So we've journeyed south from Auckland to Whitianga (pronounced Fitianga), or Mercury Bay (for ease of pronunciation!). And its hot. Damn hot. REAL hot. (to quote Good Morning Vietnam). Really nice place, quite small and quiet.
We're staying on a YHA called "On the Beach" because of its location (surprisingly enough!). The beach is directly outside, which is really nice (although we don't get a view of the sea from our bedroom, but we can from the shared living area!)
We came down here on the Kiwi Experience bus, which unfortunately had no air conditioning (it broke down somewhere between us getting off last night and on this morning!). This made it hotter on the bus than it was outside, even with the sunroof window thingy open! Our driver, LJ, has promised that he will try to get it fixed tonight, or if not get something sorted by the time we get to Taupo in a few days. I'm hoping for the former!
The group of people we are travelling with seem quite nice, even if there is an overabundance of Brits aboard! Travel to the other side of the world to spend most of your time with your country-mates! Oh well!
We came down through the Coromandel Peninsula, which had some very scenic views, both inland and along the coastline.
We then briefly visited Cathedral Cove this afternoon on the way into Mercury Bay, but as it involved a 40 minute walk up and down and around various cliffs to get there, Naomi didn't feel up to the hike back in the heat, so we stayed at the lookout point and just enjoyed the view from there, rather than going down to the beach itself. We did manage to journey a little way down to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay, so we at least got down to the sea itself, however briefly.
Once we got dropped at our YHA, we nipped to the Supermarket and got some dinner - beans on toast! A good backpackers meal! Just as we finished that we met our flatmates for the night - a Kiwi chap, his Mexican girlfriend and her sister. We had a nice chat with them before coming out to let you lot know what we're up to!
Anyway, we have an early start tomorrow (we're being picked up at 7.30) so we're off to bed!
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Sunday, 25 February 2007
Panda in Paihia (Days 9-10)
After arriving in Auckland on Saturday, we spent the night at the hostel before our early morning pickup on Sunday for our trip north to the Bay of Islands (or Paihia). We had a really good driver, Andy, who was very friendly and had a lot to show us and tell us about on the four-hour drive.
It looked like the weather was going to be against us for this trip, as we passed through some heavy rain showers, but when we reached Bay of Islands, the sun was beginning to peek out. At Andy's suggestion, I went on a fast boat trip that afternoon. (Naomi wasn't feeling too great and decided to give it a miss) The boat, the Excitor, took the group of us around the Bay of Islands, and out to the "Hole in the Rock", basically a huge rock in the ocean just off one of the islands which has a huge hole in it made just from the water eroding it away. The water was steady enough that the captain was able to take us through the hole and out the other side. The weather had totally cleared up by now, and was getting suitably sunny. This, however, was a mixed blessing. Typically, neither Naomi or I had noticed how sunny it was getting, and with being out on the boat for two hours (and with Naomi standing on the pier for half an hour before the boat left), and with neither of us thinking to put on any sunblock until after I had left (Naomi has the sunblock in her bag!), I got off the boat looking like a red panda - white under my sunglasses, but sunburnt all over my face! Naomi fared worse, with the sun catching her shoulders and arms as well as her face. We're both suffering for it today!
There was a barbecue back at the hostel last night, which was quite good fun. Met some nice people, including another Irish girl, and chatted with them while we ate. Eventually, we turned in for an early night (after still being tired from the 6am rise we'd had that morning).
This morning we got up and checked out by 10, then after getting some breakfast (a toastie and a burger!) we headed across to Russell, the settlement built on the site that Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. Very historic, but a little on the boring side (we didn't have time to do any organised tours - I'm sure that would have made it more interesting). Anyway, we stayed there a while, then got the ferry back across.
Now we're just killing time until we get our bus in a couple of hours time. That will take us back down to Auckland for the night, and tomorrow we will start our journey proper as we head to Mercury Bay...
It looked like the weather was going to be against us for this trip, as we passed through some heavy rain showers, but when we reached Bay of Islands, the sun was beginning to peek out. At Andy's suggestion, I went on a fast boat trip that afternoon. (Naomi wasn't feeling too great and decided to give it a miss) The boat, the Excitor, took the group of us around the Bay of Islands, and out to the "Hole in the Rock", basically a huge rock in the ocean just off one of the islands which has a huge hole in it made just from the water eroding it away. The water was steady enough that the captain was able to take us through the hole and out the other side. The weather had totally cleared up by now, and was getting suitably sunny. This, however, was a mixed blessing. Typically, neither Naomi or I had noticed how sunny it was getting, and with being out on the boat for two hours (and with Naomi standing on the pier for half an hour before the boat left), and with neither of us thinking to put on any sunblock until after I had left (Naomi has the sunblock in her bag!), I got off the boat looking like a red panda - white under my sunglasses, but sunburnt all over my face! Naomi fared worse, with the sun catching her shoulders and arms as well as her face. We're both suffering for it today!
There was a barbecue back at the hostel last night, which was quite good fun. Met some nice people, including another Irish girl, and chatted with them while we ate. Eventually, we turned in for an early night (after still being tired from the 6am rise we'd had that morning).
This morning we got up and checked out by 10, then after getting some breakfast (a toastie and a burger!) we headed across to Russell, the settlement built on the site that Captain Cook first landed in New Zealand. Very historic, but a little on the boring side (we didn't have time to do any organised tours - I'm sure that would have made it more interesting). Anyway, we stayed there a while, then got the ferry back across.
Now we're just killing time until we get our bus in a couple of hours time. That will take us back down to Auckland for the night, and tomorrow we will start our journey proper as we head to Mercury Bay...
Friday, 23 February 2007
Sydney Shopping! (Days 4-7)
So we've now come to the end of our four-day stint in Sydney. Like I mentioned before, I love this city. I don't know what it is about it, but I've enjoyed my stay here just as much as I did previously.
Although we haven't done most of the touristy things this time (as we'd done them all before), we've spent the days relaxing and wandering the city. In particular the shops. Sydney is fantastic for shopping, especially if you're Naomi! :)
As well as dotting in and out of shops, we've had some time to wander the city properly. We've been down to the Opera House to see the QE2 and QM2 that were both in dock a few nights ago. We've gone to Parramatta (shopping, mind you, but at least it got us to see a different shopping mall!) We've also been out to Manly Beach for a meal with Leanne and her folks.
Its been really good being able to catch up with a friendly face while we've been here, and have seen Leanne most days since we've been here. Unfortunately, Phil hasn't been able to make it to visit us, as his work has kept him away from Sydney during our stay (although I hear he's coming back to the UK around the time we are, so Phil, if you're reading this, we definitely need to try and meet up for a pint when you're over!).
The meal at Manly Beach was at the fantastic Ribs & Rumps restaurant. Last time Naomi and I went there, I wasn't particularly impressed (its loud and with very little room between the crowded tables, and my food was fine, but wasn't the fantastic steak I'd been led to believe). This time, however, was a totally different experience. I had a 500g Lazy Sirloin Steak, which was just immense, and very enjoyable. It was still noisy and crowded, but the food and the service were brilliant, and we all had a great time.
We also met up with Leanne for a drink at the Star City Casino at Darling Harbour last night. The casino itself is pretty impressive (the doormen generously let Leanne in only wearing "thongs" - for those of you not initiated in Oz-speak, this is flip-flops, not what we refer to as thongs in the UK!). We drank a little, gambled even less (I never did see a Texas Hold'em table, although there was some Blackjack), but had a nice evening.
Anyway, tomorrow morning we fly to Auckland and start the trip down North Island to Wellington.
Although we haven't done most of the touristy things this time (as we'd done them all before), we've spent the days relaxing and wandering the city. In particular the shops. Sydney is fantastic for shopping, especially if you're Naomi! :)
As well as dotting in and out of shops, we've had some time to wander the city properly. We've been down to the Opera House to see the QE2 and QM2 that were both in dock a few nights ago. We've gone to Parramatta (shopping, mind you, but at least it got us to see a different shopping mall!) We've also been out to Manly Beach for a meal with Leanne and her folks.
Its been really good being able to catch up with a friendly face while we've been here, and have seen Leanne most days since we've been here. Unfortunately, Phil hasn't been able to make it to visit us, as his work has kept him away from Sydney during our stay (although I hear he's coming back to the UK around the time we are, so Phil, if you're reading this, we definitely need to try and meet up for a pint when you're over!).
The meal at Manly Beach was at the fantastic Ribs & Rumps restaurant. Last time Naomi and I went there, I wasn't particularly impressed (its loud and with very little room between the crowded tables, and my food was fine, but wasn't the fantastic steak I'd been led to believe). This time, however, was a totally different experience. I had a 500g Lazy Sirloin Steak, which was just immense, and very enjoyable. It was still noisy and crowded, but the food and the service were brilliant, and we all had a great time.
We also met up with Leanne for a drink at the Star City Casino at Darling Harbour last night. The casino itself is pretty impressive (the doormen generously let Leanne in only wearing "thongs" - for those of you not initiated in Oz-speak, this is flip-flops, not what we refer to as thongs in the UK!). We drank a little, gambled even less (I never did see a Texas Hold'em table, although there was some Blackjack), but had a nice evening.
Anyway, tomorrow morning we fly to Auckland and start the trip down North Island to Wellington.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Honeymoon - Sydney (Day 3)
Just a quick note to say that we've arrived safely in Sydney. I'd forgotten how much I love this city!
Anyway, everything is fine here, the weather is great, and we're off down to the harbour to see some celebrations because of the QE2 and QM2 are both in harbour together, and are leaving tonight.
More as we do stuff!
Anyway, everything is fine here, the weather is great, and we're off down to the harbour to see some celebrations because of the QE2 and QM2 are both in harbour together, and are leaving tonight.
More as we do stuff!
Monday, 19 February 2007
Honeymoon - Days 1 & 2 - Singapore Slingshot
19/02/07
Weather : Day 1 - Warm, humid, overcast
Day 2 - Wet Wet Wet!
So, ignoring the day we arrived (which was made up of flying, sleeping & eating), we have had two full days in Singapore (although at time of writing only one full day has so far passed).
At first appearance, this is a city without its own identity. Everything seems to be imported from elsewhere. The language is predominantly English; the food seems a mix of American and Chinese; the shops could have been moved here from almost anywhere else. Even the people seem to be a mix from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Western heritages.
But when you stop and look more closely, something strange happens. That seeming lack of identity actually seems to create a unique identity all of its own. The people (at least those I spoke with) seem to have an underlying pride in their place in the world, and with good reason. Certainly there seems to be a friendliness to Singapore's inhabitants that is quite refreshing in today's current climate of suspicion of strangers. (This could well be in part due to Singapore's rule to not keep communities separate - if a block of flats has too many Chinese, for example, no more Chinese will be allowed to move into that block. And while there are Chinese, Indian & Malays areas, these are only meeting areas, not living areas.) Its a clean city too, well sort of. I don't think I've seen a single piece of litter our entire visit (other than one bit dropped by a tourist!), but inside the malls everything is just....scruffy. In the way that a Glasgow railway station is scruffy - there are no obvious signs of anything dirtying the place, it just is kinda grimy. (that said, being a public holiday, a lot of places were shut, so possibly there are nicer malls that we couldn't go into!)
But its the smells you notice most. So many different gorgeous aromas float through the air as you walk around. Its almost impossible to not be hungry with such spicy foods competing for your attention.
Did I mention that its Chinese New Year this weekend? Welcome to the Year of the Golden Pig. Apparently there are five "Year of the Pig"s - paper, wood, metal, gold & fire. The Golden Pig is supposedly a lucky year to be born in (take note Steve & Chris!). Of course, this means most things are shut here this weekend.
Still, we've had a good run at things. We spent Sunday (after a long lie!) working our way down Orchard Road, looking at many closed shops that Naomi was just dying to go into! After getting something to eat we proceeded back up the other side of Orchard Road back to the hotel, before getting picked up for the Night Safari.
I've got to admit, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. The place itself seemed quite nice (if a tad overpriced - S$8 for an OJ?!), but I think my lack of enthusiasm came from being rushed by our tour guide. While very friendly, Mary Anne had an annoying habit of telling you the same thing six times (or more, if you'd let her!), and the tour seemed to have such a tightly fixed schedule that Naomi & I actually had to leave a show half way through for fear of the bus leaving without us - indeed, it nearly did anyway! Mary Anne seemed to be trying her best, and was full of interesting facts about stuff, but I'd have traded that in a second for having more time at the actual Night Safari.
The tram ride around the park was pretty good, although you never really stopped quite long enough at the more impressive animals (for me, the highlight was the 10 seconds or so during which we drove past the giraffes! (for those who don't know, giraffes are my favourite animal, don't know why, I just find them elegant)). The Fire Dancers show was ok, although a little boring in the middle (the bit without the fire!). The Night Creatures show was shaping up well, with a really funny & charismatic Indian girl presenting it. Unfortunately, this was the show we had to cut short in order to make the bus on time. Still, it was overall an experience we were glad we managed.
Once we got back to town, we headed to the one place we had to visit while in Singapore - Raffles. Its a pretty amazing looking place - you could easily see David Suchet's Poirot sitting in there feeling right at home. The rock music blaring from the band in the bar upstairs took away from the atmosphere a little, but it was good music, so I can't really complain! We were too late for food, so settled for a Singapore Sling each (well, you have to, don't you?!) Just about everyone else in the bar seemed to have the same idea - I'm sure the staff must get sick of making those cocktails!
Day 2 has had constant rain, which of course saw us on an open-topped bus tour of the city! While the various tours seemed pretty good, the weather dampened our enjoyment a bit. When it rains in Singapore, it really rains! Mind you, when it stops you dry out pretty quickly! Now we're just killing time until our flight.
Have we enjoyed our time in Singapore? Yes, on the whole.
Would we come back again? Probably not, except as a stopover. Its nice to visit, but for us doesn't have enough to keep us occupied for a full holiday.
Next stop, Sydney...
Weather : Day 1 - Warm, humid, overcast
Day 2 - Wet Wet Wet!
So, ignoring the day we arrived (which was made up of flying, sleeping & eating), we have had two full days in Singapore (although at time of writing only one full day has so far passed).
At first appearance, this is a city without its own identity. Everything seems to be imported from elsewhere. The language is predominantly English; the food seems a mix of American and Chinese; the shops could have been moved here from almost anywhere else. Even the people seem to be a mix from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Western heritages.
But when you stop and look more closely, something strange happens. That seeming lack of identity actually seems to create a unique identity all of its own. The people (at least those I spoke with) seem to have an underlying pride in their place in the world, and with good reason. Certainly there seems to be a friendliness to Singapore's inhabitants that is quite refreshing in today's current climate of suspicion of strangers. (This could well be in part due to Singapore's rule to not keep communities separate - if a block of flats has too many Chinese, for example, no more Chinese will be allowed to move into that block. And while there are Chinese, Indian & Malays areas, these are only meeting areas, not living areas.) Its a clean city too, well sort of. I don't think I've seen a single piece of litter our entire visit (other than one bit dropped by a tourist!), but inside the malls everything is just....scruffy. In the way that a Glasgow railway station is scruffy - there are no obvious signs of anything dirtying the place, it just is kinda grimy. (that said, being a public holiday, a lot of places were shut, so possibly there are nicer malls that we couldn't go into!)
But its the smells you notice most. So many different gorgeous aromas float through the air as you walk around. Its almost impossible to not be hungry with such spicy foods competing for your attention.
Did I mention that its Chinese New Year this weekend? Welcome to the Year of the Golden Pig. Apparently there are five "Year of the Pig"s - paper, wood, metal, gold & fire. The Golden Pig is supposedly a lucky year to be born in (take note Steve & Chris!). Of course, this means most things are shut here this weekend.
Still, we've had a good run at things. We spent Sunday (after a long lie!) working our way down Orchard Road, looking at many closed shops that Naomi was just dying to go into! After getting something to eat we proceeded back up the other side of Orchard Road back to the hotel, before getting picked up for the Night Safari.
I've got to admit, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. The place itself seemed quite nice (if a tad overpriced - S$8 for an OJ?!), but I think my lack of enthusiasm came from being rushed by our tour guide. While very friendly, Mary Anne had an annoying habit of telling you the same thing six times (or more, if you'd let her!), and the tour seemed to have such a tightly fixed schedule that Naomi & I actually had to leave a show half way through for fear of the bus leaving without us - indeed, it nearly did anyway! Mary Anne seemed to be trying her best, and was full of interesting facts about stuff, but I'd have traded that in a second for having more time at the actual Night Safari.
The tram ride around the park was pretty good, although you never really stopped quite long enough at the more impressive animals (for me, the highlight was the 10 seconds or so during which we drove past the giraffes! (for those who don't know, giraffes are my favourite animal, don't know why, I just find them elegant)). The Fire Dancers show was ok, although a little boring in the middle (the bit without the fire!). The Night Creatures show was shaping up well, with a really funny & charismatic Indian girl presenting it. Unfortunately, this was the show we had to cut short in order to make the bus on time. Still, it was overall an experience we were glad we managed.
Once we got back to town, we headed to the one place we had to visit while in Singapore - Raffles. Its a pretty amazing looking place - you could easily see David Suchet's Poirot sitting in there feeling right at home. The rock music blaring from the band in the bar upstairs took away from the atmosphere a little, but it was good music, so I can't really complain! We were too late for food, so settled for a Singapore Sling each (well, you have to, don't you?!) Just about everyone else in the bar seemed to have the same idea - I'm sure the staff must get sick of making those cocktails!
Day 2 has had constant rain, which of course saw us on an open-topped bus tour of the city! While the various tours seemed pretty good, the weather dampened our enjoyment a bit. When it rains in Singapore, it really rains! Mind you, when it stops you dry out pretty quickly! Now we're just killing time until our flight.
Have we enjoyed our time in Singapore? Yes, on the whole.
Would we come back again? Probably not, except as a stopover. Its nice to visit, but for us doesn't have enough to keep us occupied for a full holiday.
Next stop, Sydney...
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