Beer, beer, and more beer. So, I decided to make a big portion of my trip devoted to wine... I mean beer. I guess after making homebrewing a hobby, it's nice to see what the professionals do and how they do it. So, while I was in Boston, I stopped over at the Sam Adams brewery, which is now used for test batches. They had us all try eating differently kilned barley and smell their hops. I think I was the only one who actually ate some of the hops and then proceded to rub it on my neck like cologne, but hey we all have our individual tastes ;)
At the end of the tour they have some beer tasting. Unfortunately, they chose to display some of their normal/average beers. Therefore, I had to cross the street to the pub to try some of their more interesting brews. I have to say that my favorite was one of their IPAs. They make 2, one tastes average to bad, the other is great. I wish I could remember which one was which...
The other major brewery I checked out was Stone, over near San Diego , CA. I had no idea that their production facility was so large. They're even expanding beyond what I saw. I have to say that their facility is really nice. There is a bistro at the front that has a huge selection of beer, some of the finest in the world. I was a little sad that I had to drive.
The last stop was Pizza Port, which is a pizzeria that has a few small fermentors. They are actually very famous in the beer world and after trying some of their beers, I can understand why. I had an amazing American Stout, one of the award winners, at the particular Pizza Port (their are 4 locations all brewing different beer). The location I chose was right down the road from the aiport... how convenient.
It's strange to see snow when living in a place where it never snows. I had a window seat on my flight to New Zealand and was watching a Pink Floyd documentary during the flight. It's rare that I fly with the fancy airlines that have enetertainment seats.... but I got a good deal on the tickets. Anyhow, every time I'd glance outside, I'd notice the clouds. Finally, on one glance, I realized that the clouds were actually New Zealand. 
Taking a break from the daily Melbourne grind, it was time to see the mountains. I spent a wonderful weekend with some of my closest Kiwi friends. The only downside is that I was sick all weekend. We stayed in a lovely resort with spa and all of the skiing essentials. The resort also had an amazing view. We could see the lovely Southern Alps out of the back balcolny. 
I gave skis a try. This was my third day on skis and I'm beginning to think that they're more fun than a snowboard. This is particularily true if one can get the beautiful colors of the 80s in their ski set. 
After visiting Christchurch, I took a 3 day week, while taking the Friday off to go to the Melbourne Beer Spectapular.. part of Melbourne beer week. If I remember right, it was ~60 beers on tap, but if you are feeling spunky and want to call me out on that number, you can count the taps in the picture. There were some interesting brews. One beer was flavored with rose pedals... another with chili peppers, and one tasted like the warhead candies. While, interesting, I have to say that my favorites were some of the classic styles. My absolute favorite was a Simcoe Imperial IPA by Liberty Brewing in NZ. Each brewery was supposed to submit an original beer that they don't sell commercially... at least not as of the event. Anyhow, whenever you're looking around and think hmmm this may taste good in a beer... I say try it.. but be warned that you may not get many takers on that style. Barley and hops remain the #1 ingredients ni my book... with maybe a touch of wheat. 
