Saturday 27th December was our complete day of rest!! We stayed in the hostel and just chilled all day, chatting and reading. Though, saying that the following few days were pretty much the same!! Though, we did go out into Sydney on Sunday night. It was Sam's last night out so we went out to a couple of bars. It was a good night, not a mad one though!! I was supposed to spend the next couple of night going out aswell, but decided against that - and I wasn't the only one!! We were all shattered.
On Tuesday we went into George Street to the cinema to see Australia. It was a really good film, well worth watching. We then went shopping for food and stuff that we would need on New Years Eve, and then headed back to the hostel for a Domino's Pizza and a drink!!
Wednesday (New Years Eve) - we all got up and got ready. This meant going to buy our booze and then filling plastic bottles up with various drinks as you couldn't take glass into the park we were gonig to. After this, and making our sandwiches, we headed over to the park, which was in Balmain. We got there around half 2, and the park was almost empty. We were so lucky. people had been queuing since 6 in the morning to get into the parks in the centre of Sydney. We sat by the fence, which meant we had a fab view of the Harbour Bridge where the fireworks would be. We spent most of the day there just chatting, eating and drinking, but time went really quickly. At 9 o'clock, the small fireworks started. Though they were small, they were pretty amazing!! At around half eleven we went out to stand by the wall so that we had a really good view of the bridge. There was literally no-one standing in front of me so I could see everything it was amazing.
At midnight the fireworks started. Wow!! They are definately the best fireworks I have ever seen. They were above the bridge, coming up from the bridge, and coming down off the bridge. Really amazing. Unfortunately words or pictures won't be able to describe them!! After the fireworks finished, we celebrated a bit longer, before heading back to the hostel. There were buses running, but they were so full that they weren't even stopping at most bus stops, so we decided our best option was to walk. Unfortunately we didn't really know which was the quickest way back, so we walked the way the bus had taken us that day. Probably a really long way around. It only took us about an hour to an hour and a half to get back though, so it actually wasn't that bad.
I've got to say I think that was one of the best New Years Eve parties ever!!
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Friday 26 December 2008
Saturday 27th December - here goes.....
Tuesday 16th December I spent the day just wondering around Melbourne and shopping with Sinead. We decide to go to a shop that sells half price tickets for shows that evening, and managed to get quite cheap tickets for a show called Witches in Britches. Reading the itinerary for the evening (obviously after we got the tickets!!), we saw that we were going to have to participate in the show. After reading this we both decided we needed to head to the pub before the show!!! After a quick pint, we headed over to where the show was being held, and waited for the doors to open. The first part meant walking through a dark corridor with people dressed up jumping out at you. After getting to the end of that we decided that the next stop should once again be the bar!!! We bought a glass of wine each, and then stood around whilst the people dressed up came round to chat to us. Thinking they were just being friendly we chatted away, only later to realise that they were actually just getting as much information off people as possible to use in the show!! D'oh!!!!!
There was a 3 course meal included in the price of the tickets, so we then went through and were seated ready to eat. At this point we decided to buy a bottle of sparkling wine (it's cheaper than buying by the glass!!) to drink with our food!! To start with we had a lovely soup (no idea what it was!), and that was followed by steak and a salad, and then a chocolate dessert for pudding. During this time another bottle of wine was ordered. Some of the cast got on stage during this time and introduced the whole audience, using the information they had got off us. I will admit here that me and Sinead got off very lightly. They just told everyone where we were from, and said that they liked to give a free gift to some people during these nights, so they gave us a cocktail shaker filled with a cocktail. Woohoo!!!!!
The show itself was funny. Neither of us are sure whether or not there was a story line, but there was lots of singing and dancing, and they got members of the audience up to do silly things like karaoke and stuff. We got off so lightly!!! After the show you could stay behind and drink some more and dance. We did!!! And then got a taxi to another pub, and then a tram to another. It was about 5am when we got in, but somehow, and I am not sure how, there was no hangover the next day. Well not for me anyway hehehe!!!
Wednesday was a very lazy day though, where we just went to St Kilda beach in Melbourne, and had a wonder around. We did go out for food that evening though, with someone Sinead had met on her tour, and a couple of drinks but it was quite an early night.
On Thursday we were changing hostels, so after checking out we caught the tram into the centre, and then another one out towards the hostel. It was surprisingly easy to find, and was a very quiet hostel. After checking in we went out for the day. To start with we walked to Fitzroy gardens, that was quite close to the hostel, and then caught a tram to chinatown. We had lunch in chinatown (using chopsticks of course!!). That evening we went to the cinema to see Madagascar 2, and also for a cocktail. It poured down with rain that evening, and we got drenched heading back to the hostel.
Friday, again, we just wondered around Melbourne, and I went to Albert Gardens for a while, but left because there were too many people running. I felt very unfit, and left to go an meet Sinead. We got a bottle of wine, and then headed back to the hostel. The bottle was only $5, but really nice (and it said wine on it, which is a pretty good sign!!!). We also went to Victoria Market to walk around. It was a fab market, with tons of fresh fruit and veg.
Saturday was an early start, because we were going on a Neighbours tour. We got to the where we were being picked up from at around half 8, and then got the bus that took us on the tour. We went to Ramsay Street, that is an actual street, and then saw the school and then went to the studios to see different buildings. After that we met someone who used to be in Neighbours and had our photo taken with her. As someone who hasn't watched Neighbours for quite a while, I didn't have a clue who she was!! After finishing the Neighbours tour, we headed to Chinatown again for lunch. We did go to a different place though, so that's ok!! We then spent the afternoon wondering around the museum and got another bottle of wine to take back to the hostel.
On Sunday we decided to head to a Science works place that was supposedly in Williamstown. After getting to Williamstown we found out it was actually in Spotswood that we had passed on the train and had to get 2 trains to get there. After reaching there we walked the wrong way so took us ages to find!! Once we got there we actually had a really good time, it was a real interactive place, so we were like kids running around!!
On Monday we wondered around Melbourne again (after I got Hayfever tabs - was suffering and the pharmacist made me take one before even leaving the pharmacy!!). We were supposed to go out Monday night, but things didn't work out as planned, so we just stayed in (yes, with another bottle of wine).
Tuesday we were leaving Melbourne, so we checked out and caught the train to the bus station, and then a bus to the airport. We then flew to Sydney. After eventually getting to the hostel, we checked in and then headed into the city to get some decorations (oh, after checking out the local first!!). After getting back to the hostel the rest of the group had checked in (there were 6 of us in the room - we were all from the Sept ozintro group), and we took the rest of them to show them the local (well we felt we should!), and then got pizza and a few drinks and came back to the hostel. We all had decided to do a Secret Santa, so picked names out of a hat for that!!
Wednesday (Christmas Eve) we caught the bus over to Coogee to the ozintro office because a few of us had post and stuff to collect from there, and then headed into town. We all went shopping for our secret santa pressies and I think that may have been the most stressful hour of my life. I hate busy shops, and never shop on Christmas Eve!! Never again!! After that we went to the supermarket to get food for Christmas Day, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready for our night out. We had tickets for a cruise, where all the drinks and food were included in the price. We all got quite a few looks as we headed there (and a couple of car horns sounding!!). We all had santa hats and tinsel, and Chris had dyed his hair blue (as you do!!). The cruise was real good fun, and loads of people had dressed up. Once the cruise had finished, we headed to the Gaff which is a really cheesy club (I first went there on my first night in Sydney!!). Around one o'clock we left and headed back to the hostel.
On Christmas Day we all got up feeling a little worse for wear, and decided against our cooked breakfast and Bucks Fizz. Eventually we all got moving, and sorted ourselves out. We gave out the secret Santa gifts and I got a plastic wine glass. I can't see why!!!!! We then caught the bus over to Coogee to the beach. As we arrived we were all hungry so got a burger from McDonalds, before finding a good spot on the grass (we decided the beach would be too sandy!!) and spending the afternoon there drinking beers, cooking and eating a barbie, and just having fun. I did wonder into the sea though to have my photo taken as proof I was on the beach on Christmas Day. After getting back to the hostel, I phoned home to say Merry Christmas, and then we all just kinda collapsed on our beds and slept!!
Boxing Day, we all felt ready for the Bucks Fizz for breakfast, and then headed over to Randwick Racecourse where we were going to spend the day. It was free to get in for International people as long as we had our passports, so that was all good!! It was a really good day. we drunk sparkling wine (we are backpackers so couldn't afford champagne), ate hot dogs (not quite as posh!!), and bet on a few horses. I came away pretty much with the same money I took so basically won back what I had bet. We then caught a taxi over to Bondi Junction to an Irish bar. There was an Irish Band playing, and I think around 80% of the people there were Irish. They were all singing Irish songs, and it was fab to listen to and the atmosphere was great. we then went for Mexican for food, and after eating I decided to head back to the hostel, and 2 others came with me while the rest stayed out drinking, All in all it was a pretty good Christmas!! One that I won't forget anyway!!!
There was a 3 course meal included in the price of the tickets, so we then went through and were seated ready to eat. At this point we decided to buy a bottle of sparkling wine (it's cheaper than buying by the glass!!) to drink with our food!! To start with we had a lovely soup (no idea what it was!), and that was followed by steak and a salad, and then a chocolate dessert for pudding. During this time another bottle of wine was ordered. Some of the cast got on stage during this time and introduced the whole audience, using the information they had got off us. I will admit here that me and Sinead got off very lightly. They just told everyone where we were from, and said that they liked to give a free gift to some people during these nights, so they gave us a cocktail shaker filled with a cocktail. Woohoo!!!!!
The show itself was funny. Neither of us are sure whether or not there was a story line, but there was lots of singing and dancing, and they got members of the audience up to do silly things like karaoke and stuff. We got off so lightly!!! After the show you could stay behind and drink some more and dance. We did!!! And then got a taxi to another pub, and then a tram to another. It was about 5am when we got in, but somehow, and I am not sure how, there was no hangover the next day. Well not for me anyway hehehe!!!
Wednesday was a very lazy day though, where we just went to St Kilda beach in Melbourne, and had a wonder around. We did go out for food that evening though, with someone Sinead had met on her tour, and a couple of drinks but it was quite an early night.
On Thursday we were changing hostels, so after checking out we caught the tram into the centre, and then another one out towards the hostel. It was surprisingly easy to find, and was a very quiet hostel. After checking in we went out for the day. To start with we walked to Fitzroy gardens, that was quite close to the hostel, and then caught a tram to chinatown. We had lunch in chinatown (using chopsticks of course!!). That evening we went to the cinema to see Madagascar 2, and also for a cocktail. It poured down with rain that evening, and we got drenched heading back to the hostel.
Friday, again, we just wondered around Melbourne, and I went to Albert Gardens for a while, but left because there were too many people running. I felt very unfit, and left to go an meet Sinead. We got a bottle of wine, and then headed back to the hostel. The bottle was only $5, but really nice (and it said wine on it, which is a pretty good sign!!!). We also went to Victoria Market to walk around. It was a fab market, with tons of fresh fruit and veg.
Saturday was an early start, because we were going on a Neighbours tour. We got to the where we were being picked up from at around half 8, and then got the bus that took us on the tour. We went to Ramsay Street, that is an actual street, and then saw the school and then went to the studios to see different buildings. After that we met someone who used to be in Neighbours and had our photo taken with her. As someone who hasn't watched Neighbours for quite a while, I didn't have a clue who she was!! After finishing the Neighbours tour, we headed to Chinatown again for lunch. We did go to a different place though, so that's ok!! We then spent the afternoon wondering around the museum and got another bottle of wine to take back to the hostel.
On Sunday we decided to head to a Science works place that was supposedly in Williamstown. After getting to Williamstown we found out it was actually in Spotswood that we had passed on the train and had to get 2 trains to get there. After reaching there we walked the wrong way so took us ages to find!! Once we got there we actually had a really good time, it was a real interactive place, so we were like kids running around!!
On Monday we wondered around Melbourne again (after I got Hayfever tabs - was suffering and the pharmacist made me take one before even leaving the pharmacy!!). We were supposed to go out Monday night, but things didn't work out as planned, so we just stayed in (yes, with another bottle of wine).
Tuesday we were leaving Melbourne, so we checked out and caught the train to the bus station, and then a bus to the airport. We then flew to Sydney. After eventually getting to the hostel, we checked in and then headed into the city to get some decorations (oh, after checking out the local first!!). After getting back to the hostel the rest of the group had checked in (there were 6 of us in the room - we were all from the Sept ozintro group), and we took the rest of them to show them the local (well we felt we should!), and then got pizza and a few drinks and came back to the hostel. We all had decided to do a Secret Santa, so picked names out of a hat for that!!
Wednesday (Christmas Eve) we caught the bus over to Coogee to the ozintro office because a few of us had post and stuff to collect from there, and then headed into town. We all went shopping for our secret santa pressies and I think that may have been the most stressful hour of my life. I hate busy shops, and never shop on Christmas Eve!! Never again!! After that we went to the supermarket to get food for Christmas Day, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready for our night out. We had tickets for a cruise, where all the drinks and food were included in the price. We all got quite a few looks as we headed there (and a couple of car horns sounding!!). We all had santa hats and tinsel, and Chris had dyed his hair blue (as you do!!). The cruise was real good fun, and loads of people had dressed up. Once the cruise had finished, we headed to the Gaff which is a really cheesy club (I first went there on my first night in Sydney!!). Around one o'clock we left and headed back to the hostel.
On Christmas Day we all got up feeling a little worse for wear, and decided against our cooked breakfast and Bucks Fizz. Eventually we all got moving, and sorted ourselves out. We gave out the secret Santa gifts and I got a plastic wine glass. I can't see why!!!!! We then caught the bus over to Coogee to the beach. As we arrived we were all hungry so got a burger from McDonalds, before finding a good spot on the grass (we decided the beach would be too sandy!!) and spending the afternoon there drinking beers, cooking and eating a barbie, and just having fun. I did wonder into the sea though to have my photo taken as proof I was on the beach on Christmas Day. After getting back to the hostel, I phoned home to say Merry Christmas, and then we all just kinda collapsed on our beds and slept!!
Boxing Day, we all felt ready for the Bucks Fizz for breakfast, and then headed over to Randwick Racecourse where we were going to spend the day. It was free to get in for International people as long as we had our passports, so that was all good!! It was a really good day. we drunk sparkling wine (we are backpackers so couldn't afford champagne), ate hot dogs (not quite as posh!!), and bet on a few horses. I came away pretty much with the same money I took so basically won back what I had bet. We then caught a taxi over to Bondi Junction to an Irish bar. There was an Irish Band playing, and I think around 80% of the people there were Irish. They were all singing Irish songs, and it was fab to listen to and the atmosphere was great. we then went for Mexican for food, and after eating I decided to head back to the hostel, and 2 others came with me while the rest stayed out drinking, All in all it was a pretty good Christmas!! One that I won't forget anyway!!!
Monday 15 December 2008
Tuesday November 16th - Melbourne!!!
Last Thursday I had to get up at 6am, ready to fly to Melbourne. I caught the train to the domestic airport, but the plane was a bit late. Never mind - we got there eventually!! I flew into Avalon airport, which is an hours drive out of Melbourne. I then had to catch a bus into the centre, and then a tram out to St. Kilda. That was scary. I didn't really know what I was doing, and the whole tram system was pretty new to me!!! I found the tram stop I needed, and got on the tram, then realised I didn't have a clue where to get off. So, I was trying to follow our tram path on my map, and managed pretty well. I only got off 1 stop too late, and the stops are all pretty close to each other. It took me a bit longer to find the hostel, though. I really didn't realise how bad I was at map reading!!! I eventually got there, and checked in. There were 2 girls in the room, but they were both asleep so decided to go out somewhere. I went to the Docklands, where there was a carol concert being held for a children's charity. After that finished, I went back to the hostel to find one girl getting ready to go out. She invited me along - it was only to the bar downstairs - so off I went. It was ladies night, so there was free fizzy wine for ladies between 9pm and 11pm. I think that had to be one of the cheapest nights out I've had!!! I didn't spend any money at all!! Result!!
After waking up early, I decided to catch a tram to Federation Square. There was a visitor's centre there, so I went there to see what I could do in Melbourne. There is a free tourist bus that goes around the cenrte, stopping at around 11 different places of interest. The first stop I got off at was Fitzroy Park, where I saw Cook's Cottage, a Fairy tree and a Miniature Tudor Village. I then got back on the bus and went to St Patrick's Cathedral, and then onto Melbourne Museum. By this point it had started raining, so after finishing at the museum I headed back to the hostel.
I was awake early again on Saturday, and caught the tram into the centre. I went to see Myer's Christmas window. Myer's is a big department store, and every year they have a big Christmas display. This year it was based on the work of an English children's author. It was worth seeing, and people would queue for ages to see it. After seeing this I decided to wonder around the shops. It was pouring with rain at this point so I didn't want to be out!! I ended up just buying a book (a real treat at $25!), and headed back the hostel. By mid afternoon, everyone waas back in the room, in bed, reading!! I then ended up going out Saturday night!
On Sunday I managed to sleep in. I caught a tram to Federation Square and went to the Australian Moving Images Centre. It shows how movie sets are made and how they affect films. They showed examples such as the Matrix, A clockwork orange, The Shining, and Australia (that I still haven't got round to seeing yet - must do that!!). After finishing there I caught the city centre tram, and whilst on it, I was a sign for a Welsh Church. I decided to go and check it out, and it happened that there was a Welsh Carol Service starting within half an hour. I decided to stay for that, and everyone there was really nice. I was introduced to pretty much everyone, and there was food afterwards. After this I went back to the hostel.
On Monday I did a Great Oceans Road tour. It was an all day tour, where you see many sights from the South Coast of Australia. We stopped at Bells Beach, Split Point Lighthouse (this was the lighthouse that was used in Round the Twist!), Lorne, Cape patton, Apollo Bay, Maits rest where we walked through a rainforest, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Lodge and London Bridge. I was a really interesting day, and the sights were fantastic. I discovered that there weren't 12 Apostles there, and that one had collapsed recently. Also London bridge had collapsed quite recently, with a young married couple on it. They were fine, but not very keen to be interviewed by the reporters there. The reason for this worked out to be that they were a marreid couple, but unfortunately not to each other!!!
After waking up early, I decided to catch a tram to Federation Square. There was a visitor's centre there, so I went there to see what I could do in Melbourne. There is a free tourist bus that goes around the cenrte, stopping at around 11 different places of interest. The first stop I got off at was Fitzroy Park, where I saw Cook's Cottage, a Fairy tree and a Miniature Tudor Village. I then got back on the bus and went to St Patrick's Cathedral, and then onto Melbourne Museum. By this point it had started raining, so after finishing at the museum I headed back to the hostel.
I was awake early again on Saturday, and caught the tram into the centre. I went to see Myer's Christmas window. Myer's is a big department store, and every year they have a big Christmas display. This year it was based on the work of an English children's author. It was worth seeing, and people would queue for ages to see it. After seeing this I decided to wonder around the shops. It was pouring with rain at this point so I didn't want to be out!! I ended up just buying a book (a real treat at $25!), and headed back the hostel. By mid afternoon, everyone waas back in the room, in bed, reading!! I then ended up going out Saturday night!
On Sunday I managed to sleep in. I caught a tram to Federation Square and went to the Australian Moving Images Centre. It shows how movie sets are made and how they affect films. They showed examples such as the Matrix, A clockwork orange, The Shining, and Australia (that I still haven't got round to seeing yet - must do that!!). After finishing there I caught the city centre tram, and whilst on it, I was a sign for a Welsh Church. I decided to go and check it out, and it happened that there was a Welsh Carol Service starting within half an hour. I decided to stay for that, and everyone there was really nice. I was introduced to pretty much everyone, and there was food afterwards. After this I went back to the hostel.
On Monday I did a Great Oceans Road tour. It was an all day tour, where you see many sights from the South Coast of Australia. We stopped at Bells Beach, Split Point Lighthouse (this was the lighthouse that was used in Round the Twist!), Lorne, Cape patton, Apollo Bay, Maits rest where we walked through a rainforest, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Lodge and London Bridge. I was a really interesting day, and the sights were fantastic. I discovered that there weren't 12 Apostles there, and that one had collapsed recently. Also London bridge had collapsed quite recently, with a young married couple on it. They were fine, but not very keen to be interviewed by the reporters there. The reason for this worked out to be that they were a marreid couple, but unfortunately not to each other!!!
Tuesday 9 December 2008
Wednesday 10th November - Back in Sydney again!
Sunday morning, I had to get up early again because I'd booked to go on a boat trip that means you can swim with wild dolphins. The catch is because they're wild, you have to find them first, and if you do there are rules and regulations you must follow before getting into the water. One of them is that if they have young you are not allowed to swim with them. We saw dolphins almost immediately on the trip, but they had young with them. There were loads of dolphins in the pod, though, and were swimming up really close to the boat. The problem i had was everytime I went to take a photo, by the time the photo was taken the dolphin would be back in the water, so I had plenty of photos of the sea!!! In the end I decided it would be easier to take videos. There was a photographer on board though so I bought a disk of photos at the end. During the whole trip we saw loads of dolphins, but unfortunately they all had young with them so we weren't able to swim with them. We did see one young one though that had rope stuck around it. It had apparently been like that for 5 days, and people couldn't get close enough to take it off. Other dolphins had seen that the mother and baby were distressed so were swimming with them, and apparently won't leave them until the problem is sorted, even though they have no way of helping themselves.
After the boat trip I stopped on Russell Island for some lunch, before catching a ferry back over to Paihia. Once getting back to Paihia I caught the bus which took me back to Auckland. Pat, John's wife, had returned the same day from volunteer work in Africa so I got to meet her, we had food and went to bed.
On Monday, I went with Debbie and Cameron to Auckland museum. It was a really interesting museum, with lots of different sections. After this I met John who took me to the airport ready to head back to Sydney. After checking in I made my way through to departures. I placed my bags on the belt to be checked, and was told I was going to have my bags checked by someone. Thinking it was just a routine thing, and they check some I quite happily followed the bloke, and was smiling confidently while he checked through my bags. He then asked whether I was aware of the liquid restrictions for boarding planes, and I said yes, I'd just chucked away a bottle of water straight after checking in. He then pulled out my suncream and a body spray and asked if I could explain them. I'd completely forgotten I'd had them there, I thought they were in my main bag that had been checked in!! If I'd had a carrier bag I could have taken one of them with me, but because I didn't, they had to keep them!! He was quite nice about it though, and said it was a shame because it was a good brand of suncream!! (Yeah, expensive too, I thought!!). Never mind!! The flight went ok, I watched Ghost Town, and Friends, and then landed in Sydney.
Going through to customs in Sydney was a bit of a nightmare. The queue was massive!! And it was so hot. But, eventually I made it through and collected my bags. You then have to have all your bags scanned again - another long queue. But, while I was standing there, a woman came up to me and asked whether I had any food in my bags or a sleeping bag, I said no to both, so she stamped my arrivals card and said I could go without having my bags scanned. Result!!
After catching the train, I made my way to the hostel, and went to check in. As i was checking in, the man on reception said someone had made a mistake with my booking. Here goes I thought, but they had actually booked me into a 4 bed dorm instead of a 6 bed, and were only going to charge me the 6 bed price. I was quite impressed with that. The other people in my room are really nice, thankfully, so got chatting to them for a while, before going to bed.
On Tuesday I decided to go and get my nose pierced. It's something I've wanted to have done for a long time, but never got round to it. It really hurt when she did it, but it wasn't too bad afterwards. It hurts sometimes, but the rest of the time it either tickles, itches, or I can't feel a thing! After getting my nose pierced I went to the cinema to watch Four Holidays. Because it was Tuseday the cinema price was a lot cheaper. It was a pretty good film too. I then headed back to the hostel to change ready to make my way over to the opera house to watch Rolf Harris on his opening night there. It was a good show - he did plenty of singing and drawing. I enjoyed it!!
This morning (Wednesday) I decided that I would head to Coogee (I needed to go there anyway), and whilst there sunbathe on the beach for a while. I haven't done that for a while. Unfortunately though, it's really cloudy and windy today, so that's not really going to be an option!!
After the boat trip I stopped on Russell Island for some lunch, before catching a ferry back over to Paihia. Once getting back to Paihia I caught the bus which took me back to Auckland. Pat, John's wife, had returned the same day from volunteer work in Africa so I got to meet her, we had food and went to bed.
On Monday, I went with Debbie and Cameron to Auckland museum. It was a really interesting museum, with lots of different sections. After this I met John who took me to the airport ready to head back to Sydney. After checking in I made my way through to departures. I placed my bags on the belt to be checked, and was told I was going to have my bags checked by someone. Thinking it was just a routine thing, and they check some I quite happily followed the bloke, and was smiling confidently while he checked through my bags. He then asked whether I was aware of the liquid restrictions for boarding planes, and I said yes, I'd just chucked away a bottle of water straight after checking in. He then pulled out my suncream and a body spray and asked if I could explain them. I'd completely forgotten I'd had them there, I thought they were in my main bag that had been checked in!! If I'd had a carrier bag I could have taken one of them with me, but because I didn't, they had to keep them!! He was quite nice about it though, and said it was a shame because it was a good brand of suncream!! (Yeah, expensive too, I thought!!). Never mind!! The flight went ok, I watched Ghost Town, and Friends, and then landed in Sydney.
Going through to customs in Sydney was a bit of a nightmare. The queue was massive!! And it was so hot. But, eventually I made it through and collected my bags. You then have to have all your bags scanned again - another long queue. But, while I was standing there, a woman came up to me and asked whether I had any food in my bags or a sleeping bag, I said no to both, so she stamped my arrivals card and said I could go without having my bags scanned. Result!!
After catching the train, I made my way to the hostel, and went to check in. As i was checking in, the man on reception said someone had made a mistake with my booking. Here goes I thought, but they had actually booked me into a 4 bed dorm instead of a 6 bed, and were only going to charge me the 6 bed price. I was quite impressed with that. The other people in my room are really nice, thankfully, so got chatting to them for a while, before going to bed.
On Tuesday I decided to go and get my nose pierced. It's something I've wanted to have done for a long time, but never got round to it. It really hurt when she did it, but it wasn't too bad afterwards. It hurts sometimes, but the rest of the time it either tickles, itches, or I can't feel a thing! After getting my nose pierced I went to the cinema to watch Four Holidays. Because it was Tuseday the cinema price was a lot cheaper. It was a pretty good film too. I then headed back to the hostel to change ready to make my way over to the opera house to watch Rolf Harris on his opening night there. It was a good show - he did plenty of singing and drawing. I enjoyed it!!
This morning (Wednesday) I decided that I would head to Coogee (I needed to go there anyway), and whilst there sunbathe on the beach for a while. I haven't done that for a while. Unfortunately though, it's really cloudy and windy today, so that's not really going to be an option!!
Friday 5 December 2008
Saturday December 6th - another week gone!
I had to get up early Tuesday morning to catch a bus that was taking me to a Thermal Wonderland (Wai-O-Tapu). On the way there we stopped at what were apparently the biggest mud pools in the Southern Hemisphere. After stopping to see them, we went a bit further and then saw the Lady Knox Geyser that errupts at 10:15 every day. We waited to see that errupt, and then went to the Thermal Wonderland. Walking around there (3kms) was pretty amazing, as some of the pictures show. Due to different chemical reactions, and depending on the amount of cloud coverage, the colours of some pools were amazing. There were bright greens, blues, reds, etc.
I arrived back in Rotorua at lunchtime, and then decided to go for lunch. I didn't fancy going the same place as the day before so I decided to follow the Lonely Planet's advice and went to hunt for an Irish Bar that apparently did fab food. I found it at the other side of town, and shock horror, it was closed. An Irish bar?? Closed?? Hmmmm!!! Anyway, this was right next door to the cinema, and being Tuesday everything is cheaper so I decided to go and watch a film, andfor lunch ate a pack of M 'n' M's. Maybe not that healthy, but nice!!!!
After watching the film I decided to change into my swimming costume, and head over to the Polynesian Spa. For $20, I had the use of 7 pools where the temparature ranged between 36 and 42 degrees c!! It was very relaxing, and nice looking out over the lake (though it was pretty smelly!!!). After a while here, I went and had some supper and then went to bed.
I was checking out Wednesday morning ready to move onto Taupo, so after storing my bags I decided to have a cooked breakfast which would see me through til the afternoon. After the yummy breakfast I went to use the hostels internet, and then went to catch the bus. I arrived in Taupo around 2pm. After arriving I went to find the hostel (Tiki Lodge) and was impressed. It was another nice one. I decided here that I wanted to do a boat trip out on the lake, but I was leaving soon after lunch the next day so guessed my options would be limited. I did manage to book a trip for 5pm though, on a boat called 'Ernest Kemp'. The boat trip on Lake Taupo was fantastic. We went out to see Maori carving on the cliffs on the side of the Lake. I met a lovely couple on the boat, who were initially from Ireland, but had moved to Australia around 20 years earlier, and were on holiday in NZ. They bought me a drink when we got on the boat, and when I asked them later what they wanted so I could get them one back, they wouldn't let me and got me another drink!!
The next morning I went for a walk around Taupo, and waited until it was time for me to catch the bus back to Auckland. I arrived back in Auckland around 8pm, and was met by John. We had a takeaway, and headed back to the flat.
Friday was another early morning (I seem to have a lot of these!!), because I was catching a bus tour at 8am in Auckland. The bus tour was by Stray tours, and would take me up to the most Northern part of NZ. Working our way up, we stopped to see an 850 year old Maori tree, which we all hugged because it was supposed to bring luck. After that we stopped somewhere where we could go snorkelling of we wanted but the weather was very British so I decided against it!! But while we were there there was a glass bottom boat offering trips, so we went on that, and saw fish, a stingray, and a few caves (not through the glass bottom!!). We stopped once more along the way so that we could visit some famous toilets!! They were very pretty, made with different coloured glass (the walls, etc. not the toilets themselves). I can't remember at the moment the names of these places, but will look them up and fill in!! We were staying in Paihia, so after getting there I checked into my hostel (Saltwater Lodge). This hostel was the nicest hostel I've stayed in I think. The room had a bunk bed and twin beds (I got one of the twins!), a TV (Wow!!!), a fridge, and a massive bathroom. There was tons of space there and it was clean. Shocking as that sounds but it's so nice to stay in a clean hostel!!! Me and one of the girls from the bus went out for food, where I had stuffed chicken with an orange sauce, mashed sweet potato and veg. It was really nice. We then headed back to the hostel and actually watched a bit of TV!!
This morning was another early one!! We were meeting the bus at 7am to take us on a tour around the top of NZ, including Cape Reigna. Again, I am going to have to look up names of places, etc. so will fill this in again. I did manage to fall though at Cape Reigna, and grazed my right leg from the knee down. It doesn't half sting!!!!!
************************************************************************************
Right - things I did on this trip up to the Bay of Islands.
Friday - Auckland to Paihia
Depart 7.45am (all departure times shown are from our preferred accommodation). We go well off the beaten track today. We visit a Kauri reserve for trees (where I hugged the 850 year old Kauri tree) and early settler history; then turn off the main highway towards Goat Island for some FREE snorkelling in the Marine Reserve. (I didn't do this snorkelling - the weather wasn't great for it. I went on a glass bottom boat instead, and saw fish!). We stay in central Paihia tonight - I stayed in the Saltwater Lodge - best hostel I've stayed in.
Saturday - Paihia to Cape Reinga and back
Depart 7am. Today we head to the top of New Zealand. See mighty Kauri forests, 90 Mile Beach, do some free dune surfing and see the clashing of two oceans at Cape Reinga (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean). Traditional Kiwi fish and chips option for dinner - was very yummy aswell! Accommodation is the same as last night.
I arrived back in Rotorua at lunchtime, and then decided to go for lunch. I didn't fancy going the same place as the day before so I decided to follow the Lonely Planet's advice and went to hunt for an Irish Bar that apparently did fab food. I found it at the other side of town, and shock horror, it was closed. An Irish bar?? Closed?? Hmmmm!!! Anyway, this was right next door to the cinema, and being Tuesday everything is cheaper so I decided to go and watch a film, andfor lunch ate a pack of M 'n' M's. Maybe not that healthy, but nice!!!!
After watching the film I decided to change into my swimming costume, and head over to the Polynesian Spa. For $20, I had the use of 7 pools where the temparature ranged between 36 and 42 degrees c!! It was very relaxing, and nice looking out over the lake (though it was pretty smelly!!!). After a while here, I went and had some supper and then went to bed.
I was checking out Wednesday morning ready to move onto Taupo, so after storing my bags I decided to have a cooked breakfast which would see me through til the afternoon. After the yummy breakfast I went to use the hostels internet, and then went to catch the bus. I arrived in Taupo around 2pm. After arriving I went to find the hostel (Tiki Lodge) and was impressed. It was another nice one. I decided here that I wanted to do a boat trip out on the lake, but I was leaving soon after lunch the next day so guessed my options would be limited. I did manage to book a trip for 5pm though, on a boat called 'Ernest Kemp'. The boat trip on Lake Taupo was fantastic. We went out to see Maori carving on the cliffs on the side of the Lake. I met a lovely couple on the boat, who were initially from Ireland, but had moved to Australia around 20 years earlier, and were on holiday in NZ. They bought me a drink when we got on the boat, and when I asked them later what they wanted so I could get them one back, they wouldn't let me and got me another drink!!
The next morning I went for a walk around Taupo, and waited until it was time for me to catch the bus back to Auckland. I arrived back in Auckland around 8pm, and was met by John. We had a takeaway, and headed back to the flat.
Friday was another early morning (I seem to have a lot of these!!), because I was catching a bus tour at 8am in Auckland. The bus tour was by Stray tours, and would take me up to the most Northern part of NZ. Working our way up, we stopped to see an 850 year old Maori tree, which we all hugged because it was supposed to bring luck. After that we stopped somewhere where we could go snorkelling of we wanted but the weather was very British so I decided against it!! But while we were there there was a glass bottom boat offering trips, so we went on that, and saw fish, a stingray, and a few caves (not through the glass bottom!!). We stopped once more along the way so that we could visit some famous toilets!! They were very pretty, made with different coloured glass (the walls, etc. not the toilets themselves). I can't remember at the moment the names of these places, but will look them up and fill in!! We were staying in Paihia, so after getting there I checked into my hostel (Saltwater Lodge). This hostel was the nicest hostel I've stayed in I think. The room had a bunk bed and twin beds (I got one of the twins!), a TV (Wow!!!), a fridge, and a massive bathroom. There was tons of space there and it was clean. Shocking as that sounds but it's so nice to stay in a clean hostel!!! Me and one of the girls from the bus went out for food, where I had stuffed chicken with an orange sauce, mashed sweet potato and veg. It was really nice. We then headed back to the hostel and actually watched a bit of TV!!
This morning was another early one!! We were meeting the bus at 7am to take us on a tour around the top of NZ, including Cape Reigna. Again, I am going to have to look up names of places, etc. so will fill this in again. I did manage to fall though at Cape Reigna, and grazed my right leg from the knee down. It doesn't half sting!!!!!
************************************************************************************
Right - things I did on this trip up to the Bay of Islands.
Friday - Auckland to Paihia
Depart 7.45am (all departure times shown are from our preferred accommodation). We go well off the beaten track today. We visit a Kauri reserve for trees (where I hugged the 850 year old Kauri tree) and early settler history; then turn off the main highway towards Goat Island for some FREE snorkelling in the Marine Reserve. (I didn't do this snorkelling - the weather wasn't great for it. I went on a glass bottom boat instead, and saw fish!). We stay in central Paihia tonight - I stayed in the Saltwater Lodge - best hostel I've stayed in.
Saturday - Paihia to Cape Reinga and back
Depart 7am. Today we head to the top of New Zealand. See mighty Kauri forests, 90 Mile Beach, do some free dune surfing and see the clashing of two oceans at Cape Reinga (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean). Traditional Kiwi fish and chips option for dinner - was very yummy aswell! Accommodation is the same as last night.
Monday 1 December 2008
Monday 1st december (already???) - Auckland to Rotorua
Sunday morning I went to church with John to see what it was like. It was so similar to one I went to in Botswana, with singing and people on their feet the whole time. It was also modern, and they had an electric band on the stage, and people singing into microphones. After church we had lunch which was a salad, and then went to Howick Historical Village, which was very similar to Sain Ffagan. It showed how the Irish and British settlers first lived, the types of houses they had, the schools, etc. After that we went for a barbie at friends of John's (Ron and Faith), and their 2 teenage daughters. They were a lovely family, and it was a very nice evening.
It was an early start on Monday (6am) because I was catching the bus (nakedbus company - trips start on each bus at a dollar, and then each seat is a dollar more. Unfortunately the bus was pretty full so mine was $37! I have got a trip for $9 coming up though!!). I arrived in Rotorua at lunchtime, checked into the hostel (Rotorua Central Backpackers - it has no bunks, only single beds. Lush!!!). After lunch in the Pig & Whistle, which is an old police station (I'd had a voucher for a free drink there - Swine Lager!), I decided to follow a walk the lady at hostel reception had recommended. It took a while to find the start (I'm rubbish at reading maps, and not all the street names were on the map), but I eventually did and walked through Kuirau Park. This is a dynamic thermal area with spurting geysers, steaming hot springs and exploding mud pools. It was amazing, though it did stink of rotten eggs (especially if the wind blew the steam in your direction. Yuck!!). The smell is sulphur, and Rotorua is actually known as Sulphur City. At one part of the park you have to walk over a foot bridge, and there are hot springs each side, with so much steam you can't see anything. It was quite eerie walking over, especially as all the trees were bare, just branches. It was like some horror film or something. Pretty cool though.
After walking through the park I walked toward Lake Rotorua, and then on to Ohinemutu, which is a Maori VIllage. There I saw an Anglican church (St. Faiths), and a Meeting House (Tama Te Kapua). These were very beautiful buildings with fantastic wood carvings. I couldn't take any photos inside, though. I then went for an ice cream (I had been told they were the best in Rotorua and had to try one, so had an Orange Choc Chip one). I headed back to the hostel after this because I was being picked up at 5:45 to go to Mitai Maori Village, which is an actual Maori site.
The bus taking me there must have been the creakiest bus I think I've been on!! When we arrived we went straight to the dining room and were put on tables. There must have been about 150 people there that evening, and it's not even holiday season yet. Our guide for the night, John (half Maori, half Brit!) asked us to shout out where we all came from, and would then say a word or 2 in that language. To me he said Croeso, sut wyt ti? and prydferth. At the end of the night he said Nos Da. I was very impressed. After listening to us talking for a while (where we choose a chief for our tribe of many nations!), we went out to see the hangi (ground cooked meat) cooking. We wthen went for a walk through the forest, and saw warriors running and chanting.
We then walked up to the stream (which had water flowing directly from the earth at Fairy Springs). We saw a Waka (ancient warrior canoe) go past, with warriors in it chanting. We were then seated for a performance. We were welcomed by their chief, after our chief (some guy from England) had to make a speech and accept a token.
After this had all been done, the Maori tribe performed for us by dancing, singing, chanting, performing the Haka, and showing their musical instruments and weapons. Once they had finished this, we all headed back to the dining room for food. For food we had lamb, chicken and kumara (sweet potato - traditional Maori dish) - all cooked under ground. We also had rice, corn, salad and broccoli. For dessert there was a chocolate log, trifle, and papaya.
After eating, and to finish off the evening, we went for a walk into the forest (at this point it was dark) so we could look at the different trees (including the silver fern), and also to look at glow worms. All in all it was a pretty amazing evening and well worth the money. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was an early start on Monday (6am) because I was catching the bus (nakedbus company - trips start on each bus at a dollar, and then each seat is a dollar more. Unfortunately the bus was pretty full so mine was $37! I have got a trip for $9 coming up though!!). I arrived in Rotorua at lunchtime, checked into the hostel (Rotorua Central Backpackers - it has no bunks, only single beds. Lush!!!). After lunch in the Pig & Whistle, which is an old police station (I'd had a voucher for a free drink there - Swine Lager!), I decided to follow a walk the lady at hostel reception had recommended. It took a while to find the start (I'm rubbish at reading maps, and not all the street names were on the map), but I eventually did and walked through Kuirau Park. This is a dynamic thermal area with spurting geysers, steaming hot springs and exploding mud pools. It was amazing, though it did stink of rotten eggs (especially if the wind blew the steam in your direction. Yuck!!). The smell is sulphur, and Rotorua is actually known as Sulphur City. At one part of the park you have to walk over a foot bridge, and there are hot springs each side, with so much steam you can't see anything. It was quite eerie walking over, especially as all the trees were bare, just branches. It was like some horror film or something. Pretty cool though.
After walking through the park I walked toward Lake Rotorua, and then on to Ohinemutu, which is a Maori VIllage. There I saw an Anglican church (St. Faiths), and a Meeting House (Tama Te Kapua). These were very beautiful buildings with fantastic wood carvings. I couldn't take any photos inside, though. I then went for an ice cream (I had been told they were the best in Rotorua and had to try one, so had an Orange Choc Chip one). I headed back to the hostel after this because I was being picked up at 5:45 to go to Mitai Maori Village, which is an actual Maori site.
The bus taking me there must have been the creakiest bus I think I've been on!! When we arrived we went straight to the dining room and were put on tables. There must have been about 150 people there that evening, and it's not even holiday season yet. Our guide for the night, John (half Maori, half Brit!) asked us to shout out where we all came from, and would then say a word or 2 in that language. To me he said Croeso, sut wyt ti? and prydferth. At the end of the night he said Nos Da. I was very impressed. After listening to us talking for a while (where we choose a chief for our tribe of many nations!), we went out to see the hangi (ground cooked meat) cooking. We wthen went for a walk through the forest, and saw warriors running and chanting.
We then walked up to the stream (which had water flowing directly from the earth at Fairy Springs). We saw a Waka (ancient warrior canoe) go past, with warriors in it chanting. We were then seated for a performance. We were welcomed by their chief, after our chief (some guy from England) had to make a speech and accept a token.
After this had all been done, the Maori tribe performed for us by dancing, singing, chanting, performing the Haka, and showing their musical instruments and weapons. Once they had finished this, we all headed back to the dining room for food. For food we had lamb, chicken and kumara (sweet potato - traditional Maori dish) - all cooked under ground. We also had rice, corn, salad and broccoli. For dessert there was a chocolate log, trifle, and papaya.
After eating, and to finish off the evening, we went for a walk into the forest (at this point it was dark) so we could look at the different trees (including the silver fern), and also to look at glow worms. All in all it was a pretty amazing evening and well worth the money. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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