The Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO) has been holding a "Congress" for the past five days. The event was packed with presentations, seminars, dinners, a cocktail party, a Maori welcome, and more. However, nothing lasts forever. The Congress wound down on Tuesday afternoon with speeches and a very interesting Maori ceremony, although quite different from the one held at the opening. A bunch of smiling genealogists filed out of the FindMyPast Hall and began to make their way home.
I stayed at the conference site another night and took a tour of Auckland the next day that was sponsored by the Federation. I then obtained a rental car and am now beginning my driving tour of New Zealand. I'll be on the road for the next week, polishing my skills at driving on the left side of the road.
The AFFHO event is only held once every three years, and the organizers apparently pull out all the stops in an attempt to make it a great affair. They certainly were successful this year: everyone I talked to at the Congress remarked about how much they enjoyed the event.
My hat is off to the organizers of the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations. Well done!
These Congresses are only held once every three years. The next one will be in Adelaide, Australia in 2012. That seems a long time from now, but you might want to start the planning process now! I suspect you will enjoy it.
For more information about this year's even, look at http://www.google.com/cse?cx=003715150024579880844%3Aulyzue1ivzu&ie=UTF-8&q=affho&sa=Search.
You are in for a treat driving thru NZ. Two-lane roads, low speed limits, passing lanes every few kilometres -- all make for a relaxing experience, kind of like the U.S. in the 1950s. You can take time to look at the beautiful scenery. No litter on the roads if you don't count the brushtail possum road kill. If you know anyone who lives in a cold climate, be sure to buy a MerinoWool sweater for him/her -- the warmest, lightest garment I've ever owned -- and it acts as a windbreaker! Plus you'll be helping to preserve the remaining NZ birds. Have a good time!
Posted by: Mary Beth | January 22, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Thanks for all your comments about AFFHO Congress - almost like being there
Mary Beth's comments about the roads is correct - enjoy the experience.
For a special and different treat purchase an oppossum fur/wool blend sweater and soxs! Really new on the scene and they are very warming - my sister treated us to these items recently.
Cheerio.
Posted by: P. Caldwell | January 22, 2009 at 04:59 AM
Glad that you didn't make the error of describinbg it as the wrong side of the road. As is well known by us Brits, the US/continental Europe and a few others drive on the wrong side of the road. Those of us in UK/NZ/Oz and a few other enlightened countries drive on the 'right' side. It is not our fault that if you are confused because it is the left side of the road :-)
Posted by: Peter Bridge | January 22, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Be sure to include the South Island in your driving tour, though you will probably have to get a different rental car, not sure you're allowed to take one across on the ferry. Both islands are beautiful, but I think the South Island is best! You can also get possum shoe inserts that are very good for the feet in a cold climate.
Posted by: Ruth Catton | January 22, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I'll be taking my rental car on the ferry to South Island next Monday morning.
- Dick Eastman
(in a hotel room in Paihia, North Island)
Posted by: Dick Eastman | January 22, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I'm sure you will enjoy your visit to NZ Dick.
No doubt you have it all planned, but if you want any hints on places to see, drop me an email.
As a totally non-biased South Islander, the "Mainland" is much more interesting than the North and so you have a treat coming once you cross Cook Strait!
Murray
Posted by: Murray | January 22, 2009 at 07:47 PM