I was lucky enough to meet a local of Singapore on the plane her name was Ruth Chew, and we got on like a house on fire, she had an English boyfriend working in Hong Kong (i think) so her English was very good (most people in Singapore speak English i found out to my Pleasure)
It was the day before Chinese New Years Eve, and there would be great celebrations in Singapore,
i was looking forward to seeing the fireworks, Ruth said she would join me and we both met near the waterfront where the main celebrations would be.
First we had a meal overlooking the river/bay then at midnight the fireworks started a great display, after that the Dragon started his dance (on poles) this was fabulous,
the dragon dance with colourful Chinese lanterns hung everywhere , dancing shows, and the smells of cooking food at the local stalls made the atmosphere magical.
On our way home Ruth invited me to her family dinner on New years eve the most important day to the Chinese, and greatly honoured i excepted.
I met Ruth at a underground Station near her Uncles place where her family would be celebrating, i arrived with a couple of presents and they gave me money in a red envelope with little clementines/oranges a very traditional gift meant to bring you luck and prosperity,
the evening was great fun and I was an honored guest,
I tossed a salad with the rest of the family (another tradition) then we tucked in to all the different food served,at the end of the evening I was driven back to my hotel,
I felt that I was very Lucky to have been invited to such a family evening.
In Singapore, one of "the places to go" is the famous Raffles, for a Singapore Sling,
and i thought would treat Ruth for being so kind,
we both had a good look around the great old Hotel and enjoyed our Singapore slings in the upstairs bar overlooking the courtyard, then after that we went for a meal at a local Restaurant just newly opened, which was a great hit with both of us.
Next i did the city tour, seeing Little India and China town ending up in the Botanic Gardens with a wonderful display of Orchards.
I loved Singapore, but on to my next Stop, Bangkok.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Cairnes 14th Jan - 4th Feb
The Great Barrier Reef
I arrived in Cairnes at the height of summer and boy was it hot, so glad my hotel room had Air Con, the hotel was a bit out of town but it would be ok for a week.
Had a look at the city centre and the beach front, a nice enough place, no beach but a kind of wetlands, there was a big public pool to cool down in.
the local were very friendly got chatting to someone most time i had a meal.
Trip to Michael Cay, The Great Barrier Reef
This was the one of the highlight of my trip,
we were taken out to the outer reef in a beautiful sailing catamaran, had a look at the reef in a glass bottomed boat and saw lots of giant clams,
then we were given stinger suits (to guard against box jelly fish )snorkel, mask and flippers, and in we went, what a sight! something i will never forget, the fish were so colourful and the different coloured coral was so beautiful, you have to see it for yourself,
Then lunch, and a chat to everyone about what we had seen,
Then, after sailing to another location we had look at another part of the the reef,Fab!!
I moved t JJ Backpackers hostel a much cheaper, and a very friendly place, full of all kinds of travelers and local Aussies working away from home.
I made friends with an English girl also called Kate, she was working at the hostels reception, we got on famously so we rented a car with 2 of the Japanese girls from the hostel and drove to Cape Tribulation the only place in the world where the Rain Forest meets the Sea,
On the way there we stopped at Mossaman Gorge (river) a great bathing place, then on the on the way back had dinner in Port Douglas a lovely seaside town, a great day.
Kate and i also went for a day out to Fitzroy Island, it rained most of the day but that is not such a problem when your snorkeling,
there was a giant trampoline in the sea and we had great fun bouncing up and down on it, in the pouring rain like a pair of mad people (very British)
another trip to the barrier reef this time to Green Island,
i would have done this every day but its expensive as its about a hour sail to the outer reef where all the good snorkeling is.
another fabulous day
I was lucky enough to be there for Australia Day celebrations, everyone at the hostel was up for a night out, we all had a drink (drinking games,of course!) at the hostel before hitting the town, Great night! everyone was in such a good mood ending up in the hostels pool at some hour in the morning
Last trip in Australia was to Kuranda a railway up a mountain to a little town and a ride in a gondola down, very enjoyable (see pictures)
Next stop Singapore
I arrived in Cairnes at the height of summer and boy was it hot, so glad my hotel room had Air Con, the hotel was a bit out of town but it would be ok for a week.
Had a look at the city centre and the beach front, a nice enough place, no beach but a kind of wetlands, there was a big public pool to cool down in.
the local were very friendly got chatting to someone most time i had a meal.
Trip to Michael Cay, The Great Barrier Reef
This was the one of the highlight of my trip,
we were taken out to the outer reef in a beautiful sailing catamaran, had a look at the reef in a glass bottomed boat and saw lots of giant clams,
then we were given stinger suits (to guard against box jelly fish )snorkel, mask and flippers, and in we went, what a sight! something i will never forget, the fish were so colourful and the different coloured coral was so beautiful, you have to see it for yourself,
Then lunch, and a chat to everyone about what we had seen,
Then, after sailing to another location we had look at another part of the the reef,Fab!!
I moved t JJ Backpackers hostel a much cheaper, and a very friendly place, full of all kinds of travelers and local Aussies working away from home.
I made friends with an English girl also called Kate, she was working at the hostels reception, we got on famously so we rented a car with 2 of the Japanese girls from the hostel and drove to Cape Tribulation the only place in the world where the Rain Forest meets the Sea,
On the way there we stopped at Mossaman Gorge (river) a great bathing place, then on the on the way back had dinner in Port Douglas a lovely seaside town, a great day.
Kate and i also went for a day out to Fitzroy Island, it rained most of the day but that is not such a problem when your snorkeling,
there was a giant trampoline in the sea and we had great fun bouncing up and down on it, in the pouring rain like a pair of mad people (very British)
another trip to the barrier reef this time to Green Island,
i would have done this every day but its expensive as its about a hour sail to the outer reef where all the good snorkeling is.
another fabulous day
I was lucky enough to be there for Australia Day celebrations, everyone at the hostel was up for a night out, we all had a drink (drinking games,of course!) at the hostel before hitting the town, Great night! everyone was in such a good mood ending up in the hostels pool at some hour in the morning
Last trip in Australia was to Kuranda a railway up a mountain to a little town and a ride in a gondola down, very enjoyable (see pictures)
Next stop Singapore
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Sydney 29th Dec - 14th Jan 2008
I Loved Sydney more than any place i have been so far,
I was Staying in the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour a nice hotel in a good location but a complete rip off (and I'm still trying to forget how much i paid to be there over the New Year)
29th Dec
Met Emma (Stewart) a friend from London Underground she will be working in Sydney for a year or 2 and is busy flat hunting, it is lovely to see her again,we go to Darling Harbour and have a meal, discussing our plans for New Years Eve, the view is spectacular! and at the end of the meal we have decided we will meet at 11 o'clock to buy a picnic, and to get a place at Mrs McGrorrys Point, The Place to Be at New Year, (and Emma assures me that we need to be there that early)
30th Dec
Had a look around the Shops and spotted Woolworth's, in Aus its mostly a food shop, but there was lots of fold up Chairs in a bag, easy for us to carry to Mrs McGorrys Point, as i wasn't too comfortable with sitting on the ground for for 10 hours, and this would be a great place to get our picnic.
Met Emma at a bar under the Opera House for a drink and a meal, another spectacular view, and we decided we would meet at Woolworth tomorrow at 11am,
31st Dec
New Years Eve
Met Emma at Woolworth's, got the picnic and chairs, and made our way to Mrs McGorrys Point, as we got there we couldn't believe the Que, it was never ending! and we made a snap decision, we jumped into a cab and made are way to Milsoms point a place Emma had been while flat hunting, and had a very good view of the Harbour bridge where some of the main fireworks would be, and a good view of the Opera House, we arrived there at about 12:30 and it was packed, but we were lucky to find a place with a good view, so there we were until 12 midnight, quite happy eating our picnic getting cups of tea and glasses of wine and chatting to our neighbours,
at 11:30, I was getting so excited, that i drove Emma mad asking what time it was every 5 minuets (as i had forgotten to bring my watch) then the countdown to the best fireworks I have ever seen!! the photos do not do it Justice.
getting back to the hotel was a bit of an experience, but due to not being in a Pub I was the most sober I have been on New Years eve, Ever!
1st Jan 2008
Had a lie-in, went to Paddy's Market for Breakfast and a look around then to the Cinema and watched National Treasure 2
2nd Jan
Emma and I went to the Cinema to See The Golden Compass something we both wanted to see, then to China Town for a meal.
4th Jan
For Christmas I had been given a present by Tom & Gill of $100 gift Voucher For Doyle's, one of Sydney's top fish Restaurant, What a treat!
so, i invited Emma to come along, we met at Circular Quay to make our way by Ferry to Doyle's, when we got there we saw the most beautiful sandy bay with a great view of the city, and we had pick a lovely day for it, so we sat outside.
we had a lovely fish meal with a couple of bottles of Ausie wine, just the ticket.
after the meal we caught the ferry back to town,where we started a bit of a pub crawl, Emma noticed the oldest pub in Sydney, so we had to go there, then to another pub on the waterfront then to a Poncy pub/bar where we were chatted up by a couple of fellas, Emma and i went back to our hotel/flat in a taxi (due to being drunk) but a great time was had by all.
5th Jan
Hungover! Went to the cinema again
7th Jan
Moved out of the Holiday Inn and into the Maze Backpackers, Oh My God talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous, it was grim !! but i thought it would save some money.
8th Jan
To the Chinese Embassy for my visa, then to the Aquarium and a posh dinner at Darling harbour
9th Jan
Collect Visa, then to Double bay for lunch,Fish & Chips(the best battered fish i have ever had )met Emma for a drink at the pump house then to darling Harbour for a meal (stopping for a ride on the Ferris wheel )
10th Jan
Blue Mountains tour.
We stopped in a nearby field for a cup of tea & cake and a chance to learn how to throw a boomerang, i did ok but not as good as some others who nearly got it to return to them, it was great fun.
The blue Mountains were Beautiful, we had lunch at a posh golf course,and had a chat to my fellow travellers,
then a walk through a forest to the steepest railway in the world (nearly vertical)
then we took a gondola down the mountain. and back to our hotel, a very enjoyable tour.
11th Jan
Couldn't stand the Maze backpackers any longer so i changed to the Stamford hotel, (a bit too posh but it was only for 2 nights) what a fabulous hotel and my room was the best, with a balcony and everything , but most importantly it was right near the Opera house and had bought a ticket for Cinderella the Opera (because when you're in Sydney you have to go to the Opera House), i got all Poshed up and walked the Short distance from my hotel to the opera house,it is the most Beautiful sight at night and i was so excited to think i was going inside. inside, it was a lot plainer than i had imagined but it had a great buzz about it, bought myself a glass of wine then sat in my seat , got chatting to 2 Americans sitting next to me.
the Opera was lighthearted with sumptuous costumes, afterwards i took another long look at the opera house and walked back to my hotel, a night to remember
13th Jan
Took a ferry to Manley beach for a swim, afterwards, back to Circular Quay for coffee and cake.
14th Jan
Fly to Cairns.
I was Staying in the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour a nice hotel in a good location but a complete rip off (and I'm still trying to forget how much i paid to be there over the New Year)
29th Dec
Met Emma (Stewart) a friend from London Underground she will be working in Sydney for a year or 2 and is busy flat hunting, it is lovely to see her again,we go to Darling Harbour and have a meal, discussing our plans for New Years Eve, the view is spectacular! and at the end of the meal we have decided we will meet at 11 o'clock to buy a picnic, and to get a place at Mrs McGrorrys Point, The Place to Be at New Year, (and Emma assures me that we need to be there that early)
30th Dec
Had a look around the Shops and spotted Woolworth's, in Aus its mostly a food shop, but there was lots of fold up Chairs in a bag, easy for us to carry to Mrs McGorrys Point, as i wasn't too comfortable with sitting on the ground for for 10 hours, and this would be a great place to get our picnic.
Met Emma at a bar under the Opera House for a drink and a meal, another spectacular view, and we decided we would meet at Woolworth tomorrow at 11am,
31st Dec
New Years Eve
Met Emma at Woolworth's, got the picnic and chairs, and made our way to Mrs McGorrys Point, as we got there we couldn't believe the Que, it was never ending! and we made a snap decision, we jumped into a cab and made are way to Milsoms point a place Emma had been while flat hunting, and had a very good view of the Harbour bridge where some of the main fireworks would be, and a good view of the Opera House, we arrived there at about 12:30 and it was packed, but we were lucky to find a place with a good view, so there we were until 12 midnight, quite happy eating our picnic getting cups of tea and glasses of wine and chatting to our neighbours,
at 11:30, I was getting so excited, that i drove Emma mad asking what time it was every 5 minuets (as i had forgotten to bring my watch) then the countdown to the best fireworks I have ever seen!! the photos do not do it Justice.
getting back to the hotel was a bit of an experience, but due to not being in a Pub I was the most sober I have been on New Years eve, Ever!
1st Jan 2008
Had a lie-in, went to Paddy's Market for Breakfast and a look around then to the Cinema and watched National Treasure 2
2nd Jan
Emma and I went to the Cinema to See The Golden Compass something we both wanted to see, then to China Town for a meal.
4th Jan
For Christmas I had been given a present by Tom & Gill of $100 gift Voucher For Doyle's, one of Sydney's top fish Restaurant, What a treat!
so, i invited Emma to come along, we met at Circular Quay to make our way by Ferry to Doyle's, when we got there we saw the most beautiful sandy bay with a great view of the city, and we had pick a lovely day for it, so we sat outside.
we had a lovely fish meal with a couple of bottles of Ausie wine, just the ticket.
after the meal we caught the ferry back to town,where we started a bit of a pub crawl, Emma noticed the oldest pub in Sydney, so we had to go there, then to another pub on the waterfront then to a Poncy pub/bar where we were chatted up by a couple of fellas, Emma and i went back to our hotel/flat in a taxi (due to being drunk) but a great time was had by all.
5th Jan
Hungover! Went to the cinema again
7th Jan
Moved out of the Holiday Inn and into the Maze Backpackers, Oh My God talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous, it was grim !! but i thought it would save some money.
8th Jan
To the Chinese Embassy for my visa, then to the Aquarium and a posh dinner at Darling harbour
9th Jan
Collect Visa, then to Double bay for lunch,Fish & Chips(the best battered fish i have ever had )met Emma for a drink at the pump house then to darling Harbour for a meal (stopping for a ride on the Ferris wheel )
10th Jan
Blue Mountains tour.
We stopped in a nearby field for a cup of tea & cake and a chance to learn how to throw a boomerang, i did ok but not as good as some others who nearly got it to return to them, it was great fun.
The blue Mountains were Beautiful, we had lunch at a posh golf course,and had a chat to my fellow travellers,
then a walk through a forest to the steepest railway in the world (nearly vertical)
then we took a gondola down the mountain. and back to our hotel, a very enjoyable tour.
11th Jan
Couldn't stand the Maze backpackers any longer so i changed to the Stamford hotel, (a bit too posh but it was only for 2 nights) what a fabulous hotel and my room was the best, with a balcony and everything , but most importantly it was right near the Opera house and had bought a ticket for Cinderella the Opera (because when you're in Sydney you have to go to the Opera House), i got all Poshed up and walked the Short distance from my hotel to the opera house,it is the most Beautiful sight at night and i was so excited to think i was going inside. inside, it was a lot plainer than i had imagined but it had a great buzz about it, bought myself a glass of wine then sat in my seat , got chatting to 2 Americans sitting next to me.
the Opera was lighthearted with sumptuous costumes, afterwards i took another long look at the opera house and walked back to my hotel, a night to remember
13th Jan
Took a ferry to Manley beach for a swim, afterwards, back to Circular Quay for coffee and cake.
14th Jan
Fly to Cairns.
Friday, 22 February 2008
Australia 14th Dec - 4th Feb
Melbourne
14th Dec
It was fabulous to be looked after for a while, and to spend Christmas with friends, I loved Melbourne, and Nick & Georgina(George) had a lovely house, and really made me feel welcome,had drinks and a meal on the balcony, and watched some fireworks in the distance (they must have known i was coming)
15th Dec
As soon as i got there it was Party, Party, Party,
1st night, party at a Turkish Restaurant in Melbourne, great food and I met some of Nick a Georges friends, a lively bunch to say the least, we were up drinking and dancing at somebodys house until 4am, (i did my best not to fall into the swimming pool, drunk)
16th Dec
The next day had a hangover so went to see a film Death ot a Funeral which the funniest film I've seen in a bit.
Had a look around the shops, as you do.
17th Dec
George & Fiona(Georges friend) took me to lunch near Mount Martha at a lovely fish restaurant on the sea front.
18th Dec
Took a Tram ride around the city, had lunch on the waterfront then met Nick & George and went up The Eureka Tower, great view! half price ticket, thanks to Fiona, (Nick and Georges daughter)
afterwards we all had a drink at a poncy wine bar, Fab!
20th Dec
Food Shopping with George for the beach house (there was quite a storm while we were out)
21st Dec
Travelled to the Beach house, stopping at a couple of (very posh)Vineyards along the way to stock up for Christmas dinner.
22nd Dec
Cold Day, so had a meal in a seaside pub & met some of Georges friends.
In the evening, we had a meal to remember,
during the day we had bought 3 crayfish at a seaside fish shop, and back at the beach house George prepared a salad to go with them, they were the best crayfish i have ever had (as big as lobsters) and washed down with a couple of bottles of Nicks wine,a great meal!
23rd Dec
Back to Melbourne for another party met more lovely people, got some good advice of where to go and what to do in Australia , lots of food and wine, Fab!
24th Dec
Back to the Beach house with Louisa this time, stop at another vineyard (a blokes shed, but the red wine was very good)
25th Dec
Christmas Dinner was at Georges sisters beach house (very nice house with a lovely view)
met Georges mum and bother,and a whole gang of friends and family, the meal was stupendous, and as always at the end of a Christmas meal i was fit to bust.
26th Dec
A lovely sunny day!
so, we all went to the beach, and I had a swim, the sea was a bit cold but once you in it was lovely, nobody else braved it with me they just waved at me from the shore, but i loved the idea that i was swimming on Boxing day.
Boxing day dinner at Georges sister house, another great family meal.
27th Dec
A fresh but sunny day, had a paddle on the beach with Nick,
in the evening had a Barbi at the beach house with some of Nicks friends
28th Dec
Georgina's Birthday!
we drive back to Melbourne for a celebration meal at O'Connells Restaurant, with Lou and Fiona & Fiona's boyfriend.
29th Dec
Nick takes me to the airport for my Flight to Sydney, I was sorry to leave, but as always excited about my next destination.
14th Dec
It was fabulous to be looked after for a while, and to spend Christmas with friends, I loved Melbourne, and Nick & Georgina(George) had a lovely house, and really made me feel welcome,had drinks and a meal on the balcony, and watched some fireworks in the distance (they must have known i was coming)
15th Dec
As soon as i got there it was Party, Party, Party,
1st night, party at a Turkish Restaurant in Melbourne, great food and I met some of Nick a Georges friends, a lively bunch to say the least, we were up drinking and dancing at somebodys house until 4am, (i did my best not to fall into the swimming pool, drunk)
16th Dec
The next day had a hangover so went to see a film Death ot a Funeral which the funniest film I've seen in a bit.
Had a look around the shops, as you do.
17th Dec
George & Fiona(Georges friend) took me to lunch near Mount Martha at a lovely fish restaurant on the sea front.
18th Dec
Took a Tram ride around the city, had lunch on the waterfront then met Nick & George and went up The Eureka Tower, great view! half price ticket, thanks to Fiona, (Nick and Georges daughter)
afterwards we all had a drink at a poncy wine bar, Fab!
20th Dec
Food Shopping with George for the beach house (there was quite a storm while we were out)
21st Dec
Travelled to the Beach house, stopping at a couple of (very posh)Vineyards along the way to stock up for Christmas dinner.
22nd Dec
Cold Day, so had a meal in a seaside pub & met some of Georges friends.
In the evening, we had a meal to remember,
during the day we had bought 3 crayfish at a seaside fish shop, and back at the beach house George prepared a salad to go with them, they were the best crayfish i have ever had (as big as lobsters) and washed down with a couple of bottles of Nicks wine,a great meal!
23rd Dec
Back to Melbourne for another party met more lovely people, got some good advice of where to go and what to do in Australia , lots of food and wine, Fab!
24th Dec
Back to the Beach house with Louisa this time, stop at another vineyard (a blokes shed, but the red wine was very good)
25th Dec
Christmas Dinner was at Georges sisters beach house (very nice house with a lovely view)
met Georges mum and bother,and a whole gang of friends and family, the meal was stupendous, and as always at the end of a Christmas meal i was fit to bust.
26th Dec
A lovely sunny day!
so, we all went to the beach, and I had a swim, the sea was a bit cold but once you in it was lovely, nobody else braved it with me they just waved at me from the shore, but i loved the idea that i was swimming on Boxing day.
Boxing day dinner at Georges sister house, another great family meal.
27th Dec
A fresh but sunny day, had a paddle on the beach with Nick,
in the evening had a Barbi at the beach house with some of Nicks friends
28th Dec
Georgina's Birthday!
we drive back to Melbourne for a celebration meal at O'Connells Restaurant, with Lou and Fiona & Fiona's boyfriend.
29th Dec
Nick takes me to the airport for my Flight to Sydney, I was sorry to leave, but as always excited about my next destination.
Thursday, 6 December 2007
New Zealand - Nov 24 to 14th Dec
What a beautiful place!
I flew into Auckland,
and I loved Auckland, maybe because it was the first place for 2 and a half months where everyone spoke English.
on the first day I booked myself onto a Coach tour of the North & South Island,
this was a Bus system where You can decide where you want to go and how long you want to stay in places it was called the Magic Bus,
also a great way to meet other travellers, i met so many lovely people.
but First things first - A Vineyard Tour
the Vineyards was on an Island in Auckland bay called Whaihiki, and what a joy,
I was on a tour with a group of people, that like myself enjoyed a tipple, so we all got on great. the Vineyards were beautiful, with plenty of fine wine & lunch thrown in, a great day.
The next day i went north to the Bay of Islands, and had a boat Cruise around the Islands, we were lucky enough to see a pod of Dolphins hunting,
i couldn't believe it, I tried to take pictures, but the dolphins were so fast i ended up with some great pictures of the Sea.
on the cruise i met up with a girl/fellow traveller called Nicky afterwards we had a meal together in a lovely seashore restaurant.
Routorua
here i went to the Waitomo Caves to see the Glow Worms,
(will tell you all about this later)
Lake Taupo
Dinner at a Maori village plus a Show,
it wasn't a real Maori Village but it was a great show, and plenty of food
Napier
i loved Napier it was my kind of place, by the sea, not to big, and not to small with plenty of Shops, Cafe and bars,
met up with Stacie and Emma and had a couple of meals together it was lovely to see them Both
(got stuck in Napier for a couple of day due to David Beckem)
Wellington
nice city, stayed at the YMCA had dinner with Stacie at a Thai Restaurant we had a good chat and giggle
Kiakoura
a very small place - Stayed at the Adelphi hostel in the middle of town
went on a Cruise to see Whales It was fantastic , i saw 3 Whales
next day a cruise to see Dusky Dolphins and they are the most energetic of dolphins
they jump out of the water showing off to each other, (got some great pictures)
had dinner at a very good Thai
Christchurch - it was ok but i didn't take to it.
Scenic Railway from Kiakoura to Christchurch a great way to see the countryside
Greymouth - Stayed at the Neptune Backpacker a very homely hostel
I loved Greymouth i travelled there by the Trans Alpine train a fantastic journey
then did some shopping and had dinner in a poncy wine bar(loved it)
went to see a show "Fiddlesticks" a very talented NZ band
Franz Josef
Small but pretty town,
walked though a rain forest to get to the Glacier (how weired is that )
Queenstown
-stayed at The Southern Laughter, a lovely Backpackers (had my own telly)
a cruise around the Milford sounds Stunning scenery- see pictures
Dunedin
Stayed at the Manor House Backpackers, and a Manor House is was not!
i have never seen such a dilapidated hostel in my life (or so i thought )
I didn't like Dinedin maybe because of the bad hostel or because there were to many Bric-a-brac shops and not enough poncy wine bars,
anyway i when to Cadburys Chocolate Factory and wished i had gone to the albatross wildlife santury instead(it was quite expensive) but we live and learn.
Lake Tekapo
What a beautiful place!
Because all the hostels were full i had to book into a Lovely hotel on the shores of the lake for one night(and it wasn't too expensive) i had such a restful sleep and breakfast overlooking the lake (see pictures, when i get round to it)
then Back to Auckland to Fly to Australia
I flew into Auckland,
and I loved Auckland, maybe because it was the first place for 2 and a half months where everyone spoke English.
on the first day I booked myself onto a Coach tour of the North & South Island,
this was a Bus system where You can decide where you want to go and how long you want to stay in places it was called the Magic Bus,
also a great way to meet other travellers, i met so many lovely people.
but First things first - A Vineyard Tour
the Vineyards was on an Island in Auckland bay called Whaihiki, and what a joy,
I was on a tour with a group of people, that like myself enjoyed a tipple, so we all got on great. the Vineyards were beautiful, with plenty of fine wine & lunch thrown in, a great day.
The next day i went north to the Bay of Islands, and had a boat Cruise around the Islands, we were lucky enough to see a pod of Dolphins hunting,
i couldn't believe it, I tried to take pictures, but the dolphins were so fast i ended up with some great pictures of the Sea.
on the cruise i met up with a girl/fellow traveller called Nicky afterwards we had a meal together in a lovely seashore restaurant.
Routorua
here i went to the Waitomo Caves to see the Glow Worms,
(will tell you all about this later)
Lake Taupo
Dinner at a Maori village plus a Show,
it wasn't a real Maori Village but it was a great show, and plenty of food
Napier
i loved Napier it was my kind of place, by the sea, not to big, and not to small with plenty of Shops, Cafe and bars,
met up with Stacie and Emma and had a couple of meals together it was lovely to see them Both
(got stuck in Napier for a couple of day due to David Beckem)
Wellington
nice city, stayed at the YMCA had dinner with Stacie at a Thai Restaurant we had a good chat and giggle
Kiakoura
a very small place - Stayed at the Adelphi hostel in the middle of town
went on a Cruise to see Whales It was fantastic , i saw 3 Whales
next day a cruise to see Dusky Dolphins and they are the most energetic of dolphins
they jump out of the water showing off to each other, (got some great pictures)
had dinner at a very good Thai
Christchurch - it was ok but i didn't take to it.
Scenic Railway from Kiakoura to Christchurch a great way to see the countryside
Greymouth - Stayed at the Neptune Backpacker a very homely hostel
I loved Greymouth i travelled there by the Trans Alpine train a fantastic journey
then did some shopping and had dinner in a poncy wine bar(loved it)
went to see a show "Fiddlesticks" a very talented NZ band
Franz Josef
Small but pretty town,
walked though a rain forest to get to the Glacier (how weired is that )
Queenstown
-stayed at The Southern Laughter, a lovely Backpackers (had my own telly)
a cruise around the Milford sounds Stunning scenery- see pictures
Dunedin
Stayed at the Manor House Backpackers, and a Manor House is was not!
i have never seen such a dilapidated hostel in my life (or so i thought )
I didn't like Dinedin maybe because of the bad hostel or because there were to many Bric-a-brac shops and not enough poncy wine bars,
anyway i when to Cadburys Chocolate Factory and wished i had gone to the albatross wildlife santury instead(it was quite expensive) but we live and learn.
Lake Tekapo
What a beautiful place!
Because all the hostels were full i had to book into a Lovely hotel on the shores of the lake for one night(and it wasn't too expensive) i had such a restful sleep and breakfast overlooking the lake (see pictures, when i get round to it)
then Back to Auckland to Fly to Australia
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Ushuaia Patagonia 30th Oct- 14 Nov
Ushuaia - The Town at the end of the world
in this town all the houses were log cabins or Swiss chalets type
the weather was cold with blue Skye's except when it snowed which was fairly often
but all the hotels, cafes and bars were warm and cosy
at my first Hotel The Lennox, a bit too poncy even for me,
my favorite hotel was the Albatross which had a lovely view of the sea, and all the boats that were taking off for Antarctica but most importantly a wine bar and Restaurant Fab!
the high street (only Street) had plenty of cafes and Restaurants
This was a one horse town (actually it had many horses)
one high Street
one Casino (Would you believe)
one night club
But that's all they needed
i went on a trip down the Beagle Channel,
then a trip on an old steam train to the Terra del Fuego National Park
then went to see a glacier, it was Fabulous
in this town all the houses were log cabins or Swiss chalets type
the weather was cold with blue Skye's except when it snowed which was fairly often
but all the hotels, cafes and bars were warm and cosy
at my first Hotel The Lennox, a bit too poncy even for me,
my favorite hotel was the Albatross which had a lovely view of the sea, and all the boats that were taking off for Antarctica but most importantly a wine bar and Restaurant Fab!
the high street (only Street) had plenty of cafes and Restaurants
This was a one horse town (actually it had many horses)
one high Street
one Casino (Would you believe)
one night club
But that's all they needed
i went on a trip down the Beagle Channel,
then a trip on an old steam train to the Terra del Fuego National Park
then went to see a glacier, it was Fabulous
Monday, 5 November 2007
Colonia, Uruguay - 26th Oct -28th Oct
Colonia,
what a Lovely place,
a little seaside town with cobbled street's with lots of cafes and craft shops.
My hotel was so charming & right on the river as it goes out into the sea
I walked into the front door of my hotel and on the right was a reception and small Bar, on the left the breakfast room,
then you walked out on to a small courtyard, and in the middle was a little fountain, dotted around the place were blooming flower pots, and around the courtyard were the rooms,
very pretty place !!
On the first day i sat at a cafe on the Sea front having brunch, and i was feeling a little lonely as this was just the kinda place you would like to share with someone,
but as I sat, I started wondering if there was a time difference between Colonia and Buenos Aires as i had a tour of the town at 2.30,
so i asked the waitress, in English, she answered, in Spanish, and after a lot of pointing at my watch i worked out the Colonia was an hour ahead, then on the table behind me i heard an loud American accent say "is she on Argentine time" then one turned to me and said "where are you from" so, we got chatting,
3 American lady's Diane, Rosanne and daughter (of about 20 years old ) Katie,
Katie had done a lot of traveling so we talked about the places she had been,
I finished my meal, and we said we said we would try and meet up later and went off for my Tour, this took 2 hours longer than it should (as it was a small place) then i went back to the hotel, had a sleep then got ready to go out for dinner
I chose a restaurant with a chap playing a guitar,
and just as i was finishing my meal the Americans walked in!
they ask me to join them for a drink at another restaurant,
so I did, and this restaurant was empty which meant we could sing and dance to our hearts content, the owner was game, and one of his friends, Patrick (also an American) turned up in a 1920 Car ! they are big on old cars here, he got chatting to Rosanne & Diane, it turns out they were in Afghanistan at the same time in the 80´s ( but not together)
we were there until 3am drinking the local hooch, dancing and having a good time.
Rosanne needed to pick up her other daughter at the Port at 4am and Patrick offered to take them, so i left them waving goodbye, as Patrick was trying to start this 1920s Car (on the 4th attempt it started)
A night to remember !
what a Lovely place,
a little seaside town with cobbled street's with lots of cafes and craft shops.
My hotel was so charming & right on the river as it goes out into the sea
I walked into the front door of my hotel and on the right was a reception and small Bar, on the left the breakfast room,
then you walked out on to a small courtyard, and in the middle was a little fountain, dotted around the place were blooming flower pots, and around the courtyard were the rooms,
very pretty place !!
On the first day i sat at a cafe on the Sea front having brunch, and i was feeling a little lonely as this was just the kinda place you would like to share with someone,
but as I sat, I started wondering if there was a time difference between Colonia and Buenos Aires as i had a tour of the town at 2.30,
so i asked the waitress, in English, she answered, in Spanish, and after a lot of pointing at my watch i worked out the Colonia was an hour ahead, then on the table behind me i heard an loud American accent say "is she on Argentine time" then one turned to me and said "where are you from" so, we got chatting,
3 American lady's Diane, Rosanne and daughter (of about 20 years old ) Katie,
Katie had done a lot of traveling so we talked about the places she had been,
I finished my meal, and we said we said we would try and meet up later and went off for my Tour, this took 2 hours longer than it should (as it was a small place) then i went back to the hotel, had a sleep then got ready to go out for dinner
I chose a restaurant with a chap playing a guitar,
and just as i was finishing my meal the Americans walked in!
they ask me to join them for a drink at another restaurant,
so I did, and this restaurant was empty which meant we could sing and dance to our hearts content, the owner was game, and one of his friends, Patrick (also an American) turned up in a 1920 Car ! they are big on old cars here, he got chatting to Rosanne & Diane, it turns out they were in Afghanistan at the same time in the 80´s ( but not together)
we were there until 3am drinking the local hooch, dancing and having a good time.
Rosanne needed to pick up her other daughter at the Port at 4am and Patrick offered to take them, so i left them waving goodbye, as Patrick was trying to start this 1920s Car (on the 4th attempt it started)
A night to remember !
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