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.
Monday, January 30, 2012
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:
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Not so secret obessison
So Jen and I have developed a slight obsession with a particular New Zealand treat. It's called real fruit ice cream and it's wonderful. What makes real fruit ice cream so incredible is how simple it is and for the life of me I can't understand why this isn't a big thing in the states.
Real fruit ice cream is just that: ice cream or frozen yogurt (we tend to go 50-50) that is mixed with pieces of frozen fruit. My favorite flavors are kiwi fruit and raspberry. How it's done: There is a big machine that you add both the ice cream and fruit together and it swirls around for a few moments. It's then swirled out onto a waffle cone all nice and smooth and filled with big chunks of fruit. (Heaven)
It's been a staple for our Wednesdays and whenever someone visits, it's a must-do on the list.
We've got about three more months left to enjoy, but the biggest question becomes how will I fit the machine in my suitcase when I come home. Maybe I have it as a carry-on.
Real fruit ice cream is just that: ice cream or frozen yogurt (we tend to go 50-50) that is mixed with pieces of frozen fruit. My favorite flavors are kiwi fruit and raspberry. How it's done: There is a big machine that you add both the ice cream and fruit together and it swirls around for a few moments. It's then swirled out onto a waffle cone all nice and smooth and filled with big chunks of fruit. (Heaven)
It's been a staple for our Wednesdays and whenever someone visits, it's a must-do on the list.
We've got about three more months left to enjoy, but the biggest question becomes how will I fit the machine in my suitcase when I come home. Maybe I have it as a carry-on.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Surfs up
Laying face down on top of a surfboard as my instructor, Andy, gave out the final set of instructions, I was unsure of how the next few hours would play out.
My plan was just to stand up, but as I struggled simply pulling my board out to sea, I wondered if I was being a little cocky.
Jen and I were in Raglan and in Raglan, you surf.
Turned out surfing wasn't that hard. Well if you count wobbled standing for a few moments before falling down into the water surfing. (P.S. wetsuits are really warm).
But standing is standing and Jen and I each accomplished the feat more than once that Saturday afternoon. Windy conditions made for a challenging day. The waves came in so fast, it left little time to recover or prepare for riding the next wave. The current was so strong at times that I fell just walking in ankle-deep water.
And I really hate to admit this, mainly because I have no proof, but Jen may have had a better day. She claims to have gotten a thumbs up from our instructor after riding a wave all the way to beach. But like I said, no proof.
I on the other hand was teased by our instructor for sticking my tongue out when I finally stood up.
We surfed at Ngarunui Beach. It's a good place for beginners. The big shots surf at Manu Bay, a beach that was featured in the movie"The Endless Summer."
The coolest thing about the beaches was the black sand. I've never seen it before and it was so glittery and pretty. I was told the black stuff gets pretty hot during the summer months.
We stayed at a place called Solscape. A very backpacker chic eco retreat where people stay in old train cars, tipis and earth domes, which are made of, well, the earth.. Jen and I stayed in a train. It was a little cramped, but it was clean.
The town of Raglan itself was filled with cafes and small shops where you could buy pottery, clothes and of course surfing gear. It's not a big town, but the people who live there absolutely love it.
As always, here are a few photos. Sorry there aren't any of us in the water but we were kind of busy.
My plan was just to stand up, but as I struggled simply pulling my board out to sea, I wondered if I was being a little cocky.
Jen and I were in Raglan and in Raglan, you surf.
Turned out surfing wasn't that hard. Well if you count wobbled standing for a few moments before falling down into the water surfing. (P.S. wetsuits are really warm).
But standing is standing and Jen and I each accomplished the feat more than once that Saturday afternoon. Windy conditions made for a challenging day. The waves came in so fast, it left little time to recover or prepare for riding the next wave. The current was so strong at times that I fell just walking in ankle-deep water.
And I really hate to admit this, mainly because I have no proof, but Jen may have had a better day. She claims to have gotten a thumbs up from our instructor after riding a wave all the way to beach. But like I said, no proof.
I on the other hand was teased by our instructor for sticking my tongue out when I finally stood up.
We surfed at Ngarunui Beach. It's a good place for beginners. The big shots surf at Manu Bay, a beach that was featured in the movie"The Endless Summer."
The coolest thing about the beaches was the black sand. I've never seen it before and it was so glittery and pretty. I was told the black stuff gets pretty hot during the summer months.
We stayed at a place called Solscape. A very backpacker chic eco retreat where people stay in old train cars, tipis and earth domes, which are made of, well, the earth.. Jen and I stayed in a train. It was a little cramped, but it was clean.
The town of Raglan itself was filled with cafes and small shops where you could buy pottery, clothes and of course surfing gear. It's not a big town, but the people who live there absolutely love it.
As always, here are a few photos. Sorry there aren't any of us in the water but we were kind of busy.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Windy Wellington
I was expecting a small town with a few shops and cafes dotted along a city block, what I got was a seriously hip city that boasts more cafes per capita than New York City. Wellington exceeded my expectations last weekend when Jen I visited the very windy capital. The flight from Auckland to Wellington was about 50 minutes. Wellington is along the southern tip of the north island. Someone described the city as vibrant and I have to admit that's a good description of the place. There are restaurants from every country, ample public transportation and plenty of people bopping about decked out in everything from complete Gothic wear to hipster trends. As a city girl, it was good to see.
The place to be is Cuba Street with its hip cafes and indie clothing stores. Jen and I must have walked around that area a dozen times and each time I noticed something different.
Saturday was Guy Fawkes night and Wikipedia tells me he was an Englishman who tried to assassinate King James I to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. He stockpiled gunpowder for the big plan, but the plot was sniffed out. He was arrested, but committed suicide before he was to be executed. To celebrate the foiled plot fireworks and the occasional burned effigy are used.
Queens Wharf was the backdrop Saturday night as Jen and I settled along the water eating warm doughnuts and taking in the show. (Of course there are pictures below).
Kayaking plans were dashed on Sunday due to high winds and rough waters. So Jen and I jumped on the Wellington cable car. It's one of the oldest and most popular things to do in the city. We took it all the way to the top for a fantastic view of the city. While we were waiting for the 5-minute trip back down, I found a way to keep myself entertained. (Picture below).
Afterwards, Jen and I visited one of the best museums I've ever seen. The Te Papa Museum combined an interactive experience with a thorough telling of the history of New Zealand. They even tackled controversial issues involving homosexuality, women's rights and racial strife among the Maori people. There was also an art section, this was my favorite photo. The painting was so realistic, it looked like a photograph. I could have stared at it for hours.
Lonely Planet said Wellington and Auckland are locked in "an age-old struggle for hip supremacy." After exploring and enjoying both cities, I'm still not sure who gets my vote.
Here are a few photos:
The place to be is Cuba Street with its hip cafes and indie clothing stores. Jen and I must have walked around that area a dozen times and each time I noticed something different.
Saturday was Guy Fawkes night and Wikipedia tells me he was an Englishman who tried to assassinate King James I to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. He stockpiled gunpowder for the big plan, but the plot was sniffed out. He was arrested, but committed suicide before he was to be executed. To celebrate the foiled plot fireworks and the occasional burned effigy are used.
Queens Wharf was the backdrop Saturday night as Jen and I settled along the water eating warm doughnuts and taking in the show. (Of course there are pictures below).
Kayaking plans were dashed on Sunday due to high winds and rough waters. So Jen and I jumped on the Wellington cable car. It's one of the oldest and most popular things to do in the city. We took it all the way to the top for a fantastic view of the city. While we were waiting for the 5-minute trip back down, I found a way to keep myself entertained. (Picture below).
Afterwards, Jen and I visited one of the best museums I've ever seen. The Te Papa Museum combined an interactive experience with a thorough telling of the history of New Zealand. They even tackled controversial issues involving homosexuality, women's rights and racial strife among the Maori people. There was also an art section, this was my favorite photo. The painting was so realistic, it looked like a photograph. I could have stared at it for hours.
Lonely Planet said Wellington and Auckland are locked in "an age-old struggle for hip supremacy." After exploring and enjoying both cities, I'm still not sure who gets my vote.
Here are a few photos:
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