Trains, Planes & Automobiles

Hey everyone, how's it going?

Can you believe I only have another 2 full days in New Zealand??? And a lot of that is going to be taken up with an airport or flight!

After my disappointment at the Glacier yesterday, we headed for Fox Glacier which was pretty cool ('scuse the pun), but nothing much different from Frans Josef if I'm really honest. So after Fox Glacier (I didn't overdose on the mints, in case you're still concerned Marc) we headed for Greymouth. That was an exciting adventure.

Those who've been to New Zealand before already know about this, but basically a lot of the roads over here share the roads with the trainlines. You can be driving happily along when suddenly there's a rail crossing, and unlike our nice train gates in England, the only warning you get here is a sign about 2 seconds before and a couple of flashing lights, if that!

Well, there were we merrily (not literally) driving along the bendy road to Greymouth, when we came across a new bridge sign we'd not yet seen. Most the bridges round here are one way, well this one was the same but as well as having to look out for on coming traffic, you also had to look out for an oncoming train!! The train line uses the same bridge & road as everything else, and the only warning is a set of lights. So that was an interesting experience.

Greymouth itself was pretty big compared to a lot of the places we've visited recently. We took a wander round all the shops looking for a supermarket. That seemed miles away though. Other than that we didn't do much in Greymouth. However, it did have the biggest Subway (sandwich store, not road underpass) I have ever seen! But I resisted the urge to buy one.

So today we travelled to Christchurch. We then dropped off the car and are now discovering the joys of being full-time pedestrians again. It's great fun, even in the rain... honest. Nah, it's fine really, but we have to watch out for Trams round here which is a weird feeling.

Anyhow, we're off to see the Cathedral tomorrow and possibly get on one of the trams (beats being run over by one) round the city. Then it's off to the airport on Monday ready for our flight back to Auckland, followed by an early morning flight to Oz on Tuesday to begin my next adventure. How exciting!

Well, until next time, take care & see you all soon.
xXx

Travelling tales

Just in case you're wondering what we've been up to since Milford Sound, I can confirm that it's not much! We've just been travelling, chilling and taking in the continuously (is that a word!?) amazing scenery.

From Milford Sound we travelled back to Wanaka where we wandered round the town, the weather was great. Oh, and did I happen to mention that I beat Sarah at Crazy Golf while in Te Anau??? Those who know me and my golfing skills will know this is very rare at my level... those who know Sarah well may realise that it wasn't such a great achievement after all!

Today we travelled from Wanaka to Franz Josef. We took a little tour to the Glacier base before going to the hostel. It looks amazing (the glacier, not the hostel, although that's not so bad either) and I am really looking forward to doing my heli-hike tomorrow. I know everyone said I should do the full day hike but this is my treat to myself so I hope you'll forgive me!

After shopping we came back here to eat and then played Pool. I love being Sarah's opponent at sport as I actually won (Sorry Sarah, but this really is a rare thing for me to be able to get excited about)! She's trying to convince me to play Monopoly though which I think I will try and avoid or my winning streak could be coming to an end.

Well now that I've bored you with all the mundane details of our travelling, I will leave you to your exciting day... bet it's not as good as mine!

See you all very soon - time is still whizzing by.

Take care

xXx

Keep The Noise Down

Me again (surprisingly)! I thought New Zealand was going to be a really quiet, peaceful place. But there's 'creeks' and 'sounds' everywhere... hehe!

So today we've been to Milford Sound which was lovely. We took a nice scenic cruise down the Fjord and as it's such a nice day we got to sail right out to the end of the land (can't remember the name, sorry) where it's about 900 miles to Australia. Apparantly it would take 62 (good weather) days to sail there so I decided to stick with the flight I've booked so that Louisa doesn't wonder where I've got to when she arrives in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS (how exciting)!

We drove through a mountain, literally through it, which was a bit nerve wracking. But worth it. And on the way back we saw two Kea's (parrot type things) which some people were feeding to try and get some decent photos. I thought that was very wrong, but I did use the opportunity to get my own photo! I was secretly hoping it might bite the guy feeding it (I'm so mean I know) to teach him a lesson.

Milford Sound was full of waterfalls and minerals on the rocks (which are protected by law), so I got to see loads of colours and weird rock formations. But unfortunately I've used up all my memory cards again (sorry Marc) so I couldn't get as many photos as I'd have liked. However, I did see some Seals and some rare penguins, so I made sure I had enough space for them. The attack of the flies that we encountered when we got there was worth it in the end (as was the early morning). Oh, and we also saw the remains of some of the glacier that has formed the cliffs, Fjords and everything else there - that was amazing.

We're back in Te Anau at present where we are spending the night before we head back to Wanaka for an evening. Then it's off to Frans Josef which I can't wait for.

It's hard to believe that this time tomorrow I will be well on my way to Australia, my last country. The time has been going so quickly, but it is so nice to be out here. The weather here has been really great, so we've been able to do loads of things without them being ruined by the weather.

Hope you are all well back home and that the weather isn't too nasty. Have the clocks gone back yet?? It's daylight savings over here so we're exactly 12 hrs ahead of you guys.

See you in just over 6 weeks (except you Louisa)!
Take Care
xXx

Speedy South

Just a quick entry today as I've not got long!
Since I last wrote we have crossed over to the South, it's very strange cuz it feels like ages ago but it was only a couple of days.

We stayed at St Arnaud on our arrival to South Island - what a nice place! A bit deserted though. Then we travelled down to Methven (nope, we'd never heard of it either) yesterday and are finally at Wanaka today, whch we travelled to via Mt Cook. I hate to sound dumber than I already am, but we couldn't quite work out which one it was so we got post cards just in case we'd photo'd the wrong mountain!!

There's so much snow & diverse scenery over here, it's amazing. Wanaka is much bigger & more popular than we realised.

We're currently watching Simpsons, how Kiwi are we?!

Tomorrow we're off to Te Anau so that we can head for Milford Sound the following day. I have driven what must be the equivalent of Scotland & back several times over but we just don't notice it cuz of the amazing scenery.

Right, gotta go as we're off to find a new and exciting church, we're going to a Presbytherian church... anyone any idea what one of those is? I'm guessing it's meant to be as we have literally searched the country for a church today!

Speak in a few days I'm sure.
Take care
xXx

Northern Nature

Wow, what a lot of comments, how cool.

Ok, so I've done quite a lot since I last wrote, but possibly the most amazing of all is the cool animals I've seen over here.

Bearing in mind that I've only been to the Kiwi Encounter to see wild animals, I think my list is pretty impressive as I've seen:

Falcons (millions, well quite a few)
Kiwis
Peacock (how weird was that sitting on the fence)
Stoats
Racoons (that's what Sarah & I thought it was dead on the road and we're sticking to it!)
Weasels
Rats
Elephant
Magpie
etc, I won't bore you with the rest.

So, we went up t'north to Cape Reinga as I wanted to get a picture of the signpost pointing to all the areas in the world. Guess what? They'd taken it down while they did some maintenance!!!! I haven't got time to go to the Bluff, so that was a bit of a bad start. Poor Sarah is a little surprised by the lack of civilisation round here (she did spend 5 months in Auckland which was quiet to her) - she thought we could at least get a post card at the top of the North Island, but there was no shop which astounded her.

We stayed in Whangerai (sorry about the incorrect speling, in a bit of a hurry!), and went to Whangarei Falls. Also went to the Whangerei Baptist church which was an interesting experience - I've never felt so old! But the freaky thing was that we'd seen their youth group up at the Cape the day before, weird.

We went to Bay of Islands to go see Dolphins, but sadly Orcha (Killer Whales, incorrectly named as they're actually big dolphins) were passing through so the dolphins were hiding as the Orcha diet consists of most sea creatures, including dolphin. But we did see some of the Orcha instead so that was cool.

I received a txt from Louisa's parents to say they were headed for Bay of Islands the day after us (we probably passed on the State Highway), and I then received another txt to hear they'd seen some, so I'm glad to hear the whales didn't eat them all! Louisa, while I remember, can you apologise to your folks if they didn't get any of my txts, or only some - my phone is not working well over here.

Ok, so after Whangerei we headed back down south, passing through Auckland to see Devonport (or is it Davenport?), so I saw the Sky Tower from another direction which was nice. We then headed for Taupo as we figured this would be pretty central (as central as you can get in NZ at least!). We headed for Rotorua to do some boring bits (like download my 500 photos onto CD). We also went to the Kiwi encounter & I went on the Luge - cool experience. Then went to the smelly park thing (the name escapes me right now, Wai-o-something or another), that was cool but we didn't really have time to finish it off, so we went back the next day to see the Geyser before headed for the Gloworm caves - cool as! Like little fairy lights, very sweet. Then headed to Palmerston North for the night (oh, we did see Lake Taupo briefly too), which brings us up to yesterday.

Today we've been to Wellington and I've been on the cable cars and then onto the tour of Parliament - I've just left Sarah in a museum while I'm here catching up on the net. Everything in the big cities seems to close really early though so I'll be going in a mo.

Quickly though, Granny's reading this??? I assume we aren't being rude about mum here are we!? Mum, don't worry about your lack of txting ability, I don't think anything I've sent has been of great relevence.

Helen & Gnome, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Gnome, sorry I couldn't get you a card from NZ - didn't want to risk the post.

We're off to the South Island tomorrow. Looking forward to that - should be cuz it's expensive to get there!

Right then, til next time, have a great week & take care.

Love, Peace & Jelly Babies,
Hannah
xXx

PS. Veggie Sushi is basically rice with veggies in - I'm not sure I'd have it that often, but at least I can add it to the list of things I've tried!

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Greetings from Auckland, hope everyone's well.

I arrived in Auckland safe & sound on Tuesday, and managed to find Sarah safely too, rather, she found me! Had a mini panic attack when I realised I couldn't remember any of my account details and had no money, but that sorted itself out pretty quickly thankfully!

We went to Mission Beach yesterday and the journey was great, with loads of cool views for the trip. We went & ate at a quaint little cafe called Mecca. When we got in it was actually a lot bigger than we realised as it went so far back. We were going to sit at the back but there were some people there so we decided to sit about half way... good job too as we soon discovered that actually what we thought was the back of the cafe was a big mirror on the wall!!! My first day in Auckland was almost spent in Casualty!... guess you had to be there really but we thought it was quite amusing.

We then went to an ice cream parlour called 'Movenpick'. It's a Swiss chain and I would recommend it to anyone who likes ice cream, and even those who don't. You'll be converted in minutes.

In the morning we decided we needed to be a bit traditional and tried the NZ herb, Spiralina... we got it in smoothie form, it was very dark green (I'll send a photo when I can), but it was surprisingly nice stuff and it's nowhere near as lethal as Fiji's Kava!

I tried Sushi today... and liked it (although it was the veggie version)! I also went up the Sky Tower. To be honest, I was pretty scared of the tower and it's kinda put me off doing a skydive!! But we'll have to see, everyone tells me I should just do it, so if I get time I will seriously consider it. Someone jumped off the tower (attached to a Bungee) when we were there, he didn't seem that scared but I was scared enough of the lift getting up there. Such a wimp!

I have managed to remember most items of clothing etc but I have forgotten to bring all the itinerary suggestions people gave me for NZ, so please don't be offended if I miss anything you've all told me not to (although I think I do have the address for the Christchurch hostel Sam!), if there's anything major you'll need to klet me know pretty quick.

Oh, you'll all be pleased to know that the very little tan I did obtain in Fiji is already peeling, so I'll be as white as you lot when I return I expect.

Well, we're off to a museum in a mo so Ill write again in the week when we're on our road trip. Hope you're all well.
Byeee.

PS. Happy birthday Julia!
PPS. Zoe (And Sarah's Mum), Sarah's birthday's not until Sunday!!!

Life's a Beach, Then You Fry

BULA! from Fiji!

I've just spent the last 5 nights in the Yasawa's and passed most my time on a beach. Therefore I am looking rather red now, not brown!

Owen & Sam, Dudes, you're going to LOVE Fiji methinks, just watch out for the Kava...

There is such a wide variation of cultures and different scenery over here. Actually, most the culture is pretty much the same wherever you go, but there's variations that are different depending on where you go.

It's difficult to know what really is tradition, and what's done in an attempt to humiliate the tourists. For example, on arrival in all the islands we were warmly welcomed with the 'Bula' song which was the same wherever you went. However, we also learnt the Fijian 'Macarena' which changed depending on location, so I'm not so sure it was legit!!!

This place is so cool. The Yasawa's are a bit like looking at the hills of Dartmoor & places, but then at the foot of those hills are white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue & turquoise waters. It's so cool, Martin & Helen, I could be rivalling you shortly on the photo stakes - I took over 100 in 6 days, but then some of those were double shots in case they didn't come out very well. Don't worry Marc, I'll edit the range before collaborating with Iain & Helen for the ultimate Wallbridge Family Photo Fest!

I've met so many lovely people (and quite a few annoying ones too!!). There's been many Ozzy's and also quite a few Irish. There was Hermit Crab racing on the first Island, Nanuya Lailai (possibly not the correct spelling), don't worry, no animal was harmed in the making of this event... just afterwards... KIDDING! Anyhow, needless to say, the crab named McGrath (after the sportsman, not the comedian) lost. Yep, he was named by an Ozzy.

I have to say though, the Ozzy's I've met so far have been so nice to me that I won't be rubbing in the Cricket too much. Especially as I feel a bit hypocritical not even knowing the rules (don't try and explain, I've had the scoring & rules explained many times and it never sticks).

Ok, so more about Fiji... just a really lovely place with such nice people. I was thinking of taking a day trip to Mana Island tomorrow, but am feeling the effects of the boat today, so I think I'm going to have to give it a miss - it did look lovely from the boat though.

On my 3rd night I arrived at the resort called White Sandy Beaches on Naviti, which is the biggest island in the Yasawa's (but possibly the smallest resort!) - I was in the dorms all on my own that night. But the staff were so lovely that they even offered for one of the fijian ladies to come sleep in with me, bless them. (I managed to convince them that travelling on my own wasn't a problem, so sleeping would be fine too!)

They are obviously quite a poor area as they were fascinated with my thermal flask and my camera. Unfortunately I seem to have since lost my thermal flask which is very annoying (I don't think they took it, but if I left it there I hope they'll consider it a gift from me)!

My final island, Kuata. Hmm. What can I say about this place? Well, it was probably the most dramatic of landscapes - loads of rock formations and crashing waves. Lovely looking place. But the staff were a bit more dodgy. Don't get me wrong, they were still very welcoming, however, several people were warned before they went there 'don't go there, they're a bunch of thieves'... and sadly it seems they were right. So many people have lost things overnight, from flip flops (sorry, 'thongs') to board shorts. Trying to pay for drinks here was quite difficult too, conveniently they never had any change so you were constantly owed money (fortunately I had the correct amount). Owen & Sam, if you do come here, make sure you pay cash and don't set up a tab like they suggest - I'm telling you now so I don't forget when I get back! Despite what I've just said about the money situation, at least then you know you're paying for what you're buying, not what they're noting down.

As far as food goes, I've eaten a lot of rice over the last week... and curry, vegetable curry. As you'd expect, there's lots of fish too - Fijian's do fish well, even when it's not in batter!!! (Mum & Laura, I hope you're impressed)

Right, I've just realised how much I've gone on so I think I'll shut up now. Thank you to those of you who've emailed and left comments. Who's ickle fairy??? Claire, Mark & the gang, I can't make 22nd as this is my works Christmas do (it's the day before our Skandia Day Cathy, please could you just check that is the correct date as I've forgotten what the emails said now!).

Iain, I don't know where 'wobblepop' came from, it just popped into my head one day - you should know better than to question your little sister's reasoning for anything in life! I didn't see any of the fires in LA although the lady next to me on the plane did tell me about them so I was looking out for them. LA security was absolutely fine for me - sorry if I'm repeating things I've said in my last blog, it seemed so long ago!

I really am off now, have a lovely week everyone and I'm sure I'll write again soon!
Take care
xXx

Fiji Fun & Sun

Right, this post had best work! I've just tried twice to get this thing done and failed miserably - bloomin' foreign keyboards - they delete everything in a second and there's no undo'ing it here!

Anyhow. I'm here, I'm safe, and I'm having fun already. Travelling on my own is actually not at all scary (so far) and I've met quite a few people. The planes were HUGE & a bit scary, but I think I'll be used to them by the time I get back home (I'd best be - it's a long boat ride back and I don't like boats)! The bloke next to me on the way from LA to Fiji fell asleep on me several times so I was entertained by that. I also got a bit nervvy at LA when my plane from London to LA landed 5 minutes before the one from LA to Fiji was due to take off!! But it was ok, they held the plane for me, how nice is that?!? Actually, it wasn't just me but hey, I thought it was pretty generous anyhow.

I haven't done much so far as I've been catching up on sleep. Although I did play a game of pool. Those who know me well know I'm pretty bad & lack considerable skill (except for that one shot I played with Steph a few months back!), I don't think my case was helped when my opponent turned out to be a 6ft guy called 'The Machine'. Granted, size shouldn't matter, but the name said it all and needless to say I lost!

Anyhow, not much else to say right now so should be in contact at the end of the week when I can tell you about Fiji in a bit more detail!

Thank you for my list people - earplugs are noted & packed. Milk... Fiji has milk but why wasn't it higher on the list?!

See you all in December.
xXx

Is it Saturday morning yet?

All week people have asked me 'so, are you packed yet?' Urm, well the answer's still no!

I get on a flight in less that 16 hours, I really should be packing, but instead I thought I would write a quick note to say thank you for all the nice words, prezzies & cards I've had from so many people recently.You'd think I'm going forever but I really do intend on returning to the UK in 10 weeks time people!!

Iain & Helen, hope you had a lovely holiday and actually managed to find a flight back.
Nic, Happy birthday (again) for Sunday when I'll be somewhere in international airspace!

I will be in touch in a couple of days or so I expect, so until then, take care everyone!
Love, Peace & Jelly Babies
Hannah
xXx