So, the big black photograph I posted yesterday?
The one with the supposed Kiwi in it?
Yes, well, er.

It was kind of meant to be a joke.

(There really was a Kiwi in there, though. I swear!)

The birds are nocturnal, so the enclosures we were walking into all didn't allow flash photography. Me being stubborn (and slightly blonde), decided that since I could still SEE the Kiwi in the dark through my camera lens, that the picture would work out even without using the flash.

As you can see, my theory was proved wrong.

I also have a 10 second video clip which also features nothing but darkness, with my voice in the background saying all sorts of randomly stupid things like "Aww, it's moving! Look at the Kiwi! Pretty bird!" You should thank me for not uploading it to YouTube. You have now saved 10 seconds of your life.

Speaking of Kiwis, our tour manager on Contiki had me convinced that all of them are robots. He basically implied that the species probably died out years ago, and that the NZ government created machine versions to keep the tourists happy. The theory could work; Apparently seeing a Kiwi in the wild never happens, so all the ones that we got to see were kept in enclosures. And if you watched closely? They really did just do the same peck, waddle, peck, waddle movements over and over again. Hrm. A great conspiracy? One never knows.

(Although I did later see the Kiwi in the photograph take a drink of water, surely robots can't drink water? Unless they are using super sophisticated technology? Oh my!)

So, about that photo? Just use your imagination. It should look a little something like this.



Much cuter than our flightless Emu, if you ask me.

And since I am still awaiting the rest of the photographs, (damn zip file not sending, phooey) let me just reply to a couple of comments left in my super remarkable picture post.

Luscious Lara: NOW do you see the Kiwi in the picture? If you close one eye, squint with the other and tilt your head to the side, I'm sure you'll find him. Or you can just pretend.

Kewl Kirby: I was thinking of you when I jumped off the canyon. Okay. I take that back. I was actually thinking of death and possibly crapping in my pants. But I wish you had of been there.

Valacious Viv: See Lara's reply. And it really, really was a beautiful place. We went white water rafting over that river the next day!

Awesome Angela: If you would like to purchase the rights to one of those displays of photographic genius, there's an Amazon wishlist right over there. *wink*

Lively Laurel: Hah! A sheep beauty pageant! I love it! Actually, it was just a farm show. But there was this one sheep there with dreadlocks (no joke!) that could have definitely taken out the title. Too cute.

Super Sarah: Thankyou, m'dear. My reasoning is that now I've done all this scary stuff, I can spend every other vacation I ever take relaxing and getting massages. I've earnt it, no?

Nice NPW: Alright, since you are all being so nice to me, I'll tell you a little story. I didn't actually JUMP off the canyon. I was planning to, but then I turned into a big giant wimp. I actually got dangled over it, and THEN had the wires cut and kind of did a Tarzan swing over the canyon. Does that make me still brave?

Amazing Aimee: Do you like the Kiwi now? I think they are quite cute myself, and I would like to squish one. And no. It was not a big, life-like Kiwifruit in the enclosure. Although that is a pretty funny visual, if you think about it.

Lovely Lala: Yes indeedy! Am ready and waiting for stalkerage!

Vivacious VBG: The sheep would be very flattered, I'm sure. And heading that way right this second.