It was extremely sad and emotional saying goodbye to Al at the airport today but we had a brilliant 10 days together in Sydney.
Highlights of our holiday include:
A concert by Sydney Symphony on Gershwin in the Opera house
A day at Taronga Zoo - one of the best zoo's in the world. We especially loved seeing the kangaroos and the kaola bears.
Jet boating round Sydney Harbour and getting very wet in the process
Watching Fireworks at Darling Harbour
Lots of yummy meals out around the city
Catching the ferry to Manly Beach and walking to North Head for a great view of the city.
Catching the bus to Palm Beach where they film Home and Away - very beautiful setting.
Visiting the Blue Mountains (3 sisters) and a terrfiying ride on the steepest railway in the world. We also took the Gondola across the mountains.
Going to the sydney Aquarium and watching a documentary about the barrier reef at the 3d imax cinema.
Hanging out at Bondi Beach.
We have had an awesome time together but now it's time for Al to go back to work (Policeman) and me to return to my book.
Thanks for checking in.
love Kay (and Al).
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Sights of Sydney
I've enjoyed exploring Sydney so far - the harbour bridge is amazing and when Al comes out to visit we are hoping to do the famous bridge climb over the top!
The opera house is cool - although the steps are being reconstructed which is a shame for the tourist's photos. Hoping to catch a concert while Al is here.
Have also visited China town (huge proportion of the population of sydney is from East Asia), everywhere you go are sushi stands and thai restaurants doing lunchtime special menus for around a fiver!
Went to Darling harbour where there are lots of trendy bars and restaurants, as well offices and workers. I happened to visit when the Thai community were celebrating the birthday of Buddha, so there were chinese dragons, a festival and many stands providing food.
Went to Balmoral beach on sat morning with Jane and she took me to her favourite place to eat Brunch.
Nice to see where the locals hang out.
The weather has been nice and sunny each day, but it tends to really warm up in the afternoon.
The opera house is cool - although the steps are being reconstructed which is a shame for the tourist's photos. Hoping to catch a concert while Al is here.
Have also visited China town (huge proportion of the population of sydney is from East Asia), everywhere you go are sushi stands and thai restaurants doing lunchtime special menus for around a fiver!
Went to Darling harbour where there are lots of trendy bars and restaurants, as well offices and workers. I happened to visit when the Thai community were celebrating the birthday of Buddha, so there were chinese dragons, a festival and many stands providing food.
Went to Balmoral beach on sat morning with Jane and she took me to her favourite place to eat Brunch.
Nice to see where the locals hang out.
The weather has been nice and sunny each day, but it tends to really warm up in the afternoon.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Arriving in Sydney
I enjoyed the Quantas flight to Sydney and after lunch settled down to watch Mission Impossible 4.
I was picked up at the airport by a lady called Suz who works at a local church and who is a friend of a friend. I am living at 111 Campbell Street in Newtown, which is next door to Moore Theological College. I am staying with one of the female lecturers (Jane Tooher) who speaks on women's ministry. It will be useful to pick her brains while I am here. I have a lovely room all to myself and a great bathroom - feels like heaven for a backpacker. No bunkbeds in sight, only a lovely double bed. Jane is brilliant in her hospitality - not only am i living tjere rent free, she is even cooking for me every day and has entrusted me with the keys to her car - brave woman!
At the moment, sydney seems like a big, scary city so will keep to on foot or buses for now!
Jane also has a huge dvd collection - so I have started watching Downton Abbey series one which I haven't seen before but everyone raves about.
It was 26 C on my first day and 28C on my second day, so I put on a pair of shorts even though the locals laughed at me! It is nearly winter after all!
On my first full day, Jane showed me around college and signed me up as a library and desk user. I have use of the dining room, chapel services and lectures if I want to. She took me to coffee with the fellow lecturers and I chatted to The principal (John Woodhouse), Peter Bolt and Peter O'Brien - it was a bit like the who's who of the christian world in the coffee lounge.
I spent the rest of the day exploring Newtown and King street, which is very studenty and cosmpolitan!
I even bought a couple of new tops because I am fed up of wearing the same things!
In the afternoon, I went to a preaching workshop which was meant to be led by the VP of the college - he forgot to turn up so I was asked to lead it instead!!! More than I bargained for!!
Today, I have ventured into the city which is 30 mins walk from king street. Have found the shopping areas and have yet to locate the opera house but I have a map!
I saw a real life ounch up earlier today - about 12 men and women actually punching each other and screaming at each other - i quickly crossed over and went in a different direction.
weather today is cloudy and overcast but dry and not that cold.
I was picked up at the airport by a lady called Suz who works at a local church and who is a friend of a friend. I am living at 111 Campbell Street in Newtown, which is next door to Moore Theological College. I am staying with one of the female lecturers (Jane Tooher) who speaks on women's ministry. It will be useful to pick her brains while I am here. I have a lovely room all to myself and a great bathroom - feels like heaven for a backpacker. No bunkbeds in sight, only a lovely double bed. Jane is brilliant in her hospitality - not only am i living tjere rent free, she is even cooking for me every day and has entrusted me with the keys to her car - brave woman!
At the moment, sydney seems like a big, scary city so will keep to on foot or buses for now!
Jane also has a huge dvd collection - so I have started watching Downton Abbey series one which I haven't seen before but everyone raves about.
It was 26 C on my first day and 28C on my second day, so I put on a pair of shorts even though the locals laughed at me! It is nearly winter after all!
On my first full day, Jane showed me around college and signed me up as a library and desk user. I have use of the dining room, chapel services and lectures if I want to. She took me to coffee with the fellow lecturers and I chatted to The principal (John Woodhouse), Peter Bolt and Peter O'Brien - it was a bit like the who's who of the christian world in the coffee lounge.
I spent the rest of the day exploring Newtown and King street, which is very studenty and cosmpolitan!
I even bought a couple of new tops because I am fed up of wearing the same things!
In the afternoon, I went to a preaching workshop which was meant to be led by the VP of the college - he forgot to turn up so I was asked to lead it instead!!! More than I bargained for!!
Today, I have ventured into the city which is 30 mins walk from king street. Have found the shopping areas and have yet to locate the opera house but I have a map!
I saw a real life ounch up earlier today - about 12 men and women actually punching each other and screaming at each other - i quickly crossed over and went in a different direction.
weather today is cloudy and overcast but dry and not that cold.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Travelling adventures
Got a few minutes to spare in the national park as there is nothing to do here except go for a 9 hour hike (The Tongariro crossing) which is meant to be amazing but my bus leaves in 5 hours!
Lots of reasons to come back one day to NZ!
I was originally going to do the hike yesterday but the chance came up to come and visit Hobbiton and I really wanted to see Bagend and buy some Lord of the Rings Souvenirs for Al (big fan) so I did that instead! No regrest - hobbiton was awesome!
People can even get married there in the near future - they are turning the Green Dragon into a hotel with wedding chapel! Maybe the minister will have to dress like a hobbit?!
I think I'll turn down that opportunity!
The national park village is so small there is one tiny supermarket that is really the petrol garage and one pub to buy a meal!
Good chance to do some laundry so I have some clean clothes to enter Australia - otherwise I might have been refused entry!
Only 3 more bunk beds at 3 different hostels to go and then I can have a normal bed and a room to myself - so exciting!!!! Plus I can even unpack my rucksack!! It's funny how we take these simple pleasures for granted in normal life and how this trip has made me appreciate and be thankful for the little things like a place to sleep each night, a hot shower, a washing machine, a bus turning up, some food to eat (whatever it may be), and someone to talk to!
God has richly provided for all my needs and he is faithful! Praise God!
That's all for now
Thanks for reading this blog - even though we are one hairy hiker down - who apparently has arrived safely in Zambia!
Love Kay
Lots of reasons to come back one day to NZ!
I was originally going to do the hike yesterday but the chance came up to come and visit Hobbiton and I really wanted to see Bagend and buy some Lord of the Rings Souvenirs for Al (big fan) so I did that instead! No regrest - hobbiton was awesome!
People can even get married there in the near future - they are turning the Green Dragon into a hotel with wedding chapel! Maybe the minister will have to dress like a hobbit?!
I think I'll turn down that opportunity!
The national park village is so small there is one tiny supermarket that is really the petrol garage and one pub to buy a meal!
Good chance to do some laundry so I have some clean clothes to enter Australia - otherwise I might have been refused entry!
Only 3 more bunk beds at 3 different hostels to go and then I can have a normal bed and a room to myself - so exciting!!!! Plus I can even unpack my rucksack!! It's funny how we take these simple pleasures for granted in normal life and how this trip has made me appreciate and be thankful for the little things like a place to sleep each night, a hot shower, a washing machine, a bus turning up, some food to eat (whatever it may be), and someone to talk to!
God has richly provided for all my needs and he is faithful! Praise God!
That's all for now
Thanks for reading this blog - even though we are one hairy hiker down - who apparently has arrived safely in Zambia!
Love Kay
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Hobbiton - The shire movie set and tour
Today's blog post is dedicated to my lovely boyfriend, Mr Al Mumford - a true Lord of the Rings Fan and who would have loved to being this tour of Hobbiton.
Today, I have had the privilege of visiting the shire in Hobbiton and having tea with Bilbo at Bagend!
The Movie set of Hobbition was one hour's drive away and it was a beautiful sunny day!
The shire truly is beautiful and we saw the Green Dragon, Bag end, all the hobbit holes, the party tree and the lake etc.
The original movie set was destroyed after the filming of the trilogy - but Peter Jackson commissioned a remake of the original set when he realised how many fans of the films wanted to come and visit. They now get 55,000 visitors a year.
This movie set was used for 4 weeks of filming. The rest of the films are filmes around New Zealand on many different locations. Our bus driver had been an extra in film 2, he was an Orc and our guide had been one of the original filming crew!
It was so brilliant to see the set in the flesh and it truly is a wonderful place. Wish I could become a Hobbit and live there every day!
Look out for my photos on Facebook!
The next few days I am travelling (by Intercity bus) back to Christchurch via the ferry at Wellington.
The next time I will blog is when I get to Sydney (flight is on the 9th May).
New Zealand truly is a beautiful country and you should come if you ever get the opportunity.
Today, I have had the privilege of visiting the shire in Hobbiton and having tea with Bilbo at Bagend!
The Movie set of Hobbition was one hour's drive away and it was a beautiful sunny day!
The shire truly is beautiful and we saw the Green Dragon, Bag end, all the hobbit holes, the party tree and the lake etc.
The original movie set was destroyed after the filming of the trilogy - but Peter Jackson commissioned a remake of the original set when he realised how many fans of the films wanted to come and visit. They now get 55,000 visitors a year.
This movie set was used for 4 weeks of filming. The rest of the films are filmes around New Zealand on many different locations. Our bus driver had been an extra in film 2, he was an Orc and our guide had been one of the original filming crew!
It was so brilliant to see the set in the flesh and it truly is a wonderful place. Wish I could become a Hobbit and live there every day!
Look out for my photos on Facebook!
The next few days I am travelling (by Intercity bus) back to Christchurch via the ferry at Wellington.
The next time I will blog is when I get to Sydney (flight is on the 9th May).
New Zealand truly is a beautiful country and you should come if you ever get the opportunity.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Geothermal reserves
The weather was beautiful today- blue skies and not a cloud in the sky. The prefect weather for walking around the two geothermal reserves I went to today.
The first was Wai-O-Tapu. There were different lakes with steam rising off them, sulphur caves, boiling mudpools and a chance to see the Lady Knox Geyser exploding at 10.15am (daily). It shot up to 20m high!
There were lakes that were bright green (like grass) and others that were bright yellow and orange with all the different acidity levels. A very fascinating place which took 90 minutes to walk around.
I spent the afternoon at Waimangu volcanic valley which claims to be the world's youngest geothermal areas. This reserve was less crowded and the 2 hour walk around the valley was breathtaking with it's views. There were lots of weird lakes with steam rising and other lakes that had green acid floating on the top. Such an amazing place with a beautiful lake at the end of it.
Tomorrow, I am taking the 4 hour tour of Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings/ Hobbiton movie set - it's meant to be a great day so am looking forward to it.
Love Kay
The first was Wai-O-Tapu. There were different lakes with steam rising off them, sulphur caves, boiling mudpools and a chance to see the Lady Knox Geyser exploding at 10.15am (daily). It shot up to 20m high!
There were lakes that were bright green (like grass) and others that were bright yellow and orange with all the different acidity levels. A very fascinating place which took 90 minutes to walk around.
I spent the afternoon at Waimangu volcanic valley which claims to be the world's youngest geothermal areas. This reserve was less crowded and the 2 hour walk around the valley was breathtaking with it's views. There were lots of weird lakes with steam rising and other lakes that had green acid floating on the top. Such an amazing place with a beautiful lake at the end of it.
Tomorrow, I am taking the 4 hour tour of Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings/ Hobbiton movie set - it's meant to be a great day so am looking forward to it.
Love Kay
Maori Evening
I spent the evening at the village of The Mitai tribe of Maori.
There were 60 of us from 13 different nations and we enjoyed a cultural evening of maori performances of traditional dances, songs and the Hukka! It was meant to be intimidating and it was!
The Maori chief explained more about their weapons, dress and way of life. The concert was in the middle of the forest.
Then we ate the traditional Hangi meal of Lamb, chicken and Potatoes steamed in a pit in the forest. It was very tasty!
After dinner, we were taken on a tour in the forest with torches to see glow- worms and a sulpuric scared stream with eels!
It was quite a surreal evening but very memorable.
There are 70 different Maori tribes on the North Island and the bus driver was telling me that every year they meet for Hukka competitions with each other! A bit like the Maori Olmypics! He told me it was quite a sight!
There were 60 of us from 13 different nations and we enjoyed a cultural evening of maori performances of traditional dances, songs and the Hukka! It was meant to be intimidating and it was!
The Maori chief explained more about their weapons, dress and way of life. The concert was in the middle of the forest.
Then we ate the traditional Hangi meal of Lamb, chicken and Potatoes steamed in a pit in the forest. It was very tasty!
After dinner, we were taken on a tour in the forest with torches to see glow- worms and a sulpuric scared stream with eels!
It was quite a surreal evening but very memorable.
There are 70 different Maori tribes on the North Island and the bus driver was telling me that every year they meet for Hukka competitions with each other! A bit like the Maori Olmypics! He told me it was quite a sight!
Rotorua - Polynesian Spa, Hell's Gate and Maori evening
Rotorua is one the weirdest and most wonderful places I have ever been!
I spent the morning in the hot Pools at the Polynesian Spa. There were 4 pools (which I had to myself), overlooking Lake Rotorua, ranging from 38-42 degrees C. It was very relaxing!
Next I went to Hell's Gate which is a geothermal volcanic reserve with lots of boiling mud pools and a mud bath. It was a weird and fascinating place with over 100 different natural pools - many of which were over 70 degrees and some over 100 degrees.
I took lots of photos.
Enjoyed bathing my feet in the mud pool and trying my hand at wood carving!
I spent the morning in the hot Pools at the Polynesian Spa. There were 4 pools (which I had to myself), overlooking Lake Rotorua, ranging from 38-42 degrees C. It was very relaxing!
Next I went to Hell's Gate which is a geothermal volcanic reserve with lots of boiling mud pools and a mud bath. It was a weird and fascinating place with over 100 different natural pools - many of which were over 70 degrees and some over 100 degrees.
I took lots of photos.
Enjoyed bathing my feet in the mud pool and trying my hand at wood carving!
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