The candidates meeting and some more musings

Went to a candidates meeting yesterday organised by Grey Power. It was a split attendance between those standing for our electorate and a nearby one. The Labour, NZ First and United candidates were on top of it, but the National, ACT and Greens were not very good. However, attending the meetings and the leaders debates I don't think really changes ones mind.

At least unlike the Leaders Debate it wasn't a shouting match.

Ron Mark of NZ First was the standout and it is a pity he is not standing in our Electorate. A very impressive man who exudes common sense.

Have almost made up my mind now for the Party Vote. It is frustrating that each of the major parties has moments of stupidity. National now wanting to tell the Super Fund where to invest (they are supposed to be the "Free Enterprise Party") and Labour stuffing up the Government Guarantees to the finance sector.

On to something more important - the weekly quiz, We returned from our trip to find a new quiz master and system, with the music section dropped out. We always thought this was unfair as it was a double round - a point each for the song and the artist - and the music was always very modern, so any oldies didn't have a clue. Now it is out the groups who previously always won are not.

And they do not seem happy as they question some of the answers. But we have come third two weeks running so we are happy. Plus we believe, it is fairer as it is now biased towards good general knowledge. Last night we got zero from one round but still picked up enough points from the other sections to come 3rd and we also split with two other teams the Jackpot Question.

Final Presidential Debate today. We need to adopt the American system for our debates with some tweaking so that some followup is allowed.

We are also in election mode

Apart from the US and Canada we also are going to have an election. Yes really - 8th of November will be the big day.

The Polls have all shown a massive National lead and like most I thought they would close up, but not a quickly as the latest seems to show. Whether this closing of the gap is continued in the next poll remains to be seen.

Interestingly, it came around the time of the announcement of National tax cuts. As one who, whilst realising Governments waste money, does not believe in tax cuts per se, as I had concerns about the future economic horizon (which has arrived) and the effect they could have on our services - hospitals, etc. However, I thought the tax bands should be moved as many who are on what are reasonable wages are now caught by the higher tax rates.

As for National taking away the tax benefits of Research and Development - are they mad.!!!

Meantime in the States I saw an article about the same thing -

In the VP debate Gov. Palin said to Biden “You said recently that higher taxes or asking for higher taxes or paying higher taxes is patriotic. In the middle class of America, which is where Todd and I have been all of our lives, that’s not patriotic.”

The answer to her should have been:

“Governor Palin, if paying taxes is not considered patriotic in your neighborhood, who is going to pay for the body armour that will protect your son in Iraq? Who is going to pay for the bailout you endorsed? If it isn’t from tax revenues, there are only two ways to pay for those big projects — printing more money or borrowing more money. Do you think borrowing money from China is more patriotic than raising it in taxes from Americans? That is not putting America first. That is selling America first."

No one said it better than Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes: “I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization.”

My view of Palin is that she is probably even worse than Bush. Unfortunately it also shows McCain, who is generally of Presidential timbre, as showing poor judgement.

The end of the world.

Maybe. No money, stock markets down, banks going broke, huge NZ deficit (but tax cuts??), war, Palin is liked by a large percentage of Americans, Obama may not win (then again with the problems who would want to), disasters, price rises, electricity up and worse.

Typical - decided to withdraw the funds from the BNZ Managed Funds but said I would look at it upon our return and everything turns to custard. As for the poor ex-head of Lehmanns - only been paid half a billion dollars and says he is now suffering the pain of the decisions he made. Probably in Argentina they could put him out of his pain.

Will be watching Obama/McCain debate today (the second) while the other day I tried to watch Palin and Biden. Had to give up after about 15-20 minutes as she was so bad (and was allowed to get away with it). How anybody with even half a brain could select this incompetent twerp is beyond me.

Just two examples - she said she wanted the Government out of peoples lives then complains because they were not supervising the Financial Markets. She then got her Generals mixed - giving a Civil War Generals name instead of the correct one.

She never really answered a question - and said at the start that she wouldn't !!! She is Bush in drag. Sadly most US leaders seem to lack ability.

An interesting story I read that in 1988 a woman was flying to Norway and her bags were overweight, but she didn't have the $103 to pay for them. The chap in the queue behind her offered to pay and she later sent him a cheque in reimbursement. His name Barack Obama.

Some South American Pictures

At peak altitude 4,335 metres. The air was so clear we had no problems here but then again we had just got out of the bus and were not engaged in any strenous walking or climbing. Below is myself with fellow Rotarian Maurico Torres at his great agri-tourist farm in Ecuador .
Bollywood filming at Macchu Picchu.

At the Charles Darwin Centre in the Galapogas.

The intrepid traveller somewhere in South America.
Macchu Picchu. Probably our best shot which gives some indication of the beauty and magnificence of the site. It is much better enlarged so just click on the picture.
Pictures from the religious festival that we saw in Cuzco, Peru. It was two hours of brilliant dancing and music from approximately 30 groups.

So my highlights were:

1. Cuzco Festival

2. Macchu Picchu

3. Iguazu ((Iguassu) Falls

Been there - done that!!

Christine at the Darwin Centre with the giant Tortoise
Aboard the Chiva Express - her bundled up against the cold, me in the red jacket ready to travel on top.
At Macchu Picchu

Exactly - Some thoughts on our recent trip to South America which I wrote for our Rotary Bulletin so there is some repeating of what I wrote in the previous Blog:

We were a group of 9 Kiwis, 9 Aussies and 2 Canadians who enjoyed a wonderful time with simply great weather - only one day of rain, and when it did it just bucketed down. All along the tour we visited various sites, villages, markets, saw some fantastic sights and met some wonderful people.

In general we were impressed with the locals, the infrastructure and the resources that the countries had but as we know they are let down by the political process and it seems their inclination to solve problems with conflict.

Maybe they are not helped by the Federal and Presidential style of Government they have adopted. While we were in Bolivia, riots and shootings were underway, but we only saw peaceful demonstrations and marches which added to our memories and some delay one day. It was odd to us to see a large water cannon truck parked in the main square in Buenos Aries.

Our impression was that the indigenous people were now making themselves felt at the ballot box which was causing some upheaval.

Health systems appeared to be reasonable with emphasis on prevention and ensuring people were vaccinated. Poverty is always present along with the very wealthy but, particularly in Argentina/Brazil, they seem to be making progress.

The people are certainly of two distinct types – the Andeans, short with large lungs and hearts and seemingly more related to the indigenous while Argentina/Brazil, taller and more Spanish in looks.

Although personally we had no real problems with the altitude, one is always aware of it and to be sensible, particularly early in the morning when we could get quite breathless if any strenuous climbing or uphill walking was required.

Police everywhere; though to a lesser degree in Argentina/Brazil – all different types, Federal, Provincial, City, Military, Tourist, as well as others that we didn’t recognise. All well armed of course, which at least gave some suggestion of safety. We always felt quite secure and encountered only one problem, when in Quito (Ecuador) we got sprayed with mustard. The idea is they try to help you clean it off then while you are distracted they steal your backpack etc.

We flew into Santiago (CHILE) before heading for the GALAPOGAS ISLANDS.

I got seasick as usual but once I was taking the pills I was 100%. The islands were extremely interesting, Christine went deep water snorkeling, we saw the various birds and animals including the giant tortoise, visited the Charles Darwin Centre, etc.

After that came ECUADOR where by chance we met Rotarian Mauricio Torres at his family farm “La Alegria”. Mauricio has been in Rotary for 32 years with 100% attendance. The farm has been in his family for well over 100 years and he is now moving into the Agri-tourist business. He has strong links to New Zealand as our people have been helping him develop both the tourism and the farming (milk) sides of his business. Mauricio mentioned that some years ago he took time out from his farm and spent 7 years helping others through working for UNICEF.

To encourage children to go to school rather than work, the Government pay US$30 per month per child. Each month they go to the Bank with their school records and vaccination Certificate to claim the money. It is basically compulsory vaccination. Interestingly the local currency is the US Dollar; a system instituted to stop Presidents just printing money.

While there, campaigning for a new (the 20th) Constitution was underway. This has now been approved – one aspect was lowering the voting age to 16.

After that we flew to PERU staying in Cuzco (3500 Metres above sea level) where we saw, only by good fortune, what I thought was the highlight of the tour – dozens of groups dancing in an annual religious festival that went on for about 2 hours.

Then onto Macchu Picchu with its nearby mountain Wayna Picchu (probably named after me!!). Probably No.2 on my highlights list, the site is awe inspiring. While we were there they were making a “Bollywood” film – it actually looked more African than Incan.

To get to BOLIVIA we went via Lake Titicaca – boring!!! As I said we had some delay one day due to the demonstrations, however, they only added to our interest. La Plaz the highest capital in the world (3500 m) was breath taking in more ways than one. Bolivia is supposed to be the poorest country in South America (but I think Guyana/Paraguay are possibly worse) but it is in the top 5 countries in the world for foreign aid.

We then left for ARGENTINA (Buenos Aries) and BRAZIL (Rio de Janeiro – staying beside the Copacabana Beach) and the lower coastal climes. Both wonderful cities we would love to return to.
We were impressed by the wide roads (12 lanes) the general sights and the lively atmosphere. The Argentinean steaks were as good as they say they are.

In Rio, a local election was underway and hearing us speak English a chap approached and asked us if we wanted a candidates brochure. We told him as foreigners we couldn’t vote “Aha” he said with a laugh ” In Brazil that doesn’t apply – anybody can vote” Probably true.
The election hoardings show every candidates number to help the illiterate select the correct one.

Amongst the sights we visited the Iguassu Falls which were much better from the Brazilian side.

I could go on and on, the advertising by standing in front of the traffic, visiting the various markets, the giant lizard at the hotel, the Tango and Samba shows, Marios Salvador Dali restaurant in Rio, the ruins of Ollantaytambo, the Peruvian railway show, the voyage on a reed boat, the Chiva Express and so much more. Now only photos and memories.

The Trip

Nearly a month in South America means we have now been to every continent except Antarctica. Overall my impressions of most of the countries we visited was pretty favourable. They all have enormous resources and the problems seem all to be political. I think the Presidential system they have adopted (a la USA) is not as good as a parliamentary system.

We flew from Auckland to Santiago by LAN Chile Airlines. They were poor. Food was terrible and cold (fish) and Christine made the mistake of eating some to her detriment. Trying to get it heated was impossible. From Santiago (Chile) we then had a around 6 hour flight to Quito (Ecuador). But in the brilliance of LAN they put us 20 rows apart on the plane!! Pathetic.

In Quito Christine was sick - our first thought it was the altitude but on reflection it was probably the fish.

Luckily we had a couple of days there which enabled her to recover. I also felt a bit queasy so we started taking the altitude pills but in my case they were working outside the hotel and think my problem was the dust in my lungs.

After Quito we flew to Baltra then onto the Galapogos. The visit there was great but then I got seasick but after a jab from the doctor and taking seasick pills I was 100%. The pills were an immediate success. The terrain and animals (especially the tortoise) were incredible. Christine did some deep water snorkelling. The trip included a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Centre.

We then returned to Quito and started touring Ecuador. All along the as the tour moved through the various countries we visited various sites, markets etc.

Ecuador was interesting - they pay the parents about US$30 per month against proof of school attendance and vaccination.

Then we flew to Lima, capital of Peru for a tour before busing to Cuzco (3395 metres). It was here we saw a free 2 hour display of a religious festival that I thought was the highlight of the tour. We were lucky to see it from the start as we didn't know it was on.

After a couple of days there we left for Machu Picchu for a chance to climb over the site for two days. It was my No.2 highlight of the tour. Again we were lucky as we hadn't had a drop of rain. At 2400 metres it was lower than Cuzco but still it was a struggle; one is always aware of the difficulty to breath.

After leaving Machu Picchu we entered Bolivia and went to Lake Titikaka which I found boring. Onward to the amazing La Plaz (3600 M) which looks as if it is on the moon.

We left then for the lower climes of Argentina (Beunos Aries) before heading into Brazil to see the No.3 on my highlights list - the Iguassu Falls which although 75% Argentinian were much better from the Brazilian side. We had a terrific and wet boat trip under the falls.

After staying in Rio de Janerio we then flew home which was a better trip but the food was still awful.

I will comment later about some impressions and put up some photos.

The travellers have returned

Yes we are back and all in one bit. After a long flight from Santiago we are trying to get everything up to date including the Blog which I will work on over the next few days.