21th Feb...

21th Feb is a sunny Saturday. Let me give a summary of the whole week at work.
I won’t say picking apples were easy or tough. Indeed a lot of physical work, sweats, cuts and bruises are expected too. Beside black is the only word I could think of to describe myself when I look into the mirror. Under the sun and rain, dried and soak, we worked. Not because we are ask to do so but because we want to do so. Though the pay rate is dependent on how much we pick, somehow I feel that this wasn’t the sole reason behind my hard work. I felt that is much more than just the money issue but a lot more on giving my mind a rest, getting my personal space.
Picking apples sound simple, isn’t it? Well, is really simple if the objective is purely to pick “any” apples. Correct size, correct color is taken into consideration too. Being new in this, when holding onto 1 apple, simples question will just pop into my head, is this apple suitable to be picked, is it to green, is it too small, is it bruised? Another challenging part is climbing and placing the ladder. Being smaller in build indeed is a kind of disadvantage. Ladder isn’t light or small. So when placing the ladder, I could only use my shoulder as a lever and move it from tree to tree. As I had mention, it isn’t small or light, so getting knocked or hit is something I can’t escape. Most of the bruises on my shin come in this way. Moreover if the placing was not ideal or good enough, the possibilities of getting slap on the face by the branches were common. Well, I got slapped a couples of times. These are injuries I get from the tree. Let see my bruises...haha...only show the leg part...



But let’s not forget about the injuries I bring to the trees. Due to inexperience, I couldn’t help hurting the branches or accidentally dropped a couple of apples when picking. As ladder was lower, some branches do get in ways and “sorry” was the only word I could said to them. Apology is needed to the trees for breaking their branches and accidentally dropping their hard grown fruits to the ground. It may sound silly, but that’s how I felt.
Whenever I go on a trip or vacation, there is definitely object I wish I could accomplish. The first part of the journey- Scenic Railway was completed. Object is simple. I just wish to see the beauty of New Zealand Nature from a different view, to have a simple gasp of fresh air. As for objective for this working trip, to cool my mind off, earn some money meanwhile getting my personal space for breath and take myself away from the trouble land. This time, objectives are much tougher. I don’t know how well I could manage, but I know I need them. To give life back to the jasmine that lived in my heart. Sound weird again? Perhaps… Because I am weird. haha..

Oh, Let's see some photo of the place I am staying now =)

19th Feb...

Today is the 19th Feb. I reach work place, Napier on the 12th Feb, couldn’t start work till the following Monday which is 16th. Not much had happened across these days actually. At least I couldn’t recall. I only remember we started watch The Little Nyonya shortly we arrived, and daily after work and dinner, the series will automatically pop into our mind…Oh, and that’s how my valentine was passed. With little nyonya on my V’Day.

Been in NZ for about 15days, how time flies. Writing this paragraphs by paragraph is about to make me in tears again… yes, again. Is not about being away from home or having the need to do hard work. Is more of thoughts keep running into my mind. The history… The objects of this trip… The reasons behind my departure…
Well, I have my emotional side and especially during those times or when things happened or things that triggered. I am in a state of confusion but yet awake enough to know that I am confused by what. How about a little short poem as there really isn’t much to write as nothing special happened lately?

Remembering once said from an old friend,
Rain was tears from the heaven.
Remembering once mention by an dear friend,
Tears are not meant to flow for the unworthy ones.
I recall the moment when I cried myself in the rain,
I couldn’t differentiate rain from tears.
Was it rain that was on my face or was it tears that roll down from my eyes?
Let my heart be free for the moments,
I don’t know how much longer I could hold.
I don’t know how much more I could take.
Remembering once said from a sweet friend,
I am not afraid of your tears,
I am worried more of not seeing them.
Let your tears flow as they need,
Let your sorrow be seen as it need..

12th February 2009....the 9th day....

This is another travelling day from Auckland to Napier, the place where most of my time will be spent there. Got up at 8am, and prepared for another departure. Finally got to meet Dawn, the house manager of Bamber House. Photo of the Bmber House..




After booking the Nakedbus from Auckland to Napier at 12.15pm, we relax at the house lobby and left about 11am to catch the bus to Queens Street. Bus 255, 258 and 267 will take us to the city. Upon reaching Queen St. we will have to walked up to the other end where the Quay St intercept. It wasn’t very far but is about 1km or so away. Finally the Nakedbus arrived and off the Napier we go.
Nothing much happened on the way except the driver blast his music on his sound system. The old lady sitting in front of me was literally covering her ears. Oh, and both our driver were named Andrew. The bus stopped at Hamilton for a changed of driver. And we set off to Taupo, followed by Rotorua. These 2 places will be visited after my seasonal work in Napier.
The bus driver mention over the speaker that we were will late. Initial arrival time is 7.25pm but we got to Napier at about 8pm. I was kind of worried that Ian, the man who I’ll be working for is going to wait for a much longer time or he might just leave without us. On arrival at the bus stop, I saw a couple of man. I was praying that one of which will be Ian. And YES! He was there. He mention that he was about to leave when another man mention to him that the bus will e late for another 30 minutes. That was why he waited.
Ian was an old man? I am not sure if I should describe him as an old man, but for sure, he doesn’t look young. I could say he’s about 50+ or even older. He is really nice and I like him. We headed straight to where my home will be for the next 12-14weeks.
At the common room, the rest of the people were there. A total of 6 ladies and gentlemen, all were from Cze .Republic, a beautiful country. 2 of which had already been working here for about 6months, and the other 4 had arrival about a week ago. They seems pretty friendly too, we should see how it goes.
The room is pretty decent too. It comes with a cupboard of drawers, a shelf and a double bed (with a double at the lower deck). Not forgetting the bugs that come with it. Haha. Is about time for night out…

11th February 2009, the 8th Day in NZ

Today is the last day using the scenic railway passes. We depart from National Park to Auckland. The train was supposed to arrive at about 1.45pm and reach Auckland about 7.25pm. However dur to the changing of shift crew and railway track condition, we were kind of delay by about 1hr and 35min. By the time we reach Auckland train station, it was already 9.10 pm. We started looking around for the bus stop for bus 255 or 258, but to our despair, no nearby bus stop shows it. I make a call over to Bamber House, the place where I’ll sleep over for the night. She was pretty “upset” and wonder where we could be and if we will coming over for the night. She was glad I called as I double confirm that we are on the way and kind of looking for the correct bus stop to go over. She gave more details and finally, I found the bus stop. The bus stop is located opposite Civic Theatre. Oh Mind… I was real tired.
When we reached View Road, we were informed by the bus driver, though not very friendly, but he did inform us. We alighted and we were approached by a lady, which ask if we were going to Bamber House. Of course we were so we headed together. I got to know that she had been here for about 10 days and is a Malaysian but had been living in the state for several years. Kind of old neighbor feeling came to me.

Been sneezing much...Now, who's missing me that much or really scolding me...

7th Day Soaking National Park

Today is already Day 7. A week had passed and we are still travelling to our destination. Day 7 was a free day in National Park. As per planned, Bao’s suppose to do her crossing but the weather was really bad, hence it was cancelled. She joined me in the end for the simpler walk. Along with us were another 4 ladies. 6 ladies out to do the walk. It was raining and foggy. The walk wasn’t that tough hence my ankle could still handle it. Lucky, isn’t it. We trek for about 1hour before reaching to the Taranaki Fall. No regrets! Perhaps, I simply couldn’t resist waterfall. I am a water animal, don’t forget. haha… I was pretty soak in the rain despite I rented a “raincoat” but it kept me pretty warm. We took a group photo and also the Taranaki Fall too, as shown on the blog.







You could have seen how wet we all were. Upon finished the trek for Whakapapa route, I was hoping to do the Silica Rapid walk too. But the weather was too windy and the rain was getting bigger. And both of us was literally soak. So we head back to our hostel, which is how I could manage to complete writing my day 5, 6 and 7 blog. I wrote on my lappie then PASTE in my blog. Save time and $$.
A week in NZ gave me thoughts. I remember clearly what’s was on my mind when I was on TranzCoastal. I told myself, I need to learn how to put my past away. I am still learning. I need to learn how to be happy as happy is actually a choice to be made. But it takes time and need to be practice. Looking at the Mountains and Sea, how insignificant I was. Whatever that troubles simply wonder off. I should count myself really lucky as both my little and big boss allows me to go on this trip, to calm myself and to re-sort all my thinking. And the more grateful I should be that I could still walk and see this beautiful world. Time always flies faster when you are happy, this week wasn’t fast for me, but not slow either….

6th Day National Park

Day 6… It started off pretty tiring as we need to wake up at 5.30 again to catch a bus to the railway station. Oh mind….another 5.30am… but we always make it so far. Luckily both of us are not sleepy head. We board the Overlander and head towards the National Park. I couldn’t remember much about the view as I was pretty tired. Haha.. But there are some nice view of the canyon and of course Mt Ruapehu. The train was slightly late on the arrival time. Upon reaching the station, we walked down to National Park Hostel situated about 10min away from the station. Not too far, but think about it again, Our big bags, mind was about 18kg, excluding the front backpack, and Bao’s about 14kg. Not too small for the 2 young lady here. Anyway, we make it here again. The weather was not too ideal for crossing as mention by the receptionist. I wish I could join the crossing to Mt Tongariro, which was 1986m above sea level. This Crossing will take about 8 hours. Guess my ankle will crack after it. So I decided to give it a miss and Bao will carry on without me.


And as for me, I decided to do a simpler and less hurtful walk (as comment by the receptionist), the walk around Whakapapa Village, where I could also see Taranuki Fall. After deciding what to do, we set off to do something for the late afternoon. A walk to Taranaki Lookout, which takes about 1.5 hours there and same back. Along the way, Lalangs were everywhere. All the photos were lalangs. Haha. Initially I mistaken that I might be able to see Tupapakurua waterfall. When we reach the look out, then I realize it was 1.5 hours to the look out and the water fall. To reach the water fall, will need to hike another 2.5 hours. Without much choices, we turn back as we are running out of time. Activities were about it, so we had our rest praying for good weather tomorrow.

5th Day in Wellington too

The 5th day was a rest day in Wellington. There isn’t much plan actually decided to see what this place can offer. We took up Kapiti Coastal Tour, leaded by a friendly old man, Wally. He looks kind of like Santa Claus. Ha ha… Pauatahanui Village was our 1st destination. The sights along the way were nice too. After which we got up to Paekakariki Hill Summit for bird’s eye view of the Kapiti Coastal. Wind was pretty strong up there. It was really amazing. It overlook the Kapiti Coastal Line and Tasman Sea. He mention that Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea were kind of divided by the Cook Strait. Not sure how true or how well I understood his meaning. Haha.



After the magnificent view of the coastal region, we proceed to the Southward Vintage Car Museum. On arrival of the door, there was a couple of vintage car on displayed. It got me crazy. I wont say I was a fan of car or vintage car but the out look of it just reminds me of those movie car I have seen on the 80s or 90s English movie. It was really fascinating. We could stop snapping photo of the vintage cars and start posing beside them. But time is running out again and we still have another level of car to view. We dash down and saw more. This set us crazy to the next level. Haha. I saw my favorite , the Beetles. The very vintage beetle got me thinking to a show I watch when I was little, Herbie. The no. 53 self automated car that can blink. Ops stray off, back to NZ stuff.







After all these craziness, we were taken to another place called Lindale which we have our ice-cream. I chosen Hokey Pokey, don’t ask me what it is, I really don’t know but it taste really nice. As those who read the blog most likely knows that I am not a fan of ice-cream or chocolate. But this Hokey Pokey really tasted great. Oh we also went to a chocolate factory where Bao’s bought her chocolate. I didn’t as you all know why…
The tour ends about 1pm, Wally was really kind to drop us off at our next destination, Tepa Museum. It was well-known but I am not so into it either but is still a place to stop by when there isn’t any other destination in mind for the rest of the day. At there, entry was free. We meet our roommate Rebecca, a very nice and pleasant lady from Christchurch. The museum displayed quite a number of theme, the one that caught my attention was the one related to Earthquakes. It shows how NZ was previously like in 120millions years ago where is actually connected to Australia and how it got separated due to the earth plate movement underneath the sea and much more. The 2nd one that caught my attention was the BIG Squid which I forgot its name, think is something like the OsscXXX. The eyeball was about the size of a football. Wow. Scary isn’t it. And it is a female. It was detected as a female because they found egg in her body. That’s about it for the Tepa museum. We continue our walk to the cable car station where we board it to the top to have an overall view of wellington. Not much actually though, I believed it will be nicer if its towards the changing of daylight and night time.
That’s about it for day 5…

4th day at Wellington

4th day is practically another travelling from Kaikoura to Wellington. From Kaikoura to Picton was about 7.25am- 12.10pm.. The transfer across the Island took 3hours.Inorder to cross the Cook Strait, we board the InterIsland Ferry, which is exactly like a cruise. Going to the sun deck was definitely our first choice. The sun was burning us but the wind was cooling us. The sight was great too.



When we took the shuttle bus service from the ferry to the railway station, shooking sight, guess what we saw? There are lots of people wearing weird stuff. Apparently there is some BIG event. Is the New Zealand Seven. People from all over the world will travel to NZ to take part this event. People dress up to support their team. From Poker card theme, to Mickey Mouse theme, to Devils and there are even guys dressing wearing a lady dress. Enough of those, upon reaching the North Island, we took bus 7 frm Bus stop B and get to our Backpacker-Rosemere. IS really located at the steep slope. I had a hard time, especially with a hurt ankle. But I did it anyway.



That's about it Folks..

The 3rd Day... Christchurch to Kaikoura...

Let's get on....



Day 3 was journey from Christchurch to Kaikoura, a beautiful place with seals,whales & dolphines. Wild life sight seeing is not part of the iternary yet as the object was the scenic railway sightseeing from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Hostel was not book at the point of arrival due to several reasons but we manage to get one in the end, DUSKY LODGE. Is about 15min walk from the railway. Though is 15min, but think about it with a almost 18kg backpack with you, it isn't that easy after all. Lea greeted us with a BIG smile and allow us to leave out baggages there till they clear the room. Lunch was simple.Fish & chip in a salty way...haha & off we get to the supermarket for WATER...


I stopped writing for awhile due to limitation of internet access. Guess it will be this way for sometime.

Mouth watering food for dinner was recommended by Jolene, Bao's close friend, so off we went. Guess what, is about 45-60min walk from our hostel. But thank god, out bags were left at the hostel. when we were about 200m away from Kaikoura Seafood BBQ, i trip over and twisted my ankle. I was really unlucky but LUCKY in a way. Shemian and David, a sydney couple stopped their car & offer us a ride to the same place as they will be heading there for dinner too. Afterwhich they were really nice to offer further to give us a ride to nearby seal colony where we could see seals. We saw a couple. BIG but Sleepy. Funny isnt it.




End nows..Time up again..

2nd Day....

Things were following pretty fine but guess I am still tired. Partially by the never ending looking at schedule, booking of hostel and looking at map at where is the location of interesting spot and hostel...

2nd day was pretty fun though tired but the TranzAlphine ride shows another sight of west coast. From Christchurch to GreyMouth took about 4hrs or so. There is this open carriage where passengers are allow to enter to enjoy the natural breeze and photo taking. It can be pretty cold as the wind find it ways into you. We only manage to stay at GreyMouth for about 45min or so as the arrival time was actually pushed forward. Hence the time allowed was slightly shorten.



There are a couple of interesting people I met along the way. Lucus and family... A very handsome cute little darling with his parents and "nanny" ( not sure if its or was it the granny?) but anyway, he was really adorable and smiley too. Took a couple of the baby..actually not a few but is about 10 odds photos of it... He's really cute... When u see the photo you will understand why I am so crazy about him.


Another interesting person that I met was Jeff, a guy from the State. He was the person I approached to help us with the photo taking of 2 of us. He had a pair of beautiful eyes which caught my attention when I was looking around for some helpful soul to take photographs for us. We started chatting on the way back from Christchurch to GreyMouth. He offer to get us both a drink on the train and also dinner for the day. Being a courtesy Singaporean, we joined him. When we were at the entrance of the restaurant, I wasn’t allowed to enter unless I proved I was ABOVE 18. Oh mind… not again… Well, I could see that Jeff is kind of interested in eating there so I comment that I’ll head back to the hostel to get my ID card while he and Bao could settle in first. Dinner was great and we all had a great chat. Soon is time again to head back to our hostel and prepare for another journey ride to Kaikoura.

My First Day...

Everything seems to happen so fast. I was still counting down to my departure. But guess what, i am already in Christchurch, Base Hostel using the internet.

My backpack was 17.1kg heavy when i check-in. Crazy isnt it? We shall see when i return, what the weight will be.

I normally start of a journey with object in mind. Completion Fulfillment is achievement of goals and getting objective. I'll set them as the days comes...



But I guess the very 1st one is to slp.... Couldnt slp at all on the plane..so weird of me...Super Tired!