Frig, I realize I still have ways to go in regards to informing you all about the second half of my roadtrip, but I honestly can't be bothered to write about it lately. It's kind of old news in my mind, so it doesn't excite me to tell you all about it. I figured I would just skip over it for the time being, and one day when I'm feeling particularly motivated (hopefully soon! -but i've been saying that for months, eh?-) I'll finish the rest of my riviting update. For now though, I figured a quick blurb about Australia would be suffice.
So, Australia. Completely forgot about, and therefore did NOT anticipate, the humidity. When I left Christchurch Saturday morning, it was icky and raining and overall unpleasant, which I took as a sign that I needed to leave A.S.A.P! That being said, I dressed for the weather. So, I arrived in Brisbane Saturday afternoon wearing calf high suede boots, a high waisted skirt, a vneck and a leather jacket. It was a tad uncomfortable as I realized it was a bit humid, but nothing unbearable. And then, I stepped outside. Australia climate:1, Lauren:0. Can't complain about it though, as it's definitely one up from the rain in Christchurch, or more importantly, the winter in Vancouver.
Phip, Torin and Sam picked me up from the airport. I had built myself up to expect some sort of embarassing display in order to recognize them, but they just held up a sign. Nonetheless, it made me feel important. (I asked Phip about it after dinner that night, and he mentioned that they were originally going to belt out Oh Canada!. To be honest, I'm a tad choked they didn't!) The family is absolutely amazing, and so I'm in Redcliffe safe and sound. They even set up an air conditioner in my room (i've seemingly taken over the computer room. Did I mention that there are currently SEVEN computers in here right now, not including my own. And three of the monitors are connected and work simultaneously. Crazy technology right there!)
As it turns out, mum and dad were right. They ARE crazy. It only took Phip one Bailey's and milk to realize what a brilliant and hilarious idea it would be to wake dad up at 2am and let them know i'm safe, "because they would want to know right away!" (Sorry again guys!)
Anyway, now that I've been here for a day, I'm starting to get a sense of where I might want to be in Australia. This area is gorgeous, but I'm definitely going to be getting myself closer to the city at some point. I've been applying online to jobs closer to the city, and I've already got a response. Apparently I'm a "top candidate" and have an interview next week for a new Greek Restaurant, as a server. I really hope to hear back from the Pizza Place (some italian restaurant i believe) I applied to though. "At least 3 months of pizza-making is required," so I'm thinking I set the bar. And I figure it would be the least to learn (at least the easiest!) of any job I could get!
Ooh, also, one last thing. Kathy shot me an e-mail today asking me if I'd like to stay in a resort with them up the sunshine coast for a few days, as Katelyn has to leave and come back at one point. Obviously I took her up on the offer, check out where I get to stay for free! http://www.osprey.com.au/. My buddy just told me I was "the best freeloader ever" and to teach him my ways. I guess I'm just lucky. Hope all is well in Canadia (as my flatmate chris always called it!). No offence, but I don't miss the rain or cold one bit! Love Australia, and love travelling to pieces!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Welcome to the South Island
Day four got off to a bad start. We woke up to wind and rain at 6am, aching and uncomfortable after sleeping in the car. Let me just say, it wasn't particularly the best set up. Our car, a small hatchback, was barely comfortable enough with all our luggage when we're sitting upright and driving. Sleeping was a whole new experience. Tom, the biggest, got the passenger seat, David got the Drivers seat, and I (not shock) was dubbed backseat bitch yet again. Which would have been fine, if the guys hadn't put down there seats all the way! The car wasn't big enough for me to stretch my legs all the way, but there wasn't room to curl up either. And, they bitched all morning about my snoring. Needless to say, nobody was very pleased that morning.
We headed into Wellington, but everything looks much less impressive with such horrible weather. Even the locals were going on about how they haven't had such bad rainstorms at this time of year in ages. So, we went to buy our ferry tickets, then went for a quick coffee.
I should mention that nobody had cell phones, so the situation that proceeded was not particularly ideal: We parked the car in one of apparently three of the exact same car parks, then ended up seperating for about an hour. Me and David both got back to the car alright, but somehow Tom managed to get lost looking around in the other two car parks. Long story short, we almost missed the ferry. And yet, we didn't learn our lesson for the next time we got lost... But that's another story.
The rest of the days events weren't very exciting: got on ferry, drove to Nelson, parked the car and went to a bar. However, waiting in line in the car at the ferry was definitely the highlight! We had been waiting for ages, and for what I assume was out of boredom, Tom started honking the horn. And people started honking back. So, of course, he started honking a tune, to see if people would finish the "song." No joke, in about 5 minutes we had almost a quarter of the cars honking the same tune simultaneously. I was actually crying I was laughing so hard.
So, for such a bad start, the day definitely got better as time passed. It was a sign of good things to come on The South Island!
We headed into Wellington, but everything looks much less impressive with such horrible weather. Even the locals were going on about how they haven't had such bad rainstorms at this time of year in ages. So, we went to buy our ferry tickets, then went for a quick coffee.
I should mention that nobody had cell phones, so the situation that proceeded was not particularly ideal: We parked the car in one of apparently three of the exact same car parks, then ended up seperating for about an hour. Me and David both got back to the car alright, but somehow Tom managed to get lost looking around in the other two car parks. Long story short, we almost missed the ferry. And yet, we didn't learn our lesson for the next time we got lost... But that's another story.
The rest of the days events weren't very exciting: got on ferry, drove to Nelson, parked the car and went to a bar. However, waiting in line in the car at the ferry was definitely the highlight! We had been waiting for ages, and for what I assume was out of boredom, Tom started honking the horn. And people started honking back. So, of course, he started honking a tune, to see if people would finish the "song." No joke, in about 5 minutes we had almost a quarter of the cars honking the same tune simultaneously. I was actually crying I was laughing so hard.
So, for such a bad start, the day definitely got better as time passed. It was a sign of good things to come on The South Island!
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Final Day Up North
DAY 3 (a day of driving)
Woke up and GOT TO SHOWER! WEYYOO! As I’m not a morning person, the outlook for the day seemed dismal, but WOW a warm shower changed everything around! I feel bad for the guys (who want to hardcore official “trampers”) because, since they refuse to shower, will not understand this feeling whatsoever! Instead, they demand we find a natural creek in which to cleanse, and so we embark on a mission to find hot springs.
Unfortunately, the creek we found lost some of its mystique, because we didn’t stumble upon it like the other places. Instead, we asked for directions, which lead us first to a volcanic reserve, where we had breakfast at an overpriced cafe. Satisfied with the meal, we headed to the creek, which we were told warmed up to 40 degrees! Although it was a bit muddy, it did not disappoint! The heat was a nice change from the cold night, and it was so amazing that nature can actually create a naturally steaming creek. It was like a hot tub!
Eventually, we drove down to Taupo for Lunch. At this point, we decided we were going to do an epic drive through the (absolutely gorgeous, snowy) mountains to Napier, but when we got to Napier and established that the night life was nonexistant, we decided to night drive all the way down to Wellington. For anyone wanting to look on a map, this day we drove from 2 hours north of Taupo, to Wellington. We covered about half of the North Island, and it was epic. However, it was rainy, cloudy, and predicted to stay that way for the next couple days, so we didn't miss out on much. However, even with the crappy weather, none of us took the beautiful scenery for granted, even for a second.
Even desite the amazing places we had seen on the North Island though, we were all rather impatient to get down to the south Island... It was supposed to be better weather down there as well!
Woke up and GOT TO SHOWER! WEYYOO! As I’m not a morning person, the outlook for the day seemed dismal, but WOW a warm shower changed everything around! I feel bad for the guys (who want to hardcore official “trampers”) because, since they refuse to shower, will not understand this feeling whatsoever! Instead, they demand we find a natural creek in which to cleanse, and so we embark on a mission to find hot springs.
Unfortunately, the creek we found lost some of its mystique, because we didn’t stumble upon it like the other places. Instead, we asked for directions, which lead us first to a volcanic reserve, where we had breakfast at an overpriced cafe. Satisfied with the meal, we headed to the creek, which we were told warmed up to 40 degrees! Although it was a bit muddy, it did not disappoint! The heat was a nice change from the cold night, and it was so amazing that nature can actually create a naturally steaming creek. It was like a hot tub!
Eventually, we drove down to Taupo for Lunch. At this point, we decided we were going to do an epic drive through the (absolutely gorgeous, snowy) mountains to Napier, but when we got to Napier and established that the night life was nonexistant, we decided to night drive all the way down to Wellington. For anyone wanting to look on a map, this day we drove from 2 hours north of Taupo, to Wellington. We covered about half of the North Island, and it was epic. However, it was rainy, cloudy, and predicted to stay that way for the next couple days, so we didn't miss out on much. However, even with the crappy weather, none of us took the beautiful scenery for granted, even for a second.
Even desite the amazing places we had seen on the North Island though, we were all rather impatient to get down to the south Island... It was supposed to be better weather down there as well!
And the Tramping Begins
The guys used the word "tramping" to describe the whole living-out-of-our-car, not really showering etc. situation. At first I thought it was weird, but now it (like so many other expressions) has become a part of my every day vocabulary.
DAY 2 (and the tramping begins)
Well, I definitely learned my lesson that I DO NOT know how to camp! (Tom and David seemed amused. And apparently had a bet going, thanks guys!) I woke up numb and s
hivering, but at least now I know how cold it gets in the middle of nowhere! My god! Went for an awesome morning hike around the area, then headed back down the massive hill, where we found McLaren falls at the foot of the park (yes, apparently it was an official park, and apparently we were supposed to pay for camping. BUT TOO BAD, because the ranger didn’t find us! Can’t blame him, that place was bloody huge). The falls were amazing, and a great way for Tom and David (who fell in the water, contrary to Tom’s willing entry) to wake up. I was still shivering, so my measly ankle deep entry wasn't all that impressive! But tomorrows another day!
Eventually we drove on, and stumbled across yet another one of nature’s wonders! The most absolutely, unbelievable, breathtaking beach to ever exist. EVER! It was completely solitary, white sand beach, but surrounded by green as far as the eye could see, instead of empty horizon. I literally sat with my feet in the sand for two hours, my mind completely blank. This
place exuded such happiness, I quite literally could form no thoughts other than how happy I was. 11/10! Ace! I added an actual picture (left), and a birds eye view google image (right), so you an see exactly how secluded and green and amazing it was!
We eventually grudgingly moved on, and went to HOBBITON!, the area around where they filmed Lord of the Rings. Really, it was quite a nothing-special town, but Tom bought a guitar, and we ventured off to find a campsite. You would think that with all the nothingness in New Zealand, we could find a place to camp out on a field, but no no, everywhere we looked had strict no camping rules. It's funny, but when you look for them, turns out those signs are everywhere! We ended up finding a place that charges 15$ a person (I WAS NOT IMPRESSED, although I suppose it beats a 30$ hostel), but as it turns out, TOTALLY worth it for the chance to SHOWER! After 3 days without one, I didn’t realize how much I take them for granted! I was a mess! We set up camp, barbecued some sausages, and sat around our (pathetic version of a) campfire. Tom played some guitar, and I was in a state. Sleeping under the stars, falling asleep to acoustic music is absolutely brilliant. Overall, success of a day!
DAY 2 (and the tramping begins)
Well, I definitely learned my lesson that I DO NOT know how to camp! (Tom and David seemed amused. And apparently had a bet going, thanks guys!) I woke up numb and s
hivering, but at least now I know how cold it gets in the middle of nowhere! My god! Went for an awesome morning hike around the area, then headed back down the massive hill, where we found McLaren falls at the foot of the park (yes, apparently it was an official park, and apparently we were supposed to pay for camping. BUT TOO BAD, because the ranger didn’t find us! Can’t blame him, that place was bloody huge). The falls were amazing, and a great way for Tom and David (who fell in the water, contrary to Tom’s willing entry) to wake up. I was still shivering, so my measly ankle deep entry wasn't all that impressive! But tomorrows another day!
Eventually we drove on, and stumbled across yet another one of nature’s wonders! The most absolutely, unbelievable, breathtaking beach to ever exist. EVER! It was completely solitary, white sand beach, but surrounded by green as far as the eye could see, instead of empty horizon. I literally sat with my feet in the sand for two hours, my mind completely blank. This
place exuded such happiness, I quite literally could form no thoughts other than how happy I was. 11/10! Ace! I added an actual picture (left), and a birds eye view google image (right), so you an see exactly how secluded and green and amazing it was!We eventually grudgingly moved on, and went to HOBBITON!, the area around where they filmed Lord of the Rings. Really, it was quite a nothing-special town, but Tom bought a guitar, and we ventured off to find a campsite. You would think that with all the nothingness in New Zealand, we could find a place to camp out on a field, but no no, everywhere we looked had strict no camping rules. It's funny, but when you look for them, turns out those signs are everywhere! We ended up finding a place that charges 15$ a person (I WAS NOT IMPRESSED, although I suppose it beats a 30$ hostel), but as it turns out, TOTALLY worth it for the chance to SHOWER! After 3 days without one, I didn’t realize how much I take them for granted! I was a mess! We set up camp, barbecued some sausages, and sat around our (pathetic version of a) campfire. Tom played some guitar, and I was in a state. Sleeping under the stars, falling asleep to acoustic music is absolutely brilliant. Overall, success of a day!
The MUCHO Overdue Roadtrip Update
Hey all,
So, I realize this is about a month postponed, but things have been absolutely hectic! I finally sat down the other day to start my blogging (at last!), and apparently can no longer log into my account... Epic fail!? I think so. Well, despite the internets best efforts to thwart me, I've created another blog. Newer! Better! Success!
So now, I'm about to ovewhelm you with a detailed account of the most amazing roadtrip ever! I feel like the first few days will be ridiculously long and full of information, so I'm breaking them up into seperate posts. No fear though, every is labelled appropriately! Prepare yourselves...
DAY 1 (Where it all began)
I spent about a week in Auckland completely undecided with what my course of action should be, and ended up meeting two blokes from the U.K. who felt the same way. One spur-of-the-moment, not very thought through decision later, David, Tom and I were renting a car and embarking on an adventure.
We left with high hopes, which I quickly killed. As the "official driver" (according to our paperwork), I had to drive the car (a '93 Mazda Demo, or something to that effect) out of the city.
A note about driving on the wrong side of the road?: IT’S TERRIFYING! Granted, with a bit of focus it can be done. But the problem is that you can NEVER get comfortable, because the second you (kay, me) relax, you start to follow instincts again, which include (but are definitely not limited to) turning right into oncoming traffic, or turning on a red light (WHICH YOU’RE ALLOWED TO DO IN CANADA, when it’s a right turn! So why can’t you do it here on a left turn? I DONT KNOW, but I made the guys fear for their lives.)
A few missed exits, a lot of driving around trying to find my way, and a crapload of angry yelling from the backseat drivers later, we finally made it out of Auckland. Thank GOD!, because I don’t miss it in the slightest. I got to drive until we hit proper hick country, then I was dubbed “backseat bitch” until they trusted me enough to drive again (although quite frankly, I can't blame them!) We hit the country, and came by some brilliant roads. Although New Zealand is relatively similar to BC landscape, it’s entirely different at the same time. Every glance is unbelievable greenery, and there really are sheep everywhere! (PS, sheep look RIDICULOUS when they’re shaved down. Such a peculiar shape...)
While looking for a cute, village type of grocery store, we stumbled across THE MOST AMAZING WATERFALL IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!: Huana falls, in the middle of absolutely nowhere in the outskirts of Auckland. I think we all felt about the same rush of overwhelming happiness (as we quite literally ran towards it!) We remained in awe for about 20 minutes, then went hiking in the surrounding woods until we reached a peak that overlooked farmland, and the forest with the falls. Not one of us could wipe the smiles off our faces. Absolutely brilliant.
Sadly we had to move on, and drove for ages until we found a tiny little town i
n the middle of nowhere (much like EVERY little town in NZ), where we bought a tent, a mini grill, some sleeping bags and some hot dogs. We were prepared to camp out anywhere we could find, but somehow managed to find the most amazing nature type sanctuary. It was HUGE, and we snagged and amazing spot right out front of part of the lake. We were all exhausted from our first day of travelling, but I managed to stay up late enough to see the stars. And, let me just say. OH! MY! GOD! We were easily 50 or 60km out of any town, and at the peak of a mountain, so you can only imagine how brilliant the sky looked! Just an absolutely amazing first day of travelling. We couldn't have asked for a better debut.
But that was only the beginning....
So, I realize this is about a month postponed, but things have been absolutely hectic! I finally sat down the other day to start my blogging (at last!), and apparently can no longer log into my account... Epic fail!? I think so. Well, despite the internets best efforts to thwart me, I've created another blog. Newer! Better! Success!
So now, I'm about to ovewhelm you with a detailed account of the most amazing roadtrip ever! I feel like the first few days will be ridiculously long and full of information, so I'm breaking them up into seperate posts. No fear though, every is labelled appropriately! Prepare yourselves...
DAY 1 (Where it all began)
I spent about a week in Auckland completely undecided with what my course of action should be, and ended up meeting two blokes from the U.K. who felt the same way. One spur-of-the-moment, not very thought through decision later, David, Tom and I were renting a car and embarking on an adventure.
We left with high hopes, which I quickly killed. As the "official driver" (according to our paperwork), I had to drive the car (a '93 Mazda Demo, or something to that effect) out of the city.
A note about driving on the wrong side of the road?: IT’S TERRIFYING! Granted, with a bit of focus it can be done. But the problem is that you can NEVER get comfortable, because the second you (kay, me) relax, you start to follow instincts again, which include (but are definitely not limited to) turning right into oncoming traffic, or turning on a red light (WHICH YOU’RE ALLOWED TO DO IN CANADA, when it’s a right turn! So why can’t you do it here on a left turn? I DONT KNOW, but I made the guys fear for their lives.)
A few missed exits, a lot of driving around trying to find my way, and a crapload of angry yelling from the backseat drivers later, we finally made it out of Auckland. Thank GOD!, because I don’t miss it in the slightest. I got to drive until we hit proper hick country, then I was dubbed “backseat bitch” until they trusted me enough to drive again (although quite frankly, I can't blame them!) We hit the country, and came by some brilliant roads. Although New Zealand is relatively similar to BC landscape, it’s entirely different at the same time. Every glance is unbelievable greenery, and there really are sheep everywhere! (PS, sheep look RIDICULOUS when they’re shaved down. Such a peculiar shape...)
While looking for a cute, village type of grocery store, we stumbled across THE MOST AMAZING WATERFALL IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!: Huana falls, in the middle of absolutely nowhere in the outskirts of Auckland. I think we all felt about the same rush of overwhelming happiness (as we quite literally ran towards it!) We remained in awe for about 20 minutes, then went hiking in the surrounding woods until we reached a peak that overlooked farmland, and the forest with the falls. Not one of us could wipe the smiles off our faces. Absolutely brilliant.
Sadly we had to move on, and drove for ages until we found a tiny little town i
n the middle of nowhere (much like EVERY little town in NZ), where we bought a tent, a mini grill, some sleeping bags and some hot dogs. We were prepared to camp out anywhere we could find, but somehow managed to find the most amazing nature type sanctuary. It was HUGE, and we snagged and amazing spot right out front of part of the lake. We were all exhausted from our first day of travelling, but I managed to stay up late enough to see the stars. And, let me just say. OH! MY! GOD! We were easily 50 or 60km out of any town, and at the peak of a mountain, so you can only imagine how brilliant the sky looked! Just an absolutely amazing first day of travelling. We couldn't have asked for a better debut.But that was only the beginning....
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