We woke up at six and left the Hickman's at 6.30am to drive to Kaikoura. We arrived at Dolphin Encounter for our first adventure of the day - a swim with wild dolphins. We got kitted out in wetsuits and were given a mask, snorkel and fins to take on the boat with us. A short bus ride to the pier and we hopped on a small boat to take us out to the dolphins. Within 15 minutes we'd found a pod of 200 odd Dusky dolphins, got our masks and fins on and were sat on the edge of the boat waiting for the sound of the horn. A short blast and we jumped into the water where we were surrounded by literally hundreds of dolphins swimming around us in interest. What's great is that they are completely wild and not led into temptation by tasty morsals. If they choose to stick around it's completely their choice. We had three swims with them in total and it was completely awe-inspiring. They were swimming all around you just centimetres away. Spectacular!!!!
In the afternoon we headed out on a second tour to go whale watching. This was an equally exciting experience. We saw three sperm whales, loads more dusky dolphins and some local fur seals. It was a fabulous day all round.
In the evening we headed to the campsite (with pool and spa I might add) and sussed out how to put up our tent and pump up the airbed before treating ourselves to a session in the pool and hot tub.
In the evening we headed out into the small town for a feed of crayfish (delicious) and the nightlife (or lack thereof as it turned out). We found a bar with a guy singing with a guitar then found a livelier pub where we met an American called Pepe who'd just come back from setting up oil pipes in Antarctica. A quiet evening but enjoyable all the same.
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
The rather long scenic route...
After a day in Wellington and an early evening, Vix and I were up at the crack of dawn to catch the Interislander to Picton on the south island. The trip is spectacular as you travel through the Marborough Sounds. Luscious hills covered in trees and firns drop down to the water's edge with only tiny pockets of habitation.
At Picton - a relatively unspectacular small town - we picked up our shiney, new, red Toyota Corolla. Vix took the wheel to begin with and we headed into Picton to pick up some essential supplies: a pump for the airbed, snacks and plastic bowls. We then decided to go the 'scenic route' to Blenheim via Port Underwood.
The scenic route turned out to be a beautiful, windy, well Tarmaced road - well for the first few miles anyway. Then we ended up on an unsurfaced hell hole of a road that lasted about 20 miles. Nevertheless, we did get to see some fantastic little bays and developed only mild back problems from driving on shale for miles on end.
Once in Blenheim we headed to Annie's cafe for a bite to eat before hitting the wineries. We visited Cloudy Bay and Wairau River vinyards and tasted a few local Savs and Pinot Noirs. We picked up a couple of great bottles from Wairau then headed - albeit rather nevously on my part - to Tim's parents' farm about half an hour south of Blenheim.
Mary and Ossie were extremely welcoming and both Vicky and I felt at home instantly. Ossie gave us a tour of the farm in his car and we saw Jet (the sheepdog) in action as she rustled a few sheep off the railway line and back into their paddock. we also met John (one of Tim's older brother) trying to sort out a 'flattie' on his van and then back at the house we met Paul (Tim's younger brother), Nadine, Ashley and Matthew (the most recent member of the Hickman clan at 8 weeks' old). The evening was spent with the family and with Ruth and Gordon (some other friends of Tim who'd coincidentally arrived on the same day as us). It was really great to get an insight into a completely different aspect of Tim's life and somehow it made me feel like i'd suddenly got to know him so much better. In fact, seeing the photos of him as a child just made me realise just what a great guy he is and how lucky I am to be able to call him mine (for now at least).
At Picton - a relatively unspectacular small town - we picked up our shiney, new, red Toyota Corolla. Vix took the wheel to begin with and we headed into Picton to pick up some essential supplies: a pump for the airbed, snacks and plastic bowls. We then decided to go the 'scenic route' to Blenheim via Port Underwood.
The scenic route turned out to be a beautiful, windy, well Tarmaced road - well for the first few miles anyway. Then we ended up on an unsurfaced hell hole of a road that lasted about 20 miles. Nevertheless, we did get to see some fantastic little bays and developed only mild back problems from driving on shale for miles on end.
Once in Blenheim we headed to Annie's cafe for a bite to eat before hitting the wineries. We visited Cloudy Bay and Wairau River vinyards and tasted a few local Savs and Pinot Noirs. We picked up a couple of great bottles from Wairau then headed - albeit rather nevously on my part - to Tim's parents' farm about half an hour south of Blenheim.
Mary and Ossie were extremely welcoming and both Vicky and I felt at home instantly. Ossie gave us a tour of the farm in his car and we saw Jet (the sheepdog) in action as she rustled a few sheep off the railway line and back into their paddock. we also met John (one of Tim's older brother) trying to sort out a 'flattie' on his van and then back at the house we met Paul (Tim's younger brother), Nadine, Ashley and Matthew (the most recent member of the Hickman clan at 8 weeks' old). The evening was spent with the family and with Ruth and Gordon (some other friends of Tim who'd coincidentally arrived on the same day as us). It was really great to get an insight into a completely different aspect of Tim's life and somehow it made me feel like i'd suddenly got to know him so much better. In fact, seeing the photos of him as a child just made me realise just what a great guy he is and how lucky I am to be able to call him mine (for now at least).
Monday, 25 February 2008
A day in kiwi life
After an epic 30-odd hour journey I made it into New Zealand. Just. I had a bit of a nerve wracking experience passing through customs after white-lying a little on my customs form about 'not' having a rather muddy pair of hiking boots in my rucksack. I then sort of confirmed the lie when I was asked directly as I passed through customs. I think the guy sussed me and sent my bag for an x-ray. I felt the closest I could to being a drug dealer and was rather nervous as my bag passed through the x-ray. Thankfully the girl checking the screen was deep in conversation and missed said walking boots. I've never left a customs area quite so quickly :)
After that I had a short bumpy flight into Wellington and met with Vix. We had a fabulous day. The temp was around 25C so we had a wander by the beach before heading to a funky cafe for a bite to eat (my third breakfast of the day). After this Vix helped me choose a pair of much-needed sunnies (not an easy task considering my ears - and hence face - are rather wonky).
After this we caught the cable car up to the botanic gardens and a glorious view over the coastline. Had a wander round then headed to a bar for a few bevvies in the sun. This evening we caught up with a bunch of Vix's friends for Malaysian food and cocktails before I finally gave up to jetlag and we headed home.
So a pretty good first day all round. Tomorrow we have an early start. We're catching the interislander to Picton on the South Island then picking up a car to kick start our roadtrip. More laters
After that I had a short bumpy flight into Wellington and met with Vix. We had a fabulous day. The temp was around 25C so we had a wander by the beach before heading to a funky cafe for a bite to eat (my third breakfast of the day). After this Vix helped me choose a pair of much-needed sunnies (not an easy task considering my ears - and hence face - are rather wonky).
After this we caught the cable car up to the botanic gardens and a glorious view over the coastline. Had a wander round then headed to a bar for a few bevvies in the sun. This evening we caught up with a bunch of Vix's friends for Malaysian food and cocktails before I finally gave up to jetlag and we headed home.
So a pretty good first day all round. Tomorrow we have an early start. We're catching the interislander to Picton on the South Island then picking up a car to kick start our roadtrip. More laters
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
woohooo photos now available!
Should anyone be interested in checking out my Aussie photos then check out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meanderingmerlin/
Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/meanderingmerlin/
Enjoy!
Thursday, 4 January 2007
A sad farewell!
After an amazing three weeks away, work is the furthest thing from my mind and the thought of heading back to work on Monday morning frankly fills me with dread! Yesterday I had another lazy day. Spent my day wandering around the shops then I headed to Hyde Park and back to the botanical gardens. I saw a whole heap of massive fruit bats arguing amongst themselves as they hung in the trees then spotted a few hundred jellies in the harbour - nice! After much ado I managed to get a ferry across to Milsson's Point - the ferry was delayed and it took me an hour to get across (I won't mention my bad luck when it comes to boats). Anyhoo, it served me right for being too lazy to cross the bridge by foot for the third time.
I met up with Wayne and his ex-work mate Frank ( think big, think Greek) who was lovely. Lid joined us after a while and we ended up in big debates over religion (or lack of). Three atheists and Lid (in the midst of organising a big fat Catholic wedding) - I felt a bit sorry for her in all honesty! For once I wasn't the most vocal.
We had dinner and a few more drinks then I headed back to my hostel. Today i'm hopefully catching up with Wayne over coffee to say goodbye and I may catch up with Justin at the airport hopefully without his rubber gloves (he's a customs officer).
Well i'll be seeing you or speaking to you all soon hopefully - just got an epic 23 hour journey until then. Tata.
I met up with Wayne and his ex-work mate Frank ( think big, think Greek) who was lovely. Lid joined us after a while and we ended up in big debates over religion (or lack of). Three atheists and Lid (in the midst of organising a big fat Catholic wedding) - I felt a bit sorry for her in all honesty! For once I wasn't the most vocal.
We had dinner and a few more drinks then I headed back to my hostel. Today i'm hopefully catching up with Wayne over coffee to say goodbye and I may catch up with Justin at the airport hopefully without his rubber gloves (he's a customs officer).
Well i'll be seeing you or speaking to you all soon hopefully - just got an epic 23 hour journey until then. Tata.
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
Drinks in Darling harbour!
My hunt for jeans turned out to be relatively successful. I am the proud owner of Levi's, which although fit well, are not as good as my beloved 35 quid jeans from Sisley. I'm still a flare (not quite 70's flare) girl at heart and these days they are so hard to find because everyone is obsessed with 'skinny' jeans which in turn make you look 'fat' if you haven't got the legs of a stick insect. Anyhoo, I am now decent when i go to work on Monday...although i may resort to patches to resurrect my old pair.
I get deeply attached to certain items of clothing and it hurts to get rid of them. I am currently in denial about my flip flops - a pair of Reefs i bought four years ago that i have literally worn to the ground so that my big toe on my left foot now touches the ground as I walk. I have had a look round at replacing them but they have travelled the world with me - from the sands of Whitehaven beach, the red mud of Laos and the camps on the Inca trail - so I have a certain emotional attachment to them. They may have to be framed!
As I was wandering around Sydney shopping I suddenly heard my name called and guess what....yep, Wayne was stood right there! I had managed to bump into Wayne hours before we were due to meet which was very random indeed - although admittedly I have had similar things happen in London. We caught up briefly but he had to meet Lid (his missus) for lunch so we met up properly as planned in Darling Harbour for a few drinks. Over a few schooners of Asahi we went over old times and put the world to rights (the distinct lack of shops that sell Reef flipflops in Sydney being one of the main topics - he is another ardent wearer!). It was great seeing him. It's been six years. Poor bugger is getting married in seven weeks time hehe! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I met him. Life goes far too quickly!
Lid met us at the bar and we grabbed some nosh before heading to the cinema to see Borat - I've been wanting to see it since it came out but everyone at home had already seen it. Thankfully, Aus being a bit behind in the times, it had only recently been released here so Lid and Wayne hadn't seen it. What a great movie. Such a laugh.
Tonight i'm catching up with Lid and Wayne again for dinner. In the mean time the search for Reefs goes on!
I get deeply attached to certain items of clothing and it hurts to get rid of them. I am currently in denial about my flip flops - a pair of Reefs i bought four years ago that i have literally worn to the ground so that my big toe on my left foot now touches the ground as I walk. I have had a look round at replacing them but they have travelled the world with me - from the sands of Whitehaven beach, the red mud of Laos and the camps on the Inca trail - so I have a certain emotional attachment to them. They may have to be framed!
As I was wandering around Sydney shopping I suddenly heard my name called and guess what....yep, Wayne was stood right there! I had managed to bump into Wayne hours before we were due to meet which was very random indeed - although admittedly I have had similar things happen in London. We caught up briefly but he had to meet Lid (his missus) for lunch so we met up properly as planned in Darling Harbour for a few drinks. Over a few schooners of Asahi we went over old times and put the world to rights (the distinct lack of shops that sell Reef flipflops in Sydney being one of the main topics - he is another ardent wearer!). It was great seeing him. It's been six years. Poor bugger is getting married in seven weeks time hehe! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I met him. Life goes far too quickly!
Lid met us at the bar and we grabbed some nosh before heading to the cinema to see Borat - I've been wanting to see it since it came out but everyone at home had already seen it. Thankfully, Aus being a bit behind in the times, it had only recently been released here so Lid and Wayne hadn't seen it. What a great movie. Such a laugh.
Tonight i'm catching up with Lid and Wayne again for dinner. In the mean time the search for Reefs goes on!
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
Lazy days in Sydney
Well i'm making most of the sleep that I won't be getting for the best part of the next year. I imagine i'll be down to my usual five hours by...well Monday let's face it! And it's been really great not doing very much at all. Yesterday I spent the best part of my day sat at Darling Harbour watching the world (and boats) go by and finishing off The God Delusion ( I would recommend it to everyone - the religious, the atheists and the downright confused - it is the most enlightening piece of work i've ever read!). I had a wander around the city then headed up to the botanical gardens where I chilled out and read some more. I've realised how much I miss reading - I just don't get the time anymore and I spend great chunks of my day proofreading so I'm usually done with reading by the time I get home at night. I remember spending hours reading as a kid and it's great to have time to sit and bookworm again!
I've really fallen for Australia and especially Sydney (I felt remarkably at home when I woke to the pitter patter of torrential rain yesterday morning but thankfully it cleared up!). Some of the little things i've noticed about Aus:
1. The buses are powered by natural gas. Why do we still have manky, smoky beasts in London?
2. Every toilet has a short and long flush. Ok so a bit of a weird observation but in today's world where water is scarce it's important...oh and they recycle EVERYTHING - listen and learn Wandsworth Council!
3. Pavements are three times the width of those in London. As a major city, Sydney feels positively empty compared to the claustrophobic chaos of London.
4. It's clean, modern and easy to get around. Ok well let's be fair to London - it does have history and it was bombed extensively in the blitz but it is quite refreshing to be in a modern city where the roads are in a logical grid so you can get around easily.
5. It has a skyrail. Just cool.
6. The men have suntans. Need I say more.
7. Flat white coffees are the best. Charlotte, I now completely understand your disappointment with the coffee situation in London!
8. The girl's are seriously fiesty. Which gives us Brits a better chance.
9. The Aussies can play cricket. I have become French overnight because every time I say i'm English I get 4-nil (or is 5-nil now??) rubbed in my face.
10. It's warm yey!
Today i'm off shopping to buy jeans. I noticed my beloved pair that i wear to work have a rather endearing hole on my right butt cheek where they have worn through - gutted!
I've really fallen for Australia and especially Sydney (I felt remarkably at home when I woke to the pitter patter of torrential rain yesterday morning but thankfully it cleared up!). Some of the little things i've noticed about Aus:
1. The buses are powered by natural gas. Why do we still have manky, smoky beasts in London?
2. Every toilet has a short and long flush. Ok so a bit of a weird observation but in today's world where water is scarce it's important...oh and they recycle EVERYTHING - listen and learn Wandsworth Council!
3. Pavements are three times the width of those in London. As a major city, Sydney feels positively empty compared to the claustrophobic chaos of London.
4. It's clean, modern and easy to get around. Ok well let's be fair to London - it does have history and it was bombed extensively in the blitz but it is quite refreshing to be in a modern city where the roads are in a logical grid so you can get around easily.
5. It has a skyrail. Just cool.
6. The men have suntans. Need I say more.
7. Flat white coffees are the best. Charlotte, I now completely understand your disappointment with the coffee situation in London!
8. The girl's are seriously fiesty. Which gives us Brits a better chance.
9. The Aussies can play cricket. I have become French overnight because every time I say i'm English I get 4-nil (or is 5-nil now??) rubbed in my face.
10. It's warm yey!
Today i'm off shopping to buy jeans. I noticed my beloved pair that i wear to work have a rather endearing hole on my right butt cheek where they have worn through - gutted!
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