Ok that was the scaryiest thing I ever done. No more scary monsters in my closet before I go to sleep. I just overwon every fear I had. I just jumped 134 meters of a gondel. And it was f*cking scary. My t-shirt is soaked with swet. My heart didn't could go faster. And I never been closer to crying from fear. But Murf you wanted to know everything so I thought I write a little piece about every jump I did over here.
Starting with the Kawarau Bridge Jump(43 meter). This is the most fun jump. And the least scary one. You get tied up with 2 foot to each other. Because it was my first jump I still had the feeling from; oh my god what high. But going towards the jump and standing there I was really calm. No fears and just me and the blue water under me. You have an option to splash if you want. And off course I did one. Although it was a small one because it was pretty chilly. What else? Oh jeah. Once you've jumped they let you down in a boat. And get you back to the nice and firm ground. It's a jump you can do with bare foot. Because I had my flip flops and couldn't jump with them I did it bare foot. Not really more to tell about this one.
Next one is The Ledge Bungy(47 meter). You go up with the gondelier. Where you have a great view from Queenstown. There you have an edge. If you got tied up around your waste and standing for a view on the edge it feels if you jump off a mountain. Into a deep nowhere. It is the best one to ran off. So I did. Although I first freeked out because of the height. But then I jumped and it wasn't that scary anymore. I had some friends with me while I jumped. And there is no better feeling than halfway a jump someone hearing scream; Nicky, you are my hero! And you are just hanging on a rubber string.... After you jump you hang in the middle of nowhere. And they pull you up. Which is far most the scary part. Bare foot is possible. And I had flip flops again, so again bare foot.
Last but surtainly not the worst is the Nevis Bungy(134 meter). This one is the highest in New Zealand. And far out the scaryiest one. You have a drive from 30 minutes to the jump itself. Then you get a look at the side. (I couldn't look so high) After that you go in a gondelier for a few long meters to a station which hangs on some cables in the middle of 2 mountains. The station has a few pieces were you can see how far it is down. (I still didn't dare to watch) After waiting. (heaviest persons first) I was the first girl to jump. I still was in my mind busy with freeking out and nog doing it. They tie first you feet up seperatly. And then attach them together. It is absolutely forbidden to do it bare foot. You have to were good footwear. And then you stand on the edge. Thank god for the trees in the far end. It is a good focus point to not look down. And while your nodding no. And the guy behind you talks to you to just do it. He gives a countdown.And with a deep breath you just jump. I never screamed so loud. And had such a fun time. After 2 bounces back. You pull a red cord which brings you in a sitting position. And then they bring you up. After arriving in the station you have to get back with the scary gondel again. But then it was all worth it. And you did it! (at this jump I overstreched some muscles in my foot)
Adrenaline pumping in your ears and so happy that you did it. Bungy jumping is addicting and absolute fun. But also pretty scary. I loved it! Although I freaked out some times. That's for my bungys in New Zealand..
In Te Anau I slept a lot after the 4 nights in a row going out. And watched which pictures everybody wore in their wallet. Was a bit scary when someone found me looking at Catherina Zeta Jones. In the evening we had a lovely meal of pancakes. Because we shared in the price it only costed me $2. In the morning of 25 we drove to Milford Sound. We had booked a 2 hour cruise. Which was beautifull. Lots of gourgious pictures. Then we went back to Te Anau for some lunch. And then again in the van back to Queenstown. Back to the same hostel. Were they even knew our names when we came in. It's really a lovely hostel and I can recommend it to everyone. (backpackers downtown lodge) We arrove back at 7. So it was a lot of driving. After our last meal together (indian) we had a little chatting time. I checked out the tv and the pub but nothing nice. So just went to bed early. This morning almost everybody left. So I'm a loner again. Have some stuff to arrange today. And jumping :s the last for a long time, that's for sure. Speak to you soon!
Yesterday morning I went for a short walk. Because I keep myself quiet and piecefull for the next 2.5 months. And we had a piercing shop next to the hostel. (1+1=2) I finally took the step and got a nose piercing! (Yes mam, I'm nuts) It really hurted but was worth all the trouble. Nou keep it nice and clean. But should do fine. My travel buddies didn't even noticed because it looked so natural on me. I'm totally happy :D After that I just walked around town. Dropped by at a local market. Got the last of my pasta. And had a wonderfull evening. This morning I left with the 8 people remaining from my kiwi-experience group. (Finnan, Trevor, Paul,(irish) Robert, Jessica,(swedish) Reut,(israelian) Margot(canadian) and myself(dutch)) We 'planned' a 2 day tour to Milford Sound and the boat cruise over there. So this morning we rented a van with loads of trouble and got on the way. 2,5 hours later we were sitting in Te Anau (pronounce like 'teano') with lakeview. Tomorrow we will drive in the morning to the ferry and then go back to Queenstown. Go to the supermarket. HUGZ!
Today, running around cleaning to make the house renter-proof and talking tot my mom about my departure januari 1st I suddenly realized that it's only 10 weeks untill I'll take flight KL1773 to down-under. And that I have an awfull lot of things to do. I wrote almost 2 sides of paper with "things to do before I leave" and noted that I have to visit a shitload of friends an family. Suddenly what seemed so far away seems pretty close right now. Next week I'll have a roommate (I succeed in renting at least 1 of the rooms, still have one left though), november 6th a very good friend of mine comes over to have a drink, the 21st my dad will visit Enschede. Still 8 weekends left, but the gameplan is to leave Enschede on Christmas day to have one of the greatest but emotional Christmas/Newyear holliday's ever. 6 weekends left. In those 6 weekends I'll have to buy stuff for my trip, pack my backpack, make contracts with my mom (she takes care of everything when I'm away, together with a good friend living almost next-door), visit my grand-parents (possibly on Terschelling, 4 hours travveling from here), lend my car to a friend living on the other side of the country, and make sure that everything is prepared for my big trip. So I'll have some spare time, but I can assure you that suddenly lots of people like to come over because they might not see me for 8 months from then. I'll have a quite busy 10 weeks I presume...
But hey, beeing busy is not a bad thing for me. It eases the pain of missing her deeply. Well, at least I know why I'm doing this and who is waiting for me jan 5th, 06:30 on Sydney airport. To be honest, even if I didn't have had plans before I met Nicky (I was planning a year or 2 outside the Netherlands, beginning ~ summer 2005 or 2006), I'm sure that I would do exactly the same... I'd fly throuh hell and back for her if needed, compared to that Australia is just an easy trip. But that's something between Nicky and me possibly only we understand completely... (and even we don't)
I know I haven't wrote for another day. But there aren't happening a lot of stuff. I still go out everynight. Having great times without spending lot's of money. Yesterday I fell a sleep again on the beach. But this time I had suncream on so I just gained another bit of tan. And spended loads of money. My daypack/small backpack fell apart so I had to buy a good solid one. Which I found in sale for (still) $100. Next to that is my battery of my watch already broke sinds the 2nd day in Auckland. So I brought that away as well. Which costed me again $42 because they had to send it to Japan. I can get it back next monday. So I have to stick around a bit longer. So what left.... Oh jeah I went to the movie yesterday. Collateral with Tom Cruise. Was a usual downtown shooting movie. Nothing special. And I said this morning goodbye to Karin a girl which I happened to travel with sinds Taupo or Waitomo. A long time that's for sure. But we will mail. But that's all for the last 2 days. Next to not enough sleep and lot's of dancing.
Ow and off course my boyfriend is coming in (after 21 hours from now) in 69 days! We finally are below 70, Love you honey!
I had so much fun yesterday!! We just drank some beer and danced a lot! It was GOOD! This morning someone from our room kicked us all awake in time for our free breakfast. Then I spended several hours on the internet for you guys. Answering emails and updating my website. Then did some big shopping! Because I'm staying longer in the same hostel now, so I can make arger proportions of food and freeze it in. And that means that I can cook properly tonight! Pasta bolognaise. I'm looking forward to that. And off course another night out. My skin is still a bit burned but not as bad as it looked yesterday. But I fucking tanned so much! It's unbelieveble. Not that much to tell today, perhaps tomorrow.
I went to arrange some stuff in town. Got some dinner + lunch. Answered all my emails. And got lunch at the beach. Where I fell a sleep and got sunburned. So after waking up I had to fix myself up. Because I had to get up for my second bungy. I went up saw the bungy and got scared. When I was at the look-out on top it didn't look that scary anymore. Then I got to the platform. The jump was slightly diffrent. The cord was attached to my waist. And instead of letting me down they had to pull me up. And instead of jumping, it was best to run of. So I did. Although standing on the edge freaked out the first time. The second time I just ran. And it was so good! Although I hung down there in the wind while they were getting me up, and I got scared. Because then you have time to think about it. Where you are hanging and how high. But it was great! Put it on my video again. And left with a big adrenaline rush (and smile). Got pizza here and make myself ready to go out.
2 Busy days! The night in Wanaka I actually did nothing. And just slept a lot. Although we didn't had to go up early that morning. The next morning we left for Queenstown. Most exciting (althoughsmall) city in the south. It wasn't such a long drive so we had long stops. Our first stop was puzzling world. Where you could try several games. It was really frustrating in the early morning! The building and toilets, everythng was setup for mindfucking. We could write in for activities again. And there was the option Thrillsome. Which basicly means 3 bungy jumps for $300 I already wanted to do the Nevis (highest in New Zealand) 134 meters. But I also fancied a waterdip. Which I couldn't do at the nevis. So I had to do 2 bungys. But then it was cheaper to do three. So yesterday I did the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. 43 Meters of fun! And a waterdip at the oldest commercial bungy. It was so good. And I can share it all with you because I let them tape it all. So I have a good souvenir. After the jump I was so excited that we went off to a few pubs after dinner. (red rock and new world) We had a great time! After a short sleep we woke up early, because the hostel we were staying in was expensive and not worth the money. (discovery lodge) So we have a diffrent hostel today. I pay a dollar more today but with free internet and breakfast! (downtown backpackers) and off for a sunny today!!
Instead of beer I had bayleys. But it didn't really worked. I was so tiried that I couldn't stop nodding away. So after 2 bayleys I left for my bed. (11.30) My roommates followed 2 hours later. And the first alarm went of at 5.30 Because one of my roommates went of for an early skydive. The other 2 alarme went at 6.45 because we had to leave at 7.30 (so early!) I was so tiried I didn't even felt my legs. Till someone asked. Then I realised how many pain I had. So on and of the bus were like hell. Although we didn't stopped that often, so that was good. Just to pick up the skydivers & lunch. Then we stopped for some sight seeing pictures. Although we had a small ( but still to long for my legs) Walk to lake Matheson. The reflextion is so clear you can't see on pictures what up is and what down is. Then we drover through Haast and left the coast. We then went to Makarora for lunch. For the last part of the track we went between lake Hawea and Wanaka to the village Wanaka. Were I wam now staying. Nothing special so far. Just did grosseries, look at the town and watched the beautifull scenery. (like the to good to be true pictures) Which is really stunning over here. Lot's of moutains with snow. They even had a little bit of snow this morning over here. I wanted to go skiing perhaps. But the mountains closed a week ago :s Had noodles and fruit and read my email. And don't know what to do tonight.
Dinner yesterday was another noodle meal. And another can of fruit for desert. Then of for the bar for my free drink. And a long nice night. This morning my alarm rang for my day activity. (remember I had to arrange some stuff in town?) I had to be at 9.00 in the Frans Jozef Hiking Centre with loads of food and clothing. Because I went of to climb the Frans Jozef Glacier! We went up till 2.00/3.00 in the afternoon. Which was exhausting because my condition is crap at the moment. I even had momnets that I didn't think I would make it. But we had enought rest and I was walking with the slow group so that was good. It was really beautifull between alle the icewalls. Got also some amazing pictures. But more exhausting than I thought it would be. My knees aren't that good. But they are really awfull right now. And also all the muscles in my leg are so sore!! But it was all worth it. Although I will regret it tomorrow. After we stumbled back to the hostel and had a shower and food most people feel better. But I'm still sore :( But I will put some beers in, perhaps that will work. Just a little line about Frans Jozef. The environment is mostly rainforrest. Which is beautifull. (My hostel has also bits and pieces of rainforrest, it's such a good hostel!!) And off course a glacier in his environment. (That combination is quite unique!) Well I think thats it for today. I'm going to get some beer and check if I can get my muscles a bit better.
As you can see I've fiddled a bit with the design of SomewhereSouth. Tossed out the kayeshu.net-purple, grayscaled the top-images and made the links to the gallery and statistics a bit more visible. (They're now also at the top of the page!) I hope you like it though the design may look a bit cold to you.
Just small things you do when your girlfriend is still 79 days away from you and one of many ways of saying that she's still in your mind 24/7...
Had a crap night because the matrass was so soft that I thought I wold fall trough it. This morning we had an easy start. After some goodbye words of uncle Les. (owner of the pub) We went off. OUr first stop was Bushmans Centre for a lunch and if you wanted to go to a museum. ( I didn't went) It was quite funny restaurant. They even sold real possum pie! ( I didn't try because I wasn't hungry. And I know that it is a crap excuse) And some unborn chicken (egg) But a lot of funny names for regular food. They had also loads of possum fur. It was even attached to the benches where you sat on. When everyone was finished we went of to some gold panning/ paintball. But it was so cold and it rained so hard that we skipped it. Which I didn't mind, although I would have liked to try some gold panning. then we entered Frans Jozef. The driver (Darren) first got us to a look out point over the gracier which lays next to Frans Jozef. (Which wasn't that good to see because of the rain) Then we arranged some stuff in the town. And now I'm sitting in my room in my cheap (cheapest so far) hostel. Writing some stuff for you guys. And off course waiting till dinner time.
Ps Yesterday on the beach I've been bitten by sndflies. (or at least I think) And my feet are itching!)
After being sick for half a day yesterday I took a queit night. I just had some food and a nice night of telly. And early to bed. We could sleep till 8.00 this morning. Which is finally a good night of sleep. Then we did after 15 min driven a morning wald. Which would have been gourgious if there wasn't a lot of fog and rain. The sea was crazy with a lot of high an strong waves. It was loverly to hear. At the end of the walk we got to see real seals! After a pop in the bus we went of for lunch and a loverly walk along pancake shaped rocks an waterblowing holes. (in Punakaiki) Then we went of for Greymouth for some shopping for a big shared dinner that night. (and for yellybeans ;) we also picked up some new people. After that we went of for our hostel. Which turned out to be just a few sheds behind the loval pub. the only local pub. Mahinapua is a small middle of nowhere town between Greymouth an Frans Jozef. Which you probably won't find on the map. It is run by some 75+ locals which are really nice. We had a small walk to the beach and a lake. Then we had an awfully good dinner! With meat, vegetables, bread and butter! ( I really miss the last one because I can't take it with me during ttravelling) After a few bayleys in the pub next to the fire place and a nice chat to some people from the bus. (especially Karin and Fiona) I went of to bed. And I'm now going for a sleep. Tomorrow we leave at 9.30 so plenty of sleeping time.
The kitchen is a small cottage stuffed somewhere in the back. After kooking and watchin t.v. I went for a shower. (Till the hot water ran out, people behind me didn't think that was funny ;) I went back to the kitchen because there was the only telly. There are a bunch of Danish people which I ran in for several times now. They Cooked this awfully good dinner together. And I got all the leftovers! Jeej! After that I repacked my bag and got an early bed. (althought there was a live music evening. So that made a lot of noise) But slept wel and got up at 6.30 :s We got off to Kaiteriteri where we could do activities. Nobody did so we lay on the beach for 1.5 hours. then we drove and stopped for some food and later on for a short walk. We then drove to a valley which had suffered a major earth quake. (8.9 on scale of Richter.) And there was this waterfall which came to existence because the river was blocked. It was gourgious! It was called; Maruia falls. After that we went straight on for Westport. And I didn't suffered from my car sickeniss on the north island but I did had it today. (because of the road that is not as straight as in the north) It's irritaiting. But I ended up in Basels' hostel. Which is nice, cozy and small.
One day yu are freezing to death and the other day you can swim out of your pants from the heat. Today it was the last option. The boat left this morning from Wellington to Pickton. And halfway (of the 3 hours total) we got sun. And it's been a clear day ever since. The busdrive from Picton to Nelson was hot and long. This morning to the ferry wasn't worth a celebration either. (stuffed in a small bus.) But I am on the south island! It's gourgious. Lots of hills and lots of green. It's gourgious. Sleeping in Prince Albert Hotel. (There he is againg) an is pretty expensive. But just for one night. Going to find a kitchen now ;)
Just a little so far. And a bit of information. Nieuw Zealand gives home to 4 million people. From which 3 million live on the north island. So there are a lot more people. Nieuw Zealand also gives home to 50 million sheep. (!!) Which mostly live on the South island. My impression of north island is loads of villages and a few citys. But also a lot of land where nobody lives. A lot of green hills. And a lot is cultivated land. The south should be a bit more rougher and mother nature in it's true form. So i'm curious. What brought New Zealand me so far? A skydive with video. Which was a live time experience. And something I wasn't planned to do. But I have to say it was awfully good. And offcourse my Black and White water rafting. Which was totally different. One was mostly in a boat down a river filled with rocks. The other one contained a lot of different extreme sports. And I had my first taste of Maori culture. Which was exciting. And I hope more will follow. That was a short overview of the north.
Well yesterday night I had my jummy soup again. But hey it's cheap food. After that I decided to go white water rafting. Although it is a bit out of my budget and I need to be a little bit more careful with my money next week. We ended up sleeping with the whole bus sleeping in one room. Witch was when we entered the room just 3 enormous beds. So I ended up sleeping with 10 persons in one bed. (sorry murf, also guys) This morning got up early and ready to raft. Rafting was kewl! Was level 3, with some level 5 rafts. (highest is 5)After I had a few more broeses. (The ones of the black water raft weren't gone yet)After a 6 meter jump that we could do if whe wanted. (off course I want) And lots of cold water. I ended up onder a cold shower. (which supposed to be warm) Then after a quick lunch I jumped at the bus and we were on our way to Wellington. Which was a cruise of several hours. I am now staying at the BASE backpackers. And after a cloudy morning we have a sunny afternoon. Tomorrow morning I am leaving for the south Island. And tonight I probably head off to a pub.
Stil a little of unbelieve over my skydive. But there is already a next challenge: White water rafting. Stil not sure if I'm going to do it here in River Valley. Absolutely the middle of nowhere. (you might even not find it on the map) But it's gourgious! The raft river is right in front of the hostel. (Even jused for LotR scenes) There's a small waterfall at the background of the river. You're sitting at the boddem of this valley. It's lovely. It took a long drive with loads of sheep and green hills in the middle of nowhere. But the place is worth it! Pick up this morning was great. Yesterday night I just watched a movie: Miss congeniality. And had soup for dinner. As well as today. I have the whole evening to decide if i'm going rafting tomorrow or not . Because it will be before we leave to Wellington. Day was also really sunny! We stopped halfway River Valley for a walk. We were so close to the snow line that we even got up to go for a snowball fight. After that we had the walk down to Whakapapa. (And youi all still know that wh = f ;) Took about 1.5 hours and crossed several lines of flora. And now I'm sitting on a bench freezing my ass of. Because the sun just left the valley and it is really freezing outside without the sun. So talk to you guys later!
Where to start?? Well yesterday after dinner we had a bit of pre-drinking before we went to the pub. Mulligens (I believe that was the name) was a cozy irish looking pub. Then I went of for the Holy cow. Which was a mainstream dance club. (A bit like the Hut on saterdays) It was fun, but not as good as home. So I left at 2. After a bit of sleep. (didn't got that much because people got in and out all night.) Ow and I didn't had a skydive yesterday because the weather was really bad. This morning after a try of sleeping, I gave up and got a shower. (pitchblack because the light was fallen out.) I had an apple because the kitchen got cleaned so I couldn't make a propper breakfast. I saw the weather and asked if I could perhaps skydive today. After a phone they told me I had 10 min before they would pick me up :s So I ran and got some stuff. After a lot of waiting and get ready they put me on the plane. We took off and went to 12.000 feet and minus 4 degrees. I had a tandem jump with a 45 sec free fall. (all I could think of was not to forget to breathe ;) It was amazing and actually undescrible. And best of all; I have a video!! So everybody can enjoy!! Stop for now and have a little time to enjoy my adrenaline a bit more... (Now you all can get jealous ;)
My pan-pizza went a bit too good. So it was a bit black. But good to eat. Finally a bit of a normal dinner. Just had a chat with Murf before he went to his work. After that I had another bit of paperwork. Than went with some people to the local pub. Was kewl! Had a nice time. After that made a little bit too much noise in the hostel (kiwi paka) Sneaked to my own room. (Went with a bunch of people to Hamish' room) Woked up probably all my roommates. (didn't matter they said) This morning after breakfast at Waitomo. We went straight to Taupo. It is raining all day long! It's awful. Right before Taupo they dumped uh on a walk to Hooka falls. They are gourgious! And the water was so blue! At the end we had a little surprise. We could take a swim in a warm water stream. It was probably heated by come geiser. It was actually hot... Then the stream went to the river. (which goes to the Hooka falls) It was an unexpected experience where the hot water met the cold water of the river. After a swim (while it was raining) we got on the bus to the hostel (Taupo urban retreat) Just had something to eat and went for the supermarket for dinner.
Well so far for my pizza esterday. It turned out that there was no oven, so we couldn't wasrm up the pizzas. Tonight a new try after a tip from a fellow backpacker. Just heat it up in a pan. (You al know how attached I am to my pizza's ;) After I got pissed because my dinner was based on cookies and an apple. I just had a chat with Hamish and went to sleep. This morning the leaving fellows woke me up. But I just turned over and got back to sleep. Had dinner and went of for some internet for you guys. Yesterday we had an awfull lot of rain. Today is a bit better but stil too much. So just had some chats, some paperwork and a visit to the local museum. (free, because of my rafting tour yesterday) And a bit more paperwork. Boring, he? Tomorrow will be better with perhaps a skydive!! (Yes, I'm going to do it all!!)
After a few hours starving Hamish pushed some food over. Just to let me shut up ;) No kidding, just was a bit too long starving. Later that afternoon I had a pick-up with some other experience members. OUr driver was wicked, but Kewl! We had an official entrance. With dances and stuff. (excepting hospitality offers and to make sure we were friends) After that we got a peak into the Mari village. And a sort of show which told us a bit about rituals and used music instruments. Ater that show we got to the dining room. OUr tabel was last to eat!! But I have to say that it was extrordinary good foor. (specially cooked in a hole in the ground for the entire day) After that I shopped a bit around. Got a good bye ceremony. And a wicked drive home. Was exhausting and got straight to bed. This morning the packing started all over again. Dropped at the bus and talked so much to Hamish that I forgot to write down the name of our dining town. Or the town we went for a woolworth shop. But I ended in Waitomo. I booked in for 2 nights. Threw my stuff at my bed and went straight to some black water rafting. (5 hours) They first put you in lots of clothing you almost never wear. Wetsuit, short, shirt, footies, gloves, helmets and shoes. Already wet from an earlier trip. :s They send you to this cave where you go abseiling down. then a little bit of swinging down on a rope. ('tokelen' in dutch I believe) Then we got some tea. and a dive in the cold water. We tubed for a little while watched the glowworms. Plus the whole lifestory of them. They're realy disguisting animals. After we got back we had a long walk through the water in the caves. (I just kept falling, clumsy me ;) To go up we needed a lot of climbs. We did it the spectaculair way. We climbed it over small waterfalls! It was so gourgious and kewl! So it was a shame it was already over. Got out of our clothes (taked a long time!) and then had a nice hot shower after al that cold water. When we had changed, we got some nice warm soup and a bagel. Then we went of for 'home'. Just been to the internet and now of for some pizza with Hamish. Going now because I'm hungry.
Yesterday I just spent the rest of the day with hanging around, watching tv and walking over the beach. Ow, and ejoying the sun which was finally shining. The night I just watched Sex and the city and went to sleep. I had a small room with a guy that had left. So that night I slept alone! (That is a luxery as a baackpacker) This morning I woke up and got the next kiwibus. The driver is a bit dull, but I just have to do with it for two days. We went from Whitianga back over the hills to Paeroa where we had 'breakfast'. Then we had a quick stop in Matamata/hobbiton. (there was the hobbiton viallage of LotR filmed) Then we got to our end goal: Rotorua. I've just been droped of and hecked my room. Went to the city and spended more money than I'm used to. Gotback and found my kiwi traveller!! (hamish) So I'm now in his room enjoying a bit of his luxery... ;) Tonight I will sgo to a Maori concert and get a Maori-dinner. I'm starving, so I am counting of the hours.
Yesterday was a late evening. So the story of yesterday an d today. Yesterday I woke up after a bad night of sleep (some new bloke on my room just kept snorring)I packed all my stuff and hecked out my room. (got my keymoney back, as is a rule in every hostel here.) I was early so I sat o the trottior in front of the hostel. Eating, waiting and watching how people ran for the rain. It was raining a lot and was very windy. The bus was late so after I froze my but off I could finally get in. Nice and warm. And stuffed with people. At first we drove to Mount Eden. Which is an ex-vulcano. It was pretty stormy on top. We drove ferther to Thames. Where we had our lunch. (long live the supermarket;) After some shopping and eating we went on to Cathedral cove. Which was absolutely gourgious. But along walk to and off it. After that we went to our end: Whitianga. (Wh = f) It was almost a curtain of rain. so I refused to go out. So as dinner I had: a handfull of m&m and an apple. I took a seat in the livingroom to watch Moulin Rouge. But the busriver dragged me to the local pub, with some other people. (can you imagine? me & getting dragged?) It was quite fun time with drinking, bit of pol and gaming. It was late and because I was still tiered (wrong spelling I know) of yesterday, it was even wors tonight. I had a really nice time with a real kiwi from Auckland. He is a travelagent which has to travel along with the kiwiexperience for work. Paid on vacation, I wold like that! We try to meet again in Queenstown to bungy together. But he brought me nicely home and I finally got some sleep! Although everyone had to lezve at 7.30 and they woke me up, I wasn't angry. Because I could turn over and go to sleep again. Because I was staying another day in Whitianga. Today the rain is gone and there is even some sun. (Even the kiwis thought it was awfull weather yesterday and very rare) This day I'm going to see a bit of Whitianga and tomorrow I will leave with the next bus.
ps1; Me and my boyfriend are together for 2 months now!
ps2; In my mind I was with all you guys in Leiden!! I really missed it...
While everybody in Leiden makes up for a great party tomorrow. (and a beer on me ;) I am making up to leave tomorrow for the first part of my kiwtravel. Today was pretty boing cossed Auckland Domain. Sat by a duckpond for lunch. (breakfast was at Albert Park) Headed to find Pavell rosegarden. Which was a big dissapointment. (probably because it isn't the time for roses.) Got back as soon as possible. Bought a little surprise for myself: choclat muffin. ;) Then came back to the hostel. Had a little chat with Alexander and Steve. (my roomis) Then had a little me-time. Headed off for some cheap food and a night of telly. Pretty boring, he? Well Auckland is a lovely city. (biggest in NZ) But it's a bit the size of Leiden. So after 2 days you almost seen it al. So the 3 day can be pretty boring, although sunny.
I want everybody to tell that I really really mis them. Love u all very much!! I love al the mail that I receive. It helps me trough the rougher times. So be sure that everything is read. Not a word wil be forgotten. Thinking a lot of you all.
Lots of love
Nicky
My daddy's birthday!!! And not just one. But his 50st! (Although he will tel you that he became 39, as usual) Sorry daddy for not being there + not sending a card. I will make it up to you next year, promised. Now we will go over to the order of the day: what did I do in mY first day New Zealand. Most of all: walking. And that isn't the nicest thing over here, because they have even hills in the city! (I already foud that out yesterday, but I as to tired to write a long story.) I already decided yesterday that I wanted to go to the Auckland Museum, to find out some stuff about Maori's. Plus for a bit of extra money I would get a real peak of Maori dances and rituals. Due to my VIP backpackers discount card I only paid $11. Which is about 5.50 euro. So not that much. After the museum I found a clear bleu sky, with sun but also a strong cold wind. I went back to Auckland Domain (a huge park) Which I wanted to see tomorrow, but because the museum was in the middle I already took a quick peek. When I got out of Auckland Domain and crossed Albert Park I went to Queen sreet ('main' street in Auckland) Where (to my big surprise)was a free hiphop festival. So I stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. I watched some concerts. And after that I went to see some freestyle breakdance. (and for a few peeks of the guys as well ;) Pretty cool to see a 21 year old guy get battled of by an 8 year old kid. (They were both really good!) After counting my small mony I tried to get some food for it. Mac off course. But hear about this: a big Coke, a mac chicken nd a small french fries for $8.35. Which is about 4.30 euros. Can someone tell me what this in Holland cost? After my food and a news paper (left by someone else) I took a quick peek at some closed stores. But it was so cold that I go of the street and now spending my time at the common room in the hostel. Till tomorrow. Hopefully a nice sunny day in the park.
Haven't slept that well (That is a soft expression) left at 7.00 for the airport. Checked in (There goes the beep again. Not once not twice but three times in a row before I can go) The flight was boring, food was awfull. But the movie was funny. (Dodgeball) Catched a bus to the centre of Auckland. And I tried to find a city without an Albert street (My dads' name) Well I failed again. They got an Albert road/street/park. And I am now taying in the Albert Park Backpackers Hostel. So this isn't the town either. Just did some food shopping today. (They don't provide breakfast here) And got to the kiwi experience office to book my trip from day to day. (Although I keep it a secret for you guys ;) So here I am now. Really tired, when it's fridaynight, and not late. But in spite of drinking some beer I guess I just go to sleep.....
Hi there! Within a few hours it seems that it is october 4th.
Since Nicky and I got together at 04-08-04 it means that we're happily in love for exactly 2 months right NOW! What started as something not too serious and only meant to have a good time together for a couple of weeks (with one leaving Holland for 10 months at the middle of september and the other planning to part for 1-2 years somewhere between fall 2005 and fall 2006 you're not talking about getting a serious relationship with anyone) turned out to be one of the most exiting and deepest relationships I've ever had. Yep, even after just 2 months where we've only had the chance to be together for 6 weeks I'm really deeply in love! Maybe it's the sparkles in her eyes. Maybe it's how she looks, talks and walks. Maybe it's something undescribable but completely overwhelming. I don't know but I know it's there and though I miss her deeply I'm very happy that at least I have someone to miss.
Well, why write this all down on SomewhereSouth and let the whole world know? Because I can not be in New Zealand to celebrate it with her and even can't call or SMS because her phone isn't working there. So basically this is a note to Nicky to tell her that I love her deeply and that I'll make it up with here as soon as I'm there. I hope you're all ok with that ;-) And off course letting the whole world know is quite funny. Someone yells it from the roofs and let at most 200 people know, another rents an airplane and let a message write in the air noticed by maybe 2000 people, I'll just fill both her and my weblog with a message and let the whole world know.