After a sweltering day with hot travellers-on-beach action, we boarded the bus (named Mr. T) headed for Raglan. The mission: Learn to surf. The poor bugger put in charge of getting Darcy on his feet: Mark from Ireland.
So off to Raglan with every second spent building up excitement for surfing!
We got in at midafternoon and had a long ass check in before finding our beds, dropping all non surf-related materials and heading down to the shed for a dry run. Mark had 8 hopefuls to contend with and was a very supportive presence for us first-timers.
After scraping up on the concrete for 45 minutes it was down to the beach for super sexy wetsuits and nerf surf boards. Hitting the waves is an extremely apt phrase for the first forray, as the majority of time was spent being jolted back on to one's bottom trying to get out deep enough to actually surf. Frustration set in after 30 or 40 minutes but finding that counter-productive, I tried to readjust my attitude and remind myself that this was supposed to happen.
1 hour and 45 minutes into the wet part of the lesson (aka the 3rd to last wave) the heavens smiled upon me. I caught a brilliant wave and in spite of myself managed to raise to a karate-style stance on the board for what I'm optimistically calling a full two seconds. It was all worth it after that, and some cold beers were in order.
Played cards with Jo from the Netherlands and others long into the night and was rested and refreshed for a full day on the bus.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Stray't Into It - Auckland to Hahei
It's been awhile since my last post but I have been busy bussing around the North Island and generally having the time of my life. The previous Haka and Poi videos were taken at our Maori cultural overnight stop at Uncle Boy's and posted first so that my fellow travellers could post our exploits around the interwebs.
To continue the narrative...
Late night boozing in Auckland was stopped short when my Canadian ID was shot down at "Mink Coat." Tossers. Apparently I looked like someone who had caused trouble previously and they wanted nothing to do with me.
The others went inside and I strolled on down Queen Street back to the hostel where I met two Canadian girls named Megan and Kyla from Edmonton. They were being courted by an intoxicated Englishman called Anton with little success. We all had a good chat and it seemed the ladies from the great white north went through school at the same time that I did, three hours up the road.
After those folks headed to bed and I posted the last narrative, I sat down with Philip from England for a long and enjoyable discussion about human behaviour, fitness, film, sport, and the folly of humanity. Very enjoyable and a saving grace for the cock up at the club.
Tobi joined us, returning from another pub (we had left him alone with the Dutch girl for some private travelplanning) and we all hit the hay around 3:30am. 4 hours later it was time for the Stray bus.
James, who hadn't slept, and I trekked up a hill something akin to Caddy Bay's road to ruin before meeting the bus.
Our driver's name is Curry and she's pretty cool. She gets us from A to B without fuss and makes sure we get pumped on activities.
Day one we set off to Hahei for some beach time, which seemed to hop out of a painting and into reality. White sand beaches, crashing waves, and the clearest water since Vernon. Pics to follow.
It was a bit of a bush hike to get to Cathedral Cove, which afforded time to better get to know James, Luis from Mexico, and Dane, Leigh, Caroline, Sarah and Claire from England.
Good times had by all, pounding through the waves and swimming to a rock that was made to be leapt off of. Leigh had a bit of a scrape, but otherwise the first day made me question already when I could come back.
Back at the hostel for tasty BBQ and more introductions to the lads and lasses. Hugh and I went halves on an 18 pack of Tui which was supposed to last 3 days. It was gone by noon the next day. Also, James, if you're reading this, you owe me two cold ones.
Luis' birthday fell that day as well, Katrin (from Denmark) had hers the next day, and Dane the day after that. No need to look for an excuse to celebrate.
To continue the narrative...
Late night boozing in Auckland was stopped short when my Canadian ID was shot down at "Mink Coat." Tossers. Apparently I looked like someone who had caused trouble previously and they wanted nothing to do with me.
The others went inside and I strolled on down Queen Street back to the hostel where I met two Canadian girls named Megan and Kyla from Edmonton. They were being courted by an intoxicated Englishman called Anton with little success. We all had a good chat and it seemed the ladies from the great white north went through school at the same time that I did, three hours up the road.
After those folks headed to bed and I posted the last narrative, I sat down with Philip from England for a long and enjoyable discussion about human behaviour, fitness, film, sport, and the folly of humanity. Very enjoyable and a saving grace for the cock up at the club.
Tobi joined us, returning from another pub (we had left him alone with the Dutch girl for some private travelplanning) and we all hit the hay around 3:30am. 4 hours later it was time for the Stray bus.
James, who hadn't slept, and I trekked up a hill something akin to Caddy Bay's road to ruin before meeting the bus.
Our driver's name is Curry and she's pretty cool. She gets us from A to B without fuss and makes sure we get pumped on activities.
Day one we set off to Hahei for some beach time, which seemed to hop out of a painting and into reality. White sand beaches, crashing waves, and the clearest water since Vernon. Pics to follow.
It was a bit of a bush hike to get to Cathedral Cove, which afforded time to better get to know James, Luis from Mexico, and Dane, Leigh, Caroline, Sarah and Claire from England.
Good times had by all, pounding through the waves and swimming to a rock that was made to be leapt off of. Leigh had a bit of a scrape, but otherwise the first day made me question already when I could come back.
Back at the hostel for tasty BBQ and more introductions to the lads and lasses. Hugh and I went halves on an 18 pack of Tui which was supposed to last 3 days. It was gone by noon the next day. Also, James, if you're reading this, you owe me two cold ones.
Luis' birthday fell that day as well, Katrin (from Denmark) had hers the next day, and Dane the day after that. No need to look for an excuse to celebrate.
And Now, the Poi!
Here it is, for your viewing and reminiscing pleasure! The ladies of Stray present: the Poi!
Video by yours truly.
Video by yours truly.
The Haka!
Hello boys and girls! Here it is, the much-anticipated Gentlemen of Stray and their world-famous Haka! Video by Lauren S. from Canada.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Yatta! Part 3 - Shark Bait
Adventure intervenes!
So, a busy day in the land of the Kiwis.
From last night's walk around, Tobi, Robert and I found a street performer in a wheelchair singing GreenDay's "When I Come Around" with some proficiency. He also directed us to cheap pizza and cheap beer.
After enjoying a bit of both, we hit up the central student bar for pool on a crooked table and dirt cheap import beer. A good time all in all, but not the rager we were expecting.
A viewing of "The Hurt Locker" back at the hostel and a nice long sleep before today's big sojourn.
I had planned to go to Rangitoto (a volcanic island) for some sightseeing and a quick hike. Laziness and indecisiveness trumped that plan, and I was left to redesign my day.
I ran into Robert who went with me and a French man named Victor to a corner coffee shop to discuss smoking (which everyone does here) and girls and life and love. Toward the end of the conversation I mentioned going to an aquarium and penguin exhibit (!) called Kelly Tarlton's and managed to rope the two gentlemen and the long-slumbered Tobi into going on a cage dive with me into a pool full of sharks. Sweet as. I definitely reccommend it. A little pricey, but it included admission to the facility, a backstage tour complete with turtles, and a half hour in the cage. The highlight so far for sure.
After that we took a stroll and found some Subway downtown, before picking up some beer for a long drunken night with another German, a Brazilian girl, a Dutch girl, an Irishman named James who will be joining me on the Stray tour starting tomorrow, and myself, culminating in being denied access to a club and meting my first other Canadians of the trip.
More on that later.
So, a busy day in the land of the Kiwis.
From last night's walk around, Tobi, Robert and I found a street performer in a wheelchair singing GreenDay's "When I Come Around" with some proficiency. He also directed us to cheap pizza and cheap beer.
After enjoying a bit of both, we hit up the central student bar for pool on a crooked table and dirt cheap import beer. A good time all in all, but not the rager we were expecting.
A viewing of "The Hurt Locker" back at the hostel and a nice long sleep before today's big sojourn.
I had planned to go to Rangitoto (a volcanic island) for some sightseeing and a quick hike. Laziness and indecisiveness trumped that plan, and I was left to redesign my day.
I ran into Robert who went with me and a French man named Victor to a corner coffee shop to discuss smoking (which everyone does here) and girls and life and love. Toward the end of the conversation I mentioned going to an aquarium and penguin exhibit (!) called Kelly Tarlton's and managed to rope the two gentlemen and the long-slumbered Tobi into going on a cage dive with me into a pool full of sharks. Sweet as. I definitely reccommend it. A little pricey, but it included admission to the facility, a backstage tour complete with turtles, and a half hour in the cage. The highlight so far for sure.
After that we took a stroll and found some Subway downtown, before picking up some beer for a long drunken night with another German, a Brazilian girl, a Dutch girl, an Irishman named James who will be joining me on the Stray tour starting tomorrow, and myself, culminating in being denied access to a club and meting my first other Canadians of the trip.
More on that later.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Yatta! Part 2
Kia Ora!
Hello again from NZ! Day 2 and still alive.
Where was I?
LAX: After departing from my New Mexico themed table and watching the Jets lose, I stumbled around the International Connections terminal in search of treasure.
I had hoped being in the US in a massive airport would allow me to find and purchase a case for my Kindle, but alas, no such luck. Instead it was two overpriced Clif bars and a few hours of sitting by the gate reading.
The delightfully Kiwi staff made a few announcements before we boarded, including one informing us lucky passengers that our aircraft was brand new and this was to be its third commercial flight (my thoughts were somewhere between "ooooooh!" and the Titanic).
We boarded the flying Hilton right on schedule, and every one of the 68 rows was packed full. Sitting down to my complimentary pillow, blanket and headphones, I examined the entertainment system: basically an iPad latched into the seat in front of me with its own private remote control, on the backside of which was a game controller for such time-passers as 5 a side football and the British "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" (turns out I would make a terrible British citizen).
The entertainment choices consisted of over 250 movies, 250 tv episodes, and about 150 different full albums to listen to, with the ability to customize a playlist including any of these in combination with the satellite radio. 11 hour flight, full season of How I Met Your Mother? Problem solved.
Dinner was braised beef, which was suprisingly palletable, washed down with two free beers (they were out of whiskey, so another can of kiwi brew was offered as compensation) and pineapple cake for dessert. Mmmmm.
After that most folks went to sleep. My body was filled with a slumber-fatal mixture of soreness, excitement, and faster-than-humanly-possible processed alcohol. Couple that with tantalizing entertainments and two toddlers the row behind me, and you get unsatisfactory sleep.
I had a chance to chat with my neighbours on the flight, an Australian education student named Victoria who was flying home from a vacay in the US of A, and a retired couple from North Carolina, all of whom were very nice.
By the time we were in the final third of the flight my body was screaming at me and the sleep-deprived, nervously excited mind was in agreement. Luckily a delicious breakfast was just what the doctor ordered and the final few hours of the flight were a breeze after that.
Saying goodbye to those around me, I headed for the terminal. Firstly, customs, which consisted of a spirited conversation with a Maori border guard about who would win the Stanley Cup (thank you, Canada hoodie). Then baggage screening and a few quick questions and it was up to the rigs of Auckland town.
A phone card and a bottle of L&P to go with the tourist ensemble, and I made the "I'm alive" phone calls to parents and Cat, which were very sweet.
Beyond that was a half-asleep bus ride from Auckland Airport to downtown, during which I was jerked awake by the horrified thought that we were on the wrong side of the road and about to die.
A quick jaunt through downtown to buy sandals and examine the theatre complex and it was back to the hostel. I was much too early for check in, but the lady behind the desk upgraded me to a 2-share instead of a dorm and I was able to sleep right away.
After my midday snooze I met my roommate, Tobi, who is halfway through a world-tour before returning to his native Germany. We went up to the sundeck to snack and chat and met a very nice Englishwoman named Julie and a middle-aged Danish couple named Lars and Olin, who plied me with fresh fruit, tea, and crisps while detailing the wonders of skydiving (both were fully lisenced).
After that it was a late evening stroll through downtown with Tobi, who has a penchant for street musicians, and Robert, another German, who is just ending the NZ leg of a massive world adventure as well.
More to come after these web-card top ups!
Hello again from NZ! Day 2 and still alive.
Where was I?
LAX: After departing from my New Mexico themed table and watching the Jets lose, I stumbled around the International Connections terminal in search of treasure.
I had hoped being in the US in a massive airport would allow me to find and purchase a case for my Kindle, but alas, no such luck. Instead it was two overpriced Clif bars and a few hours of sitting by the gate reading.
The delightfully Kiwi staff made a few announcements before we boarded, including one informing us lucky passengers that our aircraft was brand new and this was to be its third commercial flight (my thoughts were somewhere between "ooooooh!" and the Titanic).
We boarded the flying Hilton right on schedule, and every one of the 68 rows was packed full. Sitting down to my complimentary pillow, blanket and headphones, I examined the entertainment system: basically an iPad latched into the seat in front of me with its own private remote control, on the backside of which was a game controller for such time-passers as 5 a side football and the British "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" (turns out I would make a terrible British citizen).
The entertainment choices consisted of over 250 movies, 250 tv episodes, and about 150 different full albums to listen to, with the ability to customize a playlist including any of these in combination with the satellite radio. 11 hour flight, full season of How I Met Your Mother? Problem solved.
Dinner was braised beef, which was suprisingly palletable, washed down with two free beers (they were out of whiskey, so another can of kiwi brew was offered as compensation) and pineapple cake for dessert. Mmmmm.
After that most folks went to sleep. My body was filled with a slumber-fatal mixture of soreness, excitement, and faster-than-humanly-possible processed alcohol. Couple that with tantalizing entertainments and two toddlers the row behind me, and you get unsatisfactory sleep.
I had a chance to chat with my neighbours on the flight, an Australian education student named Victoria who was flying home from a vacay in the US of A, and a retired couple from North Carolina, all of whom were very nice.
By the time we were in the final third of the flight my body was screaming at me and the sleep-deprived, nervously excited mind was in agreement. Luckily a delicious breakfast was just what the doctor ordered and the final few hours of the flight were a breeze after that.
Saying goodbye to those around me, I headed for the terminal. Firstly, customs, which consisted of a spirited conversation with a Maori border guard about who would win the Stanley Cup (thank you, Canada hoodie). Then baggage screening and a few quick questions and it was up to the rigs of Auckland town.
A phone card and a bottle of L&P to go with the tourist ensemble, and I made the "I'm alive" phone calls to parents and Cat, which were very sweet.
Beyond that was a half-asleep bus ride from Auckland Airport to downtown, during which I was jerked awake by the horrified thought that we were on the wrong side of the road and about to die.
A quick jaunt through downtown to buy sandals and examine the theatre complex and it was back to the hostel. I was much too early for check in, but the lady behind the desk upgraded me to a 2-share instead of a dorm and I was able to sleep right away.
After my midday snooze I met my roommate, Tobi, who is halfway through a world-tour before returning to his native Germany. We went up to the sundeck to snack and chat and met a very nice Englishwoman named Julie and a middle-aged Danish couple named Lars and Olin, who plied me with fresh fruit, tea, and crisps while detailing the wonders of skydiving (both were fully lisenced).
After that it was a late evening stroll through downtown with Tobi, who has a penchant for street musicians, and Robert, another German, who is just ending the NZ leg of a massive world adventure as well.
More to come after these web-card top ups!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Yatta! Part 1
Hello there, world!
I have arrived safe and sound in Auckland, New Zealand!
So far I've seen the roadside from the airport to downtown, parts of Queen Street, the steep-ass road leading up to the hostel, and the cool side of the hostel pillow for a power nap.
Where were we?
From Vancouver, the one-minute Singin in the Rain was fun and featured awkward dancing and bowling over fellow actors on my part. We booked it to the airport and I braced for impact from the infamous US customs officers.
Everything took less than half an hour to be processed, which left me happily underwhelmed by the Border Control folk. Time for food and watching the Bears/Packers game. Not too shabby!
The flight from Van to LA was almost empty, and for the most part uneventful. I tried to watch "The American," but slept through the bulk of it, a fact for which I shed no tears.
In LA, I had booked a flight with a 4-hour layover so as to give ample time for switching terminals, having my baggage scanned, a thorough strip-search, and whatever else they had in store for me.
Instead, I exited the plane from YVR, baggage in hand, going over my story, only to walk down a short hallway, turn left and be right at my gate to New Zealand. That was it.
3 1/2 hours to kill: time to live American.
I stopped at a place called "L.A. Roadhouse Route 66" for a giant burger, fries, and beer, with service from a delightfully American waitress named Nicole, who seemed to be working at the airport to reinforce international perception of LA waitresses. She was very nice and smiled, but had a no-BS attitude and was one small-talk agreement away from an "Mmmmmm-hmmmmmmmm."
Internet time is running out, so I'll update further later. Now it's time to take advantage of the hostel shower and kitchen. Nom.
I have arrived safe and sound in Auckland, New Zealand!
So far I've seen the roadside from the airport to downtown, parts of Queen Street, the steep-ass road leading up to the hostel, and the cool side of the hostel pillow for a power nap.
Where were we?
From Vancouver, the one-minute Singin in the Rain was fun and featured awkward dancing and bowling over fellow actors on my part. We booked it to the airport and I braced for impact from the infamous US customs officers.
Everything took less than half an hour to be processed, which left me happily underwhelmed by the Border Control folk. Time for food and watching the Bears/Packers game. Not too shabby!
The flight from Van to LA was almost empty, and for the most part uneventful. I tried to watch "The American," but slept through the bulk of it, a fact for which I shed no tears.
In LA, I had booked a flight with a 4-hour layover so as to give ample time for switching terminals, having my baggage scanned, a thorough strip-search, and whatever else they had in store for me.
Instead, I exited the plane from YVR, baggage in hand, going over my story, only to walk down a short hallway, turn left and be right at my gate to New Zealand. That was it.
3 1/2 hours to kill: time to live American.
I stopped at a place called "L.A. Roadhouse Route 66" for a giant burger, fries, and beer, with service from a delightfully American waitress named Nicole, who seemed to be working at the airport to reinforce international perception of LA waitresses. She was very nice and smiled, but had a no-BS attitude and was one small-talk agreement away from an "Mmmmmm-hmmmmmmmm."
Internet time is running out, so I'll update further later. Now it's time to take advantage of the hostel shower and kitchen. Nom.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Let Us Go Then
Today's the day. 6 hours until I fly off.
Safely here in Vancouver at Chris and April's. So far, all according to plan.
We are currently waiting to film a one-minute version of Singin' in the Rain (news to me yesterday, but I'll roll with it) before a trek to the airport.
Excitement is palpable and the send off could not have been better.
Thank you so much to everyone who came to wish me a happy birthday and safe travels. I will keep you as up to date as possible and my love to all my Canadian family.
Sweet As!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
4, 914 kilometers
That's approximately how long my travel route within New Zealand will be, according to Google Maps.
Follow along here: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=auckland&daddr=Thames,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Hahei,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Maketu,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand+to:Taupo,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Tongariro,+Tongariro+National+Park,+Manawatu-Wanganui,+New+Zealand+to:Wellington,+New+Zealand+to:Marahau,+Tasman,+New+Zealand+to:Barrytown,+West+Coast,+New+Zealand+to:Franz+Josef+Glacier,+Westland+National+Park,+West+Coast,+New+Zealand+to:Makarora,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Queenstown,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Milford+Sound,+Southland,+New+Zealand+to:Invercargill,+Southland,+New+Zealand+to:Dunedin,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Oamaru,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Dunedin,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Aoraki+%2F+Mount+Cook+National+Park,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Christchurch,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Kaikoura,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Wellington,+New+Zealand+to:Napier,+Hawke's+Bay,+New+Zealand+to:Rotorua,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand+to:Auckland,+New+Zealand&geocode=FbS8zf0dRK1qCin75pxa-0cNbTEXmaJDYe8ABQ%3BFfZPyf0dZox2CinD80XYyoBybTFADaN
For those curious, the journey from Vic to Van to LA to Auckland is approximately 12, 553km. Double that for return flights and throw in the land and ferry travel while actually in New Zealand and you get 30, 020 km.
That's 5.2 Canadas.
Follow along here: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=auckland&daddr=Thames,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Hahei,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Maketu,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand+to:Taupo,+Waikato,+New+Zealand+to:Tongariro,+Tongariro+National+Park,+Manawatu-Wanganui,+New+Zealand+to:Wellington,+New+Zealand+to:Marahau,+Tasman,+New+Zealand+to:Barrytown,+West+Coast,+New+Zealand+to:Franz+Josef+Glacier,+Westland+National+Park,+West+Coast,+New+Zealand+to:Makarora,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Queenstown,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Milford+Sound,+Southland,+New+Zealand+to:Invercargill,+Southland,+New+Zealand+to:Dunedin,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Oamaru,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Dunedin,+Otago,+New+Zealand+to:Aoraki+%2F+Mount+Cook+National+Park,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Christchurch,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Kaikoura,+Canterbury,+New+Zealand+to:Wellington,+New+Zealand+to:Napier,+Hawke's+Bay,+New+Zealand+to:Rotorua,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand+to:Auckland,+New+Zealand&geocode=FbS8zf0dRK1qCin75pxa-0cNbTEXmaJDYe8ABQ%3BFfZPyf0dZox2CinD80XYyoBybTFADaN
For those curious, the journey from Vic to Van to LA to Auckland is approximately 12, 553km. Double that for return flights and throw in the land and ferry travel while actually in New Zealand and you get 30, 020 km.
That's 5.2 Canadas.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
So What Are You Going to do in New Zealand?
This:
And this: http://www.zorb.com/zorb/zydro-ride/
And possibly this: http://www.uflyextreme.co.nz/
All over this:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Be Prepared
It's very important to be properly packed with all the necessaries when going on an international sojourn:
*documents
*plans
*map
*money
*shoes
*toiletries
*camera
and of course attire like this: http://www.bustedtees.com/hilyes
or perhaps one demonstrating my empathy for their geographical inferiority complex: http://www.bustedtees.com/canadaamericashat
or perhaps a show of unity between two of our countries' passions:
http://www.bustedtees.com/oneringtorulethemall
Making a bad impression? Nah.
*documents
*plans
*map
*money
*shoes
*toiletries
*camera
and of course attire like this: http://www.bustedtees.com/hilyes
or perhaps one demonstrating my empathy for their geographical inferiority complex: http://www.bustedtees.com/canadaamericashat
or perhaps a show of unity between two of our countries' passions:
http://www.bustedtees.com/oneringtorulethemall
Making a bad impression? Nah.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year, Canada!
Hello everyone!
2011 is upon us, and that means that I am just 23 days away from my first grand adventure!
For those who may not know, I will be heading to New Zealand for one month starting in a little over three weeks.
My focus the past few days has been on getting my itinerary in order, and I felt I would share a bit of that with my readers:
January 22nd I ferry over to Van for a stay with Chris and April.
January 23rd it's off to Auckland! Featuring a layover in scenic LAX.
Due to time shifts and the length of the journey, January 24th has been cancelled this year. (I leave the afternoon of the 23rd and arrive the early morning of the 25th, by the time midnight hits, it will be the 25th).
Arriving in the early morning on the 25th, I have a few hours to stumble around Auckland and gather supplies before I can check in to my hostel to sleep off the jet lag.
Another full day in Auckland to visit the volcanic island or maybe just take it easy before I hit the road.
Early in the a.m. on the 27th, I hop on the bus for my Stray tour!
After that it's 25 days on the Bus, stopping and starting, seeing all three islands, spending a night on Stewart Island, hopping off the bus for a sojourn to the penguin colonies in Oamaru (!) and zorbing down the hill in Rotorua.
After the official tour ends, I will tack on a trip to Napier to see the Art Deco architecture, followed by a stop back in Rotorua for a rafting trip, and then back to Auckland the day before I fly back to Canada!
Hopefully I can find some time to meet up with M and J in Auckland towards the end.
I will be taking pictures (still and moving) galore, and will hopefully have the opportunity to update regularly.
Until next time, I'll be relaxing in Cowtown, making further preparations, and reminding myself every 5 minutes that I'm actually going!
23 days and counting.
Wish me luck!
Darcy
2011 is upon us, and that means that I am just 23 days away from my first grand adventure!
For those who may not know, I will be heading to New Zealand for one month starting in a little over three weeks.
My focus the past few days has been on getting my itinerary in order, and I felt I would share a bit of that with my readers:
January 22nd I ferry over to Van for a stay with Chris and April.
January 23rd it's off to Auckland! Featuring a layover in scenic LAX.
Due to time shifts and the length of the journey, January 24th has been cancelled this year. (I leave the afternoon of the 23rd and arrive the early morning of the 25th, by the time midnight hits, it will be the 25th).
Arriving in the early morning on the 25th, I have a few hours to stumble around Auckland and gather supplies before I can check in to my hostel to sleep off the jet lag.
Another full day in Auckland to visit the volcanic island or maybe just take it easy before I hit the road.
Early in the a.m. on the 27th, I hop on the bus for my Stray tour!
After that it's 25 days on the Bus, stopping and starting, seeing all three islands, spending a night on Stewart Island, hopping off the bus for a sojourn to the penguin colonies in Oamaru (!) and zorbing down the hill in Rotorua.
After the official tour ends, I will tack on a trip to Napier to see the Art Deco architecture, followed by a stop back in Rotorua for a rafting trip, and then back to Auckland the day before I fly back to Canada!
Hopefully I can find some time to meet up with M and J in Auckland towards the end.
I will be taking pictures (still and moving) galore, and will hopefully have the opportunity to update regularly.
Until next time, I'll be relaxing in Cowtown, making further preparations, and reminding myself every 5 minutes that I'm actually going!
23 days and counting.
Wish me luck!
Darcy
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