Tracey travels to Aotearoa
Monday, February 27, 2006
So I am at Singapore airport about 2 hours away from my flight back to London, arrived in Singapore earlier this morning at about 3am!! Got into a budget hotel, slept and then wondered around Singapore, went to Raffles, really impressed, have always wondered why it is such a institution, ended my day with a Singapore Sling at Raffles before coming here - really nice, especially as it is so humid. Just had a text from Mum to say it is so cold in the UK, not looking forward to that!!
Arrived in Singapore, travelling in the taxi when the driver who was lovely mentioned about how clean Singapore is, suddenely realised I was chewing gum!! Descreatly put it away, as its not allowed here....
It was sad saying buy to the Graty's, really sad but I have had a fantantic time with them and do feel rested.
Photos of Singapore to come on returning to UK!
Arrived in Singapore, travelling in the taxi when the driver who was lovely mentioned about how clean Singapore is, suddenely realised I was chewing gum!! Descreatly put it away, as its not allowed here....
It was sad saying buy to the Graty's, really sad but I have had a fantantic time with them and do feel rested.
Photos of Singapore to come on returning to UK!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Leave NZ tomorrow, so for past few days have been shopping, wondering around Auckland, going out and eating sushi - (it is so much cheaper here than in London!)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Not many photo's on returning to Auckland, but have had some good days...Monday, can't really remember...ok I went with Gwendo for a coffee and a Bran muffin, although they only had one, but I enjoyed the blueberry and cream cheese one..ummm. Wondered around Henderson their local shopping centre then took Kai to the park where we saw Calem and Tia having thier PE lesson running around the park. We also watched the skaters at the skate park which Kai thought was very 'funky'!
In the evening we chatted and drank some wine, Charles has just found out you can brew your own liquer here, so hes going to have a try, hes already started on the home brew beer. As well as the Korean girl - who is lovely they also have another foreign student who has just moved in he is from Saudi Arabia and really doesn't speak much English, and seems quiet - that is until he speaks Arabic on the phone, he is so very loud - he woke most of the house at 5am the other day speaking on his phone!!!
Yesterday - Tuesday am was out with Gwendo and then took Kai to Chipmonks - (like playstation in Wood Green) was great fun, then Gwendo and I took Tia out to Auckland and up the skytower, its such an amazing view and great to see the city - appreciated it a bit more yesterday didn't have jet lag, although I keep wanting to sleep at 4pm everyday, not looking forward to adjusting back!!!
So still having a great time feel very relaxed, and enjoying doing bits and pieces...the tan is not great though - but thats just how it is, I just don't seem to change colour that much!!
Off doing a bit of shopping today and wondering around, and Gareth I will see if I can find some NZ dub!
In the evening we chatted and drank some wine, Charles has just found out you can brew your own liquer here, so hes going to have a try, hes already started on the home brew beer. As well as the Korean girl - who is lovely they also have another foreign student who has just moved in he is from Saudi Arabia and really doesn't speak much English, and seems quiet - that is until he speaks Arabic on the phone, he is so very loud - he woke most of the house at 5am the other day speaking on his phone!!!
Yesterday - Tuesday am was out with Gwendo and then took Kai to Chipmonks - (like playstation in Wood Green) was great fun, then Gwendo and I took Tia out to Auckland and up the skytower, its such an amazing view and great to see the city - appreciated it a bit more yesterday didn't have jet lag, although I keep wanting to sleep at 4pm everyday, not looking forward to adjusting back!!!
So still having a great time feel very relaxed, and enjoying doing bits and pieces...the tan is not great though - but thats just how it is, I just don't seem to change colour that much!!
Off doing a bit of shopping today and wondering around, and Gareth I will see if I can find some NZ dub!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Museum at Rotorua - had lunch and a latte here - felt very English...the music, the bowling and croquet greens, just not the palm trees.
This side has the waves on the other side there are no waves, the beaches are about a 5 minutes walk from each other...
Penny divers... they yse to jump off the bridge to collect the money, now the children wait for people to throw the money which they keep in their mouths - we got told they can collect up to $70 in a day each, the children are from the village.
Got back from Tauranga last night, went to stay with Gwendo's parents and see her home city. Really pretty place - it is lovely, there are surfing beaches and quiet beaches, rocks and some really nice coffee shops - althought didn't get the chance to go in! It was nice to see Gwendo's parents at home (have met them before in London), and also to see Gillian, Gwendo sister again - who also had to give me a 'tour' of the city, it was good to see her again.
On the Friday we went for a natural spa - its was lovely but its different..... We had our own spa pool which is like a small swimming pool/paddling pool and it is full of naturally hot mineral water, there is no roof over the pool, the must have been about 10 private ones and then a massive public pool, but you can't stay in it too long it is soooo hot, you are only allowed in it for 1/2 hour max and can't put your head under, but it is really relaxing and a nice treat. Around Tauranga and Rotorua they are really common, and the one we went to was cheap about 12 pounds for the 3 of us!
On Saturday went off to Rotorua one of the places I had heard about before I came, its where the geezers are, again really pretty and interesting. The place is also a Mouri village where the people cook their food using the heat from the ground and the hot pools around their village - the sweetcorn cooked in the hot pool was lovely!!
It was good to see a bit more of the country and the countryside and the numerous sheep and cows - and also to meet people...I am having a great time.
On the Friday we went for a natural spa - its was lovely but its different..... We had our own spa pool which is like a small swimming pool/paddling pool and it is full of naturally hot mineral water, there is no roof over the pool, the must have been about 10 private ones and then a massive public pool, but you can't stay in it too long it is soooo hot, you are only allowed in it for 1/2 hour max and can't put your head under, but it is really relaxing and a nice treat. Around Tauranga and Rotorua they are really common, and the one we went to was cheap about 12 pounds for the 3 of us!
On Saturday went off to Rotorua one of the places I had heard about before I came, its where the geezers are, again really pretty and interesting. The place is also a Mouri village where the people cook their food using the heat from the ground and the hot pools around their village - the sweetcorn cooked in the hot pool was lovely!!
It was good to see a bit more of the country and the countryside and the numerous sheep and cows - and also to meet people...I am having a great time.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Gratys live near a crystal museum - which has a great coffee shop, had a chilled time there for lunch today.....
Just come back from being in Auckland, really nice city to wonder round, lots of bars, although out iwth Calem so just took notes of which ones would be worth coming back to! Took Calem out after school, so first went for a pizza to La Porchetta - like the ones in London!! (Calem said 'like the one Cicely took me to!') Then sent off to the Cinema to see Fun with Dick and Jane - easy watching fun film, the actual cinema complex place was lit with pinks and blues etc with so many different levels and floors - which Calem thought was great. Got into town by train - because we caught it after school it was full of school children but generally not that busy, people tend to drive to work.
My morning was chilled went off for a drive into the mountains which was pretty, just had to remember that when turning left, if there is anyone turning right they have the right of way - but it was ok, it was good just to be out and looking around.
Am having a lovely time, off to Touraunga tomorrow to stay with Gwendo's family.
My morning was chilled went off for a drive into the mountains which was pretty, just had to remember that when turning left, if there is anyone turning right they have the right of way - but it was ok, it was good just to be out and looking around.
Am having a lovely time, off to Touraunga tomorrow to stay with Gwendo's family.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Visited the school where Tia and Calem attend, it is based on the ACE system that is used by the Church school in the UK. Most of the children in thd school are Maori, so although most of the teaching is in English, Maori is used for commands, songs etc and they also have Maori lessons. Today the assembly was reminding them about the Maori words and commands - hoped I could remember some words, Ki-ora is all I know so far (hello) apart from Ti rangi which means heaven and is also the name of the Head teacher of the school... Hopefully will learn some more before I leave.
Went off to the super-market Pack and Save - (you save money on the cost of your food because they don't employ anyone to pack your bags for you!)
Then picked up Kai from Nursery - he had his first day yesterday, and he seemed to have settled in well - was loving his lunch when we arrived!
A week ago on Monday was the start of the new school year here after the 6 week summer holiday, so they are trying to get into the routines etc...
Went off to the super-market Pack and Save - (you save money on the cost of your food because they don't employ anyone to pack your bags for you!)
Then picked up Kai from Nursery - he had his first day yesterday, and he seemed to have settled in well - was loving his lunch when we arrived!
A week ago on Monday was the start of the new school year here after the 6 week summer holiday, so they are trying to get into the routines etc...
Monday, February 13, 2006
Had a chilled and not so eventful day, Kirsty got picked up and taken to the airport at 12pm. I read in the garden for a bit before looking after Tia and Kai for some of the afternoon, which was fun!! Sorry no time to say why.
Have been out again cycling will take my camera next time. Now am off out into Auckland with Gwendo. Not much to say today and need to be quick as off out......
Have been out again cycling will take my camera next time. Now am off out into Auckland with Gwendo. Not much to say today and need to be quick as off out......
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Slept much better last night, did'nt wake up so hopefully getting use to the 13 hour time difference. Went in to central Auckland today - which is quite small and quiet really, wondered down to Queens road then made our way up to the Sky tower. Past one of the 'thrill seeking rides' which is a catpult that flings you up in the air and spins you round - absolutely not my thing!! Then we watched people dive off the top of Sky tower, its like free falling but with ropes! This would be more my kind of thing, Calem is keen to have a go, but I am not making my mind up yet!
Went up to the top of Sky tower, the tallest in the Southern hemisphere and the view is amazing, so great to be able to look out over the city see the mountains, volcanoes and the harbours etc, is a beautiful city and very green. Then we went up the next level to the Orbit and revolving restaurant and had dinner, a real treat - the kids had a great time standing on the static and the moving floor at the same time and trying not to do the splits!! Gwendo spent her time trying not to look out too much as she would start to feel giddy!!
Really enjoyed today and good to see the city and pray - but there is much more to do and see. Its also good to understand what why Charles and Gwendo have moved here and their dreams for the future...
Tonight have been chilling at home chatting and relaxing in the garden. Gwendo and Charles have a student from Korea who moved in yesterday called En-Young, she has her first day at college tomorrow - she is here for a month to improve her English, and tomorrow Kirsty (who I travelled out here with) is flying to the South Island to continue her 5 month adventure in NZ.
Went up to the top of Sky tower, the tallest in the Southern hemisphere and the view is amazing, so great to be able to look out over the city see the mountains, volcanoes and the harbours etc, is a beautiful city and very green. Then we went up the next level to the Orbit and revolving restaurant and had dinner, a real treat - the kids had a great time standing on the static and the moving floor at the same time and trying not to do the splits!! Gwendo spent her time trying not to look out too much as she would start to feel giddy!!
Really enjoyed today and good to see the city and pray - but there is much more to do and see. Its also good to understand what why Charles and Gwendo have moved here and their dreams for the future...
Tonight have been chilling at home chatting and relaxing in the garden. Gwendo and Charles have a student from Korea who moved in yesterday called En-Young, she has her first day at college tomorrow - she is here for a month to improve her English, and tomorrow Kirsty (who I travelled out here with) is flying to the South Island to continue her 5 month adventure in NZ.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Went to the Piha beach today at last a bit of colour on my skin. Felt so white on the beach - the light just reflects off me!! It is really beautiful around here we had to drive over the mountains to get to the beach, as well as trying to catch fish, Kirsty, Calem and I all climbed Lion Rock which is on the beach, it is a special place for the Maori's.
Tonight went on a bike ride with Calem and Gwendo jogging - was good to do!
Well having a great time, off to Sky tower tomorrow.
Tonight went on a bike ride with Calem and Gwendo jogging - was good to do!
Well having a great time, off to Sky tower tomorrow.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Today has been a good day, the sun in shining, but still have the jet lag, awake at silly hours in the night, determined to stay up all day and sleep better tonight!!
Found out there was a welcome ceremony at the school where Calem and Tia go, the majority of the school are Maori, it is a big thing with everyone taking food etc.
It started off with some of the older boys doing the Haka as part of the welcome for this little girl who had just turned 5 and was moving up to the school from the nursery. At the end of it all the boys did the Haka including Calem.
Sorry no photos didn't take my camera!
Its just great being here at the moment and chilling, Charles started work today and he has had a good day working at a counselling centre in Auckland.
See photos of Hong Kong below, will add some NZ ones soon...need some batteries for my camera.
Found out there was a welcome ceremony at the school where Calem and Tia go, the majority of the school are Maori, it is a big thing with everyone taking food etc.
It started off with some of the older boys doing the Haka as part of the welcome for this little girl who had just turned 5 and was moving up to the school from the nursery. At the end of it all the boys did the Haka including Calem.
Sorry no photos didn't take my camera!
Its just great being here at the moment and chilling, Charles started work today and he has had a good day working at a counselling centre in Auckland.
See photos of Hong Kong below, will add some NZ ones soon...need some batteries for my camera.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Have arrived now in NZ and it is raining!! Thought it was meant to be their summer - just like home!
Feeling very tired after all the travelling, had a quick stop in Sydney and flew over the harbour bridge and the opera house which was great!
But the best of it all is seeing the Graty's, they are all very tanned and blonder and looking good!! Its funny being in their lovely house here in Auckland as there is so much from thier house in London.
Gwendo and Charles have just gone out for a jog and cycle ride, and I should really make my way to bed and get some proper sleep, will definately post some pictures tomorrow, I am not quite sure if could work it all out now, what with being in a bit of a dazzed state.
Feeling very tired after all the travelling, had a quick stop in Sydney and flew over the harbour bridge and the opera house which was great!
But the best of it all is seeing the Graty's, they are all very tanned and blonder and looking good!! Its funny being in their lovely house here in Auckland as there is so much from thier house in London.
Gwendo and Charles have just gone out for a jog and cycle ride, and I should really make my way to bed and get some proper sleep, will definately post some pictures tomorrow, I am not quite sure if could work it all out now, what with being in a bit of a dazzed state.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Cannot believe that tomorrow I leave Hong Kong the time here has gone so quickly, what with sleeping till late in the morning with the Jet lag and then the wondering around the afternoon and evenings, whcih are the best part of the day here, everywhere is open till really late.
Must say there are so many shops here, its like NYC in some ways, even when you go north the shops go on and on. Today was great though to get away and hang out at the Kowloon Walled City Garden, a really beautiful place, which for those of you who like me have read Chasing the Dragon , was the Walled City where Jackie Pullinger worked, which got pulled down about 10 years ago.
Tonight wondered round the streets just off the main street and had dinner in a restaurant where we had to point at the food on another table as it looked interesting with no real clue about how much the bill would be, thankfully it ended up not being too much! Although we did get the idea that there was a deal going, we just couldn't let them know that was what we had wanted!
Must say there are so many shops here, its like NYC in some ways, even when you go north the shops go on and on. Today was great though to get away and hang out at the Kowloon Walled City Garden, a really beautiful place, which for those of you who like me have read Chasing the Dragon , was the Walled City where Jackie Pullinger worked, which got pulled down about 10 years ago.
Tonight wondered round the streets just off the main street and had dinner in a restaurant where we had to point at the food on another table as it looked interesting with no real clue about how much the bill would be, thankfully it ended up not being too much! Although we did get the idea that there was a deal going, we just couldn't let them know that was what we had wanted!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Found a great coffee shop with internet access for free!!! Really enjoying Hong Kong, is just facinating and chilled.
Will post some photos soon....
Will post some photos soon....
Thursday, February 02, 2006
