Tue - March 29, 2005Tuesday, March 29, 2005 (Auckland – New Zealand NI)Attacked by the bed. Food gone - road trip.
Trying to find foreign currency in another big city. Still shopping for that
illusive New Zealand souvenir whilst watching people jump off a tall tower. A
definite feeling that we've now done New Zealand.
Posted at 11:07 PM Read More Mon - March 28, 2005Monday, March 28, 2005 (Auckland – New Zealand NI)One look at the weather prompts a change in
plans. A brief reminder of what our former lives were like. A ragged our hostel
but strangely comfortable. I just can't resist a permanent Internet
connection.
Posted at 10:32 PM Read More Sun - March 27, 2005Sunday, March 27, 2005 (Rotorua – New Zealand NI)Eggs for breakfast after all. Getting
Zorbed
for my birthday was the closest thing to being spun in a front-loading washing
machine. Flying in the face of what Mother told me about getting dirty and
loving every minute of it. Finishing up with a few slices from the
carvery.
Posted at 11:40 PM Read More Sat - March 26, 2005Saturday, March 26, 2005 (Rotorua – New Zealand NI)More exploration of the thermal activity that is
rife all throughout this region. How to make a geyser do its thing. More thermal
parks to explore. Getting on well with our host rewards us with a cheaper third
night. Topping off a lovely day with a home-cooked roast dinner.
Posted at 11:56 PM Read More Fri - March 25, 2005Friday, March 25, 2005 (Rotorua – New Zealand NI)Our first impressions of Rotorua were not good
ones but at least the B&B is a welcoming place. Exploring some of the
thermal activity in and around this region. An evening of cultural enrichment as
we experience a bit of Maori culture.
Posted at 11:39 PM Read More Thu - March 24, 2005Thursday, March 24, 2005 (Te Kuiti – New Zealand NI)Add this hostel to the
bad
list. All the backpackers and half the population of New Zealand are also in
search of accommodation this Easter so what chance do
we
have of getting a place to stay? Driving through Lord of the Rings country.
Looking forward to exposing ourselves to Maori culture. Don't tell the Israelis
that it's pork for dinner!
Posted at 11:08 PM Read More Wed - March 23, 2005Wednesday, March 23, 2005 (Wellington – New Zealand NI)Panic sets in as we suddenly realise that we are
one piece of baggage short and have been since we first arrived in New Zealand.
Exploring Te Papa - the museum that sets the standard for all others. Another
destination, thus another car but parking here is a nightmare. Cooking in
cramped conditions. With Easter coming, at least we have a place to stay for
tonight but after tomorrow? Who knows!
Posted at 10:48 PM Read More Tue - March 22, 2005Tuesday, March 22, 2005 (Wellington – New Zealand NI)Everything you ever wanted to know about
Antarctica but were too afraid to ask. Thunderbirds are go! Buying cash with
cash. Good-bye to another rental car but will we make it to Wellington
tonight?
Posted at 11:40 PM Read More Mon - March 21, 2005Monday, March 21, 2005 (Christchurch – New Zealand SI)Happy birthday to me - 38 and an old fart
already. Already not looking forward to the impending end of this trip. Finally,
a cheaper rental car for Wellington. Exploring Cathedral Square and finally
coming face to face with a pair of kiwi birds. With a car and a place to stay in
Wellington now booked, we can finally relax a bit.
Posted at 10:18 PM Read More Sun - March 20, 2005Sunday, March 20, 2005 (Christchurch – New Zealand SI) Time for a change in the time. When all else
fails, buy your way out of a bind. Ah, a traditional English summer fete. Ten
out of ten for this museum. Happy birthday Mum. Is there a cheap car light at
the end of the tunnel after all?
Posted at 12:38 AM Read More Sat - March 19, 2005Saturday, March 19, 2005 (Christchurch – New Zealand SI)Pushing on through to the where we started from.
Just follow me please. Perhaps re-routing to Wellington wasn't such a good idea
after all?
Posted at 11:31 PM Read More Fri - March 18, 2005Friday, March 18, 2005 (Oamaru – New Zealand SI)Slowing things down a bit. Money matters. When to
plan and when not to plan. And still in pursuit of those penguins. Stone sphere
and an out of the way lighthouse. Finally, our first penguin in the
wild.
Posted at 11:29 PM Read More Thu - March 17, 2005Thursday, March 17, 2005 (Oamaru – New Zealand SI)You cannot leave this hostel - until you juggle
these three balls! Dunedin and the Otago Peninsular awaits us. Still in pursuit
of those penguins but seals are apparently everywhere. Exploring the Victorian
buildings of Dunedin. Chocolate cakes makes any day complete.
Posted at 11:24 PM Read More Wed - March 16, 2005Wednesday, March 16, 2005 (Milton – New Zealand SI)How to completely fill a car with passengers and
backpacks. How very much like Europe New Zealand can be. In search of penguins
and other wildlife. A rather eccentric hostel owner. Stocking up on food whilst
we still can.
Posted at 11:19 PM Read More Tue - March 15, 2005Tuesday, March 15, 2005 (Te Anau – New Zealand SI)Problems back home that need addressing. Enjoying
the ride up to Milford. The
cheeky
parrot. Not a sound - a fiord. A sunny day in the one place that gets the most
rain in a year. Picking up a hitch-hiker.
Posted at 11:14 PM Read More Mon - March 14, 2005Monday, March 14, 2005 (Te Anau – New Zealand SI)Waiting for the chance to photograph the kiwi
too. Te Anau is much nicer that expected, even if the drive out there was quite
boring. First stop, as always, the information office. Enjoying the relaxing and
laid back atmosphere. A nice steak and lamb dinner - followed by a mild
earthquake.
Posted at 10:18 PM Read More Sun - March 13, 2005Sunday, March 13, 2005 (Queenstown – New Zealand SI)A definite pattern starting to emerge. My
adrenaline pumping activity of choice - the jet boat - a very powerful ride to
remember. Aimlessly driving around the surrounding countryside. Sheep,
gallery's, jumping off mountains, gold panning and more. No kiwis? Mini-golf
instead, then.
Posted at 09:23 PM Read More Sat - March 12, 2005Friday, March 11, 2005 (Fox Glacier – New Zealand SI)That rare moment again. Budget-busting
activities. Our first foray onto a glacier. Exploring ice caves and crevices.
The end to a perfect day was met with anything but perfect news as some
unfinished business back home suddenly becomes a real headache.
Posted at 12:32 AM Read More Thu - March 10, 2005Thursday, March 10, 2005 (Fox Glacier – New Zealand SI)Rain, rain and more rain creates waterfalls,
waterfalls and more waterfalls. A very nice self-contained hut - even if it is
the most expensive place we've stayed at so far. Getting our first look at our
first glacier. Wet weather demands wet weather clothing.
Posted at 10:32 PM Read More Wed - March 9, 2005Wednesday, March 9, 2005 (Ross – New Zealand SI)Off to Ross, where the
Honourable
Roddy was dug up. Trying to keep alive the
remnants of a town that was once a gold producing capital.
Posted at 11:28 PM Read More Tue - March 8, 2005Tuesday, March 8, 2005 (Hokitika – New Zealand SI)1 year travelling today! A nasty reminder about
how perilous these roads can be. Pancake coastal scenery and a re-created 18th
century mining town as we head South. Where to sleep when there's no dry
mattress.
Posted at 11:15 PM Read More Mon - March 7, 2005Monday, March 7, 2005 (Murchison – New Zealand SI)That rare occurrence of not needing to get up in
the morning is so very inviting. Not so much gold after all and with the river
so full and fast, not much chance of finding more either. If it could happen to
a local, it could happen to us. Another expensive outlay on the
horizon.
Posted at 11:19 PM Read More Sun - March 6, 2005Sunday, March 6, 2005 (Murchison – New Zealand SI)My morning text message. A small car but it
drinks lot of petrol. Throwing the map to the wind. A more natural spring but
still not the real deal. Our home from home. Rodeo on the river. Panning for
gold is an acquired art and just avoiding the sandflies is hard enough. Being
shadowed as we travel around the planet.
Posted at 11:54 PM Read More Sat - March 5, 2005Saturday, March 5, 2005 (Hamner Springs – New Zealand SI)Cushioned in a valley between the mountains. How
to relax and save money at the same time. The not so natural thermal reserve.
Competing with the hostel for the Internet custom. Thinking ahead to glacier
walking and gold panning.
Posted at 11:29 PM Read More Fri - March 4, 2005Friday, March 4, 2005 (Hamner Springs – New Zealand SI)Forced out at the usual time. making our way
through the mountains without being sick. Beekeepers and English girls. Another
nice new hostel.
Posted at 12:59 AM Read More Thu - March 3, 2005Thursday, March 3, 2005 (Kaikoura – New Zealand SI)Another attempt at getting the good seat in the
helicopter - this time with success. It was expensive but the flight was worth
the money. What happened to its tail?! We're going to have to work on lowering
our daily out-goings for New Zealand. We've seen one from the air, and now
another from the boat. The albatross, dolphins and seals were a nice bonus - as
was the T-bone.
Posted at 10:54 PM Read More Wed - March 2, 2005Wednesday, March 2, 2005 (Kaikoura – New Zealand SI)Another time zone, another couple of hours lost.
Is every last hostel in New Zealand booked again?! How
not
to encourage your wife whilst driving. Whales ahoy ... or not. The helicopter
flight that wasn't More close encounters with seal.
Posted at 09:20 PM Read More Tue - March 1, 2005Tuesday, March 1, 2005 (Flight from Sydney to Christchurch)Our last night in Australia is a restless one.
When airport security isn't. About as far from England as is physically possible
but the similarities with are stunning. Your basic rental car for a decent
price. Where would we be without mobile phones? Just book a room in a hostel,
what could be simpler, right? Still gathering our thoughts about what to do and
where to go in New Zealand.
Posted at 08:14 PM Read More Mon - February 28, 2005Monday, February 28, 2005 (Sydney - Australia)Preparing our early departure for the airport
tomorrow morning. The Sydney bus network is NOT its finest attraction.
Reflecting on how much Australia has cost us. Our names in brightly coloured
animals. Dive, dive dive!
Posted at 10:34 PM Read More Sun - February 27, 2005Sunday, February 27, 2005 (Sydney - Australia)Another geographical milestone reached. Working
out the myriad metropolis public transport options. A stroll through a tranquil
garden. Taking a pair or scissors to our portraits. Theatrical Sydney. A trip
around the harbour and a hands on approach to the opera house roof. Finally
picking up a decent souvenir from Australia.
Posted at 10:55 PM Read More Sat - February 26, 2005Saturday, February 26, 2005 (Sydney - Australia)A tier-eyed farewell is very hard but even though
it was quick, it didn't diminish the pain. A brief recap on some of the events
of the past few weeks. Another day and another airport but it does take long to
fall back into budget traveller mode. A steak dinner is well-deserved. The seedy
part of town but it's home nevertheless.
Posted at 11:41 PM Read More Mon - February 7, 2005Monday, February 7, 2005 (Lorne - Australia)Getting ready to make those calls. The sheer
rugged beauty of the Great Ocean Road. Walking through the forest canopy. The
ever present problem of where to stay tonight. Behold - koalas in the wild.
Revealing all to Sandy's side of the family - mine tomorrow.
Posted at 08:46 PM Read More Sun - February 6, 2005Sunday, February 6, 2005 (Warrnambool - Australia)Give me that bloody anti-itch cream! Keeping
track of our travel things. Those oh so very helpful information offices. The
fly all this way South at this time of year - but are out to lunch at the
moment! A powernap in an expensive hostel.
Posted at 08:31 PM Read More Sat - February 5, 2005Saturday, February 5, 2005 (Mt. Gambier - Australia)Playing host to dozens of sand flea bites. The
echidna beats the caves. Saturday night steak special before retiring to a
comfortable motel room.
Posted at 06:41 PM Read More Fri - February 4, 2005Friday, February 4, 2005 (Adelaide [Willunga] - Australia)Who's keeping track of the time anyway? If only
petrol was drinkable. It takes a lot more than a few old'ish buildings to get
our blood pumping. The shameless commercial exploitation of any interesting
animal. What are we doing here? A simple meal is not so simple here but at least
we sucked a few bucks from the slots.
Posted at 09:55 PM Read More Thu - February 3, 2005Thursday, February 3, 2005 (Adelaide [Willunga] - Australia)Wish we could have stayed here longer. The
chipped windscreen. Problems today would include: check-in; security checks;
something to eat; a broken plane and nowhere to stay. Other than that,
everything works our perfectly.
Posted at 10:32 PM Read More Wed - February 2, 2005Wednesday, February 2, 2005 (Perth [Fremantle] - Australia)Star gazing into the brightly lit heavens. Who's
hormones are playing tricks on them? A butcher and baker but no candlestick
maker - or anything else for that matter. Paying less attention to the speed
limits. It's confirmed - Sandy is human. The perfect town but still can't find
that book!
Posted at 11:02 PM Read More Tue - February 1, 2005Tuesday, February 1, 2005 (Perth - Australia)The hassle (and cost) of making changes to our
flight itinerary. You want me to spend a couple of nights in Columbia? Mrs.
Jeckle suddenly becomes Mrs. Hyde and I nearly end up thumping her as we are
turned out into the streets! Now fugitives on the run, we head for the open
desert to let things cool down. It's just a big wavy rock, really.
Posted at 10:27 PM Read More Mon - January 31, 2005Sat - January 29, 2005Saturday, January 29, 2005 (Perth - Australia)Resting - whilst we still can. No savings - no
custom! Time for an upmarket hostel. New software for the laptop. Our favourite
little treat.
Posted at 11:41 PM Read More Sun - January 30, 2005Sunday, January 30, 2005 (Perth - Australia)The luxury of a sunny summer's day in Perth's
King's Park - bliss. The chicken, the whole chicken and nothing but the chicken
- for dinner. And still they try to guess what the big secret is.
Posted at 12:03 AM Read More Fri - January 28, 2005Friday, January 28, 2005 (Perth - Australia)All our prenatal worries put to rest at the
nearby hospital. Our first child's first photo. More blood pumping. Confiding in
a nun. Learning all we can about pregnancy.
Posted at 11:39 PM Read More Thu - January 27, 2005Thursday, January 27, 2005 (Perth - Australia - SPECIAL)The ups and downs of the pregnancy roller-coaster
- that is, if Sandy is really pregnant at all. Good doctors and not so good
doctors. Just how long can we keep things a secret - particularly from tenacious
siblings? A T-bone tops off the day.
Posted at 01:16 AM Read More Wed - January 26, 2005Wednesday, January 26, 2005 (Perth - Australia)Caged birds roam freely. Going after the goanna.
Desert creatures on display. actually, it's us that are in captivity here. Ten
minutes in Perth and we're already in trouble with the police. Setting rumours
in motion and watching the sky light up.
Posted at 12:05 AM Read More Tue - January 25, 2005Tuesday, January 25, 2005 (Curtain Springs - Australia)Catching up on events since the journal blackout.
How to get free medical care in Australia. Gambling pays off with a very nice
meal. The village in the rain forest and being awarded a boomerang. A mysterious
upgrade. A different idea of what budget means. The majestic Uluru.
Posted at 11:31 PM Read More Mon - January 24, 2005Monday, January 24, 2005 (Flight from Cairns to Uluru – Australia - SPECIAL)!!! THIS IS A SPECIAL LOG ENTRY !!!
Posted at 10:49 PM Read More Tue - January 18, 2005Tuesday, January 18, 2005 (Atherton - Australia)Time to slow down again. The picturesque town
that would fit on a postage stamp. Visiting natures wonders and renting
cars.
Posted at 10:47 PM Read More Mon - January 17, 2005Monday, January 17, 2005 (Atherton - Australia)Up into the highlands again and back onto the
waterfall trail. The hot spring that wasn't that hot. Narrowly escaping death
from the claws of a vicious monster (or not, as the case turned out to be). When
the guidebook fails us again. More good fortune at the cash
register.
Posted at 11:06 PM Read More Sun - January 16, 2005Sunday, January 16, 2005 (Innisfail - Australia)Grey skies weren't going to put a damper on our
fun at the park. The ingenuity of the aborigine people shines through - and they
dance good too. On the waterfall train - until the rainy season
started.
Posted at 10:43 PM Read More Sat - January 15, 2005Saturday, January 15, 2005 (Innisfail - Australia)Do we dilly dally in Tully? Not a Cassowary to be
seen. The price has to be right or it's no deal. There's always another place to
stay if you look hard enough. Cheerful at the checkout. Marijuana
Monopoly.
Posted at 11:00 PM Read More Fri - January 14, 2005Thu - January 13, 2005Thursday, January 13, 2005 (Tully - Australia)Yet another swift change of plans. Distracted
into not taking photos! Armed and dangerous - with maps and brochures. Following
the brown signs. If only we were
all
at one with nature. I never did get that soothing kiss. The quieter of the two.
Fruit picking and white water rapid rafting.
Posted at 11:11 PM Read More Wed - January 12, 2005Wednesday, January 12, 2005 (Townsville - Australia)Always the last to rise. Value for money and we
learned all about Australian wildlife too. Encounters at the Reef HQ and topping
off the day with an IMAX experience.
Posted at 11:08 PM Read More Tue - January 11, 2005Tuesday, January 11, 2005 (Townsville - Australia)Shouldn't we be exhausted or are we just too
frugal? How much for a simple breakfast!? Heading back to whence we came. A
premium view. Shopping for a birthday present.
Posted at 11:06 PM Read More Mon - January 10, 2005Monday, January 10, 2005 (Airlie Beach - Australia)Where did all the strength go. Making our way
around the Great Barrier Reef. What happens when you panic 25 meters beneath the
surface of the water? Teaming marine life of the S. S. Yongala. Conditions
exceeded our ability to continue with the diving as we kept running away from
the cyclone. Sailing home to calmer waters.
Posted at 11:04 PM Read More Fri - January 7, 2005Friday, January 7, 2005 (Oceania – Great Barrier Reef – Australia)A new place and a new hostel. The waterfall that
didn't and the tour guide that did. The size of an ocean.
Posted at 11:01 PM Read More Thu - January 6, 2005Thursday, January 6, 2005 (Airly Beach - Australia)What does the middle of nowhere sound like? On
the road again with the first stop being 'lost-ville'. Dive package
sorted.
Posted at 05:16 PM Read More Wed - January 5, 2005Wednesday, January 5, 2005 (Flight from Melbourne to Townsville - Australia)Having to learn how to write again after so much
downtime with this journal. A bit of a summary of what has happened to us since
leaving Thailand. Something about the Ball family members. Our Ozzie adventure
fires up with a trip up to Queensland. More family members waiting for us in
Townsville.
Posted at 05:10 PM Read More |
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Published On: Apr 25, 2005 12:21 PM |