What is Past is Past!

When the boys where around 10 and 12 years old we took them to Ballarat and in particular to Sovereign Hill for a hands on history lesson with lots of fun included.  Many years later we were able to take the girls for the same experience.  Stepping into Sovereign Hill one of my first comments was - "Nothing has changed at all since we brought the boys here!"  Umm, duh!  Of course nothing has changed (except for a few personnel of course!) What is past is past and there's nothing that can change that - except enjoy the new experience with the girls.

We got to ride a stage coach

 We were able to make a lesson about doing your best at school and making the most of your modern schooling opportunities - otherwise scooping poop might be the only job you are qualified for :)

 Then we went to school (three times during our stay acutally).  Writing with a nib and ink was an experience enjoyed by the girls.  It was a blast from the past for me.  It is how I learned to write - OMGOSH, how old does that make me feel!

 There was a visit to the candle maker to colour some candles and a chance to pan for gold.

 Then see the gold purified and in liquid form to make a large ingot - very impressive and great place to escape the chill.

Check out the price of gold today and what it would be worth if it was mined today.

14.52 BILLION DOLLARS

 We saw the differenc in the way life was lived from the gentry on the up side of the hill to the Chinese settlement at the bottom of the hill.

 We also learned how tough life was for all the miners, but especially the Chinese.

 Peg doll making was a favourite

 Though it was hard to beat the melodrama played out on stage.  It was side splittingly funny!

 The drama played out on the street was cute - the gun fire LOUD!!!!  Even though we were warned and knew it was coming, it made us all jump each time the gun was fired!

 The musicians were a treat, we watched them from the sweets shop and that was after we had a delicious morning tea at the New York Bakery - the BIGGEST and most delicious scones jam and cream.  Not to mention the awesome pies from the girls favourite haunt - Hope Bakery.

I was not able to take photos at the sound and light show in the evening, but it was quite spectacular and a very enlightening history lesson - AND JOLLY COLD to boot.

SOME MORE QUEENSTOWN FAVOURITES

From our balcony we were constantly entertained by one thing or another in our view.

Queenstown nestled against the mountain, hiding behind the pines.

Allan, Dave and beautiful Lake Wakitipu or should it be Lake Wakitipu and beautiful Allan and Dave!!

Me and Dave on the pebble beach on the edge of the lake - we paddled our toes in the 8 degree water, the guy in the water didn't stay long.

The duck did - didn't seem to mind the cold at all!

A gorgeous view greeted us at every turn.

Queenstown 'beach'

MORE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

From the beautiful lake Wakatipu,

To the lupins that grown on the mountain sides,

The bungy jump sticking out from the side of mountain,

Even the bare stark tree seems beautiful against the barren landscape, all gorgeous.

All of this just minutes from Queenstown. We did a loop from Queenstonw to Arrowtown, then through cherry orchard country to Lake Wanaka, returning over the mountain.

More lupins alongside a stream.

and alongside the road.

A bumble bee in the lavendar at Arrowtown.

We spent several hours wandering around this most gorgeous little town that was once a gold mining town. It seems time stood still.

The miners cottages are fortunately heritage listed. Some are used for businesses, others museums to show life as it was in the mining times.

Everything so neat clean tidy and bright.

A piece of modern art amongst the historical buildings - The Koru. The Arrow Miner's Band playing to raise money for ???? Can't remember, but it was quaint!

A must place to visit !! We have now been in winter and summer, only two seasons to go!