To continue my love-fest for other nationalities, have I told anyone lately how much I love New Zealanders? Well, I’ll get to that, because statements such as this should not be neglected. But before I go too far along this rather ridiculous tangent, I have to tell you all to go to The Chief Report for an early review of the latest Harry Potter movie. My friend Sujit got to see it at a press screening yesterday, and since I don’t really plan on seeing the film any time soon, you’ll have to turn to him for your Potter reviews and comments. Cause really, no one wants to read mine, since it’d just be a bunch of ranting, screaming, and gnashing of teeth. So go check The Chief out, won’t you? (Oh, and while you’re there, check out the snazzy website I made for him.) 🙂

    And now, on with the Kiwis! You see, at an insane hour last night, my brother Steve had me watch this delightful show I’d never heard of before called, “Stranded with Cash Peters.” It’s on the Travel Channel and everyone simply must watch it. Essentially, this guy gets dropped off in a new random location each episode with no money in his pockets and essentially no idea where he is. It’s hilarious! This poor guy has to rely on the good will of the people he happens to meet along the way, otherwise he’ll starve and sleep on the streets. And we all know that those are the makin’s of great television.

    The first episode I saw featured Cash being dropped off in Queenstown. Naturally, he was taken care of instantly by my new favorite nationality of the day, the lovely people of New Zealand. The best part about this episode, however, was his new friend Quilly, a man he bumped into while riding a gondola to the top of Bob (what’s not to love about a nationality that names their mountain Bob?) Quilly turned out to be one of the most successful real estate agents in all of Queenstown, but the guy was a complete nut! It was fantastic! He was constantly cheerful, in love with his native country, and ready and willing to show a complete stranger the wonderous sights. And he just couldn’t stop laughing. It was hilarious! I swear, I’m *this* close to starting a Quilly fan site. Anyone who can be that happy and entertaining without being completely saccharine deserves a loyal fanbase.

    After watching Cash’s adventures, I’m determined to go to New Zealand. I want to meet a Quilly of my own and laugh hysterically all the way around Queenstown. Ever since my good friends Hans and Dorothy invited me to stay with them in Canberra, I’ve been daydreaming about taking a trip to Australia next July. But now I’m absolutely, positively going to have to stop over in New Zealand. Any place as happy and as beautiful as that simply can’t be missed. It’s like the happy land of sugar highs, tryptophane, and cake. Hey! I think I just came up with a new slogan for them! I should contact their tourism department immediately. 🙂

    But seriously (or rather, as seriously as this stupid, rambling post is going to get), I want to go to New Zealand. Any suggestions of what I should see? Anybody happen to know any Quillys who might be willing to take in a quiet little American girl for a while? Let’s make this happen, people! Goodness knows I could certainly use a shot of Kiwi-style giddiness. 🙂