Due to our plunging dollar I have suspended a return to Aconcagua and decided to do some climbing in NZ instead. I emailed 4 NZ guiding companies requesting a package of 1 week technical instruction and then a climb of Cook or Tasman with my partner.

In alphabetical order

Adventure Consultants
Alpine Guides
Alpine Recreation
Aspiring Guides

They all returned wonderful personalized emails with a lot of though as to our previous experience and skills and all offered great ideas. I just feel bad that I will have to pick one over the others.

What's my point? Just to say, great customer service from NZ guiding companies. I have previously climbed with Alpine Guides and Aspiring Guides and was very impressed. Also impressed with Victor Saunders, who I met this year on Everest. He was the leader of the highly successful Adventure Consultants team. I e-malied Alpine Recreation as I believe their recently deceased director was personal guide to the NZ PM.

Yeh, but they talk funny.

Damien Gildea wrote:Yeh, but they talk funny.

true..very, very true

I think you mean:
"true, eh"

With a rising intonation on the 'eh' to imply uncertainty of self, fear of causing offence, and a desire for validation by those deemed superior ... particularly those living to the west of both islands.

I used to laugh at the cruel rumours of their alleged bestiality, but having now visited the place and seen their women, I'm much more understanding ...