Apparently sitting still is tough. I was in Toronto and am now in Ottawa for a couple weeks before I head to Edmonton and then back to Toronto. Depending on housing and employment I could spend June just about anywhere.
If you think Ottawa and Edmonton are a bit of a downgrade from say New Zealand and Fiji, how do you think I feel? Just kidding, both have their pros and cons - for example, I left Fiji with a lot of bug bites, whereas the frost warning for Ottawa tonight should kill any mosquitoes foolish enough to think it was a good time to come out and breed. Point - Ottawa
Since my return, I've noticed a severe lack of colourful houses as were present in Cape Town and an absence of hammocks, both things I hope to do my part to rectify. As well, I've decided the grocery stores here are much too big. I almost had a panic attack in a giant Loblaws today and have vowed to stick to the smaller ones, if I can find them. Our favourite Pak 'N Save was very large but it's warehouse feel was somehow less intimidating. Plus, they sold wine and that's an aisle that's fun to spend hours searching around in. Canada could use a few more hummus options. Pam's, a exclusively New Zealand brand, made an incredible hummus that without, I'm having trouble making a really really good sandwich.
Oh something else that's weird about being back - have you ever noticed that everyone drives on the wrong side of the road here? That's been a tougher adjustment than expected.
A few photos to follow...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I'm Back!
Well in case you weren't aware, I have returned safely to Canada and just realized that I am still continuously writing in the passive tense. It's a problem I have had.
Right, so let me just say that I LOVE Canadian customs. When I landed in LA it looked like I was going to have to get fingerprinted and I was trying to think of a way to ask if it was mandatory without winding up on a no fly list. I'm not sure if it was my Canadian passport or because I was in transit but I did not have to place all 8 fingers and 2 thumbs on the glowing green pad. I saw the customs guy give someone the thumbs up and thought 'oh, how friendly', only to realise he was telling the person to put their thumb on the pad. Oh how glad I was to avoid all of that.
Why do I love Canadian customs? Well, not only were there no finger print stations in site but on my re-entry to Canada form, I didn't even have to mention where I was actually coming from. As far as the Canadian government is concerned, I was just in LA. That's it! Bizarre. Oh and the best question was "Did you contract swine flu?" Um I certainly hope not was my reply and this seemed to be good enough. The good news is, I'm no trouble maker...
Right, so let me just say that I LOVE Canadian customs. When I landed in LA it looked like I was going to have to get fingerprinted and I was trying to think of a way to ask if it was mandatory without winding up on a no fly list. I'm not sure if it was my Canadian passport or because I was in transit but I did not have to place all 8 fingers and 2 thumbs on the glowing green pad. I saw the customs guy give someone the thumbs up and thought 'oh, how friendly', only to realise he was telling the person to put their thumb on the pad. Oh how glad I was to avoid all of that.
Why do I love Canadian customs? Well, not only were there no finger print stations in site but on my re-entry to Canada form, I didn't even have to mention where I was actually coming from. As far as the Canadian government is concerned, I was just in LA. That's it! Bizarre. Oh and the best question was "Did you contract swine flu?" Um I certainly hope not was my reply and this seemed to be good enough. The good news is, I'm no trouble maker...
Monday, May 4, 2009
LAX
Well here I am, back in the Northern Hemisphere. Luckily I checked out the stars 2 nights ago, um but on the 2nd of May, and saw the Southern Cross constellation while I still could. Can`t see that stuff up here. Thanks to my friend I am in the Air Canada lounge at the Los Angeles air port. Literally a life saver. It means I get free food and internet, free drinks of all kinds and a calm, comfortable place to relax and charge my mp3 player and PSP. I got about 1 hour of sleep last night, the first of 2 3rd of May nights. The 10 hour flight was quite rubbish. The food was awful and the gross vegetarian sandwich was accompanied by chicken flavoured casava chips. Hmmmm maybe the flavouring is artificial. NOPE! Listed on the ingredients - chicken fat.
Anyway, I felt sick for a lot of the flight and only ate a bun for breakfast, instead of diving into the mystery breakfast. This nice old lady from Vancouver kept offering me her food so I scored a yogourt as well. Not sure why the vegetarian option, with a yes to dairy doesn`t get the yogourt or the biscuits for dessert at dinner.
My video system was mostly busted and you didn`t have much movie choice. It was the type where the movie just starts and you join in wherever you can. My tv got stuck on one of the High school musicals and can I just say, I couldn`t take it for more than a minute. Zach Effron CANNOT play basketball - at all! Then only the kids and country music stations worked so I had to go stand at the back of the plane and stretch an sit on the ground and got to talk to a Fijian flight attendant who was very nice.
Speaking of Fiji, you should go there. All of you. It`s nice, relaxing and you see so many fish just going snorkeling. I`ll write more in another post just now. 5 more hours until my next flight...
Anyway, I felt sick for a lot of the flight and only ate a bun for breakfast, instead of diving into the mystery breakfast. This nice old lady from Vancouver kept offering me her food so I scored a yogourt as well. Not sure why the vegetarian option, with a yes to dairy doesn`t get the yogourt or the biscuits for dessert at dinner.
My video system was mostly busted and you didn`t have much movie choice. It was the type where the movie just starts and you join in wherever you can. My tv got stuck on one of the High school musicals and can I just say, I couldn`t take it for more than a minute. Zach Effron CANNOT play basketball - at all! Then only the kids and country music stations worked so I had to go stand at the back of the plane and stretch an sit on the ground and got to talk to a Fijian flight attendant who was very nice.
Speaking of Fiji, you should go there. All of you. It`s nice, relaxing and you see so many fish just going snorkeling. I`ll write more in another post just now. 5 more hours until my next flight...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Next up? FIJI!
Well folks, it sure has been a while and I'm not even sure anyone is still reading but you should be! Jokes, I mean, you should read when I post, if you want. My trip is rapidly coming to an end but it has been fun. In case you're wondering, I am back in Auckland, New Zealand now, hiding from the rain after overeating at one of those Brazilian BBQ places.
On Thursday I'll be flying to Fiji amidst a civil war or coup or something. Can't really get a clear idea of what's going on there but apparently it'll be fine.
I was assured that the capital is to be avoided but the airport and the island I'm going to will hardly know anything is even going on. Super!! because I love love love to just ignore when stuff is hitting the fan around me and I can just sit on the beach and live my life. Cough cough, no really but obviously that is what I'm going to do.
Sorry this entry is random, I was distracted by Taylor Swift playing in the background, that and the time crunch of blogging at a pre-paid internet cafe and now the Verve Pipe is playing - you know the song.
Anyway, so last I wrote we were in Wellington and still on the North Island I think. The past 10 days were spent booking it down the south island and trying to see and do as much as possible.
The run down - took the ferry over, drove through wine country and for some reason, foolishly didn't stop, arrived in Abel Tassman National Park, I think - skipped kayaking and did a lovely short hike along the coast. Then we drove and drove and drove and drove trying to get as close to glacier land as possible. We stayed by a lake and built a wicked fire and cooked chicken sausages to add to our pasta and made smores and looked at the stars. While looking at the stars I stepped right into the stream that was loudly running right next to me into the lake about 5 feet away. It was completely dark out. Oh, other highlights, the toilet at this site was about 3 seconds away from literally being vomit inducing.
From there we drove to Fox Glacier and did our own walk to as close as you can get to it or free. It was pretty cool - um like to look at - rather than temperature wise. We made some fantastic wraps and carried on, frankly, I forget where to. Maybe we even raced all the way down to Queenstown. Yes we did! and we stayed by another lake, which we couldn't see because it was too dark as usual. We arrived at the site and found a cow and a circus-like tent set up. CREEPY! we opted for the other field where there were more vans, less animals. My camping buddies froze but for once I was toasty warm. Did I mention we added a third person to the mix starting in Wellington? Well we did. I slept in the middle with a toque on, a hoodie, sweatpants and a fleece tucked into the bottom of my sleeping bag. I also had a bonus blanket, hence being warm. My co-campers were unimpressed with the freezing surroundings and the cattle road blocks. Kickin' photos to follow...
So Queenstown, we went our separate ways for the afternoon - I went for a lovely run in a Stanley park-ish setting. Yes, my knee hurt with every step.
Um, 2 minutes left so I will say, kayaking for 4 hours in Milford Sound - look it up. Happy hour/wedges with sour cream and sweet chili in Te Anau, drive drive drive and Christchurch and fly to Auckland.
So yeah, Fiji next. Stay tuned, I'll be home just now.
peace
On Thursday I'll be flying to Fiji amidst a civil war or coup or something. Can't really get a clear idea of what's going on there but apparently it'll be fine.
I was assured that the capital is to be avoided but the airport and the island I'm going to will hardly know anything is even going on. Super!! because I love love love to just ignore when stuff is hitting the fan around me and I can just sit on the beach and live my life. Cough cough, no really but obviously that is what I'm going to do.
Sorry this entry is random, I was distracted by Taylor Swift playing in the background, that and the time crunch of blogging at a pre-paid internet cafe and now the Verve Pipe is playing - you know the song.
Anyway, so last I wrote we were in Wellington and still on the North Island I think. The past 10 days were spent booking it down the south island and trying to see and do as much as possible.
The run down - took the ferry over, drove through wine country and for some reason, foolishly didn't stop, arrived in Abel Tassman National Park, I think - skipped kayaking and did a lovely short hike along the coast. Then we drove and drove and drove and drove trying to get as close to glacier land as possible. We stayed by a lake and built a wicked fire and cooked chicken sausages to add to our pasta and made smores and looked at the stars. While looking at the stars I stepped right into the stream that was loudly running right next to me into the lake about 5 feet away. It was completely dark out. Oh, other highlights, the toilet at this site was about 3 seconds away from literally being vomit inducing.
From there we drove to Fox Glacier and did our own walk to as close as you can get to it or free. It was pretty cool - um like to look at - rather than temperature wise. We made some fantastic wraps and carried on, frankly, I forget where to. Maybe we even raced all the way down to Queenstown. Yes we did! and we stayed by another lake, which we couldn't see because it was too dark as usual. We arrived at the site and found a cow and a circus-like tent set up. CREEPY! we opted for the other field where there were more vans, less animals. My camping buddies froze but for once I was toasty warm. Did I mention we added a third person to the mix starting in Wellington? Well we did. I slept in the middle with a toque on, a hoodie, sweatpants and a fleece tucked into the bottom of my sleeping bag. I also had a bonus blanket, hence being warm. My co-campers were unimpressed with the freezing surroundings and the cattle road blocks. Kickin' photos to follow...
So Queenstown, we went our separate ways for the afternoon - I went for a lovely run in a Stanley park-ish setting. Yes, my knee hurt with every step.
Um, 2 minutes left so I will say, kayaking for 4 hours in Milford Sound - look it up. Happy hour/wedges with sour cream and sweet chili in Te Anau, drive drive drive and Christchurch and fly to Auckland.
So yeah, Fiji next. Stay tuned, I'll be home just now.
peace
Saturday, April 18, 2009
19.4 km + 8 1/4 hours = 1 Volcanic Hike
and a whole lot of pain, beauty and sense of accomplishment.
Thursday, my friend and I did the Tongariro Crossing and threw in hiking to the summit for good measure. It was long but we made it. Hiking up the active volcano was really tough. I was pulling myself up on rocks at some points and coming back down was even worse. I have loads of bruises from the slide down on your butt over the rocks method we used for much of the way. As well as from falling a few times. If you're lucky enough, when I'm back in Canada in May, I'll figure out how to post the video I took. That was definitely the hardest part. After that, any inclines were tough but seemed relatively easy. We were pressed for time to get back for our ride so we essentially ran the last 2-3k. Yeah, we're feelin it fo sho!
I'm really glad I did it though despite the potential negative impact on my knee. If I can I'll post some pics but for now, just check out the link below. We did see that amazingly clear blue lake, we did see and touch some snow, we looked into the crater of the volcano, we took lots of pictures, we gave a girl who was separated from her group some extra food and I put some dents into my brace.
I'm just heading out now with my friend and my old friend from high school who we are staying with here in Wellington so I better just post this before it's too late.
Stay tuned. Heading to the south island for the next 10 days, then some time in Fiji depending on the situation there...then home.
Check the link below for sure. I'll write when I can.
http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/
Thursday, my friend and I did the Tongariro Crossing and threw in hiking to the summit for good measure. It was long but we made it. Hiking up the active volcano was really tough. I was pulling myself up on rocks at some points and coming back down was even worse. I have loads of bruises from the slide down on your butt over the rocks method we used for much of the way. As well as from falling a few times. If you're lucky enough, when I'm back in Canada in May, I'll figure out how to post the video I took. That was definitely the hardest part. After that, any inclines were tough but seemed relatively easy. We were pressed for time to get back for our ride so we essentially ran the last 2-3k. Yeah, we're feelin it fo sho!
I'm really glad I did it though despite the potential negative impact on my knee. If I can I'll post some pics but for now, just check out the link below. We did see that amazingly clear blue lake, we did see and touch some snow, we looked into the crater of the volcano, we took lots of pictures, we gave a girl who was separated from her group some extra food and I put some dents into my brace.
I'm just heading out now with my friend and my old friend from high school who we are staying with here in Wellington so I better just post this before it's too late.
Stay tuned. Heading to the south island for the next 10 days, then some time in Fiji depending on the situation there...then home.
Check the link below for sure. I'll write when I can.
http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/
Monday, April 13, 2009
Cappuccinos and Charging
Well today we took the ferry over from Hahei beach to Whitianga - a 3 minute ride - to charge our camera batteries and mp3 players. So far we charged while grocery shopping, while drinking cappuccinos as slowly as possible and now while using the overpriced internet. It is a fast connection though.
New Zealand is amazing! Everyone should come here. Don't worry about the long flight, you can drink and or sleep on the way over and wake up with the world on your shoulders. We have done a lot but so little at the same time so far.
Big news highlight is that I went scuba diving! I was down 12m for 30+ minutes on the first go round and then for 57 minutes on the second one. I definitely use up air quickly, which is understandable since I can't breathe properly on land. It was for sure worth the money to dive at Poor Knight's Island - one of the top 10 dive sites in the world (apparently). Hopefully I can tell more later.
What else? Have been for a few tramps (read hikes, walks) and have really enjoyed Coromandel (thanks to my friend's sister for the tip on that one). Hoping to dig a hole in some sand to make our own hot spring this afternoon. Saw a highland cow, had ice cream and pizza in a random small town last night, slept by the beach a few times, played catch with a football on the beach, swam in the ocean a few times so far, have decreased our stalling, got a warning for parking and sleeping illegally, made amazing falafels, had delicious coffee and porridge for easter sunday breakfast and who can even remember all the rest.
No idea what time or day it is anywhere else but I'm thinking maybe you're still enjoying Easter dinner and will be rolling into a long weekend or you had Friday off. Oh date scones are big and good here. Kiwis are good, haven't seen the bird yet though. Avocadoes are where it's at, as is granola and I think I'm just about out of time on here.
Wish my camera battery would charge faster. May have to go get some more coffee to get the ipod done.
And scene
New Zealand is amazing! Everyone should come here. Don't worry about the long flight, you can drink and or sleep on the way over and wake up with the world on your shoulders. We have done a lot but so little at the same time so far.
Big news highlight is that I went scuba diving! I was down 12m for 30+ minutes on the first go round and then for 57 minutes on the second one. I definitely use up air quickly, which is understandable since I can't breathe properly on land. It was for sure worth the money to dive at Poor Knight's Island - one of the top 10 dive sites in the world (apparently). Hopefully I can tell more later.
What else? Have been for a few tramps (read hikes, walks) and have really enjoyed Coromandel (thanks to my friend's sister for the tip on that one). Hoping to dig a hole in some sand to make our own hot spring this afternoon. Saw a highland cow, had ice cream and pizza in a random small town last night, slept by the beach a few times, played catch with a football on the beach, swam in the ocean a few times so far, have decreased our stalling, got a warning for parking and sleeping illegally, made amazing falafels, had delicious coffee and porridge for easter sunday breakfast and who can even remember all the rest.
No idea what time or day it is anywhere else but I'm thinking maybe you're still enjoying Easter dinner and will be rolling into a long weekend or you had Friday off. Oh date scones are big and good here. Kiwis are good, haven't seen the bird yet though. Avocadoes are where it's at, as is granola and I think I'm just about out of time on here.
Wish my camera battery would charge faster. May have to go get some more coffee to get the ipod done.
And scene
Thursday, April 9, 2009
New Zealand - the story so far
Well, we've been driving around the north island for a couple of days now, working on our stick shift skills...Not to worry, they're coming along but we have our moments. For the most part, stalling going up a hill on the highway was good (we got stuck behind a slow truck and someone, cough cough, me, forgot to gear down appropriately), also good was getting pulled over by the po po aka police for going to slow - yup 50 in a main road. What can you do?
We've seen some beautiful things. Was Jurassic Park filmed here because it looks like dinosaurs might be around the bend. We've been swimming in the ocean, had a cold outdoor shower, been rained on, ate at Wendy's, made grilled cheese, tomato and avocado sandwiches by the water as the sun set, been upgraded to something above economy but below first class (on the flight to Aukland), driven in circles, and shopped at the Pac 'N Save. Oh and everytime we buy alcohol - 2 for 2 - we get carded. We're going to test it next time and my friend is going to go solo because she thinks it's me. Then we have to show our passports though I never have mine with me so then she has to pay. It's a good way to make your friend buy you drinks. Don't worry, we're not drinking a lot, just having fun in the liquor aisle.
K 1 minute to go on this internet - I had to put coins in a slot...weird. Oh I'm in Whangarei and am going snorkeling or diving tomorrow...
The air smells wonderful here
We've seen some beautiful things. Was Jurassic Park filmed here because it looks like dinosaurs might be around the bend. We've been swimming in the ocean, had a cold outdoor shower, been rained on, ate at Wendy's, made grilled cheese, tomato and avocado sandwiches by the water as the sun set, been upgraded to something above economy but below first class (on the flight to Aukland), driven in circles, and shopped at the Pac 'N Save. Oh and everytime we buy alcohol - 2 for 2 - we get carded. We're going to test it next time and my friend is going to go solo because she thinks it's me. Then we have to show our passports though I never have mine with me so then she has to pay. It's a good way to make your friend buy you drinks. Don't worry, we're not drinking a lot, just having fun in the liquor aisle.
K 1 minute to go on this internet - I had to put coins in a slot...weird. Oh I'm in Whangarei and am going snorkeling or diving tomorrow...
The air smells wonderful here
Monday, April 6, 2009
One More Thing
Did you guys realise I'm living in the future?
Well I am and things are looking good so check your stress at the door as you move forward.
Smile, the future isn't so scary after all.
Well I am and things are looking good so check your stress at the door as you move forward.
Smile, the future isn't so scary after all.
Tim Tam Slamin'
How you going?
Me? I'm alright, getting things sorted.
Was killing the Tim Tam slam last night. After a delicious Mexican night feast - burritos and nachos - I made some margaritas to make some form of contribution - I was relaxing and watching March Madness as my friend worked away finishing up her assignments.
We broke for some Milo and it was time to slam the Tim Tam - a chocolate biscuit coated in chocolate (pictures to follow, in about a month) - think Penguins or bourbon creams covered in chocolate. Anyway, bite each end and suck up your drink through the biscuit. I was warned it would all fall apart and result in a ruined beverage. Not so when you've got my skills :)
I rocked it and thoroughly enjoyed the treat. Enough to back for seconds despite my full stomach.
Yes gluttony is a theme of this trip.
Anyway, off to New Zealand tomorrow so maybe be absent for a month or so.
Enjoy your April's and see you soon...maybe.
Alison
Me? I'm alright, getting things sorted.
Was killing the Tim Tam slam last night. After a delicious Mexican night feast - burritos and nachos - I made some margaritas to make some form of contribution - I was relaxing and watching March Madness as my friend worked away finishing up her assignments.
We broke for some Milo and it was time to slam the Tim Tam - a chocolate biscuit coated in chocolate (pictures to follow, in about a month) - think Penguins or bourbon creams covered in chocolate. Anyway, bite each end and suck up your drink through the biscuit. I was warned it would all fall apart and result in a ruined beverage. Not so when you've got my skills :)
I rocked it and thoroughly enjoyed the treat. Enough to back for seconds despite my full stomach.
Yes gluttony is a theme of this trip.
Anyway, off to New Zealand tomorrow so maybe be absent for a month or so.
Enjoy your April's and see you soon...maybe.
Alison
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