Alicia's Turn: Life & Friends (ep 1)

HELP ALICIA MAKE HER DECISION BY ENTERING IN THE POLL (SEE SIDEBAR).

EPISODE 2 WILL CONTINUE THE STORY FROM THE RESULT OF THIS POLL.

Welcome, and can I take your order please?

"Hi, how are you today? I'm making your order as we speak ;).

My name is Lena, and I'm the owner of The Toon Cafe. Thanks for visiting; I hope you enjoy some of the cartoons offered, along with your coffee (or tea, I know we have a few tea drinkers). Let me tell you what sorts of 'toons you can find here."

"You can choose to catch up with The Travellers - the adventures of five friends (one a canine) who travel the world and find out the best of what to eat, shop, buy and see at each of their destinations. Or, you may choose to be a bit more involved and catch up on Alicia's Turn where You are essential for the story's continuity. In this 'toon Alicia has choices to make and those choices are directly influenced by what the readers - i.e. You - vote for."

"Of course if you'd rather skip the travel or the decision making, you can just turn to the babble of the 3 Old Chics, three 'older' women who use and abuse life to its fullest. Perhaps their conversations will make sense to you... I'm still trying to figure out what those three are up to myself."


"From time to time our cartoonist will post a single-episode/ short-length cartoon story to provide variety to the cartoon mix. And, last but not least, there is a story in the works of Stefan and his sister Julianna in the world of dragons. The Dragon Prince and Princess will take you away to a fantasy world with loads of action and magic."

"So, sit back and have a good read. I left some room for milk. Enjoy."

Dragon Knights

this will be a fantasy cartoon of a child prince and princess named Stefan and Julianna (yes, my kids - what can i say, they're inspirational!). they will fight evil dragons and save the good ones and of course there will be cool horses, swords and a bit of magic involved.

The 3 Old Chics - Jazzy Drinks

Trudi: I'm glad ladies that you could join me in this jazz bar. I booked a special section for us. Here, Stella, I brought some good cigars. You look like you need one. Grace you need to sit and stop waiving that fur boa at me. Try the caviar, it's excellent here.

Grace: Well, hello girls...You won't guess where I got this boa. I was out shopping for some Bailey's and this man stopped me. He had a carrier basket full of 'stuff', including this boa. It's actually not fur -- ugh, dead animals on my neck? -- no, it's made out of feathers that were 'teased.' Ha, ha ha...Hey, Stella! Cheers!

T: Stella is giving me the silent treatment. That's not good. Grace, did Stella give you the silent treatment on the way here too? Or is it just me? Well, no matter -- the jazz band tonight is really good. They should lift our spirits up. I can't believe you have fake fur. I'd never stoop to buying fake replicas from some street vendor. I love real fur!

G: WHAT?! As if I'd stoop so low to NOT getting a bargain! It's about looks not actual value, m'ah dear! Look who's talking! Why don't you think Stella is talking to you? You are wearing invaluably fake breasts! Yes, that's right, Trudi, I know your secret! You can't hide these things! Hmpf!

T: So you've noticed a difference?? How exciting. I didn't think the first augmentation made a difference, so I got another one. Don't I look fabulous? And they're high quality.

Stella: I will not dignify this topic of conversation with a reply.

T: Oh relax, Stella -- but thanks for finally saying something. My breasts are augmented by little inserts in my bra -- oh hello [waiter comes to their table] ahem... he-he... all natural... aemm... can I have another Cosmopolitan, dear? Thanks. We're talking about how women nowadays would do anything to change their all natural bodies to look like some mannequin in a store window. [waiter leaves] It's not like it was in our days when all natural bodies were considered beautiful. Seriously girls, the wait staff is rude here... won't even let me finish...

S: Double shot of JD!

G: Stella! I thought you wouldn't dignify this with an answer! Not to mention drink Jack Daniels? I thought you hated that liquor. Anyway, I believe we should be more intelligent and discuss more important things such as... hmm... hmm... sorry what was I talking about? (sip, sip) Waiter! How rude -- he just winked at me!

S: Make it a triple!

T: Ah, the band is starting to play!

S: Band? There's a band? Those three, four... six, old guys? We're here to look at, at these old farts improvise? Grace is already gone and you, Trudi are leaking! Girls! What have we become! Waiter! Two more JDs. Now.

T: You're right. Grace is gone -- and so are you Stella! I, on the other hand, couldn't get into it. I shall say goodbye to you. I'll get the chauffer to drive you home now. I'll stay... I'm too sober to leave. I'll meet you for lunch tomorrow? My tea room.

S: I will not take this. First you accuse me of giving you the silent treatment while I suffered through my pre-drinking sober pains and now that my JD is finally fulfilling his calling you want to send me and Gracie -- poor, drunk off her ass Gracie -- home!? No. Three quintuple JDs for this table. Make it four, so that Trudi gets the sobriety stick out of her...avatar bra... hmm... maybe I am a little gone. Not making much sense. Oops. Did I say that out loud? Admit it. Now. Of course not. I didn't just admit that.

T: Like I said, my tea room tomorrow. You're not making any sense... Grace!! Stop stripping! This is a jazz bar, not some hoochie bar! That's it, I'm calling someone over to make sure you get home safely. Oh, why must I suffer by being sober while my dear friends are drunk out of their minds???

[The security guards escort Stella and Grace to their limo, and come back to escort Trudi]

T: What? Me?! But I'm the sane one! Excuse me! I cannot go home sober! That has never happened before...

[Trudi is escorted out]

***

The girls meet for brunch.

Trudi: Oh ladies! Welcome. You won't believe the crazy dream I had last night! I was spinning...well, my head was spinning and there was a guy playing the trumpet and and...for some reason I feel like I need to drink a Cosmopolitan. What did you ladies do last night? I can't remember myself, but I think I just lounged around the mansion. Who's your friend, Grace?

Grace: You had a dream about that?! What a coincidence, I dreamt that I was in a magical castle, but unfortunately I was surrounded by old farts, but I forgave them because they were playing beautiful music for me. And then before I knew it I was standing in my knickers. Oh girls, what happened? And Stella, you were there too!

Stella: I recognise you! (pointing to younger man sitting behind Grace) You! I don't like you. (gives him a piercing gaze) Now, why don't I like you?!

T: Hm. You don't like him Stella but I think Grace does -- very much! You know, I believe that I can't remember last night because I didn't drink enough Cosmos. Wait a minute, I drank Cosmos last night?

G: Oh, you poor forgetful dears! I'll tell you all what happened...so as we were being escorted for my stripping and Stella's drunken rage, our chauffeur was nice enough to take all of us including Trudi to my mansion. But I invited my chauffie to rest for his troubles. And that's all you need to know.

S: It's coming back to me -- in flashes... No!... No! It's not possible. It's not possible that I would -- no! I wouldn't have. Gasp! I think I may have... (looks embarrassed and angry with herself). I got sloshed off JDs. Girls... I've hit a new low.

T: You mean all this really happened? I don't believe it. I do not believe it! Grace, not acting like a lady, Stella drinking JD. I...I didn't eat! We entered the twilight zone. Young man, you cannot tell anyone about this -- do you understand? No one must know. I need rehab. Ladies I'm going to the kitchen to see what good comfort food I have been neglecting.

S: (looking desparate) JD! For crying out loud girls, how could you let me?

G: Don't you worry, from now on it's liquors of water -- clear colorance and no JD, ever! But, at least we know it's the JD that caused our actions and not us. Ha! Stella come along, we'll get the chef to bake us all a rhubarb pie! Tut tut...chauffie, run along!

T: Sounds good Grace. Tell him to make an extra one for me...

S: Food... ah... I don't know if I can eat. Do you have crackers Grace?

G: Crackers? What? You'll have rhubarb. Don't insult me. But maybe I'll put crackers on the bottom of the pie...

The 3 Old Chics - Way off the board

On a cruise-ship somewhere in the Carribean, the old chics are basking in the sun by the main pool on this luxurious boat…

Trudi: (walking up to Stella and Grace with drinks) So how are you girls enjoying this cruise? Here, have a drink. (Plops down on a poolside bed).

Stella: Oh. Are drinks allowed here???? These puritanical, environmentalist pansies tell me I can’t smoke but they allow DRINKING? I swear, if I see another ‘no smoking’ sign I will throw some of these chairs overboard, and then the stuff!

Grace: You think you’ve got problems Stella? Have you looked around at the male population on this floating contraption? They either have porcelain teeth or beer bellies the size of a barrel. And the only young chaps around are middle aged! You call this a cruise? It’s a hospital for the healthy! Ugh!

T: I do believe the barmen are quite young. So do get ready for a long and fun evening, Grace.

S: And get me some cigarettes from them! I’ve already gone through my batch and I’m on my reserves!

G: Well girls, although this trip isn’t as successful as we hoped, at least we get to visit the waters of Sri Lanka!

T: Honey? No. We’re not in Sri Lanka. I know you’ve been reading up on it lately but really – check sober/drunk levels before you start talking!

S: Blah, blah, blah. Who cares where we are when I can’t have a cigarette and the moment I do some old fogey will rat on me to the crew…

G: Muahahaha! Look who’s talking, Miss Fogey of Sri Lanka! I still say that 70 years old and a bartender is fogeyish! And plus, they’re spirited, coffees are just spices and coffee! Who does that? I need a White Russian! Girls… we need to figure something out…

T: A mission? We’re going on a mission? Yes!!! Ladies! Let’s stand together (quickly gets up off her chair) and go together against this…! SPLASH!! (Trudi falls into the pool) HE-ELP!!! (After some trouble makes her way out of the pool)

S: (stands up) Let’s do this for all the young people on this boat! All those uncorrupted by modern ideaologies. But first, a toast. We have to start this the right way!

G: (lifts up her Brandy glass) To all the young pecs, full haired and upright standing males with gorgeous tans, to the energy of the young Cuban cleaning pool boys, and to the long lasting cigarettes of Sri Lanka and sweet tasting Amarretto Coffees… Cheers to young longevity and drunken senility… off to search for fun…

T: Thanks for taking advantage of the situation! I fall into the pool and you take over my speech! So, what exactly are we going to do, huh? I’m hungry, so I note we go to the buffet but – gasp! – the dining area is closed right now, it’s not lunch time yet. I think we can sneak in through the back. Oh and by the way Grace we’re not in Sri Lanka! (takes in deep breath) I need a cigarette now! I think I have a spare pack in my room! Oops, shouldn’t have said that out loud in front of Stella!

S: You would hold out on me like this??? Fine then. Regardless of how good a friend you are – the mission needs accomplishing! Plan A: we make it into the captain’s cabin. Reason 1: to turn this ship around. I can’t be on it for a WEEK! Reason 2: I bet the bastard has tons of goods in that hideout.

T: Like dessert??? Yes let’s go! (takes a few steps wobbling from side to side, while her face turns green) Woah – mumble, mumble – I don’t feel so good… I think I’m sea sick… must walk towards the edge…

S: What sort of a team is this? One member is sick and the other one lost. Oh boy. Come on Grace, let’s follow Trudi “to the edge” and hopefully that’ll get us closer to the Captain’s cabin.

T: To the edge!! Follow me!! (They walk towards the bow of the boat. Trudi leans over) I’m the Queen of the World!! Look girls – the water is so pretty! (Breaks into a song) Oh so pretty! I’m so prett-y! La-la!

G: Pour some more wine! You’ll all be fine! Now where is Captain Bob? We must make him stop, in pretty Malaysia; there, we will stop off for some CIGARS! But, I’ve also heard our dear Captain is of our young generation gals, time to head over!

T: I’m so pretty! Oh so pretty… S: Which way? Which way? Hm. I knew the emergency exits maps were good for something. This way gals! (They reach the cabin. Trudi is holding on to the door frame, looking sick, Grace is at the window pointing to nothing and looking giddy, and Stella starts searching through the dear Captain’s belongings. With time she is madly throwing his things around.) I know he has something hidden here!

T: Soooooo! Prettyyy!!!!

G: Look, it’s Sri Lanka! (looking at the island, giddily) I bet the Captain here has some pictures, let’s see if he has a wife! If not, well, um, well…

T: Stella! Relax! You won’t look so pretty if you stay so angry! Let’s go to my room and we’ll share my pack of cigs – secretly, with the ventilation turned on in the bathroom so the smoke alarm doesn’t go off.

S: Girls, grab everything on the dresser and we’ll have fun figuring out just what kind of a man he is… while enjoying the vintage merlot I brought! (The cabin door opens and in comes Captain Bob).

T: Oh! Hello! You’re so pretty… I mean, handsome. Hee, hee.

G: My dear Captain you are probably wondering what 3 beautiful ladies are doing in your quarters, well there is a simple explanation for that. Stella here is your long lost cousin! Yes, you don’t know it but that cousin you thought died in a plane accident swam to the shores of Sri Lanka and has now decided to meet up with you… so umm… hi! (The Captain does not seem impressed).

S: Ha-ha-ha! That was just a joke. You see, Trudi here, is your long lost girlfriend from high school. Well, girlfriend might be a stretch. But, you had that moment. At that place. That day. Remember??? She’s searched for you so-o long…

T: That’s right! So you see I was just trying to find you… and well here you are… oh – I don’t feel so good… (throws up on the poor Captain).

***

(A while later; Trudi, Stella and Grace are in an airplane; They’re flying back home after being asked to leave the boat).

G: I must say, quite the successful trip eh, Trudi? Well, I didn’t see Sri Lanka but I saw Trudi’s last week’s breakfast. Ha-ha!

S: We must admit: the mission was accomplished. To this I propose a toast! To being on land. To convenience, stores nearby and no non-smoking signs in sight! To GOOD coffee shops! To BAD attitudes! Getting kicked off the Fogey Boat and being able to see Trudi throw up on Captain Bob’s shoes and Grace taking advantage of his shock! Cheers!

T: Ah… We’re so pretty. Oh so pretty.

---------------------------------------------------

The Travellers discover their past lives

So we're at this fair and it's a lot of fun. Loud; lots to see; to do. Now and then a new butt to smell. Sometimes an unfinished sausage on the ground (I don't touch the hotdogs, gross - not to mention the name). It's even exciting to do something usual as in not exotic, something known as in not foreign, something, well, nostalgic. I mean, I've actually been to this sort of place before! As much as I like travelling (like my humans), sometimes it's good to chill at that vague "homeish" concept.

Anyhow, I was prancing along, enjoying myself when this bugger of a fly began to pick a fight. You know how flies can be: crude, rude and vulgar - not to mention their atrocious table manners (sure, I eat off the ground, but let's not be overly-sterile). I tried to be the bigger beast and ignore the buzz, but finally I snapped. You want to relax on vacation, right? The spirit of the wolf possessed me and I just went after the runt. Just had to.

Blimey disappeared on me by the eeriest, darkest tent. But I'm not so easily shaken off the trail, right: in I go. tumble really... not my most majestic entrance. But I did get a witch's attention. A witch's! I don't know if this was the transmogrified fly (have known stranger things to happen: Robbie to forget extra film, Tash to oversleep, Lori to miss a sale, and shhhh, Josh to burn the toast) but this dark-haired, colofully-eyed, cloth-bound, lewel-covered woman not only looed straight at me but started speaking nothing short of through a trance!
I normally have enough sense to skiddadle in situations like these. But she had me transfixed! So there I was listening to her jumbled words. I started to listen pretty closely when she began telling me not simply of my humans but of what I gathered to be our past lives. This was not a common fortune-teller but a channel to the distant past, a rare gift among conmen and fakes. A gem of a story weaver. Certain veracity, you see...

The 3 Old Chics - Girls Night In

Our ladies of leisureliness have come together at Grace's estate. Quickly filling up on their usual vices and getting comfortable in a house full of scantily clad servants, they are once again ready for some inactive fun…

T: Gracie, it was so great of you to invite us to your house for our Ladies’ Night In. The winter this year is just bitin’! Mind you, I don’t mind biting—when it’s us who do it. Oh, Stella! How can you pass gas now!?! You’re going to scare the cute servants away!

S: (throws a macaroon at her)

G: Trudi, you HAVE to eat that now!!!

T: Oh! You two are stressing me out—need to light up two cigarettes now. Humph! Can’t even take some criticism.

S: Eat a filter—it would do your mouth good. Now, who spiked the coffee? You are BOTH…drunk.

T: Ha! …forgot what I was going to say.

G: Belvedere!! Bring on the more, I mean bring more liquor, these gabs are too serious! Now, now, we've got important things to discuss. What movies have you viewed recently? I just recently saw The Hours. You two?

S: Getting on to business with more bevy? I’m surprised you’re coherent. Now, where’s your scantily clad service? My cup is almost empty! Girls, you look like you might get all touchy-feely. Gah. I saw The Two Towers.

T: Hmm…Huh? What did you two say? I’m sorry I was just checking out the scrumptious behind of Lazarus. Gracie, do you always make your servants wear such skimpy outfits?

G: Oh, what, you mean loincloths are skimpy?!

S: No, no…they’re just fine. Do I have something on my nose?

T: Yeah, I think you flicked your cigarette on your nose. But that’s not so surprising since you can’t see past your own nose…oh, I’m mean. Stella, I think your meanness is rubbing off on me. And you know why?! I’ll tell you why! …hold on let me think about this…oh yes…I got food poisoning last week!! Oh, was it everlasting… …Lazarus! Pour me another drink! Need to drown in my sorrows.

S: If I cared, my dear, I would be insulted. As for meanness rubbing off—I’m glad—it’ll do you good. Grace, where did you get the inspiration for the services’ outfits? I think the Lord of the Rings people should seek advice from you…Certain elves, or no, no, some are too scrawny. Certain dirty kings…eh, maybe not. Nevertheless, I admire the genius.

G: Welllll, actually, I went on a safari in the North of Sweden, and found these three dancing around an igloo and I just picked them up from there and they haven’t changed since…Holy *#@! I’m drunk or on a caffeine high! Hmm, Lord of the Rings, Mr. Elf Boy, his attire of tight leggings and long blond locks, THERE is a man. Belvedere! I need some gin and tonic!

S: Yes, that cough sounds chronic. Ah…There’s the last cigarette.

(Trudi makes a mad dash for it and shoves it in her mouth. A smug expression appears on her face.)

S: You evil little…argh!!!! No words to describe, I, I, …SERVICE, double gin and tonic, NOW!!!

T: I need this cig! My life depends on them! Now, then...let’s get down to business. I, personally, really like how Peter Jackson embellished the estrogen side of the story. I think that’s what made the movie. Without the aspect it’d be complete crapola! And it was also a good marketing strategy on the director’s part, you know? I mean. Not only little boys want to see adventurous fantasy movies…old drunk women want to watch them too, you know?

S: Yes, we could very well be any one of the dazzling leading ladies. Just a band of boys wouldn’t be as much fun. Especially since over half are so damn short and every opponent is simply hideous. Some pretty dresses are nice to see on more than Legolas…
G: I especially liked the outfits on the elf queen and Arwen. The jewelry, EXQUISITE!! I must say, whoever the costume designer was must have been acquainted with me at one time or another, otherwise the costumes would have definitely been lower in quality…Whatever the case, I have to say that I am an influence in the costume world…muahahahah…(evil voice:) we must kill them…(innocent voice:) but master they are my friends…(evil voice:) do not listen to such foolishness, you are the queen of the chics…(innocent voice:) but master, I want to have myyyyy pppreccciousssss…my cig…(evil voice:) we will get it, just trust me, you must listen to me, they are just using you and are not your friends, I am your only friend…(innocent voice:) okay, okay, Gracie will lead them to the cig, Gracie will listen, Gracie has no friends, the precious is her only friend…

(Trudi and Stella laugh nervously while Grace looks away)

T: Gracie! Gracie? Stella, Grace looks odd. I believe she had toooo much alcohol—not that such a state really exists for us. But I believe she’s had at least thrice as much as we did. Maybe if the service would take her to bed she’ll have happy dreams?

S: The service…take her…to bed…What?

T: Oh, come on, Stella! You know that kind of medicine is the only one that works for Grace.

S: Medicine…pills, alcohol, cigarettes. Men are just substitutes. Regardless, I have lost my train of thought. Oh yes, Grace, we were talking about something. I can’t recall. You must show us the way, back…

G: Yessssss, the way, the way to some action, gals. Off to journey! Must hastily depart! Good night!

The Travellers in New Zealand

At the Sailboat Airport, four sleepy and jet-lagged figures emerged from the arrivals terminal. The Travelers, arrived in Auckland, N.Z.

“You should probably let Learoy out and let him stretch his paws a little,” said Josh to Tasha who was carrying her dog in a kennel. “Good idea,” replied Tasha and as soon as she opened the little door, Learoy leaped out happily. “Ah yes! Learoy knows what I’m feeling, mates!” exclaimed Robbie, “I’m absolutely ecstatic to be back home!” Lori, who had been quiet due to the terrible ordeal of being cramped into a plane full of people, muttered to herself, “Over 20 hours on a plane and he’s got the energy of a kangaroo on too much caffeine.” Much to her surprise Robbie heard her and replied, “Well, that’s because I followed the very important rule of walking around to prevent circulatory disorders, and sleeping whenever possible!” Lori did not reply but instead concentrated on using the remnants of whatever energy she had left to stay awake and upright.

In fact, Robbie was the only one in the group who was so energetic. Everyone else, felt much like Lori did. Their flight, with a starting point on the east coast of North America, was an exhaustive trek around the globe, with a stopover in Hawaii after a 12 hour flight, landing in Auckland, New Zealand 10 hours later.

To recuperate from the long flight and in order to adjust to the local clock and calendar – not only does one lose a day by traveling from North America to New Zealand, but the seasons are also reversed – the Travelers settled down on Kaua Kaua Bay. It is located on the North Island in a secluded area somewhere north of Auckland. After many hours of laying on the beach like lazy crabs, Tasha just couldn’t take it any longer and started pressuring everyone to go exploring. Much to her dismay the general consensus was something that sounded like “Aww.. naaahh… hmpf!”, which translates roughly to ‘no’.

So, Tasha took Learoy and went for a walk by herself. “Guys, I think we upset her somewhat…” speculated Josh, to which Lori replied that he should stop thinking and just lay there and look pretty, or better yet help her apply more sun-block lotion. Lori was always careful when it came to protecting her skin from sunburn. Because the sun seemed so pleasant, there was also the risk of getting sunstroke when one least expected it, so Lori had a plentiful supply of fashionable hats for every occasion.

Suddenly, Robbie got up and noted that Tasha had indeed gone, “and I thought she was just trying to get us to come… but she actually went off by herself! I think we should try and find her!” he exclaimed. Josh just waved his hand at Robbie like there was a fly bothering him saying “and you’re surprised because….? Tasha always does this sort of thing. But I have an idea, why don’t we go to a nice restaurant in Auckland? It’s known for its delicious fish and other seafood! Your choice which restaurant we shall choose, Lori.” “Well of course it is,” replied Lori matter-of-factly. Robbie decided that he will try and find Tasha instead. So Robbie parted ways with Lori and Josh, and made his way down the beach.

Josh was right, Auckland restaurants are known for its fabulous fish and seafood dishes. There are restaurants to be found anywhere in the city. Lori chose one by the marina, so she could ogle at the beautiful yachts that pulled in and out in plentiful numbers. Sitting at a table by the window, Lori admired the views while Josh gave his undivided attention to his dish. Actually, he had ordered quite a bit already and couldn’t get enough. “I don’t know what it is, but the freshness of the fish is the best ingredient in these dishes!” he kept repeating. Lori acknowledged that the food was indeed very good but she suggested that they try and get on one of those yachts later on and added, “this marina is the largest in the world! It’s known for its peculiar as well as extravagant yachts, jet boats and catamarans. Oh look, and there is a Greenpeace boat.”

In the meantime, Robbie unable to find Tasha, made his way down to the marina as well and was, in fact, by the Greenpeace boat at the very moment that Josh and Lori were discussing it. He was taking many photographs of the large boat, and of the activity going on around it. At one particular moment he noticed, what could be an interesting shot (Robbie always tried to make at least one or two artistic photographs for his collection on each trip). The angle of one of the sides of the boat made a beautiful silhouette against the sun, and the rippling water. He set up his camera, adjusted the focus and then…. A big slobbery, hairy face jumped up right in front of the lens barking loudly. “Learoy!!” yelled Robbie partly angry, partly happy to see him because that meant Tasha was here too. And indeed, Tasha stood on the side laughing hysterically. “I’m sorry Robbie, I couldn’t stop him!” she exclaimed apologetically, although to Robbie’s mind she didn’t seem one bit sorry. But he couldn’t stay mad for too long, and happy to see Tasha started showing her around the marina and of course around the Greenpeace boat. He felt like he was showing guests around his home. “Greenpeace is known to visit the Auckland marinas often to keep watch on the many transport ships and to check for any signs of oil leakage, and other matters” he explained as they walked around. Tasha was very interested in all that Robbie had to say, which made him swell up like a balloon of pride for his hometown. “Would you like to see the marina from the water’s point of view?” he asked a while later. “How do you mean?” replied Tasha, and Robbie explained that one of his uncles owns a small boat and docks it in this very marina. He had called him earlier and received permission to use it. Tasha was completely up for it.

The next thing that happened was Lori jumping up from the table she was sitting at with Josh in the restaurant (who was on his 7th course by now) pointing out the window and between gasps yelling, “Josh!! Look!! It’s Tasha and Robbie and they’re… they’re… on a BOAT!!!!” Never had anyone seen a person move this fast as at that moment. Lori was out of the restaurant like lightning, running down to where Robbie’s uncle’s motorboat was docked. Josh, half a crab hanging out of his mouth, looked on surprised. He quickly gulped down the last piece, paid the waiter and ran out after Lori. Robbie and Tasha, of course, wouldn’t have left without the other two, and waited patiently as the figures of Lori and Josh ran madly down the marina.

Soon, everyone was calm once more, laying around on the boat enjoying the skyline, the breeze, the sun and a little light conversation. “It is so much easier to access these restaurants at the marina, by boat rather than by car,” noted Lori. “I think if I had to choose a place of permanent residence, this might just be it.” Tasha laughed, “you say that about every place we visit, Lori.” And that’s the truth for all of the Travelers.

While in Auckland, the Travelers decided to book a trip to a Dolphin Explorer Expedition. The cost was approximately $90.00 (New Zealand dollars). Since the weather was excellent, they got a chance to swim with the dolphins, all except Josh who became extremely sick. “Next time don’t be such a greedy food-aholic!” teased Lori and jumped in the water after the others. The three of them swam, eyes wide open with amazement at the beauty around them, and at the excitement of the dolphins being so close. Such great creatures yet they seemed so gentle at the same time. Josh didn’t miss out completely, however, as the view from the boat was just as great. The dolphins frolicked around, being really playful and cooperative.

After much excitement in Auckland, the Travelers headed off to Rotorua, which is north of the city. They rented a convertible and sped down the freeway. Everyone was glad Robbie knew how to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, because otherwise they would have to fear for their lives at this speed. Upon arrival in Rotorua, Robbie explained that this place is known for its Maori Aboriginal population. Tasha being extremely excited about this, took everyone to see a Maori traditional tribal dance. Lori noticed that it was a little reminiscent of a Hula dance one would see in Hawaii, U.S.A. Afterwards, they headed off towards the Geyser park. They met a Maori man at the entrance (this park belonged to the Maori people), and Tasha jumped at the opportunity to “try out” the Maori greeting, which consisted of their noses rubbing together. Inspired by Tasha, the rest of the group proceeded to do the same.

Once they entered the park, they headed off to take a look at the geysers. “Let’s go and admire one of nature’s most wondrous creations!” exclaimed Robbie. “What – boiling pits of magma, water and sulphur?” replied Lori, holding her nose shut at the smell. In truth, the sulphur did cause an awful ‘rotten egg’ –like smell to float into the Travelers’ noses. Josh had to sit down at one point because the odour did not help his already queasy stomach and dizzy head. Just then Robbie’s voice called from behind one of the geysers, asking everyone to join him because he had something to show them. As they walked to where Robbie was – which was on a beach filled with dark sands – they all exclaimed in awe. There, posing for Robbie’s camera, were black swans. There were many of them! This sight made such an impact on Lori that she decided it justified the suffering she had to go through (smelling those awful geysers) in order to see them.

The next day, the Travelers made their way to Robbie’s grandmother’s house back in Auckland. Robbie told them she was excited to see them and prepared a light meal. After resting and eating (and Josh miraculously becoming well after drinking one of grandma’s teas), they made their way to a sheep farm. New Zealand is known for its wool and excellent shearers, and Robbie wouldn’t let them leave the continent if they didn’t visit a sheep farm. Josh, feeling up to par again, tried out riding the bull. As much as he’s talented and swift in the kitchen, he is not so on a bucking animal. However, everyone enjoyed the show he put on.

The trip soon came to an end – too soon, in Robbie’s mind, who would miss his homeland – and the Travelers made one last trip to Cornwell Park, to admire the enormous trees.
The Park is known for its One Tree Hill, representing the unity between the British and the Maori Aboriginals (with mounting troubles, it was recently cut down by the Maoris).

New Zealand used to be an island filled only with birds until settlers came and introduced other animals into its ecosystem; this is the reason for its plentiful trees.