Never forget June 4th!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Sunday, June 27, 2010
BP oil spill
Source : http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/picture/2010/jun/14/bp-oil-spill-oil-spills#
Kevin Reed, 36, of Pensacola breaks down and weeps upon seeing the oil-defiled shores of Pensacola Beach on June 23, 2010. Reed's father taught him to swim in these waters, and Reed just taught his five year old son to swim here. "This will never be the same," he says. "I'd like to take the CEO of BP and jam his face in that pile on the beach."
Workers clean up oil that came ashore on Pensacola Beach overnight on June 23 as spectators watch. The waters on the beach are closed to the public and tar balls are still visible in the surf.
Burning oil on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
Burning oil on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
Oil on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
動物實驗
幫友人搵左d有關用動物做實驗的機構，特此分享：
PETA: http://www.peta.org/
善待動物組織（People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA）擁有超過1,600,000名成員及支持者，是全球最大的動物權益組織。善待動物組織成立於1980年，致力於建立和保護所有動物的權益。善待動物組織奉行簡單的原則，即動物不是供人類食用、穿戴、實驗或娛樂的。
Company that Don't test on animal
香港的其中一個討論post
"呢個係一個更嚴格既no animal testing organization。
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program
因為佢要求公司係由原材料到出品都係冇cruelty to animals，而且D公司仲要俾佢呢個organization做audit，所以係得個list都可以話100% without cruelty~"
PETA: http://www.peta.org/
善待動物組織（People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA）擁有超過1,600,000名成員及支持者，是全球最大的動物權益組織。善待動物組織成立於1980年，致力於建立和保護所有動物的權益。善待動物組織奉行簡單的原則，即動物不是供人類食用、穿戴、實驗或娛樂的。
Company that Don't test on animal
香港的其中一個討論post
"呢個係一個更嚴格既no animal testing organization。
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program
因為佢要求公司係由原材料到出品都係冇cruelty to animals，而且D公司仲要俾佢呢個organization做audit，所以係得個list都可以話100% without cruelty~"
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
NZ Trip Last Days - Active Earth hiking and Auckland
I love the state library coz of the free wireless~ ha
30 min left to the library close, gotta be quick.
The day before I left for the Active Earth trip, I met River and Wing in the YHA hostel, who are from HK as well. They are here for Working Holiday~ And after dinner we went to play firework. Coz it's the firework festival in Auckland~
The 5 days Active Earth Hiking trip was one of my best time in NZ. Guided by Pip and Ash, team with Carolino, Sue, Wells, Karen, Judith, Cyril and Sabrina finished an amazing trip. We are just like a family. I miss everyone....
As I said before the weather wasn't that good. But it's even worst than I could imagine.
Day One~ We started at Auckland and drive to Rotorua, we decided to go rafting but due to an accident happened on the river we changed our schedule to a 1 hour hike. After that we went to a Māori* concert, it's so interesting to understand another culture.
*Māori is the people of New Zealand, similar to the aboriginal in Australia.
Day Two~ Weather getting worst. We went to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and saw a lot of thermal activities. The smell of a many thermal activity is just like "Rotten Egg", it's actually a chemical called "Hydrogen Sulphide". After that we gear up and start our first day hike. Heavy rain and strong wind, rain cover is useless because the wind can blow it away... I've a so called water-proof hiking shoes but I still get really wet... and the feeling was just BAD....Luckily I bought a wool sock just before the hiking, or else I may lost a few toes. We stayed in a hut with gas supplied. So we got warm food and air. At around 8 pm, it start to snow! my god it's my first time to see real snow!! But it's really cold!! The heater cannot turned on overnight, so that night I couldn't sleep due to the freezing weather.
Day Three~ Weather getting much worst. We just simply hike to another hut for 3 hours. We don't have any outdoor activity because the wind was so strong and so cold. Luckily our professional guide brought us some game idea, and we spent the day pretty quick~
Day Four~ Weather turning good, but still bad. We started our Tongariro Crossing which is the main "Objective" of this trip. Snow fall down to 600m (Ash said 1200m is already abnormal). Some part of the path got half meter deep of snow. VERY COLD! And when we walk up to the mountain, the wind are just so strong that sometimes you can stand still. Luckily, we made it. Well... Just don't know how to express the experience via language. May be my English is not good enough... XD
After the hiking, we had a HOT Shower which we all wanted for 3 days. And the Wells and Karen made a very very delicious dinner for us~ Have some beer and games~ And time to sleep.
Day Five~ Weather was perfectly well... -.-" We have a short walk around the village we live in, then we drive to the national park train station. Sue and me were returning to Auckland, and it's the time we farewell each other... A great hug, and a good bye....
Then a 5 hours long drive back to Auckland.
That's all for the Active Earth trip, but it'll stay in my mind for ever.
Sunday, 1 day trip in Auckland, don't really like "city" now.... so just walk around, took a few photos, go up to the sky tower, then back to hostel prepare for the flight to Brisbane.
And that's the END of the NZ trip.
I really love New Zealand, especially the south island. The people are so nice, the scenery are so spectacular, the water tasted so good~ But still, I got to go.
I hope you enjoyed the trip with me, I hope you understand what I have written, I hope you can feel my happyness, I hope the information with a bit helpful, I hope.... you'll love New Zealnd too..... coz I love it :p
Well.... After flight NZ135, I'm now in Brisbane, had a walk here this afternoon, not much feeling. Waiting for the tour depart tomorrow to The Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast. Then will go to the Surfers Paradises..... c if there are any chance to update you all again.
16 days left in Australia, and I'll back to Hong Kong.
See you all there.
Sorry all, no time to post photos here, please check http://picasaweb.google.com.hk/mail.to.alm
oioi : I just addicted to aviation.
c : I don't wanna see you in "Green Hill" doh.... and the hiking experience was just so great...
mudfew : Work hard on your exam ba....XD c u very soon~
Raymond: Sure I will miss them.... I'll remind myself through photos.
perry: will be back at 26 Nov ~
30 min left to the library close, gotta be quick.
The day before I left for the Active Earth trip, I met River and Wing in the YHA hostel, who are from HK as well. They are here for Working Holiday~ And after dinner we went to play firework. Coz it's the firework festival in Auckland~
The 5 days Active Earth Hiking trip was one of my best time in NZ. Guided by Pip and Ash, team with Carolino, Sue, Wells, Karen, Judith, Cyril and Sabrina finished an amazing trip. We are just like a family. I miss everyone....
As I said before the weather wasn't that good. But it's even worst than I could imagine.
Day One~ We started at Auckland and drive to Rotorua, we decided to go rafting but due to an accident happened on the river we changed our schedule to a 1 hour hike. After that we went to a Māori* concert, it's so interesting to understand another culture.
*Māori is the people of New Zealand, similar to the aboriginal in Australia.
Day Two~ Weather getting worst. We went to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and saw a lot of thermal activities. The smell of a many thermal activity is just like "Rotten Egg", it's actually a chemical called "Hydrogen Sulphide". After that we gear up and start our first day hike. Heavy rain and strong wind, rain cover is useless because the wind can blow it away... I've a so called water-proof hiking shoes but I still get really wet... and the feeling was just BAD....Luckily I bought a wool sock just before the hiking, or else I may lost a few toes. We stayed in a hut with gas supplied. So we got warm food and air. At around 8 pm, it start to snow! my god it's my first time to see real snow!! But it's really cold!! The heater cannot turned on overnight, so that night I couldn't sleep due to the freezing weather.
Day Three~ Weather getting much worst. We just simply hike to another hut for 3 hours. We don't have any outdoor activity because the wind was so strong and so cold. Luckily our professional guide brought us some game idea, and we spent the day pretty quick~
Day Four~ Weather turning good, but still bad. We started our Tongariro Crossing which is the main "Objective" of this trip. Snow fall down to 600m (Ash said 1200m is already abnormal). Some part of the path got half meter deep of snow. VERY COLD! And when we walk up to the mountain, the wind are just so strong that sometimes you can stand still. Luckily, we made it. Well... Just don't know how to express the experience via language. May be my English is not good enough... XD
After the hiking, we had a HOT Shower which we all wanted for 3 days. And the Wells and Karen made a very very delicious dinner for us~ Have some beer and games~ And time to sleep.
Day Five~ Weather was perfectly well... -.-" We have a short walk around the village we live in, then we drive to the national park train station. Sue and me were returning to Auckland, and it's the time we farewell each other... A great hug, and a good bye....
Then a 5 hours long drive back to Auckland.
That's all for the Active Earth trip, but it'll stay in my mind for ever.
Sunday, 1 day trip in Auckland, don't really like "city" now.... so just walk around, took a few photos, go up to the sky tower, then back to hostel prepare for the flight to Brisbane.
And that's the END of the NZ trip.
I really love New Zealand, especially the south island. The people are so nice, the scenery are so spectacular, the water tasted so good~ But still, I got to go.
I hope you enjoyed the trip with me, I hope you understand what I have written, I hope you can feel my happyness, I hope the information with a bit helpful, I hope.... you'll love New Zealnd too..... coz I love it :p
Well.... After flight NZ135, I'm now in Brisbane, had a walk here this afternoon, not much feeling. Waiting for the tour depart tomorrow to The Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast. Then will go to the Surfers Paradises..... c if there are any chance to update you all again.
16 days left in Australia, and I'll back to Hong Kong.
See you all there.
Sorry all, no time to post photos here, please check http://picasaweb.google.com.hk/mail.to.alm
oioi : I just addicted to aviation.
c : I don't wanna see you in "Green Hill" doh.... and the hiking experience was just so great...
mudfew : Work hard on your exam ba....XD c u very soon~
Raymond: Sure I will miss them.... I'll remind myself through photos.
perry: will be back at 26 Nov ~
Flight Report : NZ135 - Auckland to Brisbane
General Flight Information
Flight number/Date/Time: ___NZ135_____/____10 Nov 2008____/____09:15____
Aircraft type: ______Boeing 777-200ER________
Departure Information
Airport: _____Auckland ______________
Parking bay: ______10_______
Runway: ____05R______
Cruise Information
Cruising altitude: ______FL400________
Arrival information
Airport: _______Brisbane International___________
Runway: ____19______
Parking bay: ___79________
That's all I know..... XD
Photos : http://picasaweb.google.com.hk/mail.to.alm/NZ135AucklandToBrisbane#
Flight number/Date/Time: ___NZ135_____/____10 Nov 2008____/____09:15____
Aircraft type: ______Boeing 777-200ER________
Departure Information
Airport: _____Auckland ______________
Parking bay: ______10_______
Runway: ____05R______
Cruise Information
Cruising altitude: ______FL400________
Arrival information
Airport: _______Brisbane International___________
Runway: ____19______
Parking bay: ___79________
That's all I know..... XD
Photos : http://picasaweb.google.com.hk/mail.to.alm/NZ135AucklandToBrisbane#
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Back from a snow mountain hiking trip
Unexpected cold, it's lucky that I didn't freeze to death.
So busy yesterday for souvenir, and got to fly to Brisbane this morning.
Don't sure if I will I get on to internet over there coz I need to pay for it, I may wait till I return to Sydney before I update again.
Current schedule will be :
Nov
10 Auckland to Brisbane
11-16 Local tour to The great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast
17-18 Surfers Paradise
19 Back to Sydney
Will try to get internet anyway. But schedules are really tight so may spend more time on traveling.
Got to catch to bus to airport...
Feel sad about leaving New Zealand.... :(
BYE NZ!
And can't wait to see you all too...
Take care! and I'll be back soon~!! XD
So busy yesterday for souvenir, and got to fly to Brisbane this morning.
Don't sure if I will I get on to internet over there coz I need to pay for it, I may wait till I return to Sydney before I update again.
Current schedule will be :
Nov
10 Auckland to Brisbane
11-16 Local tour to The great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast
17-18 Surfers Paradise
19 Back to Sydney
Will try to get internet anyway. But schedules are really tight so may spend more time on traveling.
Got to catch to bus to airport...
Feel sad about leaving New Zealand.... :(
BYE NZ!
And can't wait to see you all too...
Take care! and I'll be back soon~!! XD
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Coming few days..
will be on a tour which may do some camping outdoor at night, so will not be able to update till may be Sunday. I'll be OK~ No worries everyone~ XD
Have a good day all! See you all later!
Have a good day all! See you all later!
Monday, November 3, 2008
NZ Trip Day 18 & 19 - Wellington and flight to Auckland
The weather in NZ just the same as AU, it could change so fast.
Day 17 feels like a storm, but day 18 was the best weather I ever had in NZ, strange huh~?
Woke up at 9 at start my one day city tour, first went to the cable car station by bus, which cost just NZ$1 because it's in the city sector. But when I arrived the cable car was CLOSED! what the hell... Well...safety test from 31 Oct to 3 Nov... sigh.... So I decided to walk around the city. Well...The complexity of the street is comparative with the street in Central of Hong Kong... but of coz there's no problem for me... XD
The Old Parliament House of Wellington had a nickname, " Beehive", due to it's shape and appearance. Visited the church, the train station... well.... those kind of stuff... XD
After that I walked down to the waterfront park. It was so nice, so relax, people were playing different kind of sport on the grass~ oh my god~ I gonna miss these after I returned to HK...
For dinner, I used a lot of oil to cook some beef and Onion~ Is it more oil = taste good? I'm not sure before but now I started to believe it. XD
6 people in the room, one of them was snoring so LOUDLY! and everyone can't sleep... -.-" Annoying... but that's a dorm room...
Day 19, got up at 9am to catch the bus, route 91, to the Wellington airport.
I was on flight NZ426, from Wellington to Auckland. The Air New Zealand have a baggage tag machine which you could print the baggage label for yourself... And the Domestic flight are just so easy, simple security check in front of the gate, then jump in to the plane.... that's it....
The flight was done by a Boeing 737-300, depart from gate 17, push back and taxi to RWY 34, take off without any problem, chips and coffee and tea were served when the plane stabled, and candy. The plane started to descend very soon after reaching cruise level, I didn't have time to finish my Sudoku! Feels like use POKOM arrival, runway in sight, make a right turn to align runway 05R, keep descend, touch down, air break, reverse throttle, taxi to gate 32, left the gate area, take the backpack, that's it~
Jump on a bus from airport to the city which took around 20min~ then arrived YHA~ Easy~
Well, got to find something to eat doh~ Can't wait for the hiking in the coming 5 days, but the bad news is, it's going to rain, heavy rain! well...See one step, walk one step... XD
c : You got to try to relax also~ Don't wanna see you in 青山~
oioi : I've arrived, where are you~? XD
Raymond the rich : Is there any blue sky in Hong Kong? XD
may goo je : 6 days left :(
Day 17 feels like a storm, but day 18 was the best weather I ever had in NZ, strange huh~?
Woke up at 9 at start my one day city tour, first went to the cable car station by bus, which cost just NZ$1 because it's in the city sector. But when I arrived the cable car was CLOSED! what the hell... Well...safety test from 31 Oct to 3 Nov... sigh.... So I decided to walk around the city. Well...The complexity of the street is comparative with the street in Central of Hong Kong... but of coz there's no problem for me... XD
The Old Parliament House of Wellington had a nickname, " Beehive", due to it's shape and appearance. Visited the church, the train station... well.... those kind of stuff... XD
After that I walked down to the waterfront park. It was so nice, so relax, people were playing different kind of sport on the grass~ oh my god~ I gonna miss these after I returned to HK...
For dinner, I used a lot of oil to cook some beef and Onion~ Is it more oil = taste good? I'm not sure before but now I started to believe it. XD
6 people in the room, one of them was snoring so LOUDLY! and everyone can't sleep... -.-" Annoying... but that's a dorm room...
 |
| From Wellington |
Day 19, got up at 9am to catch the bus, route 91, to the Wellington airport.
I was on flight NZ426, from Wellington to Auckland. The Air New Zealand have a baggage tag machine which you could print the baggage label for yourself... And the Domestic flight are just so easy, simple security check in front of the gate, then jump in to the plane.... that's it....
The flight was done by a Boeing 737-300, depart from gate 17, push back and taxi to RWY 34, take off without any problem, chips and coffee and tea were served when the plane stabled, and candy. The plane started to descend very soon after reaching cruise level, I didn't have time to finish my Sudoku! Feels like use POKOM arrival, runway in sight, make a right turn to align runway 05R, keep descend, touch down, air break, reverse throttle, taxi to gate 32, left the gate area, take the backpack, that's it~
Jump on a bus from airport to the city which took around 20min~ then arrived YHA~ Easy~
 |
| From NZ426, Wellington to Auckland |
Well, got to find something to eat doh~ Can't wait for the hiking in the coming 5 days, but the bad news is, it's going to rain, heavy rain! well...See one step, walk one step... XD
c : You got to try to relax also~ Don't wanna see you in 青山~
oioi : I've arrived, where are you~? XD
Raymond the rich : Is there any blue sky in Hong Kong? XD
may goo je : 6 days left :(
Saturday, November 1, 2008
NZ Trip Day 16 & 17 - Christchurch to Wellington
A early start in Christchurch in order to catch a train to Picton. This train ride was similar to the one on Day 4, but now as stunning as it. While I departed from Christchurch YHA, I met a Germany girl Susanna, she's traveling alone New Zealand. Unfortunately she's not going to Picton but Kaikiura :\ anyway it's always good to have someone to talk along your journey~
Most travelers will go directly to the ferry and don't stop at Picton, but I decided to stay there for an hour to have a look to the town. But it's actually a "One street town", small and nothing much to see. Had a lunch in Subway then head to the ferry terminal.
The Interislander is a ferry service between Picton and Wellington, or say, the North and South island which transport passengers, cars and also cargo. Everyone said the view during the cruise was really great and yes that's true! Same as other place in NZ, the view is just spectacular.
On the ferry, I met a Mexico couple which I first met them at Dunedin, and also my room mate in the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. All of us got our own schedule but we met on a ferry. What a small world!
A bit sad when I look back the south island, I had fallen in love to it and I just don't wanna leave. But I can't. Bye South Island!! I'll miss you!!! ~o~""
Arrived Wellington, well, back to a city, feel not really good doh.... Modern, tall building, crowd, traffic, I just can't really get use to it... ( What's gonna happen when I returned to HK?! )
Jump on the shuttle which brought me to the train station, then take bus no. 2 to Wellington YHA. It's already 7 o'clock. Settled down and went to super market to buy some stuff to cook~ OH I miss supermarket!!! Bought a lot of stuff including things that I can't finish in 2 days such as oil...bread.... And used a lot of oil to cooked some pork with onion~ The taste for the pork..err... ok la... But the rice mixed with the oil tasted so so so good! May be becoz of the onion..~ ha~ Haven't eat such kind of Hong Kong's food for so long~ 正!
After I finished my dinner and started to clean up my dished, a guy suddenly come and ask if I'm Chinese or Korean. And I said I am from Hong Kong. oh... the guy was a Korean and he was arguing with another Chinese about where am I from... LoL.... well they then invited my for a beer. Two Korean, Joo and Mer-Lin, and a Chinese from Shadong, Yang, are studying in the same English school, and they're having a beer coz it's Friday night~!
Well they are all funny people~ We had a nice time till 11pm and they got to go home~ What a wonderful time~!
Take a shower and went to bed at 12am.
The fire alarm started at 1 am... -.-
I wanna stay in bed but one of the alarm located inside my room that force all of us to leave :\
And it's a false alarm :\ :\ :\
Woke up at 11am, had a great breakfast then it's time to go out!! But the weather was so bad today, similar to a Typhoon signal number 9 in HK, but there was actually no typhoon -.-"
Planned to go to the gondola with cable car, but the view won't be good so I decided to go to Te PaPa, Museum of New Zealand. Te PaPa was the second best Museum I have visited, the best one is still Melbourne Museum, and it really worth a visit. Didn't take many photos coz museums are more or less the same. XD
When I was on the way back to YHA, the gust wind blown my glasses away on to the road! I told my friend, "雖然我很輕，但我下盤還算紮實" XD But the wind was just so strong! that I can't even stand well! Luckily there was no car. After I managed to stand and walk I went to pick up my glasses which was 20m away. -.-" (Imagine how bad is the weather!)
Quickly walk back to YHA, good, another lazy day. XD
The weather should be fine tomorrow, at least I can't hear the wind shacking the window now.
Tomorrow, the last day in Wellington, and will up to Auckland on Monday~
Bye everyone, have a good day!
OiOi : Yes... come next time when you visit Australia~
c : Need some lazy day after so many stuff, coz I'm lazy~ :p
Most travelers will go directly to the ferry and don't stop at Picton, but I decided to stay there for an hour to have a look to the town. But it's actually a "One street town", small and nothing much to see. Had a lunch in Subway then head to the ferry terminal.
The Interislander is a ferry service between Picton and Wellington, or say, the North and South island which transport passengers, cars and also cargo. Everyone said the view during the cruise was really great and yes that's true! Same as other place in NZ, the view is just spectacular.
On the ferry, I met a Mexico couple which I first met them at Dunedin, and also my room mate in the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. All of us got our own schedule but we met on a ferry. What a small world!
A bit sad when I look back the south island, I had fallen in love to it and I just don't wanna leave. But I can't. Bye South Island!! I'll miss you!!! ~o~""
 |
| From TranzCoastal and Interislander |
Arrived Wellington, well, back to a city, feel not really good doh.... Modern, tall building, crowd, traffic, I just can't really get use to it... ( What's gonna happen when I returned to HK?! )
Jump on the shuttle which brought me to the train station, then take bus no. 2 to Wellington YHA. It's already 7 o'clock. Settled down and went to super market to buy some stuff to cook~ OH I miss supermarket!!! Bought a lot of stuff including things that I can't finish in 2 days such as oil...bread.... And used a lot of oil to cooked some pork with onion~ The taste for the pork..err... ok la... But the rice mixed with the oil tasted so so so good! May be becoz of the onion..~ ha~ Haven't eat such kind of Hong Kong's food for so long~ 正!
After I finished my dinner and started to clean up my dished, a guy suddenly come and ask if I'm Chinese or Korean. And I said I am from Hong Kong. oh... the guy was a Korean and he was arguing with another Chinese about where am I from... LoL.... well they then invited my for a beer. Two Korean, Joo and Mer-Lin, and a Chinese from Shadong, Yang, are studying in the same English school, and they're having a beer coz it's Friday night~!
Well they are all funny people~ We had a nice time till 11pm and they got to go home~ What a wonderful time~!
Take a shower and went to bed at 12am.
The fire alarm started at 1 am... -.-
I wanna stay in bed but one of the alarm located inside my room that force all of us to leave :\
And it's a false alarm :\ :\ :\
Woke up at 11am, had a great breakfast then it's time to go out!! But the weather was so bad today, similar to a Typhoon signal number 9 in HK, but there was actually no typhoon -.-"
Planned to go to the gondola with cable car, but the view won't be good so I decided to go to Te PaPa, Museum of New Zealand. Te PaPa was the second best Museum I have visited, the best one is still Melbourne Museum, and it really worth a visit. Didn't take many photos coz museums are more or less the same. XD
 |
| From Te Papa Wellington |
When I was on the way back to YHA, the gust wind blown my glasses away on to the road! I told my friend, "雖然我很輕，但我下盤還算紮實" XD But the wind was just so strong! that I can't even stand well! Luckily there was no car. After I managed to stand and walk I went to pick up my glasses which was 20m away. -.-" (Imagine how bad is the weather!)
Quickly walk back to YHA, good, another lazy day. XD
The weather should be fine tomorrow, at least I can't hear the wind shacking the window now.
Tomorrow, the last day in Wellington, and will up to Auckland on Monday~
Bye everyone, have a good day!
OiOi : Yes... come next time when you visit Australia~
c : Need some lazy day after so many stuff, coz I'm lazy~ :p
- Raymond : Can't wait to go to the volcano, but at Te Papa I understand how powerful is a volcano eruption.... err...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
NZ Trip Day 13,14 & 15 - Lazy days
Well... These 3 days are mainly for traveling. Left Queenstown at day 12, then stay 1 night in Dunedin, 1 night in Lake Tekapo and 1 night in Christchurch.
I like Queenstown, it's not a city, it's just a town. But everything you need is already there. Lot's of activities you can resist~ Beautiful town lay beside a lake, and surround by mountains and mountains. I just love it. 3 days are just not enough but I gotta keep going... :\
Day 13 I arrived Dunedin, boring city, sorry~ Visited the Canterbury factory which now understand how they made my favorite chocolate~ ah yes~ the milk come from NZ itself, and not China~ XD After that.... nth to do in the city, not enough time for wildlife tour, so head back YHA hostel and watch Cast Away.
Day 14 we started our journey to Lake Tekapo. First stop at the world most steepest street, then stopped at a cafe for breakfast, passed thought 3 dam which have been used to generate power to the town, then arrived the beautiful Lake Tekapo. The Lake was just so beautiful! The water is so clear, and blue~! The photo you saw is the same as what I saw, yes it's just so blue~!
But then there was something happened which was the first thing made me feel unhappy along the trip so far. I planned to join a scenic flight which depart from Lake Tekapo and fly around the Mountain Cook and Glacier and return to the Lake. I arrived the office but the staff said the weather is not good. Well.. Yes I can see the weather is not good but it's not BAD! and there was a notice outside saying that there was flight today! They asked me if I can fly tomorrow morning but I said I gonna leave at 8am. From the conversation between the staff I can feel that they were not flying was because I am the only one wants to fly. Which I guess, flying with one customer is not cost-efficient. Anyway,that's my last chance to see the Mountain Cook and now it's gone... what a shame~ :\
Anyway, I joined a star gazing tour which depart at 9pm. Lake Tekapo is one of the best place for star gazing because the weather is always good as it's surrounded by mountains~! You can even see Venus and Jupiter without a telescope because they are so bright at night~ And I never saw so many stars in the sky~ But there was some cloud at night, and we're not able to see all of the sky. But the tour guide said they were going to refund 30% to us due to the cloudy weather. Well...for sure i don't really mind~ XD
Day 15, Lake Tekapo to Christchurch. A lazy day for relax, and to do some laundry.
Tomorrow will go to Wellington by train and ferry, will stay there for 3 days then go to Auckland by plane. I planned to go to Auckland by train but time is just not enough. So I gave up the 12 hours train and go for the 1 hour flight :p
Looking forward for the volcano hike~ Can't believe I've passed half of the NZ trip....time just never stop.
I'm OK so far~ enjoying the trip, so no worries everyone and take care!
c : Yes....again.... cc
Raymond : Hard to not to believe. XD anyway, I can't worry coz I just don't really know whats happening in HK and how worst it is... anyway, take care my friend, you should have more than enough money in your saving~ HAHA
OiOi : So far so good...it's the 15/26 days in NZ.... Will end very soon but I';ll never forget it.
Mudfew : Can't wait to see you too. Well yes just try to imagine you're in a car running 200KM/h and you put your head outside the window... XD
Perry Lo~ Oh man~ I missed your Englsh! no Chinglish! no... well your word!!
I like Queenstown, it's not a city, it's just a town. But everything you need is already there. Lot's of activities you can resist~ Beautiful town lay beside a lake, and surround by mountains and mountains. I just love it. 3 days are just not enough but I gotta keep going... :\
Day 13 I arrived Dunedin, boring city, sorry~ Visited the Canterbury factory which now understand how they made my favorite chocolate~ ah yes~ the milk come from NZ itself, and not China~ XD After that.... nth to do in the city, not enough time for wildlife tour, so head back YHA hostel and watch Cast Away.
 |
| From Dunedin |
Day 14 we started our journey to Lake Tekapo. First stop at the world most steepest street, then stopped at a cafe for breakfast, passed thought 3 dam which have been used to generate power to the town, then arrived the beautiful Lake Tekapo. The Lake was just so beautiful! The water is so clear, and blue~! The photo you saw is the same as what I saw, yes it's just so blue~!
But then there was something happened which was the first thing made me feel unhappy along the trip so far. I planned to join a scenic flight which depart from Lake Tekapo and fly around the Mountain Cook and Glacier and return to the Lake. I arrived the office but the staff said the weather is not good. Well.. Yes I can see the weather is not good but it's not BAD! and there was a notice outside saying that there was flight today! They asked me if I can fly tomorrow morning but I said I gonna leave at 8am. From the conversation between the staff I can feel that they were not flying was because I am the only one wants to fly. Which I guess, flying with one customer is not cost-efficient. Anyway,that's my last chance to see the Mountain Cook and now it's gone... what a shame~ :\
Anyway, I joined a star gazing tour which depart at 9pm. Lake Tekapo is one of the best place for star gazing because the weather is always good as it's surrounded by mountains~! You can even see Venus and Jupiter without a telescope because they are so bright at night~ And I never saw so many stars in the sky~ But there was some cloud at night, and we're not able to see all of the sky. But the tour guide said they were going to refund 30% to us due to the cloudy weather. Well...for sure i don't really mind~ XD
 |
| From Lake Tekapo |
Day 15, Lake Tekapo to Christchurch. A lazy day for relax, and to do some laundry.
Tomorrow will go to Wellington by train and ferry, will stay there for 3 days then go to Auckland by plane. I planned to go to Auckland by train but time is just not enough. So I gave up the 12 hours train and go for the 1 hour flight :p
Looking forward for the volcano hike~ Can't believe I've passed half of the NZ trip....time just never stop.
I'm OK so far~ enjoying the trip, so no worries everyone and take care!
c : Yes....again.... cc
Raymond : Hard to not to believe. XD anyway, I can't worry coz I just don't really know whats happening in HK and how worst it is... anyway, take care my friend, you should have more than enough money in your saving~ HAHA
OiOi : So far so good...it's the 15/26 days in NZ.... Will end very soon but I';ll never forget it.
Mudfew : Can't wait to see you too. Well yes just try to imagine you're in a car running 200KM/h and you put your head outside the window... XD
Perry Lo~ Oh man~ I missed your Englsh! no Chinglish! no... well your word!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
NZ Trip Day 11 & 12 - Jet boating, helicopter, rafting and skydiving!
Spent a lot of money in Queenstown~
Jet boating~
Traveling over 70km/h on water, the feeling of speed was just great! The jet boat can turn very quickly, and even do a 360 spin on the water~ ha
The driver was so professional, he can drive very close to the rock without hitting it~
No photos, well coz it's not allowed~ Anyway, must try once in a life, but once is enough~ XD
Helicopter~
A short ride (too short) to the starting point of rafting, which took like 5 min only. Much stable then I thought... best moment was when the helicopter descend to the valley, and made a sharp turn which created some G-Force on us. Wuhoo~ A bit headache but it's cool~! ha~
Rafting~
My first raft in my life, really fun and easy actually...haha~ It took like 1 and a half hour to reach the end, not many falls in between~ Start getting fun after we passed 70% of the route... Well....Definitely will try other river if I can~ Same, no photos~
Skydive~
YYYYYYYYYYuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
HHHHHHHHHHHHhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's just awesome! GREAT! AMAZING!
The whole procedure is just so simple.
Paid for it at the shop, sign those agreements, short briefing, go to the airfield, dress up, another briefing, jump on the plane, take off, climb to 15,000 feet, door open, jump out, scare for 5 seconds, enjoy 40 seconds, deploy parachute, fly around for few minutes and land, that's it!
The most scary thing is the moment you try to imagine how scary it is, and the first 5 seconds only. Other than that, you'll enjoy it.
It's so cold at the 15,000 ft, but luckily it didn't last for long~
You can actually heard the one before you screaming after they jump off the plane.
When you jump off the plane, you need to hold your head and leg backward, which they said, imagine yourself as a banana.
My Tandem Master has done a very very good job~ After the parachute deployed, she done a few sharp turn which create a lot of positive G-Force on us~ And that was so COOL!
The camera man did a great job too~ Beautiful photos~!
The free fall doesn't feel like 60 second long, and I want more~ :p
ok....let's stop bull shit~ Photos time!!!
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
Frank Herbert
Moving out Queenstown tomorrow morning, and next stop : Dunedin, for one night~
Take care everyone~ Have a good day!
c: Best day ever~ XD
Raymond : I didn't care of money right now, coz I've earned quite a lot in Australia that enough me to travel along~ Man! You got a lot of saving too I'm pretty sure! Come after you got fired~ LoL
OiOi : Thanks Aunt Joyce~ Ask Mudfew to come too~ haha~ He'll enjoy it~ XD
wf : ok ga~! XD I did it!
Jet boating~
Traveling over 70km/h on water, the feeling of speed was just great! The jet boat can turn very quickly, and even do a 360 spin on the water~ ha
The driver was so professional, he can drive very close to the rock without hitting it~
No photos, well coz it's not allowed~ Anyway, must try once in a life, but once is enough~ XD
Helicopter~
A short ride (too short) to the starting point of rafting, which took like 5 min only. Much stable then I thought... best moment was when the helicopter descend to the valley, and made a sharp turn which created some G-Force on us. Wuhoo~ A bit headache but it's cool~! ha~
Rafting~
My first raft in my life, really fun and easy actually...haha~ It took like 1 and a half hour to reach the end, not many falls in between~ Start getting fun after we passed 70% of the route... Well....Definitely will try other river if I can~ Same, no photos~
Skydive~
YYYYYYYYYYuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
HHHHHHHHHHHHhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's just awesome! GREAT! AMAZING!
The whole procedure is just so simple.
Paid for it at the shop, sign those agreements, short briefing, go to the airfield, dress up, another briefing, jump on the plane, take off, climb to 15,000 feet, door open, jump out, scare for 5 seconds, enjoy 40 seconds, deploy parachute, fly around for few minutes and land, that's it!
The most scary thing is the moment you try to imagine how scary it is, and the first 5 seconds only. Other than that, you'll enjoy it.
It's so cold at the 15,000 ft, but luckily it didn't last for long~
You can actually heard the one before you screaming after they jump off the plane.
When you jump off the plane, you need to hold your head and leg backward, which they said, imagine yourself as a banana.
My Tandem Master has done a very very good job~ After the parachute deployed, she done a few sharp turn which create a lot of positive G-Force on us~ And that was so COOL!
The camera man did a great job too~ Beautiful photos~!
The free fall doesn't feel like 60 second long, and I want more~ :p
ok....let's stop bull shit~ Photos time!!!
 |
| From Skydive |
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
Frank Herbert
Moving out Queenstown tomorrow morning, and next stop : Dunedin, for one night~
Take care everyone~ Have a good day!
c: Best day ever~ XD
Raymond : I didn't care of money right now, coz I've earned quite a lot in Australia that enough me to travel along~ Man! You got a lot of saving too I'm pretty sure! Come after you got fired~ LoL
OiOi : Thanks Aunt Joyce~ Ask Mudfew to come too~ haha~ He'll enjoy it~ XD
wf : ok ga~! XD I did it!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
NZ Trip Day 9 & 10 - Doubtful Sound and the Glowworm caves
Early start in the morning, woke up at 6am and jump on a bus to Te Anau. Te Anau is a middle stop for tourist going to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound from Queenstown. I arrived there at around 9:30am, had a cup of hot chocolate, a small breakfast, and wait for the tour which begins at 11:30.
Why is it called "Sound"?
In geography a sound or seaway is a large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, wider than a fjord, or it may identify a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land (see also strait).
from Wikipedia.
Well...
Anyway, a coach brought us to Lake Manapouri, then we cruised over Lake Manapouri, traveled across the Wilmot Pass by coach, and finally boarded the Fiordland Navigator, a traditional style vessel which can hold up to 70 passengers.
After a short brefing, we moved to our accomodation to settle down our stuff. I'm in a Quad-share room which as my room-mate said, just like a high school event, coz it was a tiny room. ha~
We had a afternoon soup while we cruise to the Tasman Sea. Weather was great. After we arrived the exit of the Doubtful Sound, we stopped there for a while and take a look at the seal. We tried to look for penguin and dolphin but failed. Then we turn around and look for a place for our night.
The steering control of the ship is no longer the LARGE wheel we saw in movies and cartoon, it's now a stick which is smaller than a McDonald chip. ha... And it's located on the armrest of the captain's seat, so it's actually very easy to sail.
The activities started after we found a location for our night. We can choose to get on board the tender craft, kayaks or either swim. Well, the temperature was around 15C and the water is much cooler, swimming is not a good idea so I went for kayaking. That's my first kayaking, well it's a lot easy then I thought, and it was FUN!~!!
After about 45 min of activities, we had a dinner buffet which were really really great~ At least I feel really satisfied. After dinner there was a slide show about New Zealand creature, and it's time to sleep~
The next morning it started to rain. Wook up at 7:30 and had a great breakfast, then we cruised to Hall Arms. The captain stop the engines and generators, request everyone to keep silent and listen to the nature. It's just 3 min but the feeling was just great...You can hear the sound of birds, water falls, wind and the creature in the forest. That's really great.
After that we head back to Te Anau, and that's the end of the journey to Doubtful Sound.
After 1 hour 30 min, the tour to the Glowworm caves started. We jump on a boat and cruise over the Lake Te Anau, and arrive the Glowworm caves. We entered the caves, jumped on the a boat, and entered a complete dark and silence cave. My eyes just can't get used to the darkness, I still can see some light even it's completely dark. After a few min, my eyes feel OK and I saw the glowworms, they were over the roof of the cave, they were just so small, and amazing...
We then left the cave, study some history about the glowworm and head back to Te Anau, then Queenstown. The trip was short but well~ it worths ~ :)
Arrived Queenstown at 7:30pm, so cold and raining.... I guess the temperature was around 7-8C. Bought a bag of fish and chips at the A&J in the Queenstown center, a must try fish and chips!! Then head back to Lake Front YHA.
So far.... so good!!
Today afternoon, jet boating then a helicopter ride for rafting~ wuhoo!!
Tomorrow, a visit to the Gondola and 12,000 ft skydiving!! ah wait....it's now 15,000 ft after sister's encouragement. haha~
I am alright everyone! Enjoying my long holiday~! Tons of activities~! and most important, still healthy~! hoho~!!!
oioi: yeah, I'm just not sure if I can still do the same after I returned HK~ so got to enjoy it~!
c : ok ga ~~ Come join me~ XD
Raymond : Come join me too~~ haha~~
Why is it called "Sound"?
In geography a sound or seaway is a large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, wider than a fjord, or it may identify a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land (see also strait).
from Wikipedia.
Well...
Anyway, a coach brought us to Lake Manapouri, then we cruised over Lake Manapouri, traveled across the Wilmot Pass by coach, and finally boarded the Fiordland Navigator, a traditional style vessel which can hold up to 70 passengers.
After a short brefing, we moved to our accomodation to settle down our stuff. I'm in a Quad-share room which as my room-mate said, just like a high school event, coz it was a tiny room. ha~
We had a afternoon soup while we cruise to the Tasman Sea. Weather was great. After we arrived the exit of the Doubtful Sound, we stopped there for a while and take a look at the seal. We tried to look for penguin and dolphin but failed. Then we turn around and look for a place for our night.
The steering control of the ship is no longer the LARGE wheel we saw in movies and cartoon, it's now a stick which is smaller than a McDonald chip. ha... And it's located on the armrest of the captain's seat, so it's actually very easy to sail.
The activities started after we found a location for our night. We can choose to get on board the tender craft, kayaks or either swim. Well, the temperature was around 15C and the water is much cooler, swimming is not a good idea so I went for kayaking. That's my first kayaking, well it's a lot easy then I thought, and it was FUN!~!!
After about 45 min of activities, we had a dinner buffet which were really really great~ At least I feel really satisfied. After dinner there was a slide show about New Zealand creature, and it's time to sleep~
The next morning it started to rain. Wook up at 7:30 and had a great breakfast, then we cruised to Hall Arms. The captain stop the engines and generators, request everyone to keep silent and listen to the nature. It's just 3 min but the feeling was just great...You can hear the sound of birds, water falls, wind and the creature in the forest. That's really great.
After that we head back to Te Anau, and that's the end of the journey to Doubtful Sound.
After 1 hour 30 min, the tour to the Glowworm caves started. We jump on a boat and cruise over the Lake Te Anau, and arrive the Glowworm caves. We entered the caves, jumped on the a boat, and entered a complete dark and silence cave. My eyes just can't get used to the darkness, I still can see some light even it's completely dark. After a few min, my eyes feel OK and I saw the glowworms, they were over the roof of the cave, they were just so small, and amazing...
We then left the cave, study some history about the glowworm and head back to Te Anau, then Queenstown. The trip was short but well~ it worths ~ :)
Arrived Queenstown at 7:30pm, so cold and raining.... I guess the temperature was around 7-8C. Bought a bag of fish and chips at the A&J in the Queenstown center, a must try fish and chips!! Then head back to Lake Front YHA.
 |
| From Doubtful Sound |
So far.... so good!!
Today afternoon, jet boating then a helicopter ride for rafting~ wuhoo!!
Tomorrow, a visit to the Gondola and 12,000 ft skydiving!! ah wait....it's now 15,000 ft after sister's encouragement. haha~
I am alright everyone! Enjoying my long holiday~! Tons of activities~! and most important, still healthy~! hoho~!!!
oioi: yeah, I'm just not sure if I can still do the same after I returned HK~ so got to enjoy it~!
c : ok ga ~~ Come join me~ XD
Raymond : Come join me too~~ haha~~
Thursday, October 23, 2008
NZ Trip Day 6,7 & 8 - Ice climbing Fox Glacier, and the way to Queenstown
Day 6 was just a waste. It's the day I travel from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier. I arrived the destination at 8:20 in the morning, staying in Ivory Tower, and got nothing to do for the whole day. Well... I could save 1 day for other place... anyway... Ah...Be reminded that Ivory Tower don't have lock in their dorm room..
Day 7, finally arrived the day for Ice-Climbing. 8am I arrived the Fox Glacier Guiding building, together with other 3 teammates we entered the "preparation room". We gathered and test our gear such as boot, crampons, backpack, helmet, rope, ice-axe, and socks, then we jumped on to the bus and start our 1 day ice climbing adventure.
The bus stopped at the car park, which is 10 min walk away from the glacier. When I first saw the glacier, well, pretty dirty coz the glacier removed lot of rock and mud from the mountain and the ice is actually gray in color. But it's HUGH!
We didn't climb the glacier from the terminal face because the front of the glacier is very unstable, it could collapse anytime. We need to walk from the mountain to may be 2-3 km from the front before the ice get stable. Although I didn't have much sport the last year but the hike was still OK for me. After we arrived, we equipped out gear and start walking on to the glacier.
The feeling was so good. If you are wearing normal shoes you could never walk on it coz it's really slippy. But with the ice boot and the crampons, my leg were just nailed on the ice, ha~ nice~! We found a good spot for climbing after one hour. Our professional guide Matthew setup everything for us and we started climbing.
I was the less experience guy along all the team mate, but I was the one who climb first. Well, OK~ Matthew asked me," Alan, are you ready?". I looked at the ice wall and I said," Give me 5 more seconds." haha.... After 5 seconds, I said, "Here we go!!........and Don't look down!!"
With the guidance of Matthew, the first climb was just great! I done it in like 5 min. When I arrived the top and look downward, I was just thinking, oh... did I really climbed that? Yes I did! Cool!! hoho~
The first wall we climb was quite easy because it's a not really 90 degree vertical, but the second was. It's completely straight when you look from the bottom. Well I still did it~ Wuhooo!!! But the second time I climbed my arm were so tired, I lost feeling of my arm! Lucky I my team mate hold me for a while and gave a a chance to reload, then, I was on the top again~! :)
After the second climb we began our way home. Matthew didn't choose the way as we start, he chose some more difficult and direct way to get back. Well, it's now pretty easy for us.
I was so tired after I returned to my hostel, I could barely walk. After a hot shower, got to stay on bed and sleep early. But the whole trip was just awesome! unforgettable! I'll try again if I have chance~ May be I'll do rock-climbing when I returned to Hong Kong~ hoho~
Day 8, Fox Glacier to Queenstown. I spent most of the time on traveling coz the distance between is pretty far away. Took some photos in the "Mirror Lake", saw someone play Bungy Jump, well I didn't play because for Bungy jump, $160 for a 3 second free fall, and for skydive, $300 for a 45 seconds freefall, I would prefer a skydiving, which has planned on Monday~ :p
Got to sleep, going to Doubtful Sound tomorrow, start at 7am again~
Enjoy the photos and have a good day!
OiOi: If I didn't put my SD card into my camera, I could take one photo only untill I copy it to my computer XD
c: 唯有啦~~要留都留唔住ge...
Andrew: It's because u told me I'm wrong. :)
 |
| From Fox Glacier Township |
Day 7, finally arrived the day for Ice-Climbing. 8am I arrived the Fox Glacier Guiding building, together with other 3 teammates we entered the "preparation room". We gathered and test our gear such as boot, crampons, backpack, helmet, rope, ice-axe, and socks, then we jumped on to the bus and start our 1 day ice climbing adventure.
The bus stopped at the car park, which is 10 min walk away from the glacier. When I first saw the glacier, well, pretty dirty coz the glacier removed lot of rock and mud from the mountain and the ice is actually gray in color. But it's HUGH!
We didn't climb the glacier from the terminal face because the front of the glacier is very unstable, it could collapse anytime. We need to walk from the mountain to may be 2-3 km from the front before the ice get stable. Although I didn't have much sport the last year but the hike was still OK for me. After we arrived, we equipped out gear and start walking on to the glacier.
The feeling was so good. If you are wearing normal shoes you could never walk on it coz it's really slippy. But with the ice boot and the crampons, my leg were just nailed on the ice, ha~ nice~! We found a good spot for climbing after one hour. Our professional guide Matthew setup everything for us and we started climbing.
I was the less experience guy along all the team mate, but I was the one who climb first. Well, OK~ Matthew asked me," Alan, are you ready?". I looked at the ice wall and I said," Give me 5 more seconds." haha.... After 5 seconds, I said, "Here we go!!........and Don't look down!!"
With the guidance of Matthew, the first climb was just great! I done it in like 5 min. When I arrived the top and look downward, I was just thinking, oh... did I really climbed that? Yes I did! Cool!! hoho~
The first wall we climb was quite easy because it's a not really 90 degree vertical, but the second was. It's completely straight when you look from the bottom. Well I still did it~ Wuhooo!!! But the second time I climbed my arm were so tired, I lost feeling of my arm! Lucky I my team mate hold me for a while and gave a a chance to reload, then, I was on the top again~! :)
After the second climb we began our way home. Matthew didn't choose the way as we start, he chose some more difficult and direct way to get back. Well, it's now pretty easy for us.
I was so tired after I returned to my hostel, I could barely walk. After a hot shower, got to stay on bed and sleep early. But the whole trip was just awesome! unforgettable! I'll try again if I have chance~ May be I'll do rock-climbing when I returned to Hong Kong~ hoho~
 |
| From Ice climbing @ Fox Glacier |
Day 8, Fox Glacier to Queenstown. I spent most of the time on traveling coz the distance between is pretty far away. Took some photos in the "Mirror Lake", saw someone play Bungy Jump, well I didn't play because for Bungy jump, $160 for a 3 second free fall, and for skydive, $300 for a 45 seconds freefall, I would prefer a skydiving, which has planned on Monday~ :p
 |
| From Fox Glacier to Queenstown |
Got to sleep, going to Doubtful Sound tomorrow, start at 7am again~
Enjoy the photos and have a good day!
OiOi: If I didn't put my SD card into my camera, I could take one photo only untill I copy it to my computer XD
c: 唯有啦~~要留都留唔住ge...
Andrew: It's because u told me I'm wrong. :)
Monday, October 20, 2008
NZ Trip Day 4 & 5 - TranzAlpine to Gerymouth, and Franz Josef
The last night in Rolleston YHA I meet Dave, from Canada Saskatoon which is where Andrew now living in~ He is a network analyst and got a 6 weeks holiday from his company~ 6 WEEKS!!! Yes, he said every time he finished a 6 months+ contract, the company will give him a 6 weeks holiday... Well...Can I have it in HK?
The schedule for Day 4 to get on a train from Christchurch and Greymouth. He got the same plan as me, so we get up together and wait for the bus. Cloudy day~ But it's good that there's no rain.
We arrived the Addington station, check-in, put down our luggage and settle down. The train departed on time, which is 8:15am.
This train is a bit different from normal train, because in the middle there is a open carriage, which means no window, and you can take great photos over there~
Not much to say about the journey, just wanna said more than half of the time, I'm not in my seat :p
After arrived Greymouth, settled down in Noah's Ark backpackers, then have a walk around the town. But it's Sunday, so there were not much to see. Have a walk in the supermarket which I missed for a long time, bought some meat, egg, mil, rice and cook my dinner. Well, I still can't cook well~ anyway~
Dave stayed in other hostel tonight.
The girl I met at Christchurch got another plan and she left directly after arriving Greymouth.
The next morning, the same, get up early, get on the bus and continue the journey.
But something stupid happened, forgot to take the egg, forgot to take the milk, forgot my SD card is still in my notebook and FORGOT TO TAKE MY TOWEL!! THE SUPER-QUICK-DRY-TOWEL WHICH STAY WITH ME FOR THE LAST 10 MONTHS, so sad... but what can I do? nothing, well got to use a small handkerchief to dry my body after bath...sigh...
anyway...
The bus started at Gerymouth, had a stop at Hokitika for a visit to the Greenstone factory. Then head to Ross, remember to do a spot of gold panning if you are there!! just NZD6.5 and I didn't do it!! And the couple sitting in front of me both of them they found some gold! ~O~
anyway...
Went through the Westland National Park, while it started to rain. Arrived Franz Josef @ 12:15pm~
Some of them go for a half-day hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, some of them wait for a full day hike, but for me, not much to do here coz I'm going to do a Ice-Climbing on my next stop, Fox Glacier.
So cold here~ 13C plus raining, and has been raining for over 7 hours. I hope it will get better on Wednesday, the day I'm going up to the glacier.
That's all for today, the next YHA I'll stay in will be in Queenstown, not sure if I can online on the coming two days~ Take care everyone, and enjoy the photos~
OiOi : That's true, it's much better when you're sharing the same room with a girl, just like tonight. XD
c : you too!
Raymond : Ok la~ haha~ unfortunately she's got her own plan~
The schedule for Day 4 to get on a train from Christchurch and Greymouth. He got the same plan as me, so we get up together and wait for the bus. Cloudy day~ But it's good that there's no rain.
We arrived the Addington station, check-in, put down our luggage and settle down. The train departed on time, which is 8:15am.
This train is a bit different from normal train, because in the middle there is a open carriage, which means no window, and you can take great photos over there~
Not much to say about the journey, just wanna said more than half of the time, I'm not in my seat :p
After arrived Greymouth, settled down in Noah's Ark backpackers, then have a walk around the town. But it's Sunday, so there were not much to see. Have a walk in the supermarket which I missed for a long time, bought some meat, egg, mil, rice and cook my dinner. Well, I still can't cook well~ anyway~
Dave stayed in other hostel tonight.
The girl I met at Christchurch got another plan and she left directly after arriving Greymouth.
The next morning, the same, get up early, get on the bus and continue the journey.
But something stupid happened, forgot to take the egg, forgot to take the milk, forgot my SD card is still in my notebook and FORGOT TO TAKE MY TOWEL!! THE SUPER-QUICK-DRY-TOWEL WHICH STAY WITH ME FOR THE LAST 10 MONTHS, so sad... but what can I do? nothing, well got to use a small handkerchief to dry my body after bath...sigh...
anyway...
The bus started at Gerymouth, had a stop at Hokitika for a visit to the Greenstone factory. Then head to Ross, remember to do a spot of gold panning if you are there!! just NZD6.5 and I didn't do it!! And the couple sitting in front of me both of them they found some gold! ~O~
anyway...
Went through the Westland National Park, while it started to rain. Arrived Franz Josef @ 12:15pm~
Some of them go for a half-day hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, some of them wait for a full day hike, but for me, not much to do here coz I'm going to do a Ice-Climbing on my next stop, Fox Glacier.
So cold here~ 13C plus raining, and has been raining for over 7 hours. I hope it will get better on Wednesday, the day I'm going up to the glacier.
That's all for today, the next YHA I'll stay in will be in Queenstown, not sure if I can online on the coming two days~ Take care everyone, and enjoy the photos~
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| From TranzAlpine and Greymouth |
 |
| From Franz Josef YHA |
OiOi : That's true, it's much better when you're sharing the same room with a girl, just like tonight. XD
c : you too!
Raymond : Ok la~ haha~ unfortunately she's got her own plan~
Saturday, October 18, 2008
NZ Trip Day 3 - Christchurch Gondola, Botanic Garden and Canterbury Museum
Well, I won't update my blog everyday but these 3 days are just so relaxing~ So I got time for more update~ XD
Sleep till 11am~ dress up and head to today's first stop, Christchurch Gondola. I took Bus 28 from the bus exchange center at Colombo street and head directly to the gondola base station. I paid NZD22 dollar for the ticket and jump up to the cable car, which is the SAME as the one in Ocean Park. The 8 min journey was fxxking scare because the wind was so strong and the cable car was swinging left and right which like it could be fall down anytime. I keep imagine how to survive if the cable car really fall down, and I tried to balance it but it didn't work..... So I just stick on the chair and close my eyes......and it works!!.....LoL.....
Finally I arrived the top, weather wasn't too good~ cloudy and so windy! I can't stay outdoor too long or else I'll blown away by the crazy wind~ The view is...OK~ you can see the whole Christchurch and Lyttelton. And that's all...Up there I meet a girl who study in Australia and came to NZ for holiday~ We shared our plan and experience~ It's so good to meet some new friends doh~
How did I meet her? Well, I want to take photo with the beautiful view, so I asked her if she want someone to take a photo for her~ :p easy.
Afterthat we joined the Time Tunnel Ride Experience which is a ride for kids and a story about NZ. Well....ok la....free of charge anyway~
After that we head back to the city and she continue her visit the other places. Before she left, she gave me a daily tram ticket~ woohooO~ free tram ride for the whole day~ XD
She'll be on the same train with me to Greymouth, see if we can meet again~
I jumped on a tram, and it took 10 min to arrive Botanic Garden, same as my walking speed.
The Botanic should be vey beautiful, should be filled with flowers but the weather are still cold so not much surprise over there~ But I know it's going to be beautiful when Spring arrive.
And today's final stop, The Canterbury Museum. It's not in my plan actually, I'm there just because it's beside the Botanic Garden and I got no plan at all. So I went in. Lot of things to see and the time was just not enough, I think I've just visit 1/3 of the whole museum. Tooooo bad...anyway, Melbourne museum is still the best museum I have ever visited.
A conslustion to Christchurch, as everyone said it's a gardan city. I expect there are buildings like in Sydney because it's one of the major city in the south island, but after I arrived I found that there are not much tall building. You can find houses in like 300m away from the city center. Lots of greens, enviromental friendly, relax, not much people on the street after 8pm.
A little bit sad because I don't have time to learn more about this city, because I need to move on my journey.
What's next?
A scenic train ride to the Gerymouth. Waiting for the photos everyone!
oioi : Come now~ I'm waiting for you~ XD
c : ya~ I start enjoying the trip~ I hope you too~ :)
Sleep till 11am~ dress up and head to today's first stop, Christchurch Gondola. I took Bus 28 from the bus exchange center at Colombo street and head directly to the gondola base station. I paid NZD22 dollar for the ticket and jump up to the cable car, which is the SAME as the one in Ocean Park. The 8 min journey was fxxking scare because the wind was so strong and the cable car was swinging left and right which like it could be fall down anytime. I keep imagine how to survive if the cable car really fall down, and I tried to balance it but it didn't work..... So I just stick on the chair and close my eyes......and it works!!.....LoL.....
Finally I arrived the top, weather wasn't too good~ cloudy and so windy! I can't stay outdoor too long or else I'll blown away by the crazy wind~ The view is...OK~ you can see the whole Christchurch and Lyttelton. And that's all...Up there I meet a girl who study in Australia and came to NZ for holiday~ We shared our plan and experience~ It's so good to meet some new friends doh~
How did I meet her? Well, I want to take photo with the beautiful view, so I asked her if she want someone to take a photo for her~ :p easy.
Afterthat we joined the Time Tunnel Ride Experience which is a ride for kids and a story about NZ. Well....ok la....free of charge anyway~
 |
| From Christchurch Gondola |
After that we head back to the city and she continue her visit the other places. Before she left, she gave me a daily tram ticket~ woohooO~ free tram ride for the whole day~ XD
She'll be on the same train with me to Greymouth, see if we can meet again~
I jumped on a tram, and it took 10 min to arrive Botanic Garden, same as my walking speed.
The Botanic should be vey beautiful, should be filled with flowers but the weather are still cold so not much surprise over there~ But I know it's going to be beautiful when Spring arrive.
 |
| From Christchurch Botanic Garden |
And today's final stop, The Canterbury Museum. It's not in my plan actually, I'm there just because it's beside the Botanic Garden and I got no plan at all. So I went in. Lot of things to see and the time was just not enough, I think I've just visit 1/3 of the whole museum. Tooooo bad...anyway, Melbourne museum is still the best museum I have ever visited.
 |
| From Canterbury Museum |
A conslustion to Christchurch, as everyone said it's a gardan city. I expect there are buildings like in Sydney because it's one of the major city in the south island, but after I arrived I found that there are not much tall building. You can find houses in like 300m away from the city center. Lots of greens, enviromental friendly, relax, not much people on the street after 8pm.
A little bit sad because I don't have time to learn more about this city, because I need to move on my journey.
What's next?
A scenic train ride to the Gerymouth. Waiting for the photos everyone!
oioi : Come now~ I'm waiting for you~ XD
c : ya~ I start enjoying the trip~ I hope you too~ :)
Friday, October 17, 2008
NZ Trip Day 2 - Lord of the Ring Tour
Anyone of you have seen Lord of the Ring?
Yes - I've been to the capital of Rohan!!
No - It's in my room.
Well, most of the movie was filmed in New Zealand. And one of my objective to NZ is to visit the scene. And here it is.
9am at the morning, a "6WD" modified Toyota Land Cruiser stopped right outside my hostel, tour guide Mike, introduced himself and asked me if I mind to sit in the front because the tour was quite full, I don't mind for sure! XD
Cloudy in Christchurch but as we move on the weather was just nice... Mike said it's the best weather since last year! Lucky!
First stop is a river which have a name but I forgot, and which should be clear but it's not because of the rain few days ago. Same as most water supply of Christchurch, it came from the west. There was a Jet boat waiting over there but thats not in our schedule.
After than we had a morning tea at a small shop which came out of no where... have a cup of hot chocolate and a cake, play with 2 little lamb, which are SO cute!!
Then we arrived Lake Clearwater, the lake was just a mirror, reflect the whole mountain, the cloud and the sky.... That's amazing!
After that we moved on to an unseal road and no more electricity and mobile coverage beyond this point. And here it's the primary objective of this tour, the capital of Rohan!
The scene was returned to as how it was, almost none of the stone has been moved during the film as most of the structures were built above them. There were only a few evidences remain. The production team has done a very very good job to keep everything in it's original shape.
Everything there were just so beautiful. Speechless here so take a look at the photos, they were just beautiful.
Then we had a little lunch and head back to Christchurch and that's all for the tour.
Not feeling too well after the tour becoz I keep reading on the car, slept till 8 pm and have a dinner in a Japanese restaurant. Pay USD30 for 1 month wireless access in all YHA hostel~ with up and down speed 128kps and 4GB (2GB up and 2 GB down) limit, should be enough for my whole trip.
That's all for today. HK time is now 8pm but here is 1 am already, 5 hours difference.
What am I gonna do tmr?
No idea yet :p
Good Night~
Hei Ming : I hope you enjoyed it. XD You know, I just keep watching all the switches and compare the one in mind my and I've even forgto to take pics... what a shame!
oioi : Yes...NZ was just so beautiful!
c : Almost....almost~~!!
wfred: yeah I was just never been that exciting when I was on the way to those mountains!! hoho, and there are still a lot to go!!! WOOOOWWOWOWOOWOWOWWOOWOWOWW!!!!!
Yes - I've been to the capital of Rohan!!
No - It's in my room.
Well, most of the movie was filmed in New Zealand. And one of my objective to NZ is to visit the scene. And here it is.
9am at the morning, a "6WD" modified Toyota Land Cruiser stopped right outside my hostel, tour guide Mike, introduced himself and asked me if I mind to sit in the front because the tour was quite full, I don't mind for sure! XD
Cloudy in Christchurch but as we move on the weather was just nice... Mike said it's the best weather since last year! Lucky!
First stop is a river which have a name but I forgot, and which should be clear but it's not because of the rain few days ago. Same as most water supply of Christchurch, it came from the west. There was a Jet boat waiting over there but thats not in our schedule.
After than we had a morning tea at a small shop which came out of no where... have a cup of hot chocolate and a cake, play with 2 little lamb, which are SO cute!!
Then we arrived Lake Clearwater, the lake was just a mirror, reflect the whole mountain, the cloud and the sky.... That's amazing!
After that we moved on to an unseal road and no more electricity and mobile coverage beyond this point. And here it's the primary objective of this tour, the capital of Rohan!
The scene was returned to as how it was, almost none of the stone has been moved during the film as most of the structures were built above them. There were only a few evidences remain. The production team has done a very very good job to keep everything in it's original shape.
Everything there were just so beautiful. Speechless here so take a look at the photos, they were just beautiful.
 |
| From Lord of the Ring tour |
Then we had a little lunch and head back to Christchurch and that's all for the tour.
Not feeling too well after the tour becoz I keep reading on the car, slept till 8 pm and have a dinner in a Japanese restaurant. Pay USD30 for 1 month wireless access in all YHA hostel~ with up and down speed 128kps and 4GB (2GB up and 2 GB down) limit, should be enough for my whole trip.
That's all for today. HK time is now 8pm but here is 1 am already, 5 hours difference.
What am I gonna do tmr?
No idea yet :p
Good Night~
Hei Ming : I hope you enjoyed it. XD You know, I just keep watching all the switches and compare the one in mind my and I've even forgto to take pics... what a shame!
oioi : Yes...NZ was just so beautiful!
c : Almost....almost~~!!
wfred: yeah I was just never been that exciting when I was on the way to those mountains!! hoho, and there are still a lot to go!!! WOOOOWWOWOWOOWOWOWWOOWOWOWW!!!!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
NZ trip Day 1 - JQ143 & Christchurch
After the dinner with Mudfew last night, back home and do my final packing.
Everything's ready. Have a good sleep, woke up at 6:30am and went to the airport, with nervous, same feeling as leaving Hong Kong.
Thanks Brain for waking up so so so early to drive me to the airport.
Finish check in at 8:25, my flight depart at 9:30am, and I need to be at the gate before 8:50am, well no time to walk around. Go through the immigration and custom, no problem, a bit lost when finding gate 27, but still make it. The plane was not connected to the ramp so got to take the connecting bus to Bay 11, a good chance to take more photos~ :p
Board the plane at 9:08am, have a great windowed wing view seat, with NO ONE BESIDE! hoho!! My seat just was facing the touch down zone of runway 16R, cool!! I've took a few aircraft landing pictures~ Push and start at 9:30am, on schedule. As Bay 11 was so close to runway, we taxi for like 2 min and we arrived the holding point F, waiting for take off. 9:46:01am, JQ143 take off Runway 16R.
No lunch provided on board so I spent AUD9 for a sandwich and apple juice. Started to descend at around 12nn, moderate turbulence, but very nice landing at Christchurch. Before I left the plane, I ask the flight attendant if I could visit the cockpit, and they ALLOWED!!! This is the first time I entered a real cockpit. Full of button, the Captain are so busy and just said hello and good bye. The First Officer try to show me some button which they can pressed, that's just amazing~!
After that, I pass through the immigration, the officer almost forgot to give me a chop, grab the luggage, pass through the custom, no problem at all.
oops, no more nervous already.
Took a lot of stuff at the information center, get on a bus with route number 29, arrive city, few min walk to hostel, settled down, walk around city, found a library with free internet access, opps, and here I am.
The hostel was beautiful, will take a few more pictures later.
Still no plan for yesterday, well may be a one day Lord of the Ring tour, still to be decided.
Got to find something to eat, see you guys later~!
oioi : Great song.... really great song...Thank you.
Raymond: ya sorry mate, I'm too lazy. XD The AUD was 7.1 when I come, and now it's 5.1... damn.... wait for my gift ba~ Raymond gor~
c : Almost...almost.... very soon....
Everything's ready. Have a good sleep, woke up at 6:30am and went to the airport, with nervous, same feeling as leaving Hong Kong.
Thanks Brain for waking up so so so early to drive me to the airport.
Finish check in at 8:25, my flight depart at 9:30am, and I need to be at the gate before 8:50am, well no time to walk around. Go through the immigration and custom, no problem, a bit lost when finding gate 27, but still make it. The plane was not connected to the ramp so got to take the connecting bus to Bay 11, a good chance to take more photos~ :p
Board the plane at 9:08am, have a great windowed wing view seat, with NO ONE BESIDE! hoho!! My seat just was facing the touch down zone of runway 16R, cool!! I've took a few aircraft landing pictures~ Push and start at 9:30am, on schedule. As Bay 11 was so close to runway, we taxi for like 2 min and we arrived the holding point F, waiting for take off. 9:46:01am, JQ143 take off Runway 16R.
No lunch provided on board so I spent AUD9 for a sandwich and apple juice. Started to descend at around 12nn, moderate turbulence, but very nice landing at Christchurch. Before I left the plane, I ask the flight attendant if I could visit the cockpit, and they ALLOWED!!! This is the first time I entered a real cockpit. Full of button, the Captain are so busy and just said hello and good bye. The First Officer try to show me some button which they can pressed, that's just amazing~!
After that, I pass through the immigration, the officer almost forgot to give me a chop, grab the luggage, pass through the custom, no problem at all.
oops, no more nervous already.
Took a lot of stuff at the information center, get on a bus with route number 29, arrive city, few min walk to hostel, settled down, walk around city, found a library with free internet access, opps, and here I am.
The hostel was beautiful, will take a few more pictures later.
Still no plan for yesterday, well may be a one day Lord of the Ring tour, still to be decided.
Got to find something to eat, see you guys later~!
 |
| From JQ143 & First day at Christchurch |
oioi : Great song.... really great song...Thank you.
Raymond: ya sorry mate, I'm too lazy. XD The AUD was 7.1 when I come, and now it's 5.1... damn.... wait for my gift ba~ Raymond gor~
c : Almost...almost.... very soon....
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