Sunday 7 September 2014

The City that never sleeps; New York, New York

29 May - 5 June 2014

Having taken the bus from DC to NY, I didn't know how I would feel when I arrived in the Big Apple; illated to have finally completed my trip? Sad? Confused? Scared?  To be honest, partly all of the above.  It wasn't that I wanted my trip to end, not at all, I can't wait to see my family but in the same breath, I couldn't believe this was it.  The thing that I'd worked so hard to save for was now over.  Seeing my mum and my bro was strange.  I felt like I was in a dream.  We'd rented an apartment for us all (mum, Callum Laura and I) in a great spot in Manhattan.  After grabbing a Chinese takeout for tea, I was ready to hit the hay.  It was made even more appetising as American's don't do little beds...this bed was HUGE!  If anything too big?



30th

Our first day in NY started early to make use of our NYC pass.  This is something that you must buy when you visit the city.  It gives you access to up to 250 attractions over 3 days with the use of the hop-on-hop-off bus.  We started at the famous Grand Central Station.  What a beautiful building and certainly worth a visit.  If you've seen the film 'Friends with Benefits' then make sure you spot the cafe opposite the station which is the exact one used in the final scene of their date.  In the afternoon we wandered over to the Empire State Building to enjoy the magnificent views of the city followed by the Maddison Square Gardens tour.  The latter is such an iconic building having staged some of the most famous singers and sports clubs in the world and it's obvious why it's important to the citizens of NYC.    In the evening we headed to Times Square which is just a crazy busy place.  For me, this wasn't a highlight of our time in NY NY but I'm glad I witnessed it.





31 May

The morning was spent wandering the local area.  Mum managed to stumble across a Christmas shop so a little while was spent in there.  In the afternoon, we on, we joined a bike ride around Central Park which was a lot of fun and made us realise how big the park is!  We took photos in famous spots like Lennon's memorial and the long stretch which is featured in so many films.  The afternoon was spent in Natural History Museum.

1 June

Another hot day in the city that never sleeps.  We took the open top bus around the city.  In my view, there is no better way to see an entire city included those quaint and quirky suburbs which get overlooked.  We took the ferry across the the Statue of Liberty but unfortunately we couldn't get up into the crown as the limited tickets were sold out.  Instead, we headed back to Manhattan via Wall Street but the pasty Brits had forgotten to put suncream on, resulting in some rather red faces!!  I'll never forget mum lathering up in the middle if Walgreens.  She put on so much cream that she looked like a ghost!  Hilarious.  We took the bus down to the 9'11 Tribute Centre and the World Trade Centre. It's a place that everyone should visit.  It was made even more special as we joined by Danny and  Dellyn who I'd met at a cooking course in Thailand.  Danny had volunteered after the planes hit the twin towers so it was interesting to get his take on that days events; the day that changed the world as we knew it.  That evening, Danny took us to a rooftop bar which had spectacular views over the city.  It's not somewhere that you'd naturally find so we were very grateful to Danny for showing us.  We then headed onto Calle Ocho for dinner.  A perfect end to a great day or it was until I lost my Raybans. The single most frustrating thing to happen...






2 June

The morning was spent in the 'cop shop' reporting my lost sunglasses.  Not the best start to my day and quite surreal as I felt like I was on the set of a Hollywood movie.  As a result, mum and I opted to have a little fun and instead of taking the riverboat we opted for the jet boat ride.  Put it this way, my hair didn't quite look the same afterwards.  We took a couple of the photos of the Navy Ship docked by in the harbour for Uncle Steve then headed off to do some shopping at MSG.  We'd planned to go the Top of the Rock in the evening but it was fully booked.  Top tip: Book in advance!  Instead we headed back to the apartment for a take out pizza (well you can't come to NY without getting a slice of pizza, now can you?)


3 June

We took the metro over the Yankees Stadium.  Boy that metro system is confusing.  London's underground is simple and easy to use and other cities should take note.  It's for this reason that most people take cabs in NYC, at least this way you'll end up at your requested destination.  In the evening we wandered up to the Top of the Rock to look at what was described by many travellers I met along the way as "the best view in the big apple".  Unfortunately for us, the weather was wet and miserable, so the view wasn't quite how we'd imagined.  

4 June

Most of our penultimate day in the city was spent shopping in Soho for an outfit to Morna's wedding which was successful.  In the evening, I met up with the gorgeous Lizzie Daw and her husband Nick in Chelsea at a quaint French restaurant.  I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see her.  We laughed, giggled and reminisced about school, University and exchanged travel stories as they'd been living away for 2 years.  Yet we all missed London.  That city which has encapsulated our lives and one that can never be compared to others in the world.




5-6 June

Just before we headed to the Airport I managed to catch up with Alicia, another travelling friend that I met with Danny and Dellyn at the cooking class in Northern Thailand.  Although brief, it was great to see her and reminisce on my time away.  Mum and Laura had managed to get us seats on the upper deck of the plane home.  Although it wasn't quite Business Class, it was a lot roomier than economy.  The next day was a whirlwind, we landed, jumped on the Heathrow Express to Paddington, took the tube round to Euston, dropped off our cases at the hotel, eventually flagged down a cab to my job interview all in the space of a few hours.  By 4pm the interviews were over and by 5.30pm we were back at the hotel getting ready to meet Ann and Daniel for dinner.  To say the day was a whirlwind would be an understatement.  My feet barely had chance to touch the ground.  Saturday (6th) felt like it was never going to end.  I've never been so happy to board a Virgin train to Holyhead.  I knew it was only then that I'd feel I was truly home...

We pulled into the station, got off the train and all I saw when Ellie running towards me in tears jumping into my arms to provide me with the biggest hug imaginable.  I was crying.  Auntie Shelly was crying.  We were all crying.  We arrived back at Auntie Shelly and Uncle Steve to be greeted by a little party including a "Welcome Home Kirsty" banner, Balloon and a Colin the Catepiller Cake.  Everything I missed when I had my birthday away.  We ate my favourite Chinese takeaway and chatted with cups of tea in the living room.  I felt like I'd never been away.  You see that's the thing about living away from home, you can travel to many countries in the world, adapt as a result of experiences and people you've met along the way but life still remains the same once you've returned. 


After all, home truly is where the heart is....



 

Sunday 24 August 2014

Exploring Washington DC and my first Baseball game

26-28 May 2014

After yet another delayed flight, I finally arrived in DC at around 10.30pm before taking a Super Shuttle over to Kari's place.  Super Shuttles are 8 seater taxis which are the next cheapest method of transport from the airport to the subway.  The benefit is that it takes you door-to-door.  

Washington DC is certainly a lot cleaner than I imagined it would've been.  I'd been told by other travellers that the city was dirty, grotty and to be honest a bit if a dump but I found it quite the opposite.      I was lucky enough to be shown round the city by my good friend Kari.  A personalised tourist tour.  

Our first stop was of course The White House.  A magnificent building which was just as I imagined.  Barack and Michelle's back yard was certainly very impressive.  Sadly they weren't in for a cup of tea...
We then wandered round to the Washington Monument which has only just recently opened from reconstruction.  We never got the chance to go up it as there are only 100 tickets released every day to walk up the monument.  From there, we headed over to the Lincoln Monument before wandering round the famous Reflecting Pool.  Lastly, we walked by the WW2 Monument and Vietnam Memorial.  Placed particularly poignant on Memorial Day.  It was quite eye-opening having been to a Vietnam and experiencing the war memorial from the other side. 

That evening, I met up with an old friend for dinner in Georgetown.  Emily and I haven't seen each other since living in the same town in France back in 2008/2009.  The weather was horrendous and DC was a washout.  That being said, we had a great evening at a quaint Italian restaurant which ended by almost being done by the cops for jaywalking!  It could only happen with Emily!!  So great to see her looking so well and catching up on old times. 

 It's my last day in DC and where better to spend it than a personalised almost access all areas tour of the US Capitol Building.  We swung by Kari's office where I got to meet her work colleagues before starting our tour of the building.  The highlight was without doubt sitting in on the House and Senate galleries. Certainly a lifelong ambition for a politics geek like me.  In the evening, Kari took me to Nationals Park to watch my first baseball game.  I'm not going to lie, I didn't have a clue what was going on for at least the first 30mins or so but I think I slowly got the hang of it by the end.  It was a great treat and an exciting way to end a fabulous few days in DC spending time with friends.

So, what are my final thoughts on DC:

1. Clean, spacious and friendly.  DC isn't what I expected it to be.  It was much more.

2. I visited government buildings, something which I haven't even done in my own country.

3. Experienced my first baseball game.

4. Would I go back again? Absolutely!!

Next and final stop: New York, New York





Wednesday 20 August 2014

Lights Camera Action in LA

23 - 25 May 2014

After a long bus journey involving delays and unexpected change, I eventually arrived into LA at 8pm.  Thankfully, the bus dropped me right outside what was to be my last ever hostel stay.  Hostelling International (HI) USA Hostels could certainly teach other hostel owners a thing or two; great service, guided tours of the facilities, free towels, ensuites but most impressive of all private screens around your bed allowing you to have a rare 5 mins to yourself.  During check-in I met Rebecca, another traveller from London who was also on her last leg before home, infact her last night.  Regardless of how tired we were, I couldn't let her celebrate her last night of travels in a hostel, so we opted to go to The Piano Bar.  This bar is famous in LA for launching the careers of some incredibly talented musicians.  Seemingly, it's also a great place to meet people, like Lance.  A guy from LA who works for Disney and is one of the talented animators that worked on Frozen.

As Rebecca was leaving mid morning for the airport, it meant we had to take an early morning taxi ride to the Warner Bros studios.  It wasn't somewhere that had come up in my basic research of the city but I'm glad I had the opportunity to go.  The set is much much much bigger than you imagine so no wonder you have to travel round in a golf buggy!  After touring the grounds and wardrobe museum including trying on Hogwarts's sorting hat (I got Gryffendor) we finally got to explore the backstage sets of Ellen, 2 Broke Girls, The Fosters (comedy staring J'Lo) but most important of all...the FRIENDS set.  It's been a childhood ambition of mine to sit of THAT sofa in THAT coffee house. Another box ticked off that Bucket List!

Yet a trip to LA can't be made without a stop in Hollywood and Beverley Hills.  For a real estate geek like me, I quite enjoyed the "celeb spotting cruise" intcluding a drive by of Bel Air.  The same enjoyment cannot be said for the walk of fame and Central Hollywood. Sadly it looks nothing like what you see in the media.  It's riddled with tourists, dirty and somewhat plastic.  Not what I expected at all.

Thankfully, Lance kindly offered to take me out of Hollywood and show me another part of LA - Malibu.  After a drive through the hills, we arrived at a stunning vineyard located on the side of a hill.  It looked like a festival scene out of a magazine.  Certainly quite different from Central Hollywood.  In the evening, we had dinner in a beautiful beachside restaurant called Geoffrey's.  Not quite what you call a standard traveller's night out but the perfect way to end my first trip to LA.

Final thoughts on LA:

Although it wasn't what I expected and Hollywood was a massive disappointment, LA itself was a great place.  Yes it's pretentious particularly around Beverley Hills but isn't Knightsbridge or Chelsea?  

Public transport is next to none so plan your trip well.  Explore the suburbs outside the concentrated Hollywood and if possible, rent a car, you won't be disappointed with the view.

Sweet dreams LAX.  

Next stop: Washington DC






Sunday 20 July 2014

The bright old lights of San Francisco

19 - 22 May 2014

San Fran has always been somewhere that I've wanted to visit since I heard it mentioned in an old Simon and Garfunkel song which my Dad used to play when I was little girl.  By far the best way to see this magnificent city is by one of those unavoidable tour buses.  Yes they may be cliche but they do the job.  From the famous San Francisco bridge to Macy's and the famous Cheesecake Factory.  You can see it all. One thing a good friend pointed out to me is that considering its must-try version is called the 'New York Cheesecake' you'd think they'd have a store in central Manhattan - sadly not.  So make sure you get your fix whilst you're still in SF.

Back to the city tour.  We started at Fisherman's Wharf most famous for Pier 39 and it's rather noisy inhabitants; sealions.  Some say that the council did their upmost to get rid of them for years but they kept coming back, so eventually they gave up.  The noise is quite incredible and a sight not to be missed.  

China Town is worth a wander, although it's pretty much the same as all the others I've seen in every major city across the world.  The only landmark I'd recommend is Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue. It was installed in '69 as a gift from the Government of Republic of China (Taiwan).  It's also the largest  of its kind outside of Asia.  

I loved Haight Ashbury.  Another quirky neighhood and one that delivered my perception of SF.  Funky, diverse and filled with boutiques and coffee shops, I wish I could've spent more time there.  I also enjoyed downtown SF.  Not somewhere that's highly recommended in tourist guides which in a way was a welcome relief.  I found some delicious restaurants and definitely foodie heaven.  Perfect place to meet an old work colleague for dinner and drinks.  A welcome return to normality. 

There are 2 places which cannot be missed; Golden Gate Bridge/Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Trolleys.  Firstly, GG Bridge.  Frustratingly, I didn't get to see it in full view due to fog.  I went 3 out of my 5 days only to find fog engulfing the entire view.  Apparently it's very normal and there's often only 5 day throughout the whole year that you get a clear shot.  A rather depressing statistic.  That all being said, the GG park more the made up for it.  One afternoon I wasted hours just sitting reading a book with a picnic.  A welcome retreat.  This brings me onto the famous trolley carts or trams to you and I.  At 6$ for a return trip over the hills of S. Fran it's not cheap but it's an absolute must do!

This leads me to my final thoughts on San Fran-Cisco:

As my first stop in the US, this was the perfect choice.  It's everything I expected and much more...
I can't wait to go back explore more of the districts on the other side of the bridge, find more eateries and perhaps go to a few gigs in the downtown suburbs.  

San Fran, until next time....

Next stop: LA


Monday 9 June 2014

Auckland and final thoughts on NZ

17-19 May

My final few days in New Zealand were spent in Auckland with Matt.  We had a great Saturday evening at a Belgian bar followed by a Comedy show and a drink at the Irish bar.  On the Sunday, we took the ferry to Davenport, a small town which reminded us both of home.  We popped by the navy museum! walked up to the viewpoint, bought some home comforts and ate a roast dinner.  It was great seeing Matt after so long and I wish him all the best with the rest of his stay in NZ.

After checking out of nomads for the final time, I wandered round the city centre and went up the sky tower to enjoy the view.

So what are my final thoughts on New Zealand:

First impressions: stunning, magical, breathtaking

Favorite place: Queenstown

Unforgettable experience: skydiving in Taupo

Unforgettable moment: Maori night

Favourite view: every view along the road from Queenstown to Christchurch and Tongeriro crossing

NZ is one of the most beautifully green places I've ever been in the world.  It's somewhere that everyone has to visit in their lifetime.  When you look out of the car window, you feel like you're looking into a picture.  It's a place that I can't wait to go back to!

Next stop: San Francisco 

Punakaiki, glacier walking in Franz Josef and Wanaka

12 - 15 May

In the morning we headed south through the Buller Gorge to the 'wild' West Gorge, which stretches for over 600km along one of the top 10 drives in the world.  We stopped off at a few places along the way before heading onto Punakaiki, a town famous for its blowholes and Pancake Rocks.  

The next morning, whilst the others were off making bone or greenstone necklaces, we went off to a local beach in search of our own greenstone but sadly we didn't find any!  Our evening stop was in Franz Josef, a town famous for its glaciers.  A few of us opted to stay in another hostel purely for the freebies including. BBQ, wifi and spa.  The local area isn't easily accessible by foot so when they offered to take us over to Lake Matheson, we jumped at the chance.  For me, this was one of the prettiest places on the west coast.  Picturesque views particularly when the sun bounces off the snow-capped mountain tops.  Although as Esmae and Axel (Holland/Belgium) found out, the water was cold!!  The view of the Fox Glacier is also one not to be missed.

Our time in Wanaka was short but sweet.  Seb (Banberg), Lilly, Yohann and I went for a walk by the lake before playing uno and drinking wine with the others.  The next few days went by in a bit of a blur, we left Wanaka and headed for Queenstown via the Nevis Bungy.  Although I'm too much of a wimp to do one, I did fancy the swing but sadly due to my back, I couldn't!  Queenstown was a lot of fun and it felt great to be back.  After a bit of shopping with the girls and a few drinks in our room (with everyone- literally) we headed for the pub crawl and danced the night away.  I've loved spending time with this group and couldn't have asked for a better group of people to explore this country with so....thank you!

Next stop: Auckland...final stop in NZ


Windy Wellington and Abel Tasman

9 - 11 May

After a fairly long drive, we finally landed in the capital of NZ, Wellington.  We spent most of the afternoon picking up bits and bobs followed by a trip to Te Papa, a new interactive museum.  It was a great place to visit especially as it was FREE!  

In the evening, we decided to have a night out.  We all met in the hostel bar making the most of the free spaghetti bol and cheap drinks before heading out to one of the local bars.  It must've been a good night, if the hangover was anything to go by...

At some ungodly hour, we checked out and headed for the ferry over to Picton.  This is where we said goodbye to our driver, Seagull, and met our new driver Wee-Man.  We briefly stopped in the city of Nelson where we not only picked up 2 fellow Welshies but also Rupert Hughes who I went to school with!  What a small world....

Abel Tasman is a beautiful place and the hostel was amazing, particularly the single beds.  A perfect base for walks or just generally relaxing in the sunshine.

Next stop: Punakaiki

Thursday 29 May 2014

Whakahoro and completing the famous Tongeriro Crossing


6-9 May

We spent a couple of nights in the Blue Duck Lodge, a working farm and reserve in Whakahoro.  There were plenty of activities available including hunting, clay pigeon shooting and horse trekking.  Hannah, Callum and I opted to go for the free version - walking.  We wandered up to the waterfall which took a couple of hours then headed back.  In the evening, we toasted marshmallows by the campfire whilst the owners of the lodge went out looking for Niko, Seb (Banberg or bumbag as I nicknamed him) and Michael who had not returned.  Thankfully they returned safely but learnt an important lesson that day; if you see a sign that says "wrong way", it's because you've gone...the wrong way!

The next morning we left at 6.30am for the Tongariro National Park.  At first, we weren't sure whether we'd be able to do the walk due to the weather, but, thankfully we did.  The guide made sure we were kitted out for all weathers and terrain.  Thankfully we didn't need it.  The walk was meant to take 7 hours and we had exactly 7 hours to do it in.  It took us over amazing volcanic plateau with steaming craters.  There were 12 of us that took part but only 11 completed as sadly Michael had to turn back at the south crater.  Before half way, we scrambled up 45 mins of steep stairs otherwise known as devil's staircase up to the Red Crater.  Climbing down the other side felt like we were snowboarding but on ash.  Extremely surreal.  After a brief stop for lunch at the Emerald and blue lakes we began out decent. Having completed what we thought was most of the walk, we arrived at the shelter.  Unfortunately there was still 10km to go!  I don't remember much of that 10km but I do remember the last trek through the rainforest felt like it was never going to end.

In the evening, we all felt sore so headed for the hot tub and a lovely warm meal!

Next stop: it's off to Wellington before hitting the last bit of the South Island.

*Thanks to Callum Gordon for the photos from the Tongeriro Crossing











Lake Aniwhenua and skydiving in Taupo

5-6 May

After saying my goodbyes, it was time to leave Rotorua and head south towards Taupo.  A change of bus meant a new group of people.  As we drove around the city picking people up, I heard the sound of a familiar voice; Marielle and Mike!  I was so pleased to see them and excited at the thought of spending the rest of my trip laughing and giggling with Marielle.  She has this infectious personality and one which I adore being around.

On the way down to Aniwhenua, we stopped off at Rainbow Mountain where we picked up our Maori guide, Uncle Jonny who took the group to explore some ancient Cave art and small very run down Maori town.  That evening we devoured a Hangi (traditional meal cooked in the ground) before preparing the leftovers for the local children at Murapara School.  Most of the children in this school won't eat lunch that day so it was a heartwarming feeling knowing that I had fed a child for the day.  Watching the kids present a Haka to us, is something I will never forget. 




The next morning, the weather cleared up which meant the skydive was ON!  We drove around Lake Taupo to what is known as the most remote part of the north island before stopping off for a quick peek at Huka Falls.  Before I knew it, we were in the minibus on our away to the skydive centre.  I will never forget the look of pure fear on poor Scott's (UK) face or excitement on Yohann's (France) for that matter!  We were all shown the safety video and after a slight weather delay, the guys were putting me, Lilly (Germany) and Marielle (holland) in our gear and heading towards the plane.  I'm not going to lie, I was petrified.  Lilly and Marielle both seemed to have chatty instructors which would've put me a little more at ease.  Mine on the other hand only spoke to give basic instructions other than to tell me "why should you be worries, you don't have to do anything!"  Just what I wanted to hear...

I had opted for the 12,000ft which was the cheaper option as it was lower.  Honestly, other than an extra 15 secs of freefall, there is no real difference.  The plane ride up seemed to take forever but even once we'd reached altitude, I still didn't feel ready.  I watched Lilly jump then Marielle and suddenly it was my go....  We hung over the edge, my eyes were tightly shut and suddenly I was falling through the clouds.  It was only when we slowed down that I opened my eyes and what a sight to open them too.  Wow!  The view was magnificent.  Once the parashute had been activated, we were jolted and suddenly it all became calm.  The instructor loosened my harness, lifted up my mask and we glided home.  Amazing.  The turns were slightly painful on my thighs so I can't imagine what it was like for the guys and then we were back on the ground.  It was all over.  What a feeling...

Sadly I have no video or photos of my skydive purely because it doubled the cost.  But here are my pre-flight photos (Big thanks to Mike for taking them):





Next stop: Blue Duck Lodge in Whakahoro and Tongeriro National Park

The sights and smells of Rotorua

3 - 5 May

You can't visit Rotorua without going to the geothermal hot pools.  There are number of different ones to choose from but we went with Hells Gate.  Now for those of you who don't know, Rotorua is famous for being a bit...smelly.  It's often described as smelling like rotten eggs.  Unfortunately for Sven (Belgium) he didn't know this, so received a bit of a shock as he got off the bus!  5 of the bus (me, Terry, Hannah, Callum and Sven) decided to hop off and explore the pools.  It looked like something that belonged in Mars.  Bubbling mud everywhere, steam rising from the ground and a rocky grey clay-like ground before walking through a stretch of forest.  Not something you expect to see. After the walk, we headed to the baths beginning with the mud pools and ending with the hot pool.  For once, I felt relaxed.  

In the afternoon, it was time to jump off the bus in Rotorua to stay with some family friends of my Gran's (Yetsenga family who are the daughter/son in law of Gail & John Ross otherwise known as Kirsten and Bart).  After a little hiccup with finding each other, eventually Anna (Kirsten sister) and I found each other.  After lunch we all took a walk in Redwoods before coming back home to make homemade pizza.  It's amazing what a cosy home and creature comforts can do!

The next morning we voted to go on a walk around Lake Terrawera where I taught Lewis a little about photography.  We stopped off to look at the Green and Blue lakes before pulling in at the hot water baths in Wai-o-Tapu and the relaxing thermal pools in Waikite.  Tom even joined Anna and myself for a dip in the hottest one!  Not sure I would've been so brave at his age but kudos to him. In the evening, Tom and I got to enjoy a sleepover in his room as a treat before he started back at school the next day.

On the morning of my departure, Anna kindly took me on a short photo drive-by of the Government Gardens and a local Marai followed by coffee in a famous kiwi store.  What can I say other than thank you and I'm so grateful I got to spend time with such a lovely warm and kind family.  It's was unfortunate that I didn't get to meet Kirsten but I'm hopeful that we'll all meet again someday, perhaps in Glasgow next time.

Next stop: Lake Aniwhenua


Spotting glow worms in Waitomo and learning about the Maori culture in Mourea

2 - 3 May

New Zealand is famous for many things and naturally glowing worms are one of them.  The network of caves under the town of Waitomo was created by water running through the soft limestone.  We had the option of Black Water Rafting (Tumu Tubing) or Spellbound which was described as 'cruisy and suitable for grandparents'.  In fact, this was the one and did and I thoroughly enjoyed it particularly as I was joined by Hannah (UK) and Frank (Ireland).  We had the chance to wander around the dry caves looking at the stalactites and stalagmites before taking a boat around the wet caves to look at the glowing worms.  They look like fairy lights until you get up close and see the webbing dangle down.  What makes them light up is vibration and once your eyes get used to the dark, you begin to see more and more and....more!  Spectacular.

From here we headed across the Bay of Plenty to Mourea, the home of the Ngati Pikiao people who are the sub tribe of the prominent NZ Iwi of Te Arawa.  We were greeted by one of the members of the tribe who performed a powhiri (traditional welcome) including standing in a line and tapping each other using your nose on the other person's nose.  You certainly could call it a nice ice breaker, before we dropped our bags off at the Whareniu (Maori Greeting House) which is where visitors sleep when attending a funeral, meeting or family occasions.  No food or drink is to be consumed in the house as a mark of respect to their ancestors who's pictures are on the facing wall.  After dinner, we enjoyed learning about the local culture through a show before the guys took part in a Haka and the ladies used a pue (Pom Pom) to perform a dance. The loser had to do the washing up from dinner.  Thankfully we won!  I really enjoyed being a part of this Maori family for one night and learning about their fascinating culture.

Update: I'll post up the video of us dancing when I can!

Next stop: Rotorua


Auckland to Raglan

30 April - 1 May

Auckland marked the end of most people's trip which ultimately resulted in a night out.  It also gave me the chance to have a catch up with Matt from home.  We worked out that it had been almost 6 years since we'd seen each other let alone hang out.  It was great to see him and what's more, we carried on where we'd left off all those years ago.  The following day was spent hungover.  A day that if I'd been at home, would've been spent in my duvet watching trashy tv or rom coms.  Sadly not possible when you're travelling and living in hostels.  

It was now time for a new bus.  A new bunch of people to get to know.  We started with the 'get to know you' game where our driver (Lefty) asked us all a bunch of questions in a bid to break the ice.  Thankfully we had a pretty good group.  Everyone got on so I knew I was in for an enjoyable couple of days.  Our drive down took us through Hamilton, NZ's fourth largest city but for me it will always be remembered for the cyber talking toilets.  Perhaps best to leave it just there...

From there we headed over the Coromandel Ranges and down into the Waikoto.  Apparently the area is knows to be the most productive dairy farming land in the world.  The town of Raglan isn't particularly large nor that exciting but if you haven't yet been to Australia and discovered surfing or if you have and love it then you'd probably enjoy spending a few days here.  The left hand surf break close to the lodge I stayed in is remoured to be one of the best in the world and features in the film 'The Endless Summer'. 




Next stop: Mourea via Waitomo

Thursday 22 May 2014

Seal spotting in Kaikoura and crossing the Cook Strait to the North Island

27 - 29 April

Christchurch is one of those places that always gets travellers talking.  Should I go?  Will it be too upsetting?  Is there anything there anymore?  Regrettably I never got the chance to find out due to Stray's timetables and if I'd known this before, I would factored in a few days to stay here.  So my judgement can only go off what I've been told and the pictures I've seen via other travellers.  The city itself is almost derelict and from the sounds of things, it's a long way off from being fully restored.  Having said this, I find Kiwi's get up and go attitude quite inspiring.  Even when their whole world falls apart around them, their first thought was "how do we get back to normal".  Yet, what is normal?  Normal for them is living in 1 room in a 4 bedroomed house or recreating your shop in a makeshift storage container.  This is far beyond my idea of normal...

Once we'd left the airport, it was quickly time to get back in the road and head for Kaikoura, a town famous for its crayfish (in Maori 'Kaikoura' means a 'meal of crayfish').  The town itself is fairly small with numerous seafood takeaways or restaurants.  It was here that I finally got to meet up with Rachel and her friend Diane.  After a rough few days of struggling to get to know people on my bus, it made a nice change to see a familiar face.  Sadly, I didn't get to see Charl or Amelia but I know they're both having an awesome time.  That afternoon, we wandered along the coastline in the hope we'd spot some seals.  We did see one but his head was underwater the entire time we were there.  Thankfully, I saw plenty the next morning en-route to Picton.  I'll never forget watching hundreds of seals jumping through the water almost like dolphins whilst others trekked back down stream scrambling over rocks.


In the afternoon, we crossed the Cook Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry passing through Queen Charlotte sound.  It still amazes me how it takes 3.4-4 hours simply to pass from one island to the other.  We arrived at night resulting in most of us crashing out in bed by 9pm.  The next morning, we took the bus up to Auckland.  11 hours of solid driving was neither comfortable nor fun.

Next stop: Auckland

Mount Cook & Rangitata

25 - 26 April

After a bright and early start, it was time to make our way to my first stop with Stray; Mount Cook.  My first driver was Chase, a bubbly outgoing character who made the effort to welcome me onto her bus. Every morning, Chase would play the same song "Don't forget your roots".  To her it was offering a message to her passengers reminding them that no matter where they are in the world, they shouldn't forget where they came from nor their family.


We headed over the Lindis Pass through to the Mackenzie country past the west coast of Lake Pukaki; a stunning turquoise lake.  Why is it that colour?  Apparently it's due to the finely ground rock from the glaciers fed from the Southern Alpes.  It's obvious why this place is famous for its tussock covered hills and breathtaking scenery.  Unfortunately for us, the weather took a turn for the worse which meant it was too wet and wild to head out for a hike around Aoraki (Mount Cook), do we had the option of a free sauna or a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary museum.  At $20 I think it's pretty overpriced so I opted for the former. 



The next morning was cold but clear allowing us to see New Zealand's highest mountain which as named after Captain James Cook who first to set foot on NZ soil on his epic voyage in 1768.  We head towards Rangitata via scenic Lake Tekapo and Church of The Good Shepherd, more commonly known as the church with a view!  And boy did it have a view!

That afternoon, we stopped for lunch in the small town of Geraldine, famous for housing the largest jumper in the world!  As per our itinerary, we were meant to head for Rangitata but due to the size of our bus, they didn't have enough room for us.  Thankfully this proved to be a god send as were treated to a night of luxury in nearby Methven - double beds, ensuites, tv/DVD players in our room and towels. A rare treat for a backpacker!



Next stop: Wellington via Kaikoura


New adventures in New Zealand commencing in Queenstown

21 - 24 April

To say my flight over to NZ was stressful would be an understatement.  From the panic of "I can't find my passport" to almost missing my connecting flight due to delays and poor signage in Brisbane's Domestic Terminal.  Still, I made it.  The decent into Queenstown was stunning, flying over mountains with nothing but green and blue for as far as the eye could see.

I have been called a flashpacker on a few occasions and to some degree I am.  I have a hairdryer, straighteners, IPAD and a decent camera.  All of which I consider essential.  Yet it's when I rock up to a new place and pay $20 for a shuttle bus as opposed to $10 for a public bus that my flashpacker ways really come out.  Is the stress free feeling of knowing I'm going from the airport to the hostel door worth $10?  What do you think...

Back to Queenstown.  The city itself is a beautiful as I'd been told it was but due to the time of year, it was cold.  To someone who's been living in 28C + heat for the last 19 months, it was freezing!!  S my first few days were spent shopping for the necessary winter attire for the forthcoming weeks including a coat,hat, gloves and thermals!  Money which I had not budgeted for.  Still, it's important to keep warm.  


With the other half of my time, I made the most of the scenery and free activities by walking up Queenstown Hill and around the lake.  Another fellow traveller who I met in Vietnam also recommended the 'gravity carts' or Luge as they're more commonly known as.  You have to take up the gondola to the top of a hill (which provides magnificent views in a clear day) then head for the track.  Luge racing is basically go carting with no engine as the cart uses the motion of gravity to make you move which is assisted by a break pad underneath.  This activity was so much fun and well worth doing!  For dinner one evening, I had a famous Fergburger.  I must admit it was pretty good and the pies from the Fergbaker were just as delicious.  This being said, an hour wait is still a little bit crazy!






On 24th, I headed out at 7am to Milford Sound.  Somewhere which was recommended to me by Ryan (backpacker in Cambodia).  The day didn't start off well as I'd been woken up in the middle of the night by a fire alarm followed by some inconsiderate room-mates.  All this or at least most of it was forgotten once the sun had come up and we made our way down south through Fiordland National Park.  We stopped at several places en-route including Lake Wakortipu, Mirror Lake ('cause the water s so clear you could see the reflection of the mountains in the water) and Mount Earnshaw.  I was lucky enough to have been driven by someone who worked on Lord of the Rings and is currently working on the Hobbit.  He kindly pointed out some of the locations which had been used in one or both films.  Once we'd arrived into the ferry port, we boaded a boat which took us around MS.  The weather was fairly good but cold providing a fairly clear view of the famous Mitre Peak rising about MS.  As we motored around we managed out spot some seals chilling on the rocks and stopped under a giant waterfall to give the boat a bit of a shower!






Tomorrow is day 1 of my Stray adventure!

Next stop: Mount Cook & Rangitata