A short boat ride out of Auckland, more beautiful weather, and great views await us at the top of the 184-step stair case from the beach to the backpackers (Em in heels). Get a bead on, and following check in, splash it up with a swim in the sea. Later we meet a Gemma O’Grady look-(and sound)-a-like, although perhaps several years older.
A nice plan - no plan. This is a nice if unfamiliar feeling.
Swim in the sea again. Sit and watch a scatty lady charging about the sea book (or camera) in hand. Another lady films some sort of yoga. A muscular looking man drags his sea-kayak down to the water, with his small dog following on behind. A trip for them both in the boat is aborted when the waves turn the kayak upside down (with the yappy dog in it). After a brief rescue, and return to the beach, the tough guy tenderly makes friends with his drowned pet again. This is their last seafaring adventure of the day.
Really beautiful place. Swims, beach runs, mussels, bushwalks, and happy 3 hours with Monteiths Original for $4. Sweet.
Wilkommen / Bienvenue / Kia Ora NZ – 26/1/09
For those in the know, Em is fairly new to the idea of a backpack (and also flat shoes). Whilst “practical” is rarely suitable for a delightful modern lady person, occasionally it is necessary. Fortunately she has come prepared, although perhaps over-prepared as she struggles with her 20kg sack up the volcanic Auckland hills in her sensible sk8r boi daps (on the way to the digs).
How about that for a first day – sun, seafood, wine, live fish filleting competition, and live music (most notably the Gee Bees, so perhaps not the best showing). We are well contented, as intended. Shouting contest between the food sellers “HOT CHIPS AND PRAWNS”.
How about that for a first day – sun, seafood, wine, live fish filleting competition, and live music (most notably the Gee Bees, so perhaps not the best showing). We are well contented, as intended. Shouting contest between the food sellers “HOT CHIPS AND PRAWNS”.
Hong Kong – 22/1/09
Our residence for the stay in Hong Kong is in Kowloon on the 10th floor, and the favourable rates have meant surrendering natural light, which is deemed a luxury in this space conscious town. During the stay I wake up bewildered in the middle of the night, confusing 3am with 3pm and thinking we have missed valuable exploring time, the lack of natural light playing havoc with my simple brain. A quick check out the landing window confirms it is dark.
Favourite things:
A local unsteadily transporting 6 gas cylinders on a rickety bike – both comical, and an accident waiting to happen
Bamboo scaffolding
Coconut cake breakfasts and Blue Girl beer
Tai O fishing village (made of tin), and the Big Buddha on Lantau
Locals amused faces as I attempt to order off the Cantonese menu
Devising the politest and most comical ways of deflecting hawkers selling tailored suits and watches
Seeing birds of prey circling the top of Hong Kong island
Locals willing to help (particularly en-route to flower market)
Advertising boards and neon lights crossing the streets
Raymond, our helpful host
Not so favourite things:
Dead pigs in the market (Em)
The eleventy-millionth hawker offering suits and watches
Chickens feet and face on the dinner plates
Milk – nutty and sweet – Hmmm
Last evening in the buzzing atmosphere of Victoria Market (a tip for Chinese new year from people we met). A flower market full with thousands of people, buying flowers, food, hats with ox on, blow up ox (tis the year of the ox!), and generally revelling. I make the error of not buying a lovely hat with cartoon cows (ox) on it to add to the array of stupid hats. Rued it ever since.
Advertising Promotion - Noodles and beef at the airport takeaway (by the stairs, being used by the airport workers, which must be a good sign) is real nice and very economical for an airport.
Favourite things:
A local unsteadily transporting 6 gas cylinders on a rickety bike – both comical, and an accident waiting to happen
Bamboo scaffolding
Coconut cake breakfasts and Blue Girl beer
Tai O fishing village (made of tin), and the Big Buddha on Lantau
Locals amused faces as I attempt to order off the Cantonese menu
Devising the politest and most comical ways of deflecting hawkers selling tailored suits and watches
Seeing birds of prey circling the top of Hong Kong island
Locals willing to help (particularly en-route to flower market)
Advertising boards and neon lights crossing the streets
Raymond, our helpful host
Not so favourite things:
Dead pigs in the market (Em)
The eleventy-millionth hawker offering suits and watches
Chickens feet and face on the dinner plates
Milk – nutty and sweet – Hmmm
Last evening in the buzzing atmosphere of Victoria Market (a tip for Chinese new year from people we met). A flower market full with thousands of people, buying flowers, food, hats with ox on, blow up ox (tis the year of the ox!), and generally revelling. I make the error of not buying a lovely hat with cartoon cows (ox) on it to add to the array of stupid hats. Rued it ever since.
Advertising Promotion - Noodles and beef at the airport takeaway (by the stairs, being used by the airport workers, which must be a good sign) is real nice and very economical for an airport.
Last Bix – 21/1/09
An end to the past few days spent in a hurricane of organising activity is signalled with the need to leave the country. Early start to finish packing, and a final round of Weetabix (six mind - who knows when the next meal will be?).
After freshening up with the tester perfumes in duty free, we take off, I take a real beating at Tetris from the IT teacher and then wait for the next meal. The vegetarian option actually looks quite nice. And it comes earlier.
After freshening up with the tester perfumes in duty free, we take off, I take a real beating at Tetris from the IT teacher and then wait for the next meal. The vegetarian option actually looks quite nice. And it comes earlier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
