1st Summer Holiday in NZ

So, I decided to go to Australia. Melbourne (Cheng Yin, my ex-housemate/ roomate during Inti time was there). Brisbane & Surfers Paradise and Sydney (cousin and uncle there). So, I rang home and told Su-gong about my plan. (Sure have to tell boss that I am stopping work for holiday, right? haha.. pengsan).. Then, I started planning. Yeah.. I managed to get cheap flight from Flight Center (cheapest I can get and eversince I used them). Sure, I travelled as I was a student. hahaha..... Student rate though still expensive for me.

So, it's a 14 days trip (if not mistaken). I flew into Melbourne. Experienced a little of local life. And Cheng Yin's friend took us to Casino. I think. I really can't remember. But, I think there's where the Planet Hollywood was.


We went to Great Ocean Road with a tour. My experience told me that it's better to go by self drive, whenever possible and give a bit more time by staying overnight. That's where one can truly enjoy. For us, it's only a day trip.

Well, it's hot. It's summer. But, there's no wind. So, unlike Wellington. Upon returning, I went out with my sister's friend (she has left Oz a year ago and still some friends there) for dinner/ supper. It's still bright though it's already about 8pm as it's summer.

We went into Melbourne U on our way for food. Cool.. I really like the campus as my uni is a city campus (though not really. It's on the hill). So, unlike this. I had ice-cream only and a bit of pizza as it's just too hot.

Next, we went to Brisbane/ Surfers Paradise. By flight. I struggled a little if I should take flight or train. Train allows me to see more but longer. So, flight (I was a student)...

We just walked around Brisbane the 1st day. It's not that big. We managed to do that in a day or less.

Then, we went to Fraser Island. The largest sand island. The sand is so fine that it actually able to clean the jewleries. And it's really back to nature. I like rain forest. Actually, it's not that humid. We had to be on a special car, huge wheels as it's all sand. It's totally great experience. Yeah.. sis been there and she recommended. And I also recommending for those who have the time and appreciate nature.

OK. Then, back from Fraser Island. We are going to Surfers Paradise. We went by bus. And we went to 3 theme parks (cheaper mar...), Sea World, Movie World and Dream World.

In order to enjoyed everything, we were those early comers and the last (like ppl shutting down) to go. Fully utilised (kia-su lar... pengsan)... hahah... As the weather was so hot, i went for the same water ride so many times till I didn't even scream and just enjoy the water splashing on me. Yes... I know it's crazy. Who cares? Further, not many after certain hours and all free rides... Value back mar.. Those costume ppl like to tease me but not Cheng Yin. They pulled my bag, my hair, my clothes. aiyoo...

Oh.. the little car can spray water. And I sneaked into the car while the owner (magician) was away.. haha... :D

What's next?? Sydney. It's still hot. We joined the day tour thingy to go round the city. There's the bus for one to hop in and out. It's so convenient.

Blue mountain was hazzy then. Personally, I didn't quite like Sydney as it's a big city. Also, maybe I was tired after so many days of travelling.

So, time to go back and start to prepare for the start of semester especially, this time around, I have volunteered myself on the Orientation thingy (since most my kaki not around). I have to find something to keep myself busy.

Oh... This summer, su-gong they all shifted as well. I thought I could find the chance to stay in hostel. But, well... So, we moved to Paremata. Even further than varsity. It's about 30 - 40 minutes drive. And I couldn't take public transport. Else, I have to walk quite a distance to catch the train to city. From there take a bus. aiyoo.... When we were in Seatoun, since Kawai also doing his BA, he normally fetched me to and from school. Otherwise, I will take bus (about 45 - 60 minutes). So, since moved, I got to drive myself and parking on the hilly area aint fun at all. And paying the parking fees, petrol.. aiyoo... Oh.. I was using Kawai's car then.

This summer, I got myself a NZ driving license.

This summer, I did something else also. Dragnetting. Ruby's friends decided to go to the beach and had the yearly thingy. So, I followed. And so Ruth and her friends (they were TNB scholarship holders in various universities in NZ).
Initially, it's kinda scary to walk with a net in the sea (cos I don't know how to swim mar). And the sea level was above chest. When the wave came, it could be till my neck. Scary.. But, I have someone or 2 with me as it really required a lot of strength. I got sunburnt from it though it's a gloomy day. By the time I washed up and ready to feast on our catch was about 9.30pm, I didn't notice it at all as it was still bright.

So, that's my summer (end Oct - mid Feb).