17th March, Tue.
Current location is at Wellington. It had almost a week after depart from Auckland by flight on the 11 March to Wellington. Surprisingly the weight of our backpack went up again. Our total backpack weight was 41.1Kg, Bao’s was 18Kg so it means mine was 23.1Kg. No wonder it seems tougher as I carry it on my back. This whole week wasn’t easy for us. We have changed a couple of hostels, meaning carrying our backpack several times. Finally we settle down at a cheaper rate hostel.
We finally found some odd jobs to do, and at least meanwhile cash flow shouldn’t be a problem.
During those days when we couldn’t get jobs, is kind of blues. Well, I am prepared for the worst. Haha, Worst is carry on with my touring around New Zealand and upon finished the touring, I’ll head home. This is the worst case but luckily, I did manage to find some odd jobs. So this plan will tentatively be postponed.
We shall see how long we could work then I’ll have to re-plan the whole schedule.
Well, these days we have been watching quite some drama series. I remember some words said by one of the leading actress. “To choose a man and marry him is actually a gamble.” She lost as she thought her husband will really quit gambling for her. But she took up another gamble, she chose to stay with him despite he had lost all the family’s properties in a gambling den… This led me to some thoughts… how many chances should one gets and how should one decide if the chance should be given? Everyone has a balance in their heart and every issue has a different weight in every single individual. How many individual could really understand and accept the fact in the differences in individual? When people say “I know”, do they really know, how much do they really know?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 Mar 2009, Tuesday
10 Mar 2009, Tuesday.
Saturday morning 7Mar, after leaving Ian’s place, we headed to Auckland. We took about 8hours to reach Auckland and shortly we settled at Base (ACB). Nothing much happening over these few days except for the thrilling activity I always wanted to do, Canyoning. The Canyoning was done on Sunday. There are about 20 of us, all young and fun people from all over the world, Canada, State, Ireland, etc.
We have selected the Blue Canyon, a full day event which starts from 10am to 6pm. It is located in the Waitakere Ranges, 40minutes west of Central Auckland. Abseiling/Rappelling some awesome waterfalls, shoot down polished rock chutes, jump into crystal-clear pools are what I expected. But the excitement is beyond my description. Initially, we hike down and up for about 30minutes or so before we reach the starting point of the canyoning. When I was geared up with the wet suit and abseiling equipment, the rush of adrenaline is simply irresistible. There are 3 masters with us, all simply professional, Leon, Connie and “Chilli” ( I couldn’t pronounce or spell his name). Simple introduction about the abseiling was given and we were given some practice. Off we go!!!
The freestyle jump into the pool was the first excitement followed by a “guided” jump. I did a somersault for the freestyle jump. As for the “guided” jump, it simply meant we are only allowed to jump into certain part of the pool due to the underlying rocks. Well, all was fun.
Not forgetting the Abseiling that comes soon too. It was a 30meter height waterfall where we need to abseil down. COOL!!! I really enjoy it. OH, not forgetting the backward slide into a pool too. The very first look at those in front was kind of scary but when is my turn, “Chilli” was saying: “Lied down and wriggle wriggle wriggle”. Zoom! And off I went into the pool. GREAT FUN!!!
It wasn’t a bit of scaring and is actually the least scaring one out of those jumps and abseiling. Recalling it now is making me all over excited. Haha.
We had our picnic lunch at the waterfall after our first abseiling. Can you imagine how cool it is to have a meal right by the waterfall? Though is kind of cold but they did serve some hot drinks. Oh Mine… Lunch is pretty fast over and we carry on with our thrilling fun.
Walking in the river isn’t that easy as we can easily topple over those underlying rocks and slippery rocks and stones. And even when we are trekking, some of the path were mudded and not easily crossed too. Photographs were taken along the way and we all have fun while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up with us. Though there are cuts and bruises, I just find it all worth it. I admit is not cheap to do Blue Canyoning ( NZD 175) but this is a kind of experience that I wish to have and do while I can.
We reach back Auckland Sky Tower at about 6.30pm or so. We collected out photographs copied in a CD (free as we booked the package through BASE). How can we miss out those photographs, right? Look at some of the selected ones. There is a funny part about out photographs. For some of the photographs, me and Bao is always in it. Haha. This is because we are the first few that complete the jumps so we were at the bottom of the pool when the rest were taking their shoots and jumps. So we both could be seen at the corner of the photographs. (look at them when I upload into my face book).
Night time came fast, and we sleep like a baby after this long day.
Monday 9 Mar was a searching for work day. Surfing the internet for more than 5 hours is really a tiring job. We sent couples of emails, hopefully we could get a job soon.
Oh, those gals in my room were nice too. Initially there is Briette from Holland, Yoko and Yuki from Japan… then now the 3 were gone, came afew others. One of which was Wan Hua from Malayisa. As for the rest, no time to chat yet, so nothing much about it. This is partly the reason why I which to stay in a hostel as I can really meet people from all over the world. Though communication might be a barrier but definitely not a stopping point for me to meet new people.
As for today, is also a job searching day but will do some shopping as I promise Bao… We shall see how it goes, pray for us….
Saturday morning 7Mar, after leaving Ian’s place, we headed to Auckland. We took about 8hours to reach Auckland and shortly we settled at Base (ACB). Nothing much happening over these few days except for the thrilling activity I always wanted to do, Canyoning. The Canyoning was done on Sunday. There are about 20 of us, all young and fun people from all over the world, Canada, State, Ireland, etc.
We have selected the Blue Canyon, a full day event which starts from 10am to 6pm. It is located in the Waitakere Ranges, 40minutes west of Central Auckland. Abseiling/Rappelling some awesome waterfalls, shoot down polished rock chutes, jump into crystal-clear pools are what I expected. But the excitement is beyond my description. Initially, we hike down and up for about 30minutes or so before we reach the starting point of the canyoning. When I was geared up with the wet suit and abseiling equipment, the rush of adrenaline is simply irresistible. There are 3 masters with us, all simply professional, Leon, Connie and “Chilli” ( I couldn’t pronounce or spell his name). Simple introduction about the abseiling was given and we were given some practice. Off we go!!!
The freestyle jump into the pool was the first excitement followed by a “guided” jump. I did a somersault for the freestyle jump. As for the “guided” jump, it simply meant we are only allowed to jump into certain part of the pool due to the underlying rocks. Well, all was fun.
Not forgetting the Abseiling that comes soon too. It was a 30meter height waterfall where we need to abseil down. COOL!!! I really enjoy it. OH, not forgetting the backward slide into a pool too. The very first look at those in front was kind of scary but when is my turn, “Chilli” was saying: “Lied down and wriggle wriggle wriggle”. Zoom! And off I went into the pool. GREAT FUN!!!
It wasn’t a bit of scaring and is actually the least scaring one out of those jumps and abseiling. Recalling it now is making me all over excited. Haha.
We had our picnic lunch at the waterfall after our first abseiling. Can you imagine how cool it is to have a meal right by the waterfall? Though is kind of cold but they did serve some hot drinks. Oh Mine… Lunch is pretty fast over and we carry on with our thrilling fun.
Walking in the river isn’t that easy as we can easily topple over those underlying rocks and slippery rocks and stones. And even when we are trekking, some of the path were mudded and not easily crossed too. Photographs were taken along the way and we all have fun while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up with us. Though there are cuts and bruises, I just find it all worth it. I admit is not cheap to do Blue Canyoning ( NZD 175) but this is a kind of experience that I wish to have and do while I can.
We reach back Auckland Sky Tower at about 6.30pm or so. We collected out photographs copied in a CD (free as we booked the package through BASE). How can we miss out those photographs, right? Look at some of the selected ones. There is a funny part about out photographs. For some of the photographs, me and Bao is always in it. Haha. This is because we are the first few that complete the jumps so we were at the bottom of the pool when the rest were taking their shoots and jumps. So we both could be seen at the corner of the photographs. (look at them when I upload into my face book).
Night time came fast, and we sleep like a baby after this long day.
Monday 9 Mar was a searching for work day. Surfing the internet for more than 5 hours is really a tiring job. We sent couples of emails, hopefully we could get a job soon.
Oh, those gals in my room were nice too. Initially there is Briette from Holland, Yoko and Yuki from Japan… then now the 3 were gone, came afew others. One of which was Wan Hua from Malayisa. As for the rest, no time to chat yet, so nothing much about it. This is partly the reason why I which to stay in a hostel as I can really meet people from all over the world. Though communication might be a barrier but definitely not a stopping point for me to meet new people.
As for today, is also a job searching day but will do some shopping as I promise Bao… We shall see how it goes, pray for us….
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
4th March, 2009
I am now at the Napier Library alone. I came over to settle the IRD number with Inland Revenue Department. Lee, the other worker of the orchard was nice to drive me down here. After talking to Ian about work again this morning (when he came over with my IRD form and a number to call), thoughts were running through my mind again. Though is free to stay at the shed but no work for a week is not only no income but also there’s really nothing much to do as we both don’t have a car to travel around. I really couldn’t find a reason to stay back other than because I mention o Ian that we might be able to work for him for approximately 2-3months. But it did not occur to me that there will be no work for a week or maybe even more to come. The time I’ve planned for income earning is just nice to cover most part of the trip. With hiccups like this is, most probably will affect my plans of travel. I did hesitated but I know I need to do it.
Below are some photos we took with the orchards, Jamie and Ian. Oh not forgetting Zachy!!
Below are some photos we took with the orchards, Jamie and Ian. Oh not forgetting Zachy!!
3rd March, 2009
I’ve told Ian about my last week stay this week in the orchard. There is this weird feeling I had in me. I couldn’t explain what it was but is somehow uncomfortable. Ian was a nice boss and I really appreciate him a lot. Not forgetting Jamie and Ian (the other 1 in the orchard), they were great fellows too. Been here since 12 Feb, counting is about 19 days which make it about 3 weeks by the time I left here. I grew to like this orchard and the things around here. And now I am moving on. This led me to think about the time when I was about to leave Cosmo (in Italy) after 3 months stay back to SG… And also my stay in the hostel after 5mth there… I always get attached to place I stay for more than a few days. It is really not easy to say goodbye. Guess this is the emotional Jasmine.
Job during this period of time is more than just work for me. Not only apple picking, peaches picking, helping out at Ian’s shop but also learning of others’ culture, like NZ and Cze.
Job during this period of time is more than just work for me. Not only apple picking, peaches picking, helping out at Ian’s shop but also learning of others’ culture, like NZ and Cze.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
28th February...
Today is 28th February. A whole day is full of rain and only rain. Luckily we did not planned anything for today as we expected it to be a full rainy day. Night time was pretty fun as people from the orchard were having a typical Hungary meal. Me and Bao shared a piece of something, I don’t know the name but it tasted fantastic. And I offer the wine I bought from Pak n Save. We chat a lot and have pretty much fun. It’s really fun to know different people with their culture and thinking.
Yesterday we heard that there will be no more work available for the week after next. This isn’t good news after all.
Well, let’s talk about some fun I had yesterday, Friday. Well, there’s no work available so I planned to travel to Napier, the nearest city to the place I worked and explored around. Initially the plan was to ride the bicycle and travel down but the plan was changed and we decided to “hitch a ride”. This is something very new to both of us. After we return from the supermarket ( a nice ride from Simona and Tom couple), we arrived back home about 12 plus noon time. We grab our bags and head out to Napier. We got onto the main road, where we started our fun. Though I am prepared for the lookout for the cars on coming, and I am also aware of the surrounding the cars passerby, I can’t help feeling excited too. Well, a minute or two went by and there I saw a red car by the minor road turning out. I cross my finger and wish that this car will be the 1st lucky car of the day… And YES, he stopped for us. Well, though is sound kind of crazy but I do understand that hitch a ride is a “common” thing in NZ. Despite is a common thing, I still lookout for the safety concern. I took initiative to take up the front seat and lookout for all the little acts he does. I avoided all possible “dangerous” questions like where we stay and stuffs… and totally aware of where he is heading. My eyes were on the road and recognize the little details by the road. Well, we were kind of lucky that we got the city centre safe and sound. We took up the art Deco tour, where is a guided tour where we can hear little stories of Napier after the big 7.8 earthquake and the reconstruction of Napier with helps from government and the people from Napier. The architectures were amazing and I really was impressed by the hard work of those people during those days. I doubt the stories will interest much reader from my blog, so I am giving it a miss. The tour was about 2hours walk around Napier City and we started shopping… Going back is another interesting thing again as we going to “hitch a ride again”. This round was also another red car. Seems like red car was the color for the day.I saw this car as he drove passes and I saw the driver smiling at us. I said out to ah bao that: “Don’t smile at me, just stop and give us a lift.” Shortly, I saw the same car U-turning and he stopped in front of us again. He was a nice guy and indeed, he gave us a lift. He said he can’t help it but to U-turn his car and see where we heading when we gave this big smile. Well, after this hitch a hike thing, I am more confirm that only New Zealand people ( or local) will actually let people to hitch a ride because both guy were local. Cool experience but I believed I still need to lookout though.
As mention earlier, I offer the red wine I bought, I drank half the bottle and I believe I can sleep like a baby later. Though I wasn’t drunk, things ran through my mind again. More clearer than before…
22-28th Feb
This week had been tough, not only at work but also on my health. I was sick on Tuesday night. It might be due to the rain and I was dripping wet when I return to our shelter. Night time I could felt my body heated up so I took 凉茶. Wednesday came and I know my body is behaving differently, giddy and definitely not safe at all to use the ladder. After finishing the half bin brought forward from yesterday, I decided to quit for the day. I find it really not worth to work and risk falling off the ladder. Then I practically slept the whole afternoon after taking a pill. Today is 26th Feb, a Thursday and now is 2.50pm.
Wondering why I am typing this? It isn’t difficult to guess, isn’t it? Well, I did work in the morning till about 2.15pm. Then I find myself giddy again. The rest were telling me my face color isn’t too right and I do notice myself too. But really wish to complete whatever I am doing. I complete my half bin again and Jamie asked me to return to rest. Shortly after lunch when I return to work, I almost puke. I think I had yet to recover well. So I am on bed again. Now looking at the bruises accumulated ever since started working, it looks as if I was ill-treated or abused. haha…A day more to rest time………………………….
I did some calculation for the trip again some days ago. The possibilities of running short of $$$ is high. Jobs at Ian side seem much lesser now and cost for those adventures is still high. Most probably, I will need to find other jobs soon.
Oh forgot about something fun we had in the week. We learn numbers in Cze language. 1 to 10. And also how to say please, thank you, sorry. Pronouncing Cze is kind of tough, as usual it sound very foreign. Haha...
Wondering why I am typing this? It isn’t difficult to guess, isn’t it? Well, I did work in the morning till about 2.15pm. Then I find myself giddy again. The rest were telling me my face color isn’t too right and I do notice myself too. But really wish to complete whatever I am doing. I complete my half bin again and Jamie asked me to return to rest. Shortly after lunch when I return to work, I almost puke. I think I had yet to recover well. So I am on bed again. Now looking at the bruises accumulated ever since started working, it looks as if I was ill-treated or abused. haha…A day more to rest time………………………….
I did some calculation for the trip again some days ago. The possibilities of running short of $$$ is high. Jobs at Ian side seem much lesser now and cost for those adventures is still high. Most probably, I will need to find other jobs soon.
Oh forgot about something fun we had in the week. We learn numbers in Cze language. 1 to 10. And also how to say please, thank you, sorry. Pronouncing Cze is kind of tough, as usual it sound very foreign. Haha...
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