CHESTER, Vt. – Many people yearn to visit New Zealand, but have been held back by a host of reasons: time, health, finances, and so on. But here’s a chance to visit this amazing place at no cost, locally, deliciously, and vicariously. St. Luke’s Church, the gray church at 313 Main Street in Chester, Vt., is offering a free slideshow visit to the South Island on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 2-3:30 p.m., in its Willard Hall, located underneath and behind the church. David Carey was smitten by the island, which he claims is “one of the most exciting places to visit.” He touts its many features that include mighty snow-capped mountains with glaciers running almost into the sea; large areas of untamed, unspoiled wilderness; and beaches that stretch far into the distance, plus two very distinct cultures living side by side in an area the size of Illinois with a population of just 1.25 million – about the same as the population of San Diego.
Whether one is adding New Zealand to one’s bucket list, researching amazing places to see, or enjoying a vicarious visit to the land of the kiwis from the comfort of one’s chair, this short excursion promises an easy and pleasurable afternoon to a faraway land of interest and beauty. No reservation is necessary for this free program, which is open to the public and offers refreshments of coffee, tea, and baked goodies. For additional information on other interesting events, visit www.stlukesepiscopalvt.org/specialevents.