpected fun and surprises. I wished I had a better camera to capture the movements of yellow-eyed penguins. Being present in the moment was already such a blessing. It will be greedy for me to ask far too much. I should have considered becoming a conservation biologist had I known it would bring me tremendous joy. Remember to carry thicker coats or jackets if you're planning to get here as it could get chilly towards nightfall!
