Thursday, May 21, 2009
New Zealand trip
New Zealand enable me to experience a whole new world. Life back there was laid back and slow pace. Of course I would be happy as a worker, but definitely not as a customer. I would not have the patient to tolerate waiting to be serve, and it happened. The people there were more responsive as greetings rings in the air. I am afraid of the food there as they serve in large servings of my fave and hot melty chocolate is common, I bet my calorie intake increase by leaps.
The breakdown of my journey was as follows (not comprehensive as the boring part was omitted due to bad memories):
Day 1
First we visited the International Antarctic Center, the only gateway to Antarctic. Saw the world's smallest penguin before gearing up in rubber boots and jackets to walk through a cold chamber in which they simulate the climate of the Antarctic. Next, we took the Hagglund ride. It was exhilarating as the vehicle move up and down the terrains, just like the children roller coaster ride. It definitely wake me up from the jet lag.
World's smallest penguin
Cold chamber
Day 2
Took the Tranz Alpine Train ride to Arthur Pass. I could not deny that the scenery was nice but there was nothing much to rave about. The only thing that light me up during the journey was the unexpected first break of snow which marks the beginning of winter for New Zealand. Although having to seen it once, I still enjoy the sight. Visited Franz Josef glacier (glacier: large piece of ice that form from compacted layers of snow, covering vast area of the polar region) out of the courtesy of our tour guide although it was not written in the itinerary. The night sky was nice to, meaning no light pollution and clouds. It is comparable to that of Bintan but the cold chilly weather fails me.
Franz Josef glacierDay 3Put on our safety boots before hiking towards the Fox glacier. The journey was tough with uneven roads, hills and steams but the strong sense of accomplishment after reaching the glacier right in the face was satisfying. Took my first helicopter ride next. We landed on the glacier where the snow was knee deep and vast. The descending ride was scary as the driver keep tilting left and right with sudden descend.
Fox glacier- that how close it is
Fox glacier
Stream behind Fox glacier
Paranomic view from helicopter
Glacier from the top
Glacier from the top with helicopterDay 4Went on the optional tour to Milford sound. It was a long journey to and from. During the journey sheeps and cow could be seen. I know it is sadist but it was fun to see the sheep running away from the bus as the bus is nearing. Took a cruise and enjoy sprays of waterfall, spotted seals too. Collected spring water which claims to give eternal youth.
Milford soundDay 5we put on rain coats and life jacket before riding on a jet boat. The jet boat was fun as the driver would drive fast and make 360 degrees turns. We also try our luck to find gold. First we put some gravels from the gold mining field into a pot. We would then rinse the gold from the rock. The rock were then removed by allowing the water to push them of the pot. Gold being 19 times denser then water would remain in the pot. When no gold were spotted it could mean two things, one being that the gold miner had no skill and loses the gold while washing out the rock while the other being that there was not any gold in the gravel to start with. So to determine which was the reason, a ball pellet lead was place within the gravel. If the ball was lost, it confirmed that the gold mining step was done badly. As a science student, it was not the technique that fails me but my luck. Visited Ms Jones to grab chocolate coated fruits and Mountain Cook which was covered by clouds. zzz.
Before jet boat ride
Day 6
Took domestic flight to the north island. Saw geothermal activity such as boiling mud pool, geysers (geysers: hot spring categorized by discharge of water which turns into vapour in the air) and warm grounds. Next we enjoy a polynesian spa in a private room, good for couple ^^.
Also saw three rain bow at north.
Boiling mud pool
GeysersDay 7Went to Agrodome sheep show. It was quite similar to the one in Australia: the display of sheeps on the stage, sheep shearing, sheep dog climbing on the sheep back, even till the weird appearance of two duck which marks the end of the show indoor and sheep dog performances outdoor. The sheep dog performances in New Zealand seems staged instead of the job of the sheep dog itself. Next we had farm activity as we feed the animals there. Conclusion: they have a lot of saliva as my hand came out wet. Took a gondola lift and luge ride down before a chair lift up again. The day end with Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) dinner and dance show.
farm activity)
gondola liftDay 8Took a boat down the glowworm cave, it resembles many stars croweded in the sky just that it only have one colour, green. Visit the sky tower beside our hotel, it is similar to shanghai tower just that some part of the tower and lift have a transparent glass beneath your feet. Last but not least, went to casino underaged. When I walk pass the security, I dare not even take a peek at him. Felt relieve after the entry though.
Day 9
More casino and shopping. Could not afford to shop as it is quite pricey from clothes, shoe to books.
End. It was supposed to be "11-days" tour but the other "2 days" were spend on the airplane.
Bye for now
*star__mission
7:55 PM
.jpg)
