So let's get up to date.
On 0ur first day in NZ we spent some time getting back to the 'real world' at our hostel and then took a walk along Queen St to the harbour (downtown). It was bloody cold (9c) compared to Fiji (about 30c) ! There were basically lots of shops and the general busy-ness of a city, which we found weird after being on desert islands, but Megan loved it being the self proclaimed 'city girl' she is. We walked up to the sky tower, where Megan fell flat on her face in the street (!) , and then back over to Albert Park, where there were some scary Lord of the Rings style trees. Back at the hostel we booked on to the Magic Bus to start going down towards Wellington, as our original plans to go north to the Bay of islands kind of changed when we found out there had been severe flooding there, the roads were closed and there was no power. That evening we headed to the Globe bar, where we found ourselves unexpectedly drunk thanks to 2 for 1 beer vouchers and a 15 minute free bar stunt. We weren't complaining.
The next day, we got up early to get the bus down to Rotorua. Firstly, we stopped up at Mt Eden, a dormant volcano that gave great views over Auckland, even if it was freezing! We carried on towards the Waitomo Caves, about 3 hours away, and it felt good to be driving and on the move. It also gave us time to reflect on how we missed cheese and other such delights. At the caves we took a walking and boat tour to see the famous glowworms, which was cool if a little overpriced. We are starting to notice that there is loads to do here, but you have to pay (lots!) if you want to do it. After the caves, we took a half an hour walk in the 'jungle' back to the village, which was cool, and more importantly free! The village was pretty dead, so we settled ourselves in the only bar/pub in the village until it was time to leave. We saw a gorgeous sunset on the way into Rotorua, a town famous for being the point where the Earth's crust is at its thinnest in the world, and consequently an area of thermal activity. On arrival, we dined on super noddles at our hostel (appropriately called Hot Rocks), before going down to the Lava bar with some Dutch girls from our dorm.
This morning we slept in for the first time in a long time. We walked down into the town around midday, and ended up walking through the Government Gardens and all the way along the lakefront. The lake being sulphur based, smelt rather badly of egg, but was apparently a wildlife reserve (although all we could see were seagulls!) In the afternoon, we walked along by the shops, and found ourselves in a really nice cafe called Fat Dog, where we ate probably the nicest food we've had in at least a month. On heading back to the hostel, we took a swim in the pool, which was outdoor, but thermically heated, and very nice indeed. As for this evening, we found the internet still logged on so freeloaded a good 3 hours of usage. Tonight is friday night though, so i guess that means we HAVE to go out somewhere....
Speak soon, love to all xxxx
Friday 13 July 2007
Tuesday 10 July 2007
Bula...It's Fiji time!
So; Fiji. We crossed the date line on the way to Fiji so infact didn't even exist on the 2nd July. Bit of a weird thought.
Tuesday we arrived at Nadi and were taken to our hostel, which was set in tropical gardens with swimming pools. After a chill by the pool, we decided to walk into Nadi Town with a German guy who was in our dorm. It was quite bizarre to see the effects of colonalisation; primary schools with children in school uniforms, Christian churches and the Queen's head on all their money. The town itself wasn't really anything special, mainly just supermarkets and souvenir shops. We headed back to the hostel and had a nice meal in the restaurant, surrounded by trees with fairy lights in them, after which there was fijian traditional (fire) dancing.
The next day we were taken to the port to catch the big, yellow ferry to the Yasawa Islands; first stop Sunset Waya. Although showery, (i know we didn't know it rained in Fiji either!) the boat gave great views of passing islands. Our plans for the next 7 days were to island hop in the area (think of resorts with a beach, palm/coconut trees and a few huts (or bures), all backed by mountains.) The ferry stopped in the bay fo each resort(s), and those of us getting off got into a smaller boat. On arrival at Sunset, i spectacularly rolled out of the boat, and ended up lying pretty much face down in the sea (bag and all) much to the amusement of Megan. And there we go; we had arrived.
Daily life for the next week was pretty routined; meal times were set three times a day, at which time everybody in the resort came to eat together around long communal tables. We stayed in big dorms, and as nobody could really leave the resort, island life really lent itself to meeting new people. So we spent our days relaxed on the beach and in hammocks; sunbathing, reading, swimming, snorkelling, weaving bracelets, and knocking down and opening coconuts with our new friends. In the evening, it became dark at maybe 6 o'clock and as there was limited electricity, the night seemed to be really long. There was always some kind of after dinner entertainment; be it fire dancing, musical statues, a bonfire or bula dancing (fijian macarina), in which everyone had to participate, but generally the nights were early. And so the mornings were early too. We saw sunsets and sunrises and even the moon rise once...very eerie!
Today we arrived in New Zealand and were immediately hit with the sense of returning to civilisation. No-one ever said it looked so much like England here either!
It's a new chapter. Blog soon xxxx
Tuesday we arrived at Nadi and were taken to our hostel, which was set in tropical gardens with swimming pools. After a chill by the pool, we decided to walk into Nadi Town with a German guy who was in our dorm. It was quite bizarre to see the effects of colonalisation; primary schools with children in school uniforms, Christian churches and the Queen's head on all their money. The town itself wasn't really anything special, mainly just supermarkets and souvenir shops. We headed back to the hostel and had a nice meal in the restaurant, surrounded by trees with fairy lights in them, after which there was fijian traditional (fire) dancing.
The next day we were taken to the port to catch the big, yellow ferry to the Yasawa Islands; first stop Sunset Waya. Although showery, (i know we didn't know it rained in Fiji either!) the boat gave great views of passing islands. Our plans for the next 7 days were to island hop in the area (think of resorts with a beach, palm/coconut trees and a few huts (or bures), all backed by mountains.) The ferry stopped in the bay fo each resort(s), and those of us getting off got into a smaller boat. On arrival at Sunset, i spectacularly rolled out of the boat, and ended up lying pretty much face down in the sea (bag and all) much to the amusement of Megan. And there we go; we had arrived.
Daily life for the next week was pretty routined; meal times were set three times a day, at which time everybody in the resort came to eat together around long communal tables. We stayed in big dorms, and as nobody could really leave the resort, island life really lent itself to meeting new people. So we spent our days relaxed on the beach and in hammocks; sunbathing, reading, swimming, snorkelling, weaving bracelets, and knocking down and opening coconuts with our new friends. In the evening, it became dark at maybe 6 o'clock and as there was limited electricity, the night seemed to be really long. There was always some kind of after dinner entertainment; be it fire dancing, musical statues, a bonfire or bula dancing (fijian macarina), in which everyone had to participate, but generally the nights were early. And so the mornings were early too. We saw sunsets and sunrises and even the moon rise once...very eerie!
Today we arrived in New Zealand and were immediately hit with the sense of returning to civilisation. No-one ever said it looked so much like England here either!
It's a new chapter. Blog soon xxxx
Goodbye America
Ok so its been a long time since we last blogged.
Ill start by finishing off the America part. When i last blogged we were heading to Downtown LA in search of historical, beautiful buildings (there must be some, surely?!). We took the metro rail, on which, we met a crazy guy who was shouting at us to leave England and move to high ground as it's apparently not safe anymore with all this flooding and global warming going on. We also saw an old woman dressed head to toe in lilac - very much a case of 'When I Am Old I Shall Wear Purple...' Anyway, as for the aforementioned beautiful buildings, well, there weren't any. Our first stop was the third largest cathedral in the world, (at which the guide promised we would marvel at its sublime architecture) which, i have to say was HUGE but really modern, characterless and really just not at all like a church. Next up was the old Grand Central Market, which on arrival proved to be in da ghetto init, so after a short circuit of the block we headed back to our favourite place in Hollywood; the Kodak Theater Complex, where we talked the afternoon away in the sunshine.
The next day was Sunday, and our last day in L.A. We headed once again to the coast, this time to Venice Beach, which was packed out. I had a nice walk along the shore, and was honestly glad to be out of Hollywood. In the afternoon we wondered along the promenade, which was lined with little shops and stalls selling the usual touristy things, where i bought myself some new sunglasses. Later on, we took the metro rail to the airport, which was probably the scariest experience of my life; we had to change 3 times, each stop becoming progressively more ghetto. At the last change i think the whole entire platform was just staring at the two little white girls with their backpacks.
Ill start by finishing off the America part. When i last blogged we were heading to Downtown LA in search of historical, beautiful buildings (there must be some, surely?!). We took the metro rail, on which, we met a crazy guy who was shouting at us to leave England and move to high ground as it's apparently not safe anymore with all this flooding and global warming going on. We also saw an old woman dressed head to toe in lilac - very much a case of 'When I Am Old I Shall Wear Purple...' Anyway, as for the aforementioned beautiful buildings, well, there weren't any. Our first stop was the third largest cathedral in the world, (at which the guide promised we would marvel at its sublime architecture) which, i have to say was HUGE but really modern, characterless and really just not at all like a church. Next up was the old Grand Central Market, which on arrival proved to be in da ghetto init, so after a short circuit of the block we headed back to our favourite place in Hollywood; the Kodak Theater Complex, where we talked the afternoon away in the sunshine.
The next day was Sunday, and our last day in L.A. We headed once again to the coast, this time to Venice Beach, which was packed out. I had a nice walk along the shore, and was honestly glad to be out of Hollywood. In the afternoon we wondered along the promenade, which was lined with little shops and stalls selling the usual touristy things, where i bought myself some new sunglasses. Later on, we took the metro rail to the airport, which was probably the scariest experience of my life; we had to change 3 times, each stop becoming progressively more ghetto. At the last change i think the whole entire platform was just staring at the two little white girls with their backpacks.
Saturday 30 June 2007
There Is No Business Like Show Business
Howdy!
So I believe the last time I blogged was Thursday afternoon, just before going to see if there were any tickets left for this 'show' we had been told about by the tour guide that day. In fact, we knew absolutely nothing about what it was going to be (the word 'free' was good enough for us!), but on arrival we were told that yes, there were tickets left and to get in the queue. Standing in the queue we then overheard the people next to us (they were American; as if we weren't gonna hear what they were saying!) that we were going to be part of the audience for a chat show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' showed on the american television channel abc. I'm sure you can youtube that if your interested, but basically on the lines of Johnathan Ross. After lots of waiting we were given seats in the studio, and a 'warm-up guy' (big in every sense of the word, bald and very energetic) took to the stage to entertain the audience. He was really funny, and in Megan's view better than the actual host! He encouraged us to clap and make lots of noise, whilst other people from the audience were performing their 'talents' in a contest and later gave us free candy to while away the wait.
When the host came out he first did an interview with a Newswoman in Atlanta, before interviewing Ethan Hawke, who was rather bland, which would be for a subsequent episode. For the main show George Foreman; 'King of the Grill' and twice Heavyweight Champion, as he reminded us at least 10 times, was the star guest, along with a woman who was in the film 'Crash'. It was all good fun, if a little fake - lights flashed up for us to 'Applaude', normally when they mentioned a guests name or film they had been in, and 'Stop Clapping' for when people got over-enthuasiastic. Afterwards, there was a band 'Tiger Army' who played on a stage outside to conclude the show. At this point, i have to say i have never seen so many weird and wonderful (punk) hairstyles in my life. The music was a little same-ish for me and Megs so we left to go back to the hostel.
Yesterday, we got up a little later, and after our action-packed day the day before, we decided to catch a bus to Santa Monica and head to the beach. We walked down along the funfair pier, before finding a nice spot on the beach to sunbathe, relax and listen to some classic 'California' beach tunes. We even had a paddle! In the evening, me, Megs and our vietnamese roommate went to see the press-release showing of an Adam Sandler film 'I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry' at Mann's Chinese Theater. Free nightly entertainment is suiting us just fine! Although a little disappointed that the cinema was just like any normal cinema (what's all the hype about?!) the film was in fact really funny, and we left the cinema with smiling faces.
Today i think we are going to explore Downtown a bit, as plans to go to Venice Beach were quickly changed when Megan and her expert suncream application skills yesterday, meant that she now ressembles a nice, burnt tomato. We'll write again soon, love to all xxx
So I believe the last time I blogged was Thursday afternoon, just before going to see if there were any tickets left for this 'show' we had been told about by the tour guide that day. In fact, we knew absolutely nothing about what it was going to be (the word 'free' was good enough for us!), but on arrival we were told that yes, there were tickets left and to get in the queue. Standing in the queue we then overheard the people next to us (they were American; as if we weren't gonna hear what they were saying!) that we were going to be part of the audience for a chat show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' showed on the american television channel abc. I'm sure you can youtube that if your interested, but basically on the lines of Johnathan Ross. After lots of waiting we were given seats in the studio, and a 'warm-up guy' (big in every sense of the word, bald and very energetic) took to the stage to entertain the audience. He was really funny, and in Megan's view better than the actual host! He encouraged us to clap and make lots of noise, whilst other people from the audience were performing their 'talents' in a contest and later gave us free candy to while away the wait.
When the host came out he first did an interview with a Newswoman in Atlanta, before interviewing Ethan Hawke, who was rather bland, which would be for a subsequent episode. For the main show George Foreman; 'King of the Grill' and twice Heavyweight Champion, as he reminded us at least 10 times, was the star guest, along with a woman who was in the film 'Crash'. It was all good fun, if a little fake - lights flashed up for us to 'Applaude', normally when they mentioned a guests name or film they had been in, and 'Stop Clapping' for when people got over-enthuasiastic. Afterwards, there was a band 'Tiger Army' who played on a stage outside to conclude the show. At this point, i have to say i have never seen so many weird and wonderful (punk) hairstyles in my life. The music was a little same-ish for me and Megs so we left to go back to the hostel.
Yesterday, we got up a little later, and after our action-packed day the day before, we decided to catch a bus to Santa Monica and head to the beach. We walked down along the funfair pier, before finding a nice spot on the beach to sunbathe, relax and listen to some classic 'California' beach tunes. We even had a paddle! In the evening, me, Megs and our vietnamese roommate went to see the press-release showing of an Adam Sandler film 'I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry' at Mann's Chinese Theater. Free nightly entertainment is suiting us just fine! Although a little disappointed that the cinema was just like any normal cinema (what's all the hype about?!) the film was in fact really funny, and we left the cinema with smiling faces.
Today i think we are going to explore Downtown a bit, as plans to go to Venice Beach were quickly changed when Megan and her expert suncream application skills yesterday, meant that she now ressembles a nice, burnt tomato. We'll write again soon, love to all xxx
Thursday 28 June 2007
California Dreaming
Ok, so lets begin on Wednesday...Everything went unexpectedly well at the airport; we checked in early, got something to eat and to the gate in plenty of time. We flew with Virgin and the flight was brilliant! We took advantage of the 'pretty much everything on board is free' progative they had, which was wicked as they had all the latest released films and music albums to watch and listen, (i personally opted for Happy Feet, The Departed, Flushed Away and Days of Glory) and enough food, well to fill lauren! So we arrived at LAX in quite good spirits, though a little tired from the lack of sleep in the last 36 hours. We then had to queue for ages for the (lack of ) visa approval with a screaming child, which seemed oh so typical when in a long, tiresome queue. Afterwards, we had to take an 1h45 shuttle van thing to the hostel, on which we seemed to circle L.A at least five times! On arrival, we were told that in fact our reservation did not exist, even though we had printed confirmation, and after about 20 minutes actually discovered we had booked to stay in July and not June. A good start; around 6:30pm after a 11 hour plane trip, in the middle of Hollywood, tired and hungry with nowhere to stay. Luckily, another hostel had space for us, so promised to be 'just a short walk' we set off down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Turned out the prices were about the same as the other place, even if it didn't include any perks, but was in a better location and we had an 8 bed room between the two of us. After showers, we intended to take a nap, which turned into a good 12 hour sleep until we woke up this morning at around 7am (i know that anyone i've ever been on holiday cannot believe we were up at this time!)
Today, we awoke like new born chicks, energised and ready to explore! We had a bit of breakie with a nice irish guy trying to find work here, before starting out on the Walk of Fame. And how it looked different with a bit of sunshine. Had a wander through the imprints of hands and feet at Mann's Chinese Theater (and i felt very macho, when i discovered i have the same sized feet as John Wayne!) Carried on to the Kodak Theater (aka location of the Oscars and Film Academy Awards), which was in a very nice complex of shops, bars and eateries. We even show the Hollywood sign from there! Followed the stars along past the filming of a chinese woman doing some ribbon dance outside Demi Moore and Auston Kutcher's restaurant, until there started to be shops called Playmates and Foreplay, at which point we decide it was time to turn around. Coming back towards 'the action' we were talked into a tour of Sunset Strip, Beverley Hills, Celebrity houses etc for a couple of hours. The guide seemed to know ridiculous amounts about celebrites, which boarded on us believing he may be stalking them, but he had some interesting little tips and antidotes, so it was (almost) alright with us. Highlights included the fastfood place from American Graffiti, the hotel where Richard Gere called Julia Roberts up to in Pretty Woman, and the shop she was refused entry to buy a wedding dress, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive, the most expensive road in California. After the tour, we went to see if we could get tickets to a free show tonight (there were no tickets left but we are gonna go later because there are sometimes more) and got free invitations to a film screening at the famous Chinese Theater, mentioned above for tomorrow. Otherwise, 'picked up some grocery's' as they say here, and contemplated how many different fast food chains we could try before leaving. I think it'll be Burger King for tonight, although having found out on our tour that Brad Pitt once worked handing out leaflets, dressed as a chicken for El Pollo Loco, might mean a change in heart. And volia, i have almost written a novel. I shall let you go now and try to post some pictures. Hope everyone is well at home, as the governor of California would say, I'll be back
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxx
Today, we awoke like new born chicks, energised and ready to explore! We had a bit of breakie with a nice irish guy trying to find work here, before starting out on the Walk of Fame. And how it looked different with a bit of sunshine. Had a wander through the imprints of hands and feet at Mann's Chinese Theater (and i felt very macho, when i discovered i have the same sized feet as John Wayne!) Carried on to the Kodak Theater (aka location of the Oscars and Film Academy Awards), which was in a very nice complex of shops, bars and eateries. We even show the Hollywood sign from there! Followed the stars along past the filming of a chinese woman doing some ribbon dance outside Demi Moore and Auston Kutcher's restaurant, until there started to be shops called Playmates and Foreplay, at which point we decide it was time to turn around. Coming back towards 'the action' we were talked into a tour of Sunset Strip, Beverley Hills, Celebrity houses etc for a couple of hours. The guide seemed to know ridiculous amounts about celebrites, which boarded on us believing he may be stalking them, but he had some interesting little tips and antidotes, so it was (almost) alright with us. Highlights included the fastfood place from American Graffiti, the hotel where Richard Gere called Julia Roberts up to in Pretty Woman, and the shop she was refused entry to buy a wedding dress, Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive, the most expensive road in California. After the tour, we went to see if we could get tickets to a free show tonight (there were no tickets left but we are gonna go later because there are sometimes more) and got free invitations to a film screening at the famous Chinese Theater, mentioned above for tomorrow. Otherwise, 'picked up some grocery's' as they say here, and contemplated how many different fast food chains we could try before leaving. I think it'll be Burger King for tonight, although having found out on our tour that Brad Pitt once worked handing out leaflets, dressed as a chicken for El Pollo Loco, might mean a change in heart. And volia, i have almost written a novel. I shall let you go now and try to post some pictures. Hope everyone is well at home, as the governor of California would say, I'll be back
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxx
Tuesday 26 June 2007
The Night Before..
So the bags are packed, the panics of lost camera chargers, bank cards, plane tickets; the fact we arent gonna see friends and family for a whole summer; and that we have seriously forgotton to do something are (almost) all over and we are very excited!!!!!!!!
Lets get this party started!
See you on the other side of the world xxx
Lets get this party started!
See you on the other side of the world xxx
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