20 September 2009

This morning I left Sydney to fly to Auckland.As it goes, I never make life easy for myself, but instead cause myself extra stress.Once I got to the check-in desk, after queing for quite a while, the woman informed me that she could not check me in, without a return ticket to Australia (which I didn't have), SO, I made my way quickly to the JetStar desk, and booked a return ticket back to Aus.Unfortunately the only 2 flights they do is, either from Auckland to Gold Coast, or Christchurch to Brisbane.When I asked her opinion of how far / difficult it is to get from Auckland to Christchurch, she said it would be a couple hours bus ride.So, I decided to go for the Christchurch option.How stupid was I to trust the opinion of a stuard, asI later found out on arrival in Auckland from Sally, that its not just a couple hours bus ride at all, but instead another flight.So, as soon as we got back to the house, I contacted JetStar, and got them to change my ticket for Auckland to Gold Coast (at least from Gold Coast its just a train ride to Brisbane - me thinks …..).

This evening we had a lovely BBQ, with many bottles of wine.It was so good to see my little friend again, and of course had a lot of catching up to do, so as you can imagine, it was yet another late night / early morning!As you can imagine the next day was a very slow day for us (we lazed about on the sofa watching daytime tv)

Today was also my Daddy's 50th birthday!!!Happy Birthday my darling dad.I'm gutted that I'm not there with you, to celebrate your birthday with you, but you are in my thoughts constantly, and I'm sending you hugs and kisses from across the globe!!!

I hope you had a smashing day my dad (and apologies for the loud drunken phone call and the many happy birthday singings … boy don't you miss your loud, drunken daughter!! hehe)

22 September 2009

This morning was an early start.Tony, drove Faye and I to Auckland first thing as we would be spending the day and night in Auckland, ready for our early bus trip the next morning, heading for Paihia - Bay of Islands.It was still too early to check into our Hostel, so we locked our cases in the locker at the backpackers, so we could explore Auckland.Yes, we have officially joined the world of backpackers (though we did opt for the Sanctuary room, which meant, girls only)

We got a Ferry to Devenport, where we then got on a tour bus, around the Island, and learnt about its history.It was a bloody cold day - the clouds were over, and the winds were high, but we still had a good time.When the sun peered out now and then, it was great, but these moments were few.

When we got back to Auckland, we walked along the Harbour, looking for a place to lunch.We eventually sat down at a place called 'Degree', however they were so slow at getting back to us, to get our food order, that we decided to just have a couple drinks, and head elsewhere for dinner.

After our relaxing couple of drinks at the Harbour, we made our way back to the backpackers, and checked ourselves in.We then wondered around town, looking for a place to have dinner.The winner was 'Father Teds', a pub not far from our hostel where we were staying.The plan was to have an early, and relaxed evening, as we were being picked up at 7am the next morning, BUT as you can all imagine, that didn't quite happen.After our delicious pizza's, the drinks were going down really quite well.We challenged each other to a few games of pool, but we were just as bad as each other, so the games were long, but definitely good fun.We got chatting to a few young lads who were travelling around NZ.We challenged the boys to pool, but as you may have guessed, we lost.It all went Pete-Tong, when we were offered to play the pub quiz game (which costs nothing, but you're in a chance to win $100 at the bar, so of course we couldn't refuse).Fortunately we weren't as bad at the quiz, as we were with pool ….. and can you believe, we WON - yes, we did.So on came more drinks, and then the drinking games began (obviously the young boys were a definite help with the game, seeing they were all fresh out of Uni).It got messy.We eventually only got to bed at 4am.I know, bad, bad, bad girls.

23 September 2009

This morning we were up by 6am (so only landed up having a couple hours sleep).It didn't get off to a good start, bearing in mind I think we were still drunk, and then having to share communal showers, where 1 girl just walked in, and took the shower I was going to use, without even asking if we were done.Can you believe the cheek of it??So of course we were not impressed.BUT, we were ready on time, and ready to go when the 'Kiwi Experience' picked us up at 7am.

It must have been the longest 5 hours of our lives.We even got told off by one of the young lads on the bus, that we stank of alcohol (little s***) but did we care …. I think not.During the bus trip, we did stop over somewhere to grab some food.So a good old bacon & egg toastie was on the cards.I definitely felt a lot better after that, however still quite tired.I tried to keep my eyes open as much as possible, to take in the lovely scenery, but it was difficult.

On our way, we passed a sheep farm, where the farmer actually dye's 50% of his sheep bright pink (I kid you not - it was hilarious).Yet no one knows the method behind his madness.

We eventually arrived at our destination 'Paihia - Bay of Islands' around midday, and checked into our new home for the night.Which again was the 'Sanctuary' room, though much nicer and less full, that the backpackers in Auckland.

We spent the afternoon, wondering around the Island, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the sites.There are 114 Islands in the Bay of Islands - but only 8 can be seen from Paihia, because the Peninsula is blocking the rest.

In the evening, there was a bbq at the backpackers bar, which we attended.Unfortunately it rained all night, so just stayed there, had a few drinks, and took it easy.

24 September 2009

Today we had planned and booked a Dolphin Cruise to the 'Hole in the Rock' but because the weather was not that great (wet and very windy), and the waters being so rough, we decided against it, and got our money back.We were going to get a Ferry to Russell instead, as its supposed to be lovely, but the waters just got worse, so again changed our minds.So, instead we made our way to the 'Waitangi Treaty Grounds', which was extremely interesting, and got to learn a lot about NZ, and its history.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are New Zealand's most historic site where, in 1840, Maori Chiefs and the British Crown signed New Zealand's most significant document - 'The Treaty of Waitangi'.The immaculate Treaty Grounds feature abundant native bird life, heritage hardens, bush tracks and stunning sea views of the Bay of Islands.

News to me, is that NZ is still governed by the British Monarch.

In the afternoon, we were then taken back to Auckland by the 'Kiwi Experience' bus, where we then got another bus, back to Hamilton.

26 September 2009

Today we were up early, and made our way to Sally's company, where we were being collected for a Wine trail.We did start the journey with a few Vodka Jelly's (however we did have b/fast first when we got to Sally's company - so we had food before the session started).There were 2 bus loads of us, so you can just imagine how much fun we had.And the best thing, was that no one had to worry about driving.

It was a lovely day.The sun was out, and everyone was in good spirits.The route was from Hamilton, through Tauranga, then onto Waihi, and then Kati Kati and passed through Paeroa back to Hamilton.

The Wineries visited were:

Mills Reef (Tauranga)

Morton Estate (Kati Kati)

Ohinemuri Estate (Karangahake Gorge)

After Morton Estate at Kati Kati, we made our way to the gorgeous Waihi Beach RSA where we enjoyed a good lunch.The view was spectacular!

After our fantastic day out (thanks to Sally and her work colleagues) we made our way to the 'Chop House' which is a bar / Restaurant, where we continued with our wine drinking, and more snacks.Whilst there, Tony recognised a celebrity in the bar … it was 'Steven Donald' from the 'All Blacks'.Feeling brave and chatty as one does after so many wines, I went over and chatted to him and his mate.I'm sure they must have thought I was crazy, especially after telling them I was travelling through, and then asked whether they were local, i.e. from NZ (I managed to keep a straight face).They were very pleasant, and just smiled at me (at least they weren't rude)After chatting with them for a while, I made my way back to our group, and let them enjoy the rest of the evening.When I spotted them leaving the bar abit later, I shouted 'By new Friends and waved', and believe it or not, they did wave back hehe.

We entertained ourselves with a few games of pool, and then finally decided to leave, and head back to Sally & Tony's for MORE drinks (how could we possibly fit anymore in).Needless to say, we finished around 3am, and felt quite jaded the next day.

A Poem from our bus trip written by Gwen Harrison:

WINE TRIP BUS NO 1

We arrived at the Break Room
to the smell of a yummy morning tea

There were scones and muffins
as far as the eye could see

The roll call was at 9am sharp
and we boarded our respective bus

There were 2 buses loaded all
set to go, without any fuss

Camp Mother was Vikki Barton,
with assistant, Toni, her Mum

We weren't too far, when
out came the first beers and the odd rum

Bethlehem was our first stop,
not a wise man in sight

But the Mills Reef Winery
where we were to alight

The wine tasting was superb
along with the fresh bread and dip

We were entertained with
knowledge of the wines, while we had a sip

Then it was all aboard the bus
and off to Morton Estate Wines

The Passengers started to feel
the benefit of the juicy vines

So Camp Mother fed us again
with crackers and cheese

That quietened down the noise,
while we heard of the wine on lees

Lees, is in fact when the
bottles are layed on their side

This helps with fermentation
of the wines journey or ride

As we were about to leave
Morton Estate, along came Bus No 2

They had travelled in the
opposite direction to our crew

Lunch was served at the Waihi
Beach RSA

The view from there just took
your breath away

After a few more beers, a game
of snooker or two

A flutter on the pokies was
also enjoyed by a few

Ohinemuri was our next and
final stop

The old bus couldn't make
it up to the top

So we dragged ourselves up the
steep hill

Thought the Bus Driver needed
a heart pill

Our talk this time was from an
amusing German Guy

As with all the other
Wineries, there was no pressure to buy

Back on the Bus, the
backseaters burst into song

But unfortunately, it
didn't carry on for too long

Camp Mother bought out the
nibbles to drown the sound

(Sorry Vikki only joking), As
we headed back, homeward bound

Thanks go to Vikki, the Social
Club and helpers too

For her organising and
delivering such a great day for you.