I'm back in at home, in KL, and that means my working holiday is officially over.
It was a good week spent up in Auckland, well, I was only there for 2 days, as Sue brought me up North for a few days. So I managed to cram a day trip up to Cape Reinga and a dolphin cruise around Bay of Islands. It was awesome !
So here I am back in the hot tropical Malaysia.. and complaining about the heat. The past 6 months felt like a dream, if it weren't for the constant messages and phone calls from NZ, I would have thought it was really a dream.
sighh
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Maori love song
At 22 and 33 seconds, that's Mount Manganui. That's where I went for a walk. The two white buildings at the bottom of the Mount, are the Twin Towers. Not quite like the Petronas ones of course!
Kia ora , Haere Mai!
I left Tauranga with a heavy heart but I was really glad that I made the decision to make a stopover at Rotorua to go for the Tamaki experience. It has always been on my list of NZ must-dos, I skipped it in the beginning of my trip as I thought it wasn't worth 100 dollars for that 3 hours experience..and not to mention that a dear friend told me to watch the Maori channel instead! But I have spent more money down South on activities that are not exactly worth every penny of mine, so I thought I should go for it this time ! And it is probably one of the greatest experience here!
The night started with a bus trip out to the Maori village, the bus ride itself played a big part as the driver prepares us for the whole cultural experience ahead of us. A chief was selected from the participants and we were all given a briefing on what's expected from us at the welcoming ceremony.
The night started with a welcome ceremony by the Chief at the village, followed by tour around the many school houses where we learned more about the Maori culture. A performance consisting of songs and dances followed through. My favourite was the famous love song, Pokarekare Ana and the Haka of course. A group of strong Maori man with tattooed faces , shouting and slapping their thighs? I likey!
We then come to the final part of the event, the hangi , traditional Maori meal where food is cooked with hot stones. It was yum! We had lamb and chicken that has been cooked for hours in the hangi, and among the side dishes were potatoes, carrots and kumara cooked the same way. For dessert, we had pavlova - a real kiwi icon, and steamed pudding with NZ's best custard and cream! What a treat.
After a few more songs and another round of Haka, the amazing night came to an end. We boarded our bus again, which was labelled Waka ( Maori word for canoe) - we had to 'row' it back to the Tamaki office. On the way home, everyone had to sing a song from their country, so I proudly belted out Rasa Sayang - being the shortest and simplest song I could rmb !
Got back to my hostel -Crash Palace at 10-ish, feeling so glad that I came here for this. I felt that it was a good way to round up my 6 months journey here in NZ.
The night started with a bus trip out to the Maori village, the bus ride itself played a big part as the driver prepares us for the whole cultural experience ahead of us. A chief was selected from the participants and we were all given a briefing on what's expected from us at the welcoming ceremony.
The night started with a welcome ceremony by the Chief at the village, followed by tour around the many school houses where we learned more about the Maori culture. A performance consisting of songs and dances followed through. My favourite was the famous love song, Pokarekare Ana and the Haka of course. A group of strong Maori man with tattooed faces , shouting and slapping their thighs? I likey!
We then come to the final part of the event, the hangi , traditional Maori meal where food is cooked with hot stones. It was yum! We had lamb and chicken that has been cooked for hours in the hangi, and among the side dishes were potatoes, carrots and kumara cooked the same way. For dessert, we had pavlova - a real kiwi icon, and steamed pudding with NZ's best custard and cream! What a treat.
After a few more songs and another round of Haka, the amazing night came to an end. We boarded our bus again, which was labelled Waka ( Maori word for canoe) - we had to 'row' it back to the Tamaki office. On the way home, everyone had to sing a song from their country, so I proudly belted out Rasa Sayang - being the shortest and simplest song I could rmb !
Got back to my hostel -Crash Palace at 10-ish, feeling so glad that I came here for this. I felt that it was a good way to round up my 6 months journey here in NZ.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Back at one
No...I am not referring to the song by Brian McKnight
It's been an emotional week for me. It all started when I boarded the flight from Christchurch.
Tues- Christchurch to Wellington
Wed- Wellington to Tauranga
Sun - Tauranga to Rotorua
Mon- Rotorua to Hamilton
In the span of a few days, I find myself back at where it all started. The longest journey was the 8 hours bus ride from Wellington, and I was quite surprised that I didn't even catch a wink on this long journey. Ironically, as the bus travels forward, I was actually doing a back track , emotionally at least. As I passed by all the places on the route, I can't help thinking about how I was once there with different people, and with a completely different set of emotions. Back then, I was all enthusiastic bout moving down south and had so much company. And now, I am all alone, carrying with me a heavy heart as I know I have come to the end of my journey.
Boarded the bus from Wellington Railway Station, I was once there waiting for the shuttle for my ferry to Picton. The emotional journey now begins. All the way up to Tauranga, the places that stirred most of my emotions was Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu, National Park and Taupo. It felt like just a moment ago that I was there with my friends. Texted Therese the whole time, and told her how much I missed the times that we were driving down together. A few other special ones came into mind. And one very special person... yes, I thought about him, and that's probably the only factor that will be putting a smile on my face as I reach my final destination. And Ivy of course.
As the bus pulls over at the i-site on Willow St, the first thing I saw was the group of happy friends that sent me off back in June, well that of course was imaginary. The next thing I saw was a white 4WD pulling over right across the street. And so I smiled.
The next few days was spent catching up with different people.I went for a short walk with Sven, on the farm where he works and out to Kaiate Falls on Welcome Bay. I met up with Grayson for dinner, we had fish and chips, with enough tomato sauce. :) It was good catching up with him.
Fri morning was spent feeling emo, again, walked to the city on my own, and remembered how Jess & I walked there on Queen's birthday to have fish and chips near the Harbour. That was a fun day. Did a bit of window shopping and felt much better after that. Shopped at Pak n Save and bought some food, was goin to bake some treaties for Kez and the girls. It's unbelievable how I am always baking.. you can't take the baking out of Amanda!
Paid a lil visit to good 'ol Bell Lodge in the evening, was going to catch up with Ally, Laura and Chris. Had dinner cooked for me, as usual, Ally's cooking is yum! Needless to say, I ate all of that rice.. gosh..and then I had pancakes...the best pancakes ever by Chris. Thanks darling !
It was weird to be back there too, the one hostel that I stayed for 7 weeks, every corner I looked at reminded me of someone and something. But I felt like a stranger this time, in that very kitchen that I once cooked,baked, hugged and kissed! Guess it will never feel the same again, not without the company.
Walked back alone to the girls' place on Waihi road, again I remembered how we once walked them back after dinner and apple crumble. Fell flat out on my bed and slept so well till morning. I must be tired from all the reminiscing.
Sat morning, I woke up feeling pretty upset as it was pouring and all grey outside. I had plans to go for a walk up Mt Manganui with a friend - Why? Why must it rain?Did God not get my text msg asking for nice sunny weather? The bad feeling didn't last long though, at 11am, the rain stopped, and the clouds cleared up. Still it wasn't sunny, but good enough. Got picked up at half one, and off we went to the Mount. And so I smiled again.
It was an afternoon well spent..a good walk up the mount, followed by ice-cream on fresh waffle cones - which we truly deserve! And a good DVD to round it up. I'm glad we watched Marley & Me and not Green Mile! It was then time to go, and also time to say goodbye. He sent me home, and came in for a bit of a chat. We hugged goodbye, and he was off. This time, I didn't smile. I couldn't convince myself that this is the end of the lovely afternoon, the end of my visit. And so I went up to my bed, and I cried.
It's been an emotional week for me. It all started when I boarded the flight from Christchurch.
Tues- Christchurch to Wellington
Wed- Wellington to Tauranga
Sun - Tauranga to Rotorua
Mon- Rotorua to Hamilton
In the span of a few days, I find myself back at where it all started. The longest journey was the 8 hours bus ride from Wellington, and I was quite surprised that I didn't even catch a wink on this long journey. Ironically, as the bus travels forward, I was actually doing a back track , emotionally at least. As I passed by all the places on the route, I can't help thinking about how I was once there with different people, and with a completely different set of emotions. Back then, I was all enthusiastic bout moving down south and had so much company. And now, I am all alone, carrying with me a heavy heart as I know I have come to the end of my journey.
Boarded the bus from Wellington Railway Station, I was once there waiting for the shuttle for my ferry to Picton. The emotional journey now begins. All the way up to Tauranga, the places that stirred most of my emotions was Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu, National Park and Taupo. It felt like just a moment ago that I was there with my friends. Texted Therese the whole time, and told her how much I missed the times that we were driving down together. A few other special ones came into mind. And one very special person... yes, I thought about him, and that's probably the only factor that will be putting a smile on my face as I reach my final destination. And Ivy of course.
As the bus pulls over at the i-site on Willow St, the first thing I saw was the group of happy friends that sent me off back in June, well that of course was imaginary. The next thing I saw was a white 4WD pulling over right across the street. And so I smiled.
The next few days was spent catching up with different people.I went for a short walk with Sven, on the farm where he works and out to Kaiate Falls on Welcome Bay. I met up with Grayson for dinner, we had fish and chips, with enough tomato sauce. :) It was good catching up with him.
Fri morning was spent feeling emo, again, walked to the city on my own, and remembered how Jess & I walked there on Queen's birthday to have fish and chips near the Harbour. That was a fun day. Did a bit of window shopping and felt much better after that. Shopped at Pak n Save and bought some food, was goin to bake some treaties for Kez and the girls. It's unbelievable how I am always baking.. you can't take the baking out of Amanda!
Paid a lil visit to good 'ol Bell Lodge in the evening, was going to catch up with Ally, Laura and Chris. Had dinner cooked for me, as usual, Ally's cooking is yum! Needless to say, I ate all of that rice.. gosh..and then I had pancakes...the best pancakes ever by Chris. Thanks darling !
It was weird to be back there too, the one hostel that I stayed for 7 weeks, every corner I looked at reminded me of someone and something. But I felt like a stranger this time, in that very kitchen that I once cooked,baked, hugged and kissed! Guess it will never feel the same again, not without the company.
Walked back alone to the girls' place on Waihi road, again I remembered how we once walked them back after dinner and apple crumble. Fell flat out on my bed and slept so well till morning. I must be tired from all the reminiscing.
Sat morning, I woke up feeling pretty upset as it was pouring and all grey outside. I had plans to go for a walk up Mt Manganui with a friend - Why? Why must it rain?Did God not get my text msg asking for nice sunny weather? The bad feeling didn't last long though, at 11am, the rain stopped, and the clouds cleared up. Still it wasn't sunny, but good enough. Got picked up at half one, and off we went to the Mount. And so I smiled again.
It was an afternoon well spent..a good walk up the mount, followed by ice-cream on fresh waffle cones - which we truly deserve! And a good DVD to round it up. I'm glad we watched Marley & Me and not Green Mile! It was then time to go, and also time to say goodbye. He sent me home, and came in for a bit of a chat. We hugged goodbye, and he was off. This time, I didn't smile. I couldn't convince myself that this is the end of the lovely afternoon, the end of my visit. And so I went up to my bed, and I cried.
Friday, September 4, 2009
A moment
It's one of those moments...
It's 1.23am , and I'm still up. I can't sleep for some reason. A lot of thoughts are clouding my mind.. thoughts og the future, and thoughts of the past. I clicked on " All Friends" on my facebook, and clicked on some friends randomly, well, selectively to be exact, and thought about how things were, once upon a time.
I wish someone could hear me out, but I don't know who. Are you out there?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A friend from home
I woke up at 9am yesterday, and have been watching the time since then. Waiting for the buzzer at the door to go, and to see a familiar face behind the door. It was 10 mins past 12, and still no sight of her. Being the impatient me, I walked down to the i-site, it's just 5 mins away anyways.. then there it was, the French Connection bus, it drove past the i-site, and a familiar face was sitting right next to the window, I waved frantically. Jo is finally here.. been waiting for her to arrive eversince I got here to Akaroa.
It feels great to have a friend from home ! It was great bitching bout certain things and people and having a listener who understands it! Hehe. Am so glad to have her here.
Made pancakes for breakfast today, Jo, Franck & I sat out in the garden to have stacks of pancakes with the yummiest maple syrup ! Then we did some shopping in Akaroa, ( ooo, hard work!). The weather has been nasty today, we woke up to some strong wind, then we had hail, and then it was sunny for a while before it started raining again. And it has been snowing further down south too. We had a quiet day of lollies, coffee and sitting by the fire. What a life !
It feels great to have a friend from home ! It was great bitching bout certain things and people and having a listener who understands it! Hehe. Am so glad to have her here.
Made pancakes for breakfast today, Jo, Franck & I sat out in the garden to have stacks of pancakes with the yummiest maple syrup ! Then we did some shopping in Akaroa, ( ooo, hard work!). The weather has been nasty today, we woke up to some strong wind, then we had hail, and then it was sunny for a while before it started raining again. And it has been snowing further down south too. We had a quiet day of lollies, coffee and sitting by the fire. What a life !
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
the very disturbing conversation
I met up with a friend yesterday as she came to Akaroa for a day trip. Well, we both have a mutual friend, that's how we were introduced, virtually. We met up at the Akaroa Fish & Chips, and sat down to have some hearty lunch. I finally had my chance to try a whitebait pattie, after much curiosity about it. It reminded me so much of ikan bilis, yeah so it's like an ikan bilis omelette which cost me 9 dollars ! Blimey.
The disturbing conversation started with me suggesting to go and sit on a sunny spot, and the respond that I received was " as if there's not enough sun in Malaysia" , well technically he didn't say that to me, but i somehow felt annoyed with that statement. The conversation then continued with me asking how long they have been studying here in NZ, and how did they find this place? and the answer i got was
" Peaceful... very quiet."
" Well, whereabouts you from? "
"Kuching"
"Oh, then you should be alright, Kuching isn't that busy"
"No lor, I think Kuching is more happening than here"
" Really? Well, coming to NZ is all bout enjoying the nature"
"Yea, it's just the nature lor, nothing much d"
"Why did you choose to come here then? " was already a lil annoyed at this point.
" Urm.. I didn't choose this place"
All I could say in my head was , you ungrateful son ! I didn't know why I was annoyed with him, probably because I have not met someone who made such negative comment about NZ. I almost ashamed that he was Malaysian ! Maybe I have been kiwi-fied, and learnt to be more polite and not make such blunt comments.
I just munched my way through lunch, and wished that it will be over soon, so that I could go soak in the sunshine and the beautiful scenery of Akaroa.
Which I did. I took the bike out to the wharf and just sat there on a sunny spot all afternoon. Let the waves of the sea wash away that disturbing conversation.
The disturbing conversation started with me suggesting to go and sit on a sunny spot, and the respond that I received was " as if there's not enough sun in Malaysia" , well technically he didn't say that to me, but i somehow felt annoyed with that statement. The conversation then continued with me asking how long they have been studying here in NZ, and how did they find this place? and the answer i got was
" Peaceful... very quiet."
" Well, whereabouts you from? "
"Kuching"
"Oh, then you should be alright, Kuching isn't that busy"
"No lor, I think Kuching is more happening than here"
" Really? Well, coming to NZ is all bout enjoying the nature"
"Yea, it's just the nature lor, nothing much d"
"Why did you choose to come here then? " was already a lil annoyed at this point.
" Urm.. I didn't choose this place"
All I could say in my head was , you ungrateful son ! I didn't know why I was annoyed with him, probably because I have not met someone who made such negative comment about NZ. I almost ashamed that he was Malaysian ! Maybe I have been kiwi-fied, and learnt to be more polite and not make such blunt comments.
I just munched my way through lunch, and wished that it will be over soon, so that I could go soak in the sunshine and the beautiful scenery of Akaroa.
Which I did. I took the bike out to the wharf and just sat there on a sunny spot all afternoon. Let the waves of the sea wash away that disturbing conversation.
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