the trip cut short

Made some plans to go down to Tongariro National Park, was going to do the crossing, but darn the rain, so the 3 days 2 nights trip was cut short to just a night of great dinner and a few drinks, one night stay at the backpackers, a bit of visiting in Taupo the next day and I'm back here in Hamilton!

If only we were a bit more concerned with the weather forecast, and did not put too much hope into the weather clearing up. Came back feeling a lil disappointed that we couldn't do the crossing, guess I'll have to go back another time then. Nevertheless, it was still quite a fun trip down.
As it was raining, and raining the whole time, I didn't manage to take much photos.. here's a few nice ones..

The Flat White

The Hot Chocolate

My Manuka honey & Chestnut ice-cream!

Dedicated to Jo..

Lyrics | Plain White T's lyrics - 1, 2, 3, 4. lyrics

Tonight, I'm thinking of you

It's 5.30am now, and I've been up all night. Was watching some series from Tracy's collection, then was chattin with some friends back home, and then was listening to my friend talk bout her current life. Guess it was a productive night?

Was reading through some of my older posts, and my, my, I don't even remember some of the stuff that I wrote back there. But as I scroll past the older blogs, I came across the one that I posted up Secondhand Serenade's Fall for You. I then realize that I've not heard that song for quite a while,becos
1- my handphone has stopped ringing, that's my ringtone you see,
my dear friends, u ppl get the hint?
2- I'm no longer at work, where our local radio was playing it at least twice a day

So I clicked on 'play' , and I sang along to it. Listening to the song play over and over again brought back so much fond memories, it all started with Jo, she was the one who introduced me to Secondhand Serenades, told me how the name came about.. we both thought it was very sweet of him to choose that name. And then there were the times that we hear this song playing oh-so often on the radio, till Murali has to say, not again. Oh wait, he was referring to Jason Mraz's I'm Yours.

Listening to this song, reminds me of the times that I would repeat the song a few times in your car, almost half the journey back to my house, and that time that we played this song over and over again, as we chatted about almost everything under the stars (sun). Most of all, it reminded me of why I had like this song so much, it was the lyrics that got me hooked on to this song.

Because tonight will be the night
That I will fall for you over again
Don't make me change my mind

Nightmares..

Two nights in a row, I dreamt of the same thing. The never ending arguments that send me into tears. The scenes that I was trying to run away, very much, came fresh into my memory. What does it mean? Is there some significance behind it?

It's been 2 weeks plus, my emotions are much settled..the change has been good i guess,but I wonder if it is the same for you?

Nice flowers..

A day out with Phyo

Phyo had to run some errands today, and thought I'll just tag along. First, we went to Waikato University, it is such a beautiful campus, surrounded with greens, and a lake with ducks swimming in it. I'll study better with all that I think ! haha

Next , we headed to the city, she had to send her car for repair, and apparently it will take bout 2 hours. So after leaving the car at Anglesea Repairs, we walked along Victoria St, searching for food, for our brunch.. We were spoilt for choices of course, but price plays a very important factor too ! aha.. In the end, we settled for Ronnie's cafe, where she had Eggs Benedict and Flat White for $13.90 and myself - Chicken Foccacia and Cappucino for $7.50. The food is quite yum! We had a good time chatting and chilling out there. Next, we walked over to the library, I really like the library, it's open to public and you can borrow up to 20 items at one go, including magazines and DVDs. Plus they have some really cool stuffs too. One particular section of the library caught my attention, it says cancelled items for sale. These are books and dvds that the library has decided to get rid off - they could be old, damaged, or replaced with a newer copy already. The price of each item , 20 cents! what a catch ! I mean if you find something worth buying of course, I did a quick browse, and a copy of Sidney Sheldon's Stranger in the Mirror caught my attention. I took it into my hands, flipped through, looks pretty good to me, so I went to the counter and paid for it. 20 cents for a hardcover novel.. What a steal.

After lotsa window shopping and walking, we decided to drop by the repair centre, just to discover that the car needs more work, so it's either she comes back another day, or she leaves her car overnite, and pick it up tomorrow. Phyo settled for the latter, we both thought that was a better idea. So, we walked over to the transport centre and took a bus home.

What a day..

Week 2 in NZ

It's my second week here in Hamilton. Funny, it feels like a long time already. Was down with a lil flu last week, thanks to Tracy's prescriptions, that knocked me off for more hours than I can rmb, I'm all well now.

Over the weekend, I did lotsa walking. Am glad I got those Reeboks, pretty comfy but don't think it can stand the chill though. On Friday, I walked to town, thinking of saving that 3 dollars bus fare, just to discover that the buses over the weekend are all FOC. Thanks to the Hamilton V8 street race. So, a day in town I spent, walking around , taking more photos, and looking for a job at the same time. Did a little window shopping and set my eyes on a pair of boots. oooh la la.. boy was it pretty. I didn't buy it though, I think i'll wait.

On saturday, Tracy, Phyo & I went for a walk in Hamilton Gardens, my my, it was a very lovely walk. Really liked the Japanese garden and the Rose Garden. They had roses in almost every colour you can imagine ! Have all the pics on my facebook. After a good walk, the afternoon was dedicated to shopping ! well window shopping and groceries shopping to be exact. Bought all i need from Pak n Save, that should last me for the whole of this week, and mayb a bit of next! Was supposed to watch a movie at night with Trace, but i fell asleep halfway, thanks to the flu medicine. So it was a good night sleep til lthe next day.
On Sunday I decided to make full use of the free buses, so i hopped on a bus and got to town. From there, I took another bus to Claudelands, the Hamilton Farmers' Market was there. There were stalls set up, and they all had something homemade or homegrown for sale. There were carrots, beetroots, chillis, apples, feijoas, you name it ! There were other stalls selling meat, fish, flowers and bread. The best was the aroma from the freshly brewed coffee and sizzling sausages on the hot pan! And all of these accompanied by some country singing. What a Sunday !

Sunday afternoon was spent reading , taking a short nap and preparing dinner.Nice!

A day at the Park

Easter weekend was over, but not for the kids, they are still having their school holidays. And there was this big event for them at Lake Rotoroa, or also known as Hamilton Lake. It was Easter at the Park. The event was scheduled to start at 12 noon, so I got up early that morning, checked my mail, confirmed the details of the event again, and got going ! I walked towards the Waikato Hospital, which Tracy has shown me last week, and from there, I'm kinda clueless. Smart me, i didn't check where exactly the picnic will be held, cos it's a huge lake ! So, with the Hamilton brochure in my hands, I just walked my way to where I think the park is, and I found it !

How did I know ? cos i saw this...

Minus the lil kids in there, they were just setting up the bouncy castle when I got there.

It was a lovely day outside, with the ducks swimming in the lake, children runnning around the playground, families laying out a picnic.. something was just missing. That's right, I should have brought a picnic mat and some proper food too ! Not a cereal bar !

Walked around and snapped some photos while waiting for the event to start. Among the ones that I wanna share..

Looks familiar? Now we know that Desa Park City wasn't that creative afterall :P and.. we did play it the right way!

The event started at 12 noon, so i sat back, leaning on a tree and enjoyed myself, watching the kids singing along to The funky Monkeys, and hunting for easter eggs. Sadly for me, I found none. I lined up for a free hot dog though. Yum !

At 2plus, I walked around , did some groceries , and then head back home. And that was a day.

NZ : The weekend trip to Rotorua

It was Easter weekend, and everyone made plans to go somewhere as they had Friday and Monday off. So did Trace & I. Initially, she suggested Coromandel, and I thought of going to Rotorua again. And there were 2 groups of Malaysian who were heading there. So decide..the couple, or the big group. In the end, we decided, the bigger group, so that I won't need to be witnessing PDA, if there were any.

So a very last minute decision was made on Thursday night, and I started packing for the weekend. I wonder if i would get along with them.. cos Trace was not going, she had to stay back to work on her presentation and studies. Doctors..

So I got up at 7+, cos I was told that they are coming to pick me up at 8-ish, little did we know, they only reach here at noon. Ah, Malaysians ! Not that I'm not one. hehehe.Met the happy friends, they are - Timothy, Pang Sheen, Aaron, Jun Wei, Yen Yi, Giovanni and Penny, oh and Kevin. They are very nice people. We reached Rotorua past lunch and headed straight to Skylines - we are goin to the the luge, again for me ! Was here the last time with Dennis & Sue. A few of us decided to be more adventurous, and bought the package with Sky Swing. Turned out that it was just the 3 of us who was adventurous - Kevin, Aaron and myself. It was an awesome ride ! Watch the video below..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7wxhImdE-U&feature=channel_page

Besides the luge, we also visited Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and then a long walk around the park. Next destination was Hells Gate for mud bath and sulphur spa.. Hrmm spent quite a bit there, but nvm ler.. once in a while ! :P

We spent 2 nights in Kiwi Paka backpackers, it is quite a comfy place, if only the heater and hot water was working. haha. Learnt how to play Mafia as well, quite an interesting game.

Come Sunday, the trip was coming to an end, we walked around Kuirau Park, took more photos, and then headed to Lake Rotorua for somemore photo taking. There was a flea market going on as well, and i must say, that's my favourite! more like a total weakness as well, cos i will always end up buying lotsa stuff from flea markets ! After 2 hours of walking around the market, damage done was only $30 and my gains were a bright red bag, a paua ring, a keychain, a love novel, a jumper, 2 ski caps, and 10 mini doughnuts for lunch! Guess I gained more huh ?

So that was my weekend trip with my new found friends.

Day 4 in NZ

It's raining heavily outside, been pouring the whole morning, so it's colder than usual. Was planning to go for a jog this morning, but looks like i have to stay indoor after all.

Last night, I have been busy applying for some jobs in Hamilton, am glad that i have finally come up with some sorta decision. Will be stayin here a bit, can spend time here with Trace, after all she might not even come back to Malaysia after the intern !! there goes one best friend !

Never thought this would come out from me, but, I am a lil homesick, funny thing is that i only feel it at night, when the sky turns dark at 7pm, and everyone is settled back in their room. I miss the tv sessions with sis and mom, and my sissy coming to share my bed on some of the nights.

It was really cold last nite,and i slept all curled up in my sleeping bag, oh dear, i wonder if i could stand the whole of autumn and winter..brrrr

In New Zealand

My dinner on MH 131

Man outside Auckland International Airport

Happy Birthday Tracy!


That's a long wish she made..

With Tracy's housemates


Tracy's Half a Cake

The Land of the Long White Cloud

Kia ora !!

I'm finally here, after a 10 hours flight and another 1.5 hours on the road, I'm all settled in Tracy's cozy house in Hamilton. It was very nice of her housemate to let me stay in her room while she's away, and she has very cool housemates too. Don't feel like leaving already. haha.

Last nite we ordered pizza from Hell Pizza.They have a rather controversial theme on their site, and every pizza is named according to a sin. We had Lust and Purgatory. It was yum ! oops. check it out...https://hellpizza.co.nz

We also celebrated Tracy's birthday with half a cake... apparently they dun sell 0.5 kg cakes here, like back home. weird.

The weather was a lil chilly last nite, and this morning when I woke up. Brrr.. have to put on my jacket and warm my fingers. Am going to sit around to plan out somethings and probably heading to the bank and grocer's later !

Am planning to stay here at Tracy's place for a few days, and then move on to another place to find work. Or i could stay here and work here, then travel. Hmm.. On the plane, I met this 2 other Malaysian girls, they are here for working holiday too.But they are now in Auckland, told them to keep in touch so that we could travel down to other places together. Hope I'll make more friends soon !

@10.20am

I'm ready to go...

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

Will be leaving for the airport at 6pm. That's 1 hr and 30 mins. Am feeling a lil nervous plus worried, not sure if I will be able to cope in the next few months.

And suddenly, I know I will be missing some people, Not being able to see them almost every other day makes my heart feel heavy to leave. I'll stay in touch , I promise !

Thanks for the wishes peeps, and the lil prezzies. LP - wished I can bring my Numero with me, but not such a great idea cos it's white, but it's safely tucked in on my bed de, together with Burberry, Parcel, Spencer and Hugzie. They are all my sleeping companions. hehe

Gonna finish up the few last minute tasks, and make a move to the airport.. whew..

Noob noob noob....

Logged on to the Net early this morning, yeah, like at 12.30am.. Wanted to pen down a train of thoughts, but was dozing off in front of my pc waiting for blogger and Pet Society to load.. so i gave up. Plus the frustration of not being able to upload the pics from our PD trip, puts me off.

Halfway thru packing my bags.. and decided to stop a while to blog. Yesterday was April Fools Day. If it wasn't for the article on the newspaper, the radio program and my girlfriends prank, I would have totally forgotten bout it. Those were the days when we used to play simple tricks on our friends and teachers. Somehow one silly trick back in primary school came into my mind, my classmate shouted cockcroach, and I actually leaped up. Ah, those fun filled school days.

One trick that I nearly fell for yesterday was my friend's news bout her being pregnant. She told me that I was goin to be an aunty next year, so I dialled her number immediately only to recall that it's April Fool's day. So i told her to check again, mayb her pregnancy kit is playing a prank on her. Haha.. 1 point for me ! Good one girl, I nearly fell for it.
I pulled some tricks on my friends too, but not all were successful, probably I didn't do such a great job at lying or maybe I wasn't even lying.

Well, gotta go back to my packing.. Oh I am such a noob at packing for a long trip! I don't know how much I should bring for 6 months. and what I should bring. And mom has been saying , just buy whatever you need there... hrmm.. won't I be spending a lot then?Am 2 days away from departure, a lil nervous, and can't believe that the day is finally here. Am wondering what I would be doing in the next six months, would I be travelling every other week, or would I stay put at one place for long?