As crazy as it sounds, this will be my last post from the wonderful country of New Zealand. During my six months here, I've picked up a few things:
1. If you don't have Kiwi feet, you can't get Kiwi feet - My bare feet still hurt from trying.
2. Kiwis are the nicest people until they get behind the wheel of a car - Some chick threw her middle finger up at me.
3. No matter when, no matter where and no matter how many times I see it, the Haka is the coolest thing EVER!
4. Sweet as doesn't mean my squats are finally paying off.
5. Roundabouts - After I got the hang of going around them the right way, I still hate them.
6. Rugby yes, Netball no - Some sports just shouldn't be played.
7. Sheep - Nothing like seeing them walk around someone's front yard instead of a dog.
8. Seeing a dead cow on the side of the road is surprisingly funny.
9. Australians suck - OK I don't really believe that, but that's the word on the streets.
10. No such thing as specialities - There's nothing wrong with a bakery serving Chinese food, a cafe serving pizza or my personal favorite The Motorcycle Cafe.
BONUS: Rachel Ray doesn't exist here - No cookbooks, no TV shows, nothing. I wonder what she did to piss them off?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Beach weekend
The last time Jen and I drove to Cathedral Cove we didn't actually see it. It was our first weekend in New Zealand and driving on the left side of the road, particularly in the dark, was terrifying. By the time we reached Cathedral Cove we worked out the math and realized that it would be dark once we hit the road again.
The choice was simple.
Who would have thought it would have taken us six months to go back?
In a surprising turn of events this summer, it was sunny for two straight days. So Jen and I and every other Kiwi in the country decided to go to the beach.
We hit up the hot water beach first. At first glance, the beach seemed completely empty. That was until we looked to the right and noticed a ton of people packed into a small section of the beach. For two hours on either side of low tide, beach goers have access to the hot water, which oozes up from beneath the surface. It's only accessible at a particular part of the beach, which explained the congestion. And when they say hot, they really, really mean it. Jen and I didn't have a spade, but we didn't really need one. I dug my feet in a few inches and immediately felt the scalding water. You're supposed to let the ocean water mix to avoid burning yourself.
Whenever I told anyone about heading to Cathedral Cove there was an immediate gasp of air, followed by explanations of how gorgeous it was. Turned it, they weren't being overly dramatic. It's a breathtaking sight.
Our chief photographer couldn't pull out her camera fast enough. She got a little frustrated with all the other people taking their photos, but she managed to get a few decent shots.
You know that famous mom question: "If your friends jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" Well my answer is yes. I saw a ton of people swimming out to a big rock and jumping off it and I decided to follow suit - twice.
Not only did I live, but my bathing suit stayed on.
And now, time for some photos: 1. Empty part of the hot water beach; 2. Jen among the crowd; 3. Me in the hot water; 4. Jen and I at hot water beach; 5. Cathedral Cove; 6. Me walking through the cove; 7. Jen walking towards the cove; 8. Me underwater; 9. Rock formations in the sea; 10. Me freaking my mom out.
The choice was simple.
Who would have thought it would have taken us six months to go back?
In a surprising turn of events this summer, it was sunny for two straight days. So Jen and I and every other Kiwi in the country decided to go to the beach.
We hit up the hot water beach first. At first glance, the beach seemed completely empty. That was until we looked to the right and noticed a ton of people packed into a small section of the beach. For two hours on either side of low tide, beach goers have access to the hot water, which oozes up from beneath the surface. It's only accessible at a particular part of the beach, which explained the congestion. And when they say hot, they really, really mean it. Jen and I didn't have a spade, but we didn't really need one. I dug my feet in a few inches and immediately felt the scalding water. You're supposed to let the ocean water mix to avoid burning yourself.
Whenever I told anyone about heading to Cathedral Cove there was an immediate gasp of air, followed by explanations of how gorgeous it was. Turned it, they weren't being overly dramatic. It's a breathtaking sight.
Our chief photographer couldn't pull out her camera fast enough. She got a little frustrated with all the other people taking their photos, but she managed to get a few decent shots.
You know that famous mom question: "If your friends jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" Well my answer is yes. I saw a ton of people swimming out to a big rock and jumping off it and I decided to follow suit - twice.
Not only did I live, but my bathing suit stayed on.
And now, time for some photos: 1. Empty part of the hot water beach; 2. Jen among the crowd; 3. Me in the hot water; 4. Jen and I at hot water beach; 5. Cathedral Cove; 6. Me walking through the cove; 7. Jen walking towards the cove; 8. Me underwater; 9. Rock formations in the sea; 10. Me freaking my mom out.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Return to Oz
I was told that when choosing between Sydney and Melbourne as your favorite Aussie city, most people tend to pick the city they visited first.
In my case, that would mean Melbourne. Jen and I visited Melbourne in early December. And since we're fanatical about testing out random theories, particularly from complete strangers, we hopped on a plane and headed across the Tasman. (Yes again mom).
When we touched down in Sydney Thursday night, it was cold and rainy. (Not the best way to impress new visitors). The showers continued on and off for most of Friday, but that didn't stop us from visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House and walking across (not on top of) the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while side-stepping joggers coming from both directions.
I'm going to admit that I thought the opera house needed a paint job. The lack of sun and me being on the bridge made some spots appear a bit dull. It wasn't until I got up close that I realized the tiles where white and tan, which really made a big difference. (American tourism at its finest).
I've seen pictures of the big New Year's Eve Celebration they have in front of the Sydney Opera House and it seems impossible to fit so many people in that area. (Good on ya! - Not sure if Aussies say that).
In the evening, Jen and I checked out downtown Sydney, which reminded me of New York City. The tall buildings, the huge and numerous department stores and the constant stream of people running for buses and trains-it brought a tear to my eye. For dinner, we went to this cool restaurant called Mammas Pizza Pasta Bar. The food was good (best pizza I've had on this side of the world), the service was quick and the prices were reasonable.
Saturday, the rain finally cleared up and Jen and I went to Featherdale Wildlife Park to meet some real Australian locals. Kangaroos, kaolas and ill-mannered emus (picture No. 12). Side note: Dingos look just like dogs. If the cage wasn't labeled I would have thought I was being ripped off.
I think it that experience that swayed Jen and made her put Sydney on the top of her list. As for me? I'm still not sure. I really liked Melbourne, which is smaller, but I thought had more of an artsy scene. But Sydney had that big-city feel I love. Jen gave me 48 hours to decide, but I still haven't. The closest I've come is by saying "I liked Melbourne, but I would live in Sydney," which really doesn't make any sense.
Side note: You know that belief that Australian men are really attractive? It's kind of true. I mean we were downtown and many of them were coming from work, so they looked especially good, but on average, I thought most of the Aussie men were attractive. (Take from that what you will).
And finally ... PICTURES from our chief photographer:
In my case, that would mean Melbourne. Jen and I visited Melbourne in early December. And since we're fanatical about testing out random theories, particularly from complete strangers, we hopped on a plane and headed across the Tasman. (Yes again mom).
When we touched down in Sydney Thursday night, it was cold and rainy. (Not the best way to impress new visitors). The showers continued on and off for most of Friday, but that didn't stop us from visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House and walking across (not on top of) the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while side-stepping joggers coming from both directions.
I'm going to admit that I thought the opera house needed a paint job. The lack of sun and me being on the bridge made some spots appear a bit dull. It wasn't until I got up close that I realized the tiles where white and tan, which really made a big difference. (American tourism at its finest).
I've seen pictures of the big New Year's Eve Celebration they have in front of the Sydney Opera House and it seems impossible to fit so many people in that area. (Good on ya! - Not sure if Aussies say that).
In the evening, Jen and I checked out downtown Sydney, which reminded me of New York City. The tall buildings, the huge and numerous department stores and the constant stream of people running for buses and trains-it brought a tear to my eye. For dinner, we went to this cool restaurant called Mammas Pizza Pasta Bar. The food was good (best pizza I've had on this side of the world), the service was quick and the prices were reasonable.
Saturday, the rain finally cleared up and Jen and I went to Featherdale Wildlife Park to meet some real Australian locals. Kangaroos, kaolas and ill-mannered emus (picture No. 12). Side note: Dingos look just like dogs. If the cage wasn't labeled I would have thought I was being ripped off.
I think it that experience that swayed Jen and made her put Sydney on the top of her list. As for me? I'm still not sure. I really liked Melbourne, which is smaller, but I thought had more of an artsy scene. But Sydney had that big-city feel I love. Jen gave me 48 hours to decide, but I still haven't. The closest I've come is by saying "I liked Melbourne, but I would live in Sydney," which really doesn't make any sense.
Side note: You know that belief that Australian men are really attractive? It's kind of true. I mean we were downtown and many of them were coming from work, so they looked especially good, but on average, I thought most of the Aussie men were attractive. (Take from that what you will).
And finally ... PICTURES from our chief photographer:
Monday, January 30, 2012
Dolphin Experience
Sailing with a burly, white-bearded captain named Butler on the Gemini Galaxsea, the plan was to swim with wild dolphins on a sunny Saturday morning. Though he couldn't guarantee the sightings, hopes were high as we sailed from Tauranga, past Mount Maunganui and out to sea.
Excitement peaked when after about two hours, Butler and his crew spotted our prize. About 10 grey and yellow-striped dolphins gliding through the clear blue water.
JACKPOT!!
But before I could dive head first into the cool water (I didn't even want to waste time putting on a wetsuit), we spotted them -- tiny babies swimming along side their protective mothers. That sight, though quite beautiful, meant no swimming for the tourists. (It's a protection thing for both parties.)
We followed or were followed by the dolphins for over an hour. I could hear the high pitch squeals and even felt the water on my feet as they jumped about, but that was as close as I got. It was a cool experience, but I'm not going to lie, it was a little disappointing.
I did get a chance to get into the water, I even jumped off the roof of the boat, but by then, the dolphins were long gone.
Excitement peaked when after about two hours, Butler and his crew spotted our prize. About 10 grey and yellow-striped dolphins gliding through the clear blue water.
JACKPOT!!
But before I could dive head first into the cool water (I didn't even want to waste time putting on a wetsuit), we spotted them -- tiny babies swimming along side their protective mothers. That sight, though quite beautiful, meant no swimming for the tourists. (It's a protection thing for both parties.)
We followed or were followed by the dolphins for over an hour. I could hear the high pitch squeals and even felt the water on my feet as they jumped about, but that was as close as I got. It was a cool experience, but I'm not going to lie, it was a little disappointing.
I did get a chance to get into the water, I even jumped off the roof of the boat, but by then, the dolphins were long gone.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Quick update
Happy New Year!! (a little late with that). I've been a little quiet and since I would like to think there are hundreds, no thousands, of people clamouring for my next blog post, here it is.
So, what's going on in New Zealand? Rain. I mean its rained almost every day since December. The two visits we've had from friends have been highlighted by downpours. The Kiwis swear this hasn't happened in years. We're all a little sick of it. I read that it has something to do with La Nina. Seems she was so excited about my trip to NZ that she wanted to tag along. I realize that some of you are dealing with snow and cold temperatures, but this is my pity party.
Despite the rain, Jen and I went to another "concert" on Sunday night. What I thought was going to be a low-key acoustic performance from Tiki Taane turned out to be a Sunday night rave with glow sticks, bad dancing (I saw a grown man twirling) and experimental house music. Good thing the tickets were cheap.
Burning my bra: I've got a pair of jobs that have kept me very busy the past few weeks. I work at the Waihi Beach Top 10 as a cleaner in the mornings and at the Waihi Beach Surf Club in the kitchen and the bar in the afternoons. They've both given me a chance to hang out with Kiwis, who like to tease me about my accent.
There are some big trips coming up, so expect the blog to pick back up.
Thanks for reading.
So, what's going on in New Zealand? Rain. I mean its rained almost every day since December. The two visits we've had from friends have been highlighted by downpours. The Kiwis swear this hasn't happened in years. We're all a little sick of it. I read that it has something to do with La Nina. Seems she was so excited about my trip to NZ that she wanted to tag along. I realize that some of you are dealing with snow and cold temperatures, but this is my pity party.
Despite the rain, Jen and I went to another "concert" on Sunday night. What I thought was going to be a low-key acoustic performance from Tiki Taane turned out to be a Sunday night rave with glow sticks, bad dancing (I saw a grown man twirling) and experimental house music. Good thing the tickets were cheap.
Burning my bra: I've got a pair of jobs that have kept me very busy the past few weeks. I work at the Waihi Beach Top 10 as a cleaner in the mornings and at the Waihi Beach Surf Club in the kitchen and the bar in the afternoons. They've both given me a chance to hang out with Kiwis, who like to tease me about my accent.
There are some big trips coming up, so expect the blog to pick back up.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
First Kiwi Concert ... Six60
Six60 was the first band that caught my attention here in New Zealand. Their song "Don't Forget Your Roots" played around the clock on Kiwi radio stations. It's a cool, mellow song that has a slight blues feel to it - I loved it. Youtube gave me the chance to check out the rest of their album and I was hooked. I knew for sure their CD was coming back home with me.
But fate did me one better, because on Tuesday I got to see Six60 perform live at the Waihi Beach Hotel. It was my first Kiwi concert and it didn't disappoint. The band killed it and everyone was really into it. Some more than others. (Read: ALCOHOL)
Aside from the music, my favorite part of the night was watching random people climb up the metal beams that were holding up the tent. One dude made it all the way to the top (it's all in the core) and the ones who struggled were booed and had cans thrown at them. (Read: ALCOHOL). This must be a common occurrence because 1. No one stopped them and 2. Those poles didn't move.
There aren't any serious pictures, chief photographer Jen's camera malfunctioned and the bleary ones she took from her phone are not making it on this blog.
So instead, I've posted some youtube videos of Six60's songs: ENJOY!!
http://youtu.be/vqnwqsJYyiU
http://youtu.be/9SCvRbvMMOg
http://youtu.be/SdQ_kvEuV1s
But fate did me one better, because on Tuesday I got to see Six60 perform live at the Waihi Beach Hotel. It was my first Kiwi concert and it didn't disappoint. The band killed it and everyone was really into it. Some more than others. (Read: ALCOHOL)
Aside from the music, my favorite part of the night was watching random people climb up the metal beams that were holding up the tent. One dude made it all the way to the top (it's all in the core) and the ones who struggled were booed and had cans thrown at them. (Read: ALCOHOL). This must be a common occurrence because 1. No one stopped them and 2. Those poles didn't move.
There aren't any serious pictures, chief photographer Jen's camera malfunctioned and the bleary ones she took from her phone are not making it on this blog.
So instead, I've posted some youtube videos of Six60's songs: ENJOY!!
http://youtu.be/vqnwqsJYyiU
http://youtu.be/9SCvRbvMMOg
http://youtu.be/SdQ_kvEuV1s
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Weekend in Melbourne
When the prison cell door closed behind me and I was left sitting in the dark, there was only one thing to do.
Take pictures!
Posed up next to the communal toilet, Jen and I captured a few (and hopefully our only) moments in lock-up. We were in Melbourne for the weekend and decided to spend a few hours at the Old Melbourne Goal, Victoria's oldest prison.
The first part of the tour includes walking through the prison itself and reading about all the famous criminals that once called the imposing grey building home. Among the most famous is Ned Kelly. He's like an Australian version of Jesse James. A live performance in the back of the prison shed some light on Kelly's life in the 1870s. It seems everyone has a love for bad boys.
The second part was probably the best. Jen and I were arrested and taken through central booking. Sargent Williams was so believable, that one little girl burst into tears when he asked her a question.
I was arrested for drug possession, Jen for making her own drugs (I don't know the official name for that). We went through the whole booking process and even got a mug shot. (You'll see that later). Not sure how many people would consider prison a fun day, but it was.
The best part about Melbourne, not counting the very cosmopolitan feel, is the tram system. They have two free ways to get around the city: the Free City Circle Tram and the Tourist Shuttle (which we couldn't never track down). Whoever came up with the idea of free public transportation should be knighted or something.
We spent quite a bit of time at Federation Square, it's known as the meeting place. It's a smaller version of Times Square were all the trams meet and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and street performers (some better than others).
Jen has done a far bit of travelling and likened Melbourne to a European city. There were old cathedrals nestled beside modern buildings. Neither looked out of place, everything just fit.
On our second day, we headed to the Eureka Skydeck, which has the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. It was a good way to get the full scope of the city.
I didn't hear any "G'day mates" see Crocodile Dundee or kangaroos, but Melbourne is a fun and lively city. We didn't we even scratch the surface of everything it had to offer, but it was a fantastic trip.
And because I know this is your favorite part, here are some photos:
Take pictures!
Posed up next to the communal toilet, Jen and I captured a few (and hopefully our only) moments in lock-up. We were in Melbourne for the weekend and decided to spend a few hours at the Old Melbourne Goal, Victoria's oldest prison.
The first part of the tour includes walking through the prison itself and reading about all the famous criminals that once called the imposing grey building home. Among the most famous is Ned Kelly. He's like an Australian version of Jesse James. A live performance in the back of the prison shed some light on Kelly's life in the 1870s. It seems everyone has a love for bad boys.
The second part was probably the best. Jen and I were arrested and taken through central booking. Sargent Williams was so believable, that one little girl burst into tears when he asked her a question.
I was arrested for drug possession, Jen for making her own drugs (I don't know the official name for that). We went through the whole booking process and even got a mug shot. (You'll see that later). Not sure how many people would consider prison a fun day, but it was.
The best part about Melbourne, not counting the very cosmopolitan feel, is the tram system. They have two free ways to get around the city: the Free City Circle Tram and the Tourist Shuttle (which we couldn't never track down). Whoever came up with the idea of free public transportation should be knighted or something.
We spent quite a bit of time at Federation Square, it's known as the meeting place. It's a smaller version of Times Square were all the trams meet and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and street performers (some better than others).
Jen has done a far bit of travelling and likened Melbourne to a European city. There were old cathedrals nestled beside modern buildings. Neither looked out of place, everything just fit.
On our second day, we headed to the Eureka Skydeck, which has the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. It was a good way to get the full scope of the city.
I didn't hear any "G'day mates" see Crocodile Dundee or kangaroos, but Melbourne is a fun and lively city. We didn't we even scratch the surface of everything it had to offer, but it was a fantastic trip.
And because I know this is your favorite part, here are some photos:
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