Meanderings of a Mermaid

In the main square of Christchurch, New Zealand. After the horrific earthquake of 2010 I wonder if this gorgeous sculpture still stands? I prefer to remember it this way. And here is the most lovely train station in Dunedin. The intricacy of its masonry is admirable. As a geologist I appreciate the use of natural materials to such great effect. And nature provides many spectacles to behold. This is the view from my hotel room. And the whole reason I visited New Zealand was this crazy life long dream to see the mudpits of the country. Does that seem bizarre to you? My mother brought home a geology book when I was about five years old. It covered much of the volcanic and hydrothermal regime of New Zealand and for some unexplicable reason I was mesmerized. When your dreams come true it is a special thing. Even if it is the Earth farting in your face.

Back to New Zealand's hydrothermal region, the northcentral part of the North Island. Since I was a child I have wanted to experience a mud pit. When I was about 5 my mother brought home a geological text about New Zealand and I was absolutely captivated by boiling pits of mud. I saw black and white photos of active volcanoes and geysers shooting off into the sky. I knew I had to go and see this with my very own eyes. Seeing photos of mudpits doesn't do them justice. It is the sounds and smells that overwhelm you once you are front of one. This particular lovely was quite large, I'd say about 40 m across and right under my balcony in my hotel room in Rotorua. I think every tourist that visits New Zealand goes to Rotorua. It is like the Las Vegas of Kiwiland. The sounds emanating from a mud pit cover quite the range. Farts, belches, hiccups, squeels, blorps, pops, burbles, everything. Oh and sounds like a woodwind orchestra sometimes. Now the smell. That seems to be more co...