2008 March | Living with MCL

Feeling better now

Mar 122008

I started writing this post this yesterday, feeling a little down, and thinking about how I preferred the south island over the north, but due to internet connection problems, I was forced to delay this post. I’m sort of glad I did now.

Mainly this feeling was precipitated by our stay in Taupo. The hotel we stayed at was mediocre at best, and the food was less than spectacular, and the town of Taupo just seemed like any other big city in any other country in the world.

But then we arrived in Rotorua, and just by chance, found this spectacular B&B right on Lake Rotorua.

Now, Rotorua isn’t much different than Taupo, it might even be bigger than Taupo, and it definitely seems more congested, but for me, it’s all about where you stay, and the Kawaha Lodge exceeded my expectations. This lodge is even nicer than the chateaus we stayed at in France, and the food was as good as and maybe even a notch better [if you can believe that].

We’re even staying an extra day to take in all the sights of Rotorua, and take another helicopter ride, in about 30 minutes [I just hope I'm not pushing my luck], to White Island, and landing on an active volcano. The helicopter is even picking us up at the lodge.

And for dinner tonight Edie is having filet, and I’m having marlin. I’ve never had marlin before. Hopefully it will be delicious.

I FEEL FAT

Vacations No Responses »

Mar 102008

The worst part about being on vacation [although some might add it's the best part as well], is the greater tendency to over indulge. Couple that with no exercise, and that spells disaster, at least for the waistline.

And I have managed to do just that.

Even though I have managed to get three, 3+ mile runs in, I don’t think that is enough, and I’m still certain I’ve gained a few too many pounds.

It’s gonna really be hard to get back into my routine when I get home.

New Zealand – Two different countries

Vacations 2 Responses »

Mar 092008

Since crossing to the north island two days ago, I have found it amazing just how different the two islands are. It’s like we entered into a different world altogether.

While everyone is still very friendly, with only one exception so far, there are just so many other differences.

The south island is noticeably less populated and congested, and full of spectacular beauty and things to do, but the accommodations are sparse [or at least the more luxurious accommodations are harder to find], and the food, while very good, is for the most part very simple.

Of course you don’t go to the south island for the food and the accommodations. You go there for the adventure.

On the other hand, the north island is more for the less adventurous. There is still a lot of beauty to take in, and things to do, but not like on the south island, nor is it as unique as on the south island. But the food, and the accommodations are a step above [at least more abundant, and easier to find]. $A\$

So if I had it to do all over, you might ask, would I do it again? Of course! New Zealand is a great country, I would just be a little smarter the next time, and only pick one of the islands to go to.

It’s like that old saying goes (or maybe it was a Mazda commercial)

If I only new then what I know now!

And just so you don’t forget us, here’s a shot of Edie and me, sitting on the veranda, just outside our room at the Ormlie Lodge, in Hasting, NZ after sipping on a nice sauvignon blanc. The weather has finally warmed up more to our liking.

Crossing between Picton to Wellington

Vacations No Responses »

Mar 082008

Well here we are sitting in the private lounge of the Interislander Ferry between the north and the south island of New Zealand, after which we’ll be on our way to Martinborough, about an hour and a half from Wellington.

We decided to upgrade to the private lounge, despite the upgrade costing more than the tickets. There is free food and drinks, nice comfortable sofa style seats, and even wireless internet access.

So far the crossing (about 3 hours), has been fairly calm, but I can see that the waves are starting to pick up slightly, and the boat is starting to rock a bit, so I think it best I end this post before I give back all that free food and drinks I’ve had.

It’s on to the east coast

Food & Wine, Vacations 1 Response »

Mar 072008

After two days on the west coast with its beautiful glaciers, and spectacular sunsets, it was time to head over the pass towards Christchurch on the east coast.

We decided not to stop in Christchurch, as we were told it was just another big city, instead choosing to head north towards the wine region of Marlborough.

We stopped at a few wineries in the Canterbury region, but they were not of the quality of wines we experienced during our first few days in New Zealand. Given this region is known more for it’s Rieslings [not our favorite varietal], it wouldn’t be fair of anyone to make any conclusions based on our evaluations.

Still, as has been the case everywhere in New Zealand so far, everyone has been extremely friendly, informative and helpful, and additionally, in the case of the winery personnel, very passionate about their wines. [I'll give them a few more years in the wine making category.]

By this time it was starting to get late, and we ended up traveling a little further than anticipated, since nothing seemed too appealing until we reach the little town of Kaikura.

Kaikura is a little town on the coast, with a rocky coastline similar to that along parts of Malibu, where we discovered a little lodge, set in a beautiful country setting, and with it own restaurant, reminiscent of the chateaus we stayed in during our trip to France (one of our more memorable vacations) several years ago.

Fortunately they had one room left.

CONTINUED GOOD WEATHER

Vacations No Responses »

Mar 052008

Well this morning we are blessed with clear skies, and an expected high temperature of about 69°F, for our trip to Greymouth today. Just about perfect.

Tomorrow we were planning to drive over the mountains to the east coast, but have learned about the Continue reading »

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A little about me

Hi, my name is Marc [that's my wife Edie beside me], and I have Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a typically aggressive form of lymphoma, except it so seems in my case.

I was diagnosed over 10 years ago, and have managed to survive since then without treatment, by following a few simple rules. Eat a [mostly] well balanced diet, exercise (cycling, at least up until recently), abstaining from taking supplements or any medications, drinking 5 to 6 cups of [Japanese] green tea a day, and most importantly [lots of good wine], flossing and brushing my teeth twice a day, everyday.

I started this blog mainly to chronicle my life, putting down in writing what goes through the mind of a cancer survivor (although I have been seen straying into unrelated areas on occasion), and along the way help educate others about lymphomas and other blood cancers, and filter out some of the hype and misinformation so often associated with the internet, which unfortunately there is plenty.

You can read a lot more about me by clicking here