Am managing shortbread cottage today. Its lovely as I'm actually having some space to myself! Its very quiet and there hasnt been anyone around all day which is a relief for me. You cant imagine what its like having people around you all day everyday! Literally I am unable to read a book without having someone talk to me on every sentence. I try to block it out sometimes and read on but its tricky! I feel a bit mean saying that as of course before I was lonely and wanted company and now I want some time on my own! am am so looking forward to having a room to myself tonight!
I think thats why I liked having my own flat so much. I could have all the time on my own I wanted but see people and socialise whenever I felt like it. I am definately someone who likes some space to myself! which is very hard to come by as a backpacker. Theres no happy medium! you either end up in the middle of nowhere all lonely or never with a moment to oneself! Oh well, moan over for now! Have done all the work for the day, cleaned, chopped wood and lit the fire etc. There a couple of people due to check in so it should be nice and quiet!
Last night we all played Monopoly which as usual went on forever! Funny though and we taught a Japanese girl how to play etc (dont think she knew what she'd let herself in for!)
Am glad I am earning money here in Nelson but am looking forward to moving on as well! I just have to make myself stay longer while I have work in case I dont get any elsewhere. I wish I didnt get itchy feet!! But I guess when your somewhere that is right for you then you dont have that feeling? I dont know! as actually I really like Nelson, may I'm just tired or something. I find it difficult as I cant sleep without ear plugs but if I have my ear plugs in I cant hear my alarm clock so either way I end up laying awake all night listening to snoring or I wake up every 10 minutes checking my clock! oh well am sure I will settle into routine soon! Either that or lose all my friends because I'm so grumpy!! (I am not by the way always grumpy - it is just the last couple of days and not 24/7 - just now and then!) trying to make it sound less now..!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Its the weekend!! Yay!! of course my excitement is shortlived as I am working at the other backpackers - shortbread cottage all weekend. But its easy work, I just clean in the morning and spend the afternoon sitting about reading and keeping the fire lit. I'm hoping for a double room to be free again! I love having a room to myself!!
Today I worked all morning at the ChildCare Company and this afternoon I went for a walk up a steep hill to the Centre of New Zealand (which is exactly apparently that). Pretty views, of Nelson city and the snowy mountains and pretty sea. It didnt take too long but was pretty steep!
Then I went for a walk round the Botanical Gardens which was pretty, lots of ducks etc in thr pond!
Then I went into town and bought an empty recipe book like my mums one. Everyone keeps giving me recipes and I collect them while I'm travelling so its nice to have something to put them in!! (it is a little worrying that this may mean I'm old - or grown up or something!) But the people I'm living with all like baking too! I hadnt baked in ages before I came out here!
Dad - can you email me the recipe for Aunties Biscuits?! I have plenty of oats as I always have them in my porridge! (all these winter foods!)
Aurore and Pat have ended up staying at Patrice now has a job at the fish factory! so that is cool! am glad about that! it would be weird without them!
Today I worked all morning at the ChildCare Company and this afternoon I went for a walk up a steep hill to the Centre of New Zealand (which is exactly apparently that). Pretty views, of Nelson city and the snowy mountains and pretty sea. It didnt take too long but was pretty steep!
Then I went for a walk round the Botanical Gardens which was pretty, lots of ducks etc in thr pond!
Then I went into town and bought an empty recipe book like my mums one. Everyone keeps giving me recipes and I collect them while I'm travelling so its nice to have something to put them in!! (it is a little worrying that this may mean I'm old - or grown up or something!) But the people I'm living with all like baking too! I hadnt baked in ages before I came out here!
Dad - can you email me the recipe for Aunties Biscuits?! I have plenty of oats as I always have them in my porridge! (all these winter foods!)
Aurore and Pat have ended up staying at Patrice now has a job at the fish factory! so that is cool! am glad about that! it would be weird without them!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
My mummy and phone calls home
I had a shock yesterday when I got an email from dad and found out my mum had, had an accident the other day. Nobody is sure what happened but it assumed she fainted and hurt herself on the way down, but was unconsious for a long time. I wasnt told until she was "out of the woods". She is now out of hospital and all that but it is still very worrying. She has to wait for tests to find out what caused it.
Anyway I phoned home for the first time in 6 months and spoke to mum which was really nice. I felt emotional and missed her and was worried about her. She said she looks a mess as she has stitches on her face. It was lovely to speak to her!
Last night I also watched the film "Once were Warriors" a maori film which is really heavy going. alot of people had warned me to be brave watching it! its is basically about Domestic Violence so at least I think it was easier for me to watch because of my old job! But I did shed a tear or two I have to admit! Anyway, you should watch it! its very famous over here as well as Whale Rider of course. The good thing is being able to find out more about maori culture but maoris are generally very against once were warriors as it shows them in a bad light (ie very violent). I can see their point as it does. but statictically I think the maoris are more likely to be living in poverty. I was reading the paper last night about 3 month old maori twins who have been killed (presumably by a family member - it is being investigated), anyway I read that violence and child death is twice as likley to occur in maori families than any other race. that is a truly shocking statistic.
Anyway on a lighter note. cadburys chocolate over hre although is has the funny anto melting agent in it which makes it taste funny has so many different types than in England. First off theres Black forest which has cherry jelly bits and biscuitty bits in and the new ones are Cadburys Desserts chocolates, which come in 3 types, chocolate brownie (chocolate filled with gooey brownie), banoffi (cocolate filled with banana flavoured toffee) and lemon cheesecake (you get the idea!) anyway they are so SCRUMMY!! do you have these in england yet?
When I first came to NZ (in the summer) I thought it was really quaint that NZ houses do not have heating.. now quaint is not quite how I would describe it! Are they insane? I am not sure I can hack another winter in NZ when the majority of backpackers (and apparently houses - I asked at work today) do not have heating. After all log fires only heat the lounge - what about the rest of the house - how on earth is anyone supposed to get out of bed in the mornings?! I thin kI will leave NZ in May and go to Australia. as much as I love it here I am not mad keen on the winters!! and the thought that winter doesnt really end until September does not fill me with joy!!
Anyway I phoned home for the first time in 6 months and spoke to mum which was really nice. I felt emotional and missed her and was worried about her. She said she looks a mess as she has stitches on her face. It was lovely to speak to her!
Last night I also watched the film "Once were Warriors" a maori film which is really heavy going. alot of people had warned me to be brave watching it! its is basically about Domestic Violence so at least I think it was easier for me to watch because of my old job! But I did shed a tear or two I have to admit! Anyway, you should watch it! its very famous over here as well as Whale Rider of course. The good thing is being able to find out more about maori culture but maoris are generally very against once were warriors as it shows them in a bad light (ie very violent). I can see their point as it does. but statictically I think the maoris are more likely to be living in poverty. I was reading the paper last night about 3 month old maori twins who have been killed (presumably by a family member - it is being investigated), anyway I read that violence and child death is twice as likley to occur in maori families than any other race. that is a truly shocking statistic.
Anyway on a lighter note. cadburys chocolate over hre although is has the funny anto melting agent in it which makes it taste funny has so many different types than in England. First off theres Black forest which has cherry jelly bits and biscuitty bits in and the new ones are Cadburys Desserts chocolates, which come in 3 types, chocolate brownie (chocolate filled with gooey brownie), banoffi (cocolate filled with banana flavoured toffee) and lemon cheesecake (you get the idea!) anyway they are so SCRUMMY!! do you have these in england yet?
When I first came to NZ (in the summer) I thought it was really quaint that NZ houses do not have heating.. now quaint is not quite how I would describe it! Are they insane? I am not sure I can hack another winter in NZ when the majority of backpackers (and apparently houses - I asked at work today) do not have heating. After all log fires only heat the lounge - what about the rest of the house - how on earth is anyone supposed to get out of bed in the mornings?! I thin kI will leave NZ in May and go to Australia. as much as I love it here I am not mad keen on the winters!! and the thought that winter doesnt really end until September does not fill me with joy!!
Monday, June 26, 2006
I have the morning off work so I am making the most of it by coming into town. Its really warm in the sunshine but was still a freezing bike ride into town!
Anyway not to hint or anything but if anyone wants to send me a birthday card next month my address is
Alan's Place/ Gingerbread House
42 Westbrook Terrace
Nelson
South Island
New Zealand
I intend to stay here for a while (well at least until my birthday anyway)
I'm thinking of going on a day trip to the Abel Tasman the weekend before my birthday as a treat so that should be cool if the weather is nice (lets hope!)
Tonight is Patrice and Aurores last night which is really sad as they havent found work so are going to Blenheim. Its will be a shame as they are really fun and Eva and I will miss them. Instead we will have to listen to Gareth telling Jessica that no she cant buy shampoo because they are on a budget. (this was their conversation last night!)
Anyway not to hint or anything but if anyone wants to send me a birthday card next month my address is
Alan's Place/ Gingerbread House
42 Westbrook Terrace
Nelson
South Island
New Zealand
I intend to stay here for a while (well at least until my birthday anyway)
I'm thinking of going on a day trip to the Abel Tasman the weekend before my birthday as a treat so that should be cool if the weather is nice (lets hope!)
Tonight is Patrice and Aurores last night which is really sad as they havent found work so are going to Blenheim. Its will be a shame as they are really fun and Eva and I will miss them. Instead we will have to listen to Gareth telling Jessica that no she cant buy shampoo because they are on a budget. (this was their conversation last night!)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
J'ai Patiner
So I went skating! was really funny!! its was aproper old fashioned roller disco full on 10 year olds and penny sweets! (although obviously cents). we were the only grown ups there!! we had fun though!
I spent the entire time alternatively on my arse or one my knees depending on which was I fell! the 10 year olds were very friendly though, helping me up to my feet and giving me tips to stay upright for longer!! Patrice and Aurore were great too each holding a hand to take me round the loop!! Its must have been an amusing sight because soemtimes I only remained upright for a few minutes!! and when I couldnt get up I just crawled on my hands and knees to the edges!!
I have slightly itchy feet, I have been in Nelson for 2 weeks which is a long time for me and would really like to get out and see the rest of the south island, but I have to stay here as long as I can find work. I havent found much paid work elswhere so I need to make the most of it! Patrice and Aurore have been out for a day trip and got stuck in the snow, its so unfair! I want to play in the snow!
I have made plans to stay here till the end of august but it depends on the work I guess. If it runs dry I'll leave before then. at least the fact I am doing agency work does really mean that I coudd go away fro a week and cure my itchy feet for a bit I suppose. But that will have to wait a while at least as I have work all of next week and have to work both the following weekends at the backpackers. I should however have the weekend off before my birthday which is something, and Eva is packing in the fish factory, she cant stand it any longer, so she is looking for day shift work as well, at least that will help with disturbed sleep as it was again for her me getting up at 7am and her getting in a 2am or something.
made a yummy carrot cake yeseterday, tunred out very well, am testing out all the recipes in the one recipe book we have here.
I spent the entire time alternatively on my arse or one my knees depending on which was I fell! the 10 year olds were very friendly though, helping me up to my feet and giving me tips to stay upright for longer!! Patrice and Aurore were great too each holding a hand to take me round the loop!! Its must have been an amusing sight because soemtimes I only remained upright for a few minutes!! and when I couldnt get up I just crawled on my hands and knees to the edges!!
I have slightly itchy feet, I have been in Nelson for 2 weeks which is a long time for me and would really like to get out and see the rest of the south island, but I have to stay here as long as I can find work. I havent found much paid work elswhere so I need to make the most of it! Patrice and Aurore have been out for a day trip and got stuck in the snow, its so unfair! I want to play in the snow!
I have made plans to stay here till the end of august but it depends on the work I guess. If it runs dry I'll leave before then. at least the fact I am doing agency work does really mean that I coudd go away fro a week and cure my itchy feet for a bit I suppose. But that will have to wait a while at least as I have work all of next week and have to work both the following weekends at the backpackers. I should however have the weekend off before my birthday which is something, and Eva is packing in the fish factory, she cant stand it any longer, so she is looking for day shift work as well, at least that will help with disturbed sleep as it was again for her me getting up at 7am and her getting in a 2am or something.
made a yummy carrot cake yeseterday, tunred out very well, am testing out all the recipes in the one recipe book we have here.
Friday, June 23, 2006
another cold night!
Its the weekend!! yay! yay! yay! as much as I like working at the nursery its nice to have the weekend! am also glad I have work there all week next week!
This morning I went to the market with patrice and aurore and got my fruit and veg for the week and also went to the kathmandu sale and got a fleece. I need a decent smart fleece for work as I end up spending 9 hours outside! which is a tad chilly!! cycling there and back and ususually for an hour in my lunch break is fine as the hills work up a sweat but standing around outside is chilly!
then this afternoon eve and I made carrot cake.
Its very funny as this colleage at work was asking me what i do at the weekends and evenings and without thinking I answered well we do puzzles and bake... she's about 21 or something and looked at me like I was a 101! I realised how scarily boring I sounded but its not as if we have a TV (and I wouldnt want one - except to watch lost on wednesdays nights) and I told her its kind of fun with all of us chatting together and having fun, but she still didnt believe me and looked at me like I was quite possibly the most boring person in the world! I really need to get out more!!
anyway I told everyone this and tonight we are going to a roller disco!!! now we really are going back in time and its so funny the thought of going to a disco! (now I really am 101!) lol! anyway, I've only done a tniy bit of rollerblading on great barrier island on their decking so I probably wont let go of the sides!! and all the 12 year olds will laugh at me!! but I'm sure it will still be a laugh as we are all going (Me, Eva, Patrice, Aurore, Gareth and Jessica). Gareth is quite possibly the most fuddy duddy goody goody two shoes I have ever met though! he's really funny!! He never lets Jessica have any kind of fun at all! They are on such a budget and practically eat plain pasta as he wont let them spend the money on sauce but have tonnes of money - gold isa accounts and god knows what! oh well I guess thats why they have money and I dont?! But I am budgetting well really! I have made loads of meals to freeze of spag bol and lamb curries and have the cheap fish ($1 a sack from evas work) so I'm sorted really!
This morning I went to the market with patrice and aurore and got my fruit and veg for the week and also went to the kathmandu sale and got a fleece. I need a decent smart fleece for work as I end up spending 9 hours outside! which is a tad chilly!! cycling there and back and ususually for an hour in my lunch break is fine as the hills work up a sweat but standing around outside is chilly!
then this afternoon eve and I made carrot cake.
Its very funny as this colleage at work was asking me what i do at the weekends and evenings and without thinking I answered well we do puzzles and bake... she's about 21 or something and looked at me like I was a 101! I realised how scarily boring I sounded but its not as if we have a TV (and I wouldnt want one - except to watch lost on wednesdays nights) and I told her its kind of fun with all of us chatting together and having fun, but she still didnt believe me and looked at me like I was quite possibly the most boring person in the world! I really need to get out more!!
anyway I told everyone this and tonight we are going to a roller disco!!! now we really are going back in time and its so funny the thought of going to a disco! (now I really am 101!) lol! anyway, I've only done a tniy bit of rollerblading on great barrier island on their decking so I probably wont let go of the sides!! and all the 12 year olds will laugh at me!! but I'm sure it will still be a laugh as we are all going (Me, Eva, Patrice, Aurore, Gareth and Jessica). Gareth is quite possibly the most fuddy duddy goody goody two shoes I have ever met though! he's really funny!! He never lets Jessica have any kind of fun at all! They are on such a budget and practically eat plain pasta as he wont let them spend the money on sauce but have tonnes of money - gold isa accounts and god knows what! oh well I guess thats why they have money and I dont?! But I am budgetting well really! I have made loads of meals to freeze of spag bol and lamb curries and have the cheap fish ($1 a sack from evas work) so I'm sorted really!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Winter Solstace
sometimes I think theres a real risk of me getting pneumonia and dying! The showers are in blocks outside and I have to really persuade myself to have a shower! When its minus five or something and icy underfoot its horrible! once your in the shower its good but then I cant persuade myself to get out again!!
worked at nursery all day today, am working there tomorrow and friday, then have the weekend off and am working there everyday next week. so thats good! I need the money!!
its the shortest day today so roll on summer, thr days wil get longer as from tomorrow! which is a relief as I hate getting up in the dark!
still it was nice cycling to work this morning, it was really pretty, a really pink sunrise.
worked at nursery all day today, am working there tomorrow and friday, then have the weekend off and am working there everyday next week. so thats good! I need the money!!
its the shortest day today so roll on summer, thr days wil get longer as from tomorrow! which is a relief as I hate getting up in the dark!
still it was nice cycling to work this morning, it was really pretty, a really pink sunrise.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Bloody Freezing!!
It is actually a sunny day today but have gone for the cheap option in an internet cafe which means for a couple of dollars cheaper you get to sit in the freezing bit!!
Anyway. I worked yesterday gain in the nursery and have work again there tomorrow and the next day so thats good. I have just typed out loads of letter to take to all the other local nurseries. I have decided to take the risk of refusing the sealords job and try for constant relieving in nurseries instead! Sealords sounds terrible!Eva seems to cry most days she hates it so much! besides they only had morning shifts left which would mean getting up and 4am, in the dark and about -5 and then cycling for an hour to work and then when I finsih at 3pm I would cycle home, go to bed and be woken up at 2am when Eva gets in from work! so I see the nurseries as an easier option! I just hope I get the work!!
I worked all weekend in Shortbread Cottage and enjoyed having a double bed and room with a TV to myself!! Im supposed to chose a dorm bed if theres one free when I'm working there at the weekend but since they had a double room available I thought I would make the most of it!! It was great!
The bright side is I get plenty of cheap fish!! Eva can bring an entire bag home for 1$!! so I guess its fish for tea then!!
I am attempting to practise my french with patrice and aurore, cant belive how much I've forgotten / or how much I never learnt - whichever way you look at it!!?
think I will head home soon and sit by the log fire and am freezing solid here!!
Its tricky cycling when I have dont lots of shopping though! I have to kind of tie bags all around myself!! I bought some slippers as when I work in the backpackers my feet freeze, as is maori tradition you are not allowed shoes indoors and when your cleaning your feet get wet and then the wet socks freeze!! so slippers are a good plan, for 5$ I cant really complain!
Unfortuntely nurseries cant consider me qualifies so have to give a lowerr wage - unless i pay $500 to get my qualifiations recogmnised and do the maor curriculum, thats soudns like hard work, they speak alot of maori at nursery. so far I've learnt "ringa ringa" which is wash your hands!!
went to a sunday roast on sunday (oddly enough), there is a backpackers eat as much as you can 3 course buffet for $12:95. It was good! Pumpkin soup, roast chicken etc and chocolate cake! first roast I had, had in 6 months!! god I have missed them!!
I slept 13 hours last night!! think I must have been tired or something!! I get overtired and then get grumpy so thought I should make the most of it and have a long sleep!!
We are lucky having a heater in our bedroom, otherwise i think we would freeze to death! some backpackers are still sleeping in their campervans but I think it sounds like torture!!
At the backpackers I was working in at the weekend all the people staying were german!! there are so many germans here it is scary! its like being in germany or something!! There are also alot of english as well though!
Anyway. I worked yesterday gain in the nursery and have work again there tomorrow and the next day so thats good. I have just typed out loads of letter to take to all the other local nurseries. I have decided to take the risk of refusing the sealords job and try for constant relieving in nurseries instead! Sealords sounds terrible!Eva seems to cry most days she hates it so much! besides they only had morning shifts left which would mean getting up and 4am, in the dark and about -5 and then cycling for an hour to work and then when I finsih at 3pm I would cycle home, go to bed and be woken up at 2am when Eva gets in from work! so I see the nurseries as an easier option! I just hope I get the work!!
I worked all weekend in Shortbread Cottage and enjoyed having a double bed and room with a TV to myself!! Im supposed to chose a dorm bed if theres one free when I'm working there at the weekend but since they had a double room available I thought I would make the most of it!! It was great!
The bright side is I get plenty of cheap fish!! Eva can bring an entire bag home for 1$!! so I guess its fish for tea then!!
I am attempting to practise my french with patrice and aurore, cant belive how much I've forgotten / or how much I never learnt - whichever way you look at it!!?
think I will head home soon and sit by the log fire and am freezing solid here!!
Its tricky cycling when I have dont lots of shopping though! I have to kind of tie bags all around myself!! I bought some slippers as when I work in the backpackers my feet freeze, as is maori tradition you are not allowed shoes indoors and when your cleaning your feet get wet and then the wet socks freeze!! so slippers are a good plan, for 5$ I cant really complain!
Unfortuntely nurseries cant consider me qualifies so have to give a lowerr wage - unless i pay $500 to get my qualifiations recogmnised and do the maor curriculum, thats soudns like hard work, they speak alot of maori at nursery. so far I've learnt "ringa ringa" which is wash your hands!!
went to a sunday roast on sunday (oddly enough), there is a backpackers eat as much as you can 3 course buffet for $12:95. It was good! Pumpkin soup, roast chicken etc and chocolate cake! first roast I had, had in 6 months!! god I have missed them!!
I slept 13 hours last night!! think I must have been tired or something!! I get overtired and then get grumpy so thought I should make the most of it and have a long sleep!!
We are lucky having a heater in our bedroom, otherwise i think we would freeze to death! some backpackers are still sleeping in their campervans but I think it sounds like torture!!
At the backpackers I was working in at the weekend all the people staying were german!! there are so many germans here it is scary! its like being in germany or something!! There are also alot of english as well though!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Have had a good day, I worked in a nursery school this afternoon which was good fun, they unfortunately havent got full time work but at least it was an afternoons pay! better than nothing while I am waiting for sealords to ring!! It was a very laid back nursery so I just played with babies all afternoon really!
I am considering contacting the other local nurseries as it might be preferable to working in the fish factory!
The trouble is that they cannot recongnise my qualifications out here and I would have to pay $500 to get them recongnised and then have to do the maori curriculum or something which sounds like quite alot of hard work and that horrid word stress so I think I shall sticj to the unqulaifies work for the moment even thought they say they have full time qulaified work for me!! apparently in Australia they arent so fussy so at least when I head over there at some point I will be able to get nursery or school work more easily if thats what I want!
Anyway Saturday and Sunday, (tomorrow and the next day) I am working in the other backpackers in town which is alot busier so that will keep me occupied!
I have got used to life here at this backpackers. there are a few longtermers
Me, Eva, Jessica and Gareth (from manchester - they work here during the week and live here), Patrice from the french bit of canada and aurore from france, so the five of us are all getting to know each other pretty well!! we do occasionally get other people in (its quiet and alot of backpackers shut june, july and august), tonight theres a couple of germans, in nice to hcta to new people. at least they can ask me lots of questions and get advice as I am getting an expert on where to stay and what to see!!
Its been chucking it down all day do was pleased with my new waterproof jacket that I've bought! I really need waterproof trousers for when I am cycling though! kathmandu are having a 50% off sale next week so maybe I'll look for some there as if I am cycling to work I have to take spare trousers as the ones I am wearing are soaked! it tends to go in cycles of weather patterns over here, when it rains it rains for a few days and its proper rain!!
I am considering contacting the other local nurseries as it might be preferable to working in the fish factory!
The trouble is that they cannot recongnise my qualifications out here and I would have to pay $500 to get them recongnised and then have to do the maori curriculum or something which sounds like quite alot of hard work and that horrid word stress so I think I shall sticj to the unqulaifies work for the moment even thought they say they have full time qulaified work for me!! apparently in Australia they arent so fussy so at least when I head over there at some point I will be able to get nursery or school work more easily if thats what I want!
Anyway Saturday and Sunday, (tomorrow and the next day) I am working in the other backpackers in town which is alot busier so that will keep me occupied!
I have got used to life here at this backpackers. there are a few longtermers
Me, Eva, Jessica and Gareth (from manchester - they work here during the week and live here), Patrice from the french bit of canada and aurore from france, so the five of us are all getting to know each other pretty well!! we do occasionally get other people in (its quiet and alot of backpackers shut june, july and august), tonight theres a couple of germans, in nice to hcta to new people. at least they can ask me lots of questions and get advice as I am getting an expert on where to stay and what to see!!
Its been chucking it down all day do was pleased with my new waterproof jacket that I've bought! I really need waterproof trousers for when I am cycling though! kathmandu are having a 50% off sale next week so maybe I'll look for some there as if I am cycling to work I have to take spare trousers as the ones I am wearing are soaked! it tends to go in cycles of weather patterns over here, when it rains it rains for a few days and its proper rain!!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
I was once again exhausted in Gisborne so chilled out mostly -went to internet shop as you may remember in earlier blog when i typed out my blog and computer crashed and that was apparently worth crying about!! Poor man in intenret shop didnt know what to do! i am fine my the way I was just tired and had PMT!
I bought some thick socks to keep me warm and bought 2 pairs of trousers from Mr Bo Jumbles - a massive charity shop, couldnt complain as got some jay jays trousers from $3 and some jeans for $3. My jeans had disintegrated so I desperately needed some new ones!! as all i had left was my smart black pair which wasnt really very warm or idea for climbing mountains etc!! Had lovely long seelp and cheered up and finished Penny Vincenzis book called windfall, inspired me to buy lottery ticket but didnt win and was devastated!!
went for long walk the next day up kaiti hill. was nice walk but was ruined by noise from loggin factory as was views! but the white cliffs and all teh captain cook stuff was cool!!
The flights were really coo lthe next day as the first plane was only a 12 seater and really didnt go that high so I got to see all the scenery which was nice, the second flight from wellington to nelson was bigger but still only about 28 seats.
I got a shuttle to the cbackpackers when Ia rrived. Its called Gingerbread House. Its out of town but am staying here as Eva is (and now I am staying here as have got job cleaning and doing reception at weekends so can still work full time when I find another job). I only have to do a few hours and only have to pay $30 rent so have got a good deal! it at least takes away some of the money stress as if you stay in a backpackers all week normally its $140 and that adds up!!
I switch between wanting to stay in NZ for the ful l two years and/ or getting an Australian working visa - but either way I guess I am not planning on coming back quite yet!!
I spent an annnoying first few days job searching and didnt really find anything. the local school would love me ASAP if I can get my qulaifications recognised here though so I might look into that, its very well paid but I felt a rise of stress come just from going into the school so I might just stick to the fish factory!! Have applied and am waiting to hear from them! Eva started there today!! It will be long brong smelly hours but it will be money and a new experience and hopefully stressfree, I mean its not as if I will have much responsibility on a packing line!!
I realised my food habits have changed alot as an english couple were cookign there freezer food dinner and I thought it looked disgusting, whereas back home I used to eat alot of that kind of stuff and microwave food. Now I cook proper food! Poeple are getting used to my shepherds pies and apple crumbles in the oven!! yesterday I made lamb curry from scratch!
I havent had one Mcdonals burger since I got here- I'm very impressed with myself.
I am currenbtly trying to have 5 pieces of fruit and veg and day, yesterday I managed 7!! i got tonnes of fruit and veg from the market (a big sack of persimons, a sack of apples..) so that will last me hopefully!!
My cycling skills are improving too as I am cycling everywhere!
anyway got to go and restock the fire now - its freezing!!
I bought some thick socks to keep me warm and bought 2 pairs of trousers from Mr Bo Jumbles - a massive charity shop, couldnt complain as got some jay jays trousers from $3 and some jeans for $3. My jeans had disintegrated so I desperately needed some new ones!! as all i had left was my smart black pair which wasnt really very warm or idea for climbing mountains etc!! Had lovely long seelp and cheered up and finished Penny Vincenzis book called windfall, inspired me to buy lottery ticket but didnt win and was devastated!!
went for long walk the next day up kaiti hill. was nice walk but was ruined by noise from loggin factory as was views! but the white cliffs and all teh captain cook stuff was cool!!
The flights were really coo lthe next day as the first plane was only a 12 seater and really didnt go that high so I got to see all the scenery which was nice, the second flight from wellington to nelson was bigger but still only about 28 seats.
I got a shuttle to the cbackpackers when Ia rrived. Its called Gingerbread House. Its out of town but am staying here as Eva is (and now I am staying here as have got job cleaning and doing reception at weekends so can still work full time when I find another job). I only have to do a few hours and only have to pay $30 rent so have got a good deal! it at least takes away some of the money stress as if you stay in a backpackers all week normally its $140 and that adds up!!
I switch between wanting to stay in NZ for the ful l two years and/ or getting an Australian working visa - but either way I guess I am not planning on coming back quite yet!!
I spent an annnoying first few days job searching and didnt really find anything. the local school would love me ASAP if I can get my qulaifications recognised here though so I might look into that, its very well paid but I felt a rise of stress come just from going into the school so I might just stick to the fish factory!! Have applied and am waiting to hear from them! Eva started there today!! It will be long brong smelly hours but it will be money and a new experience and hopefully stressfree, I mean its not as if I will have much responsibility on a packing line!!
I realised my food habits have changed alot as an english couple were cookign there freezer food dinner and I thought it looked disgusting, whereas back home I used to eat alot of that kind of stuff and microwave food. Now I cook proper food! Poeple are getting used to my shepherds pies and apple crumbles in the oven!! yesterday I made lamb curry from scratch!
I havent had one Mcdonals burger since I got here- I'm very impressed with myself.
I am currenbtly trying to have 5 pieces of fruit and veg and day, yesterday I managed 7!! i got tonnes of fruit and veg from the market (a big sack of persimons, a sack of apples..) so that will last me hopefully!!
My cycling skills are improving too as I am cycling everywhere!
anyway got to go and restock the fire now - its freezing!!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
I was glad to be out of Tauranga as I was so tired!!
I got the bus to Rotorua, (as bus route only goes via there unfortunately) had lunch there and got to Whakatane (pronounced FUCKATARNEE)
I walked a few kms to my backpackers and went to explore tow. In the evening I went down the pub and listened to some live music with an English couple I had met.
The owner of the backpackers in Whakatane just left me in charge for the day rather than going to white island so at least thats was good!!
Stayed up late playing 31's with an american couple, its nice and friendly as thweres so few of us, the backpackers are dead now its out of season!!
The next day a guy called Andrew cooked my a yummy dinner, he's from Gisborne and is a chef.
I wanted to go to White Island the next day but its very weather dependednt and got cancelled. in some ways it was a relief as it is pretty expensive. So I decided to go to the East Cape, one of the most rural prts of NZ. The intercity doesnt go there or any local bus services so I cadged a ride with the post van. Tahi was very nice and I ended up spending the night at his place. We stopped off various places on the way which was cool. He lives on a maori settlement with his tribe the ngati porou. There is a grandafther house in which the family elder lives in and all the daughter houses which all the relatives live in. learnt tonnes about maori and NZ culture and history which was fab! Got up early and saw a beautiful sunrise - the first place to get it is the world!! gisborne advertises that is has the first one but actually it is the first town - hicks bay is the first place!!
we also gave a ride to a guy who proposed marriage to me every 5 minutes which was nice (I will add that I declined). I then caught a ride with another postal service the next day - from Hicks Bay to Gisborne. Stayed at YHA.
I got the bus to Rotorua, (as bus route only goes via there unfortunately) had lunch there and got to Whakatane (pronounced FUCKATARNEE)
I walked a few kms to my backpackers and went to explore tow. In the evening I went down the pub and listened to some live music with an English couple I had met.
The owner of the backpackers in Whakatane just left me in charge for the day rather than going to white island so at least thats was good!!
Stayed up late playing 31's with an american couple, its nice and friendly as thweres so few of us, the backpackers are dead now its out of season!!
The next day a guy called Andrew cooked my a yummy dinner, he's from Gisborne and is a chef.
I wanted to go to White Island the next day but its very weather dependednt and got cancelled. in some ways it was a relief as it is pretty expensive. So I decided to go to the East Cape, one of the most rural prts of NZ. The intercity doesnt go there or any local bus services so I cadged a ride with the post van. Tahi was very nice and I ended up spending the night at his place. We stopped off various places on the way which was cool. He lives on a maori settlement with his tribe the ngati porou. There is a grandafther house in which the family elder lives in and all the daughter houses which all the relatives live in. learnt tonnes about maori and NZ culture and history which was fab! Got up early and saw a beautiful sunrise - the first place to get it is the world!! gisborne advertises that is has the first one but actually it is the first town - hicks bay is the first place!!
we also gave a ride to a guy who proposed marriage to me every 5 minutes which was nice (I will add that I declined). I then caught a ride with another postal service the next day - from Hicks Bay to Gisborne. Stayed at YHA.
Friday, June 09, 2006
After climbing the mount I went to the hot pools and spenta few hours (meanwhile tunring into prune) chatting to this bloke, he did invite me out for dinner and dancing but I declined - didnt fancy him, but its nice to be asked!
I nearly froze to death at the backpackers so didnt sleep well at all. Sleeping bags just arent warm enough now, so have sent my sleeping bag to Pats as cant be bothered to carry it around anymore and on the South Island all the backpackers all have duvets.
So the next day I bought theraml underwear!! why didnt anyone tell me how wonderful it is!!??? i love it! No more sleepless nights - due to the cold anyway!!
I've also bought scarf and golves too, still loooking for a winter coat though! I want one to protect me against snow, rain and wind and cold so its going to cost a bit!!!
Anywa, after MM I caught a local bus to Tauranga and was tired of lugging my stuff about so checked into the nearest hostel - big mistake!! it looked nice but at 4pm this crowd of guys started carrying up tonnes of dcrates of beer and they went mental all night - the party was still going full swing when I checked out at 10am!! they hadnt even turned the music down! I therefore got very little sleep even with ear plugs in!
On the bright side is I cooked myself a yummy dinner of a Spanish Chorizo, and chunky tomato with basil pasta. Whenver I cook for other people it turns into a disaster (I dont know if its nerves or waht vut I have always thought when I cook for myself why cant someone lese be here when it turns out nice?!) so I accidently made too much and this guy I'd been flirting with was hungry.. so I actually made a nice meal for someone else! (miracle!)
anyway money running out,, another day!
I nearly froze to death at the backpackers so didnt sleep well at all. Sleeping bags just arent warm enough now, so have sent my sleeping bag to Pats as cant be bothered to carry it around anymore and on the South Island all the backpackers all have duvets.
So the next day I bought theraml underwear!! why didnt anyone tell me how wonderful it is!!??? i love it! No more sleepless nights - due to the cold anyway!!
I've also bought scarf and golves too, still loooking for a winter coat though! I want one to protect me against snow, rain and wind and cold so its going to cost a bit!!!
Anywa, after MM I caught a local bus to Tauranga and was tired of lugging my stuff about so checked into the nearest hostel - big mistake!! it looked nice but at 4pm this crowd of guys started carrying up tonnes of dcrates of beer and they went mental all night - the party was still going full swing when I checked out at 10am!! they hadnt even turned the music down! I therefore got very little sleep even with ear plugs in!
On the bright side is I cooked myself a yummy dinner of a Spanish Chorizo, and chunky tomato with basil pasta. Whenver I cook for other people it turns into a disaster (I dont know if its nerves or waht vut I have always thought when I cook for myself why cant someone lese be here when it turns out nice?!) so I accidently made too much and this guy I'd been flirting with was hungry.. so I actually made a nice meal for someone else! (miracle!)
anyway money running out,, another day!
Okay.. so going back in time now..
On my lasy day in Whenuakite I spent the afternoon looking after backpackers.
I then went on a long bike ride with Dawn, am very proud of self as managed well even though am not that experienced at cycling! Although - how an earth do people mamage to walk after cycling?! I need a cushion attached round the seat!
Then we rounded up the cows. I opted to do the running, so I ran round screaming and shouting at the cows to move them into a nother field. I realised I am alot less shy than back home. When I used to do self defence they always asked me to "find my voice" to make a noise when attacking, but I was too shy! I realise that isnt true now!
In the evening I went and had dinner with Dawn and her daughter Ginny, had a lovely lasagne which reminded me of home! and a few vodkas, and generally had a thoroughly nice evening.
The next day I caught the 8:10 bus, but was up at 5am as hadnt been able to have ear plugs in as wouldnt have heard alarm and the couple next door had a big arguement! Oh well! at least you get to see the sunrise!
oN my not being shy phase I asked the minibus driver if I could sit up the front with him rather than get travel sick. So I annoyed him the whole way to Thames chatting away!! In thamnes the next bus was delayed so I had time to buy the Heraiki Herald and found not one but two pictures of myself in it!!
Anyway the grumpy driver of the late bus chucked us all out at Tauranga so I managed to persuade a nice female driver to take me to Mount Maunganui and she dropped me off outside my backpackers, where I threw my stuff in and went straght out and climbed Mount Maunganui. I did the round the base walk (1 hour) and both the tracks up - the moderate one and the difficult one!! Are you impressed with my healthyness!!??? Anyway I am just going to publish this bit in case it crashes
On my lasy day in Whenuakite I spent the afternoon looking after backpackers.
I then went on a long bike ride with Dawn, am very proud of self as managed well even though am not that experienced at cycling! Although - how an earth do people mamage to walk after cycling?! I need a cushion attached round the seat!
Then we rounded up the cows. I opted to do the running, so I ran round screaming and shouting at the cows to move them into a nother field. I realised I am alot less shy than back home. When I used to do self defence they always asked me to "find my voice" to make a noise when attacking, but I was too shy! I realise that isnt true now!
In the evening I went and had dinner with Dawn and her daughter Ginny, had a lovely lasagne which reminded me of home! and a few vodkas, and generally had a thoroughly nice evening.
The next day I caught the 8:10 bus, but was up at 5am as hadnt been able to have ear plugs in as wouldnt have heard alarm and the couple next door had a big arguement! Oh well! at least you get to see the sunrise!
oN my not being shy phase I asked the minibus driver if I could sit up the front with him rather than get travel sick. So I annoyed him the whole way to Thames chatting away!! In thamnes the next bus was delayed so I had time to buy the Heraiki Herald and found not one but two pictures of myself in it!!
Anyway the grumpy driver of the late bus chucked us all out at Tauranga so I managed to persuade a nice female driver to take me to Mount Maunganui and she dropped me off outside my backpackers, where I threw my stuff in and went straght out and climbed Mount Maunganui. I did the round the base walk (1 hour) and both the tracks up - the moderate one and the difficult one!! Are you impressed with my healthyness!!??? Anyway I am just going to publish this bit in case it crashes
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Am so tired I could cry.
I had written a huge blog to tell you all what I'd been up to but the computer crashed so I lost it all. ]
I do not have the energy to retype it all as the computer guy has told me to. Also have practically used up the entire hour I paid for.
Anyway, am fine and have been having good timee!
I had written a huge blog to tell you all what I'd been up to but the computer crashed so I lost it all. ]
I do not have the energy to retype it all as the computer guy has told me to. Also have practically used up the entire hour I paid for.
Anyway, am fine and have been having good timee!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Hope you like all the photos, thought I would put them all up before I left here and dont have free internet access anymore!
It might be along wait for more photos as I am going to have to wait till Nelson to get my digital camera fixed, and apparently it could be expensive. Its only 6 months old and under guarantee so I might end up sending it back to dad and getting him to exchange it (he doesnt know this yet!) - all very complex anyway. I'll see what they say when I get to Nelson though as obviously no big towns here to look at it. I realy hope it gets sorted out fast as I miss having a camera! (Even though I've bought alittle disposable crappy one to keep me going).
Anyway.. yesterday I went with Moa and Thea (2 Swedish girls who are kiwifruit packing) to cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach again which was cool! I asked them if Zulu could come too and they said yes so we all went. I felt bad for Zulu as she has come over as a dependent and her husbkand has been studying so she has spent the last year sitting at home reading and cooking never really going out. Anyway now he's come here to do kiwifriut picking and she of course was all set out to sit and read and cook all day. We had a great day! Her husband was okay with her being out when he returned too.. I think it was a bit of a shock for him though! It was really interesting to talk to her and learn about her culture. She's from Nepal and is in an arranged marriage and is Hindu. I was asking her about her nose piercing and she was telling me that its compulsory in their village for girls to have it done before puberty - but the majority get their daughters noses pierced when they are babies so she had hers done at 6 months. Fascinating! We discussed arranged marriages and all that and how different our cultures are.
Spent a long time at hot water beach which was cool. We got tired of digging so after a while I asked the nearest nice male if I could hop in his, turned out to be a depressed german bloke.
Have been thinkign alot and think I have decided to get a wokring visa for Australia and spend a year there.. so will apply in the next couple of months!
Today is my last day in Whenuakite, its ben beatiful weather. have been sitting reading on the deck today where its 27 degrees - considering its the shortest day on June 21st (ie winter)! thats great!! of course its cool in the shade but beautiful in the sun - still impressive for the winter anyway!! I am invited round to Dawns for dinner which will be lovely. It was a cold night though and there was frost. but apparently thats as bad as its gets here in the Coromandel, no snow but a bit of frost once in a while in the winter.
One of the useful things with living on a kiwifruit farm is that I eat plenty of kiwifruit for free! Yum!!
Dawn and I are going to go for a bike (as in push bike) ride this afternoon, I am a bit scared as I think she is fitter than me!!
I'm catching the 8:10 bus tomorrow mornign to Thames, where I change bus to get to Mount Manganui. Its along weekend this weekend as it is the Queens birthday.
I bought a Sudoku book the other day, on the front of it it says warning, sudokhu is highly addictive, oh my god they are right. I have always had a phobia of sudokhu and never tried it as I thought it was like magic squares. WE had then in year 3 at first school. Then we all wokred at our own pace through a maths book. I got stuck on this page for weeks and weeks and it traumatised me! (you had to have every line add up to the same or something) they were only 3 by 3 grids but I hated them!! - I was only 7! but I guess that lead to me hiding in maths cubpoards to avoid maths when I was a bit older!
It might be along wait for more photos as I am going to have to wait till Nelson to get my digital camera fixed, and apparently it could be expensive. Its only 6 months old and under guarantee so I might end up sending it back to dad and getting him to exchange it (he doesnt know this yet!) - all very complex anyway. I'll see what they say when I get to Nelson though as obviously no big towns here to look at it. I realy hope it gets sorted out fast as I miss having a camera! (Even though I've bought alittle disposable crappy one to keep me going).
Anyway.. yesterday I went with Moa and Thea (2 Swedish girls who are kiwifruit packing) to cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach again which was cool! I asked them if Zulu could come too and they said yes so we all went. I felt bad for Zulu as she has come over as a dependent and her husbkand has been studying so she has spent the last year sitting at home reading and cooking never really going out. Anyway now he's come here to do kiwifriut picking and she of course was all set out to sit and read and cook all day. We had a great day! Her husband was okay with her being out when he returned too.. I think it was a bit of a shock for him though! It was really interesting to talk to her and learn about her culture. She's from Nepal and is in an arranged marriage and is Hindu. I was asking her about her nose piercing and she was telling me that its compulsory in their village for girls to have it done before puberty - but the majority get their daughters noses pierced when they are babies so she had hers done at 6 months. Fascinating! We discussed arranged marriages and all that and how different our cultures are.
Spent a long time at hot water beach which was cool. We got tired of digging so after a while I asked the nearest nice male if I could hop in his, turned out to be a depressed german bloke.
Have been thinkign alot and think I have decided to get a wokring visa for Australia and spend a year there.. so will apply in the next couple of months!
Today is my last day in Whenuakite, its ben beatiful weather. have been sitting reading on the deck today where its 27 degrees - considering its the shortest day on June 21st (ie winter)! thats great!! of course its cool in the shade but beautiful in the sun - still impressive for the winter anyway!! I am invited round to Dawns for dinner which will be lovely. It was a cold night though and there was frost. but apparently thats as bad as its gets here in the Coromandel, no snow but a bit of frost once in a while in the winter.
One of the useful things with living on a kiwifruit farm is that I eat plenty of kiwifruit for free! Yum!!
Dawn and I are going to go for a bike (as in push bike) ride this afternoon, I am a bit scared as I think she is fitter than me!!
I'm catching the 8:10 bus tomorrow mornign to Thames, where I change bus to get to Mount Manganui. Its along weekend this weekend as it is the Queens birthday.
I bought a Sudoku book the other day, on the front of it it says warning, sudokhu is highly addictive, oh my god they are right. I have always had a phobia of sudokhu and never tried it as I thought it was like magic squares. WE had then in year 3 at first school. Then we all wokred at our own pace through a maths book. I got stuck on this page for weeks and weeks and it traumatised me! (you had to have every line add up to the same or something) they were only 3 by 3 grids but I hated them!! - I was only 7! but I guess that lead to me hiding in maths cubpoards to avoid maths when I was a bit older!
So this is Cathedral Cove the first time I went with Dawn, typically yesterday I had even better photos of this as the weather was perfect, but of course my digital camera is broken so I took them on a disposable camera but hopefully my friend Zulu will email me her copies of the photos we took there yesterday.
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