23rd March 2009
Leaving Bangkok
Day167
Oh my God I'm so hungover. Check out of the guest house by 10am and went for a full English and a cup of tea to make myself feel better. Must leave Bangkok today - it's so hectic and too much for me right now. Apparently it's best to ignore all the tuk-tuk drivers and touts on the street when they talk to you or strike up a conversation, but I can't. It feels too rude (although here culturally it isn't) and right now I'm drained. Plus all the disabled and disfigured people begging in the streets, lying on the floors in busy areas and the feeling that everyone is trying to rip me off (tourists are walking cash machines - everyone wants a withdrawal). I need to move on.
I waited for a bus to the coach station after I had had my breakfast, but it was so hot and the bus never showed up so I took a taxi. There was so much traffic and I'm sure I turned green. The taxi man was amusing enough. He asked me to guess his age. He looked about 50 odd but I said I didn't know how old he was. He then told me he was 30 years old. There is no way he was 30! I'm sure he ripped me off but once I was at the coach station I didn't care and ran into the toilets to see my breakfast in reverse. It wasn't pretty.
Felt better and got the coach to Ayutthaya. It felt so good to be out of Bangkok. Once in Ayutthaya I got out my map and tried to work out where the hell I was when a man came up to me and asked if I needed help. I said no as I was sure he was trying to sell me something. A few minutes later he came back over and I accepted his offer of help and he pointed me in the right direction. Great! Not everyone is a scammer.
Got to the guest house and noticed one guy staring at me then he asked if I wanted to get some food from the market so off we went. His name was Toby and he was from Australia. He seemed nice but was a bit awkward and when he opened a bottle of water he managed to get most of it on himself. We planned to go out tomorrow and split the cost of a tuk-tuk.
Had a great night sleep on a mattress on the floor of a very cheap room that smelt very strongly of paint.
Thursday 30 April 2009
Sunday 19 April 2009
Day 166 How do those chairs spin?
22nd March 2009
No change and spinning chairs
Day 166
Well how cheeky is this - I went around some stalls today and bought a pair of socks. I bargained for them as they were 20 baht (40p) and the woman agreed on 15 baht (30p). So i hand over 20 baht and she hands me the socks and does not give me any change! I start to ask for my change when a guy on the next stall tells me she doesn't speak English. How very convenient! I was right chuffed with actually bargaining for something at first.
Anyway at night I went around Khoa San Road with Lucy and some of her friends. It's a shame she is going back to England soon as we get on really well. Had a great night out anyway - we noticed the stools in a bar would rotate when touching another stool and had this sort of mechanical stool thing going on. A bouncer walked past and Lucy pointed out the spinning chairs. Then one minute later these bouncers appeared with flash lights searching under the chairs and up the walls thinking we were up to something! They all got so paranoid!
Day 165 Bangkok
21st March 2009
Exploring Bangkok
Day 165
Went exploring today. Passed a man offering a tuk-tuk (motorbike-van-taxi contraption) for 5 baht (10p), which made me and another tuk-tuk driver laugh as these things are always scams when offered that cheap. Got speaking to a Official Tourist guy (99% sure he was official) who taught me some Thai words and got me a tuk-tuk and sent me on a tour of Bangkok and I saw big Buddhas and a marble palace then went to a tourist office to ask about bus times for north Thailand and the guy there got carried away and tried to sell me a trip for 1800 pounds and wrote out a plan. When I said no it was awkward.
The food here is so good and cheap. Had a lovely Thai meal then bought a Cornetto and fell asleep in my room.
Exploring Bangkok
Day 165
Went exploring today. Passed a man offering a tuk-tuk (motorbike-van-taxi contraption) for 5 baht (10p), which made me and another tuk-tuk driver laugh as these things are always scams when offered that cheap. Got speaking to a Official Tourist guy (99% sure he was official) who taught me some Thai words and got me a tuk-tuk and sent me on a tour of Bangkok and I saw big Buddhas and a marble palace then went to a tourist office to ask about bus times for north Thailand and the guy there got carried away and tried to sell me a trip for 1800 pounds and wrote out a plan. When I said no it was awkward.
The food here is so good and cheap. Had a lovely Thai meal then bought a Cornetto and fell asleep in my room.
Saturday 4 April 2009
Day 164 Bangkok
20th March 2009
Bangkok
Day 164
Landed in Bangkok at 11:30pm Thai time. Went to the prayer room to get some sleep but people were praying in there (obv). One guy was lying down and getting some kip but he looked Thai and suddenly I didn't think it was appropriate for me to go in there and try to get some sleep.
There were no more buses to the city so I slept in the departure lounge. It was noisy and cold and not nice on the steel chairs. Not a good nights sleep (3 hours sleep max). I woke up and opened my eyes and saw a monk on the seats opposite in bright orange robes.
At 5am I went to get my bus to the city centre but just missed it. A guy there that I asked said the next bus would be in 2 hours, but he could take me to a taxi. I declined as I wasn't sure if he was just saying this so he could get commission for the taxi, and guess what - another bus was there in 10 minutes.
Went to a guest house near the main strip of Khoa San Road in Bangkok. They passed me the keys for me to check the room before I decided to stay. To be honest I would not know what to expect and probably would have stayed anywhere with being so tired after my night in the airport combined with my lack of knowledge in knowing what a good room was, but I went to check anyway. There was no lift so I set off up the stairs to the first floor, then I realised the lady had said 'third floor' , not 'first'. So I trekked up 2 more flights of stairs.
The room was basically four walls with a metal frame bed, a window and a fan on the roof. I thought it was well cool, and only 4 quid! (Hostels in Oz had been up to 15 quid). Was jet lagged and couldn't sleep so went for a walk. It started raining so I went to a bar. There was one other person at the bar and we got chatting. She was from England too and also staying in the same hostel as me! Quite a coincidence in the most touristy and popular city in Thailand.
We (Lucy and I) decided to meet up later for some drinks in Khoa San Road. It was crazy! There were people everywhere. Bedlam. There was stalls selling foods and so many beggars sitting in the road, many of them disabled. I was shocked.
We picked a bar to sit at and sat on the seats near the front. Bad idea. So many people came up to us every few minutes and tried to sell us all sorts of things - bracelets, wooden frogs, etc. It was awkward, mostly because we weren't use to how to handle the situation. A 'no thank you' would not always work and the sellers would keep trying or just stand there. So we went to another bar that was on a balcony away from the street sellers. Problem was that the music in there was so loud that we could hardly talk.
On the walk back to our hostel we came across an elephant. It was a baby elephant in the street. Its owner was parading it around selling nuts to people so they could feed it. Random.
Bangkok is crazy.
Bangkok
Day 164
Landed in Bangkok at 11:30pm Thai time. Went to the prayer room to get some sleep but people were praying in there (obv). One guy was lying down and getting some kip but he looked Thai and suddenly I didn't think it was appropriate for me to go in there and try to get some sleep.
There were no more buses to the city so I slept in the departure lounge. It was noisy and cold and not nice on the steel chairs. Not a good nights sleep (3 hours sleep max). I woke up and opened my eyes and saw a monk on the seats opposite in bright orange robes.
At 5am I went to get my bus to the city centre but just missed it. A guy there that I asked said the next bus would be in 2 hours, but he could take me to a taxi. I declined as I wasn't sure if he was just saying this so he could get commission for the taxi, and guess what - another bus was there in 10 minutes.
Went to a guest house near the main strip of Khoa San Road in Bangkok. They passed me the keys for me to check the room before I decided to stay. To be honest I would not know what to expect and probably would have stayed anywhere with being so tired after my night in the airport combined with my lack of knowledge in knowing what a good room was, but I went to check anyway. There was no lift so I set off up the stairs to the first floor, then I realised the lady had said 'third floor' , not 'first'. So I trekked up 2 more flights of stairs.
The room was basically four walls with a metal frame bed, a window and a fan on the roof. I thought it was well cool, and only 4 quid! (Hostels in Oz had been up to 15 quid). Was jet lagged and couldn't sleep so went for a walk. It started raining so I went to a bar. There was one other person at the bar and we got chatting. She was from England too and also staying in the same hostel as me! Quite a coincidence in the most touristy and popular city in Thailand.
We (Lucy and I) decided to meet up later for some drinks in Khoa San Road. It was crazy! There were people everywhere. Bedlam. There was stalls selling foods and so many beggars sitting in the road, many of them disabled. I was shocked.
We picked a bar to sit at and sat on the seats near the front. Bad idea. So many people came up to us every few minutes and tried to sell us all sorts of things - bracelets, wooden frogs, etc. It was awkward, mostly because we weren't use to how to handle the situation. A 'no thank you' would not always work and the sellers would keep trying or just stand there. So we went to another bar that was on a balcony away from the street sellers. Problem was that the music in there was so loud that we could hardly talk.
On the walk back to our hostel we came across an elephant. It was a baby elephant in the street. Its owner was parading it around selling nuts to people so they could feed it. Random.
Bangkok is crazy.
Day 163 Bye NZ
19th March 2009
Bye NZ
Day 163
Have enjoyed my time in NZ (even through the 2 days of moaning). Have seen what life is like out here compared to the UK. It's so much more laid back. Work doesn't overflow into daily life and there are so many activities. Makes it seem stupid to get stressed out about work at home. Don't think I could live here though - I'd want something more going on, to live somewhere more vibrant.
Off to Thailand now bye!
P.S. Marianne did get back to the hostel.
Bye NZ
Day 163
Have enjoyed my time in NZ (even through the 2 days of moaning). Have seen what life is like out here compared to the UK. It's so much more laid back. Work doesn't overflow into daily life and there are so many activities. Makes it seem stupid to get stressed out about work at home. Don't think I could live here though - I'd want something more going on, to live somewhere more vibrant.
Off to Thailand now bye!
P.S. Marianne did get back to the hostel.
Day 162 Hungover
18th March 2009
Hungover
Day 162
Hungover. Went out with Marianne last night for St. Patricks Day (any excuse). Am a little worried as she did not come back last night and she should be back by now surely?
Booked the '$5 shuttle bus' to the airport. Guess how much it costs? $7 is the official price. So they said it has a $2 surcharge for petrol, but charged me $5. I don't get it.
Hungover
Day 162
Hungover. Went out with Marianne last night for St. Patricks Day (any excuse). Am a little worried as she did not come back last night and she should be back by now surely?
Booked the '$5 shuttle bus' to the airport. Guess how much it costs? $7 is the official price. So they said it has a $2 surcharge for petrol, but charged me $5. I don't get it.
Day 161 St. Patricks Day
17th March 2009
St. Patricks Day
Day 161
Leaving the beautiful Queenstown and heading up north to Christchurch, my last stop in NZ. Have chosen not to stay in the awful Base Hostel chain, like everyone usually does but am staying a little out of the way with a Swedish girl who doesn't want to stay at Base either.
So today is St. Patricks Day. Marianne and I are going out tonight to celebrate (well people usually guess I'm Irish so I might as well party with them). Just want to get to Thailand now. NZ is too much like home and I want something different - different culture, food, people.
St. Patricks Day
Day 161
Leaving the beautiful Queenstown and heading up north to Christchurch, my last stop in NZ. Have chosen not to stay in the awful Base Hostel chain, like everyone usually does but am staying a little out of the way with a Swedish girl who doesn't want to stay at Base either.
So today is St. Patricks Day. Marianne and I are going out tonight to celebrate (well people usually guess I'm Irish so I might as well party with them). Just want to get to Thailand now. NZ is too much like home and I want something different - different culture, food, people.
Day 160 Excitement
16th March 2009
Excitement
Day 160
Hannah and Helena left this morning. We are in Vietnam around the same time so hopefully will meet up again. Can't wait to go to Thailand in 3 days time! I get there at 11pm so have decided to sleep in the airport (have slept in Prague and Cairns airport before but this may be a little different). Usually get a bit nervous and worried before going to new countries but I am so happy and excited and I know it'll be fine.
Excitement
Day 160
Hannah and Helena left this morning. We are in Vietnam around the same time so hopefully will meet up again. Can't wait to go to Thailand in 3 days time! I get there at 11pm so have decided to sleep in the airport (have slept in Prague and Cairns airport before but this may be a little different). Usually get a bit nervous and worried before going to new countries but I am so happy and excited and I know it'll be fine.
Day 159 Good day
15th March 2009
Good Day
Day 159
Lie in! Fergburger. Day on the waterfront watching an extreme parachute skill event. Night in watching films and eating sweets with the girls. What a good day.
Good Day
Day 159
Lie in! Fergburger. Day on the waterfront watching an extreme parachute skill event. Night in watching films and eating sweets with the girls. What a good day.
Day 158 Bungee!
14th March 2009
Bungee!
Day 158
Up and off to the bungee site this morning. I was calm and looking forward to it. Got a little over-thinking on the way there. Not about being scared but was wondering if this is the best thing I'll ever do and how will I match it after. If this is the most thrilling and daring thing I ever do then what's left?
Got to the bungee site and quickly forgot about these thoughts once my
harness was fitted. We got a gondola to the jump station that was suspended over 200 metres above a river by some wires.
They attached the bungee cords to my feet and led me to the edge. All I heard was the '3-2-1' count and I jumped off the worlds 3rd highest bungee jump. 134 metres of freefall! The fall was crazy - just the feeling of falling through the air at such a speed, screaming and laughing like a madman.
The whole thing was over in a minute and I was hauled back to the top.
I celebrated with a Fergburger (the best burgers in NZ, if not the world) and went out partying around Queenstown at night with the girls from my room.
All in all I'd say the bungee jump is the biggest rush and most exciting thing I have ever done.
Bungee!
Day 158
Up and off to the bungee site this morning. I was calm and looking forward to it. Got a little over-thinking on the way there. Not about being scared but was wondering if this is the best thing I'll ever do and how will I match it after. If this is the most thrilling and daring thing I ever do then what's left?
Got to the bungee site and quickly forgot about these thoughts once my
harness was fitted. We got a gondola to the jump station that was suspended over 200 metres above a river by some wires.They attached the bungee cords to my feet and led me to the edge. All I heard was the '3-2-1' count and I jumped off the worlds 3rd highest bungee jump. 134 metres of freefall! The fall was crazy - just the feeling of falling through the air at such a speed, screaming and laughing like a madman.
The whole thing was over in a minute and I was hauled back to the top.
I celebrated with a Fergburger (the best burgers in NZ, if not the world) and went out partying around Queenstown at night with the girls from my room.
All in all I'd say the bungee jump is the biggest rush and most exciting thing I have ever done.
Day 157 Milford Sounds
13th March 2009
Milford Sounds
Day 157
Up at 7am to get the coach to Milford Sounds. It's fantastic! Absolutely amazing - waterfalls, seals, mountains, beautiful
Milford Sounds
Day 157
Up at 7am to get the coach to Milford Sounds. It's fantastic! Absolutely amazing - waterfalls, seals, mountains, beautiful
Friday 27 March 2009
Day 156 QUEENSTOWN
12th March 2009
QUEENSTOWN
Day 156
Everyone I have met who has been to New Zealand says their favourite place is Queenstown. I thought it might be good but never expected it to match the hype, but I was wrong - it's great!
We have managed to get a four bed private room with en suite somehow. Helena, Hannah, Marianne and I have a bath in the en suite, a TV in the room and packs of coffee and milo (chocolate drink)!.
We stayed in tonight watching films and eating sweets that we got from the British Sweet Shop (mmm... minstrels).
QUEENSTOWN
Day 156
Everyone I have met who has been to New Zealand says their favourite place is Queenstown. I thought it might be good but never expected it to match the hype, but I was wrong - it's great!
We have managed to get a four bed private room with en suite somehow. Helena, Hannah, Marianne and I have a bath in the en suite, a TV in the room and packs of coffee and milo (chocolate drink)!.
We stayed in tonight watching films and eating sweets that we got from the British Sweet Shop (mmm... minstrels).
Day 155 Face masks
11th March 2009
Pamper Day
Day 155
Today we left Franz Josef and came to Wanaka. Helana, Hannah and I paid an extra 1 dollar and were upgraded to the girls only dorm called the sanctuary! Got a complimentary towel, moisturiser, tea, coffee and glass of bubbly. Spent the night reading magazines, washing hair (they even had a blow dryer), doing face masks, drinking tea and painting nails.
Well good!
Pamper Day
Day 155
Today we left Franz Josef and came to Wanaka. Helana, Hannah and I paid an extra 1 dollar and were upgraded to the girls only dorm called the sanctuary! Got a complimentary towel, moisturiser, tea, coffee and glass of bubbly. Spent the night reading magazines, washing hair (they even had a blow dryer), doing face masks, drinking tea and painting nails.
Well good!
Day 154 No glacier for me thanks
10th March 2009
Skipping the glacier
Day 154
Chilled out with Hannah and Helena today. Most people went to do the glacier hike because they say "I want to do the glacier hike because I don't know when I'll have the chance to do one again". Well to be honest I have never wanted to do one and don't think I ever will.
Today it was raining. Most people got back around 8pm ish, soaking wet and not very happy. When I asked how it was, the 2 replies were either "cold" or "wet".
Skipping the glacier
Day 154
Chilled out with Hannah and Helena today. Most people went to do the glacier hike because they say "I want to do the glacier hike because I don't know when I'll have the chance to do one again". Well to be honest I have never wanted to do one and don't think I ever will.
Today it was raining. Most people got back around 8pm ish, soaking wet and not very happy. When I asked how it was, the 2 replies were either "cold" or "wet".
Day 153 To the Glacier
9th March 2009
Glacey
Day 153
So I was a power ranger last night. Had a right good time at the party. Drunk a little (not paraletic!) and ended up partying on the beach and going for a dip in the sea. Today we drove to Franz Josef, the place with the glacier.
Glacey
Day 153
So I was a power ranger last night. Had a right good time at the party. Drunk a little (not paraletic!) and ended up partying on the beach and going for a dip in the sea. Today we drove to Franz Josef, the place with the glacier.
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Day 152 Go, go Power Rangers
8th March 2009
POW!
Day 152
Feeling in a slightly better mood today, which isn't hard. So looking forward to Thailand now - something different and cheap. Can't wait to get to south-east Asia and book some tours and go to some classes. And then there's the massages! Ah I could do with a back massage now. Anyway, I'm at a place called Lake Manihipua today and have met some girls from my bus. It's a fancy dress party tonight and the theme is 'P'. Everyone must go as something beginning with the letter 'P'. The girls I met, Hannah and Helena, and I have decided to go as Power Rangers. POW!
POW!
Day 152
Feeling in a slightly better mood today, which isn't hard. So looking forward to Thailand now - something different and cheap. Can't wait to get to south-east Asia and book some tours and go to some classes. And then there's the massages! Ah I could do with a back massage now. Anyway, I'm at a place called Lake Manihipua today and have met some girls from my bus. It's a fancy dress party tonight and the theme is 'P'. Everyone must go as something beginning with the letter 'P'. The girls I met, Hannah and Helena, and I have decided to go as Power Rangers. POW!
Day 151 Moaning
7th March 2009
Moan moan moan
Day 151
Got V festival tickets sorted last night for me and Tania! It's going to be so cool. Oasis and The Killers are headlining.
That's the good news.
I am on a right downer today. I have had enough and it's only 9:30am. Today isn't going to be good. I want to get out of New Zealand. Same old shit every day and night. Money decreasing, chance of getting on the PGCE course decreasing, I've had enough. Just noticed that I've been away for 5 months today. What a way to commemorate the occasion by having a rant and being depressed. God awful bus, every night surrounded by teenagers whose sole mission, every night, is to get as drunk as possible. EVERY NIGHT! Then being woken up all the time. Lying in bed trying to cover my ears then when I get up in the morning I try to be so quiet - it's all bull shit.
12 days left in NZ - enough to throw myself off a ledge (bungee jump).
Later...
We had a stop by a lake and I ended up chatting to some people who were not on the bus but who had been camping in the area for the past few days. Oh I was so glad to speak to some normal people. They were so normal and nice! When I got to the next destination, I met a girl at the hostel who wasn't from my bus either and chatted to her for a while. She had been hitch-hiking around NZ and it was so good to have a conversation with someone that did not centre around alcohol.
Moan moan moan
Day 151
Got V festival tickets sorted last night for me and Tania! It's going to be so cool. Oasis and The Killers are headlining.
That's the good news.
I am on a right downer today. I have had enough and it's only 9:30am. Today isn't going to be good. I want to get out of New Zealand. Same old shit every day and night. Money decreasing, chance of getting on the PGCE course decreasing, I've had enough. Just noticed that I've been away for 5 months today. What a way to commemorate the occasion by having a rant and being depressed. God awful bus, every night surrounded by teenagers whose sole mission, every night, is to get as drunk as possible. EVERY NIGHT! Then being woken up all the time. Lying in bed trying to cover my ears then when I get up in the morning I try to be so quiet - it's all bull shit.
12 days left in NZ - enough to throw myself off a ledge (bungee jump).
Later...
We had a stop by a lake and I ended up chatting to some people who were not on the bus but who had been camping in the area for the past few days. Oh I was so glad to speak to some normal people. They were so normal and nice! When I got to the next destination, I met a girl at the hostel who wasn't from my bus either and chatted to her for a while. She had been hitch-hiking around NZ and it was so good to have a conversation with someone that did not centre around alcohol.
Day 150 Ferry Drama
6th March 2009
How hard is it to get on a coach?
Day 150
So my coach that picks me up from the hostel and goes to the ferry terminal for the ferry to the south island leaves at 7:15am... or so I thought. I got outside the hostel at 7:15am to see it drive past me. Ok so maybe I got there a little after 7:15 and I remember the driver yesterday saying they leave Wellington at 7:15 even thought I thought he was just saying that to get me there 15 minutes early (like they usually do) and I thought the actual time the coach would leave was 7:30 am. By these calculations I was about 10 minutes early for the coach. It just worried me that the coach had just driven past me and that there was no one else around waiting for a coach, well there was no one else around at all!
Getting slightly worried, I went into the hostel and asked what time the coach usually leaves. The girl behind the desk said she didn't know, but she had just seen a coach drive past. To save face, I said that it was just going to get petrol (which I hoped) even though I obviously had no idea and I had just asked about it and now I was acting like I knew what was going on to avoid the embarassment of knowing that she was thinking I had missed the coach. It was very bizarre.
I went back outside and was extremely aware that I was on my own. My ticket for the ferry, which I had bought last night, said final check in time was 7:40am. It was now 7:30am. Not bothered about losing face anymore I went back to the receptionist and asked her to call me a taxi. The taxi was at the hostel in 5 minutes, although it felt I had been waiting a lot longer. The taxi man said it would take 10 minutes to get to the ferry terminal.
I told him about how I'd been at the hostel on time and how the coach had driven straight past me and now I may miss the ferry. He seemed to be listening (a taxi driver skill?), but did not seem to share the same outrage at the coach driver as I did.
In the end, I got to the terminal and onto the ferry and was still fuming so marched over to the phones and tried to call the coach office to inform them that I had been stranded and forgotten. I frantically pressed the buttons but found that none of the phones worked, which looking back was definately a good thing as when I had calmed down I admitted to myself that the coach hadn't left early but it was I who had been late and missed the coach.
How hard is it to get on a coach?
Day 150
So my coach that picks me up from the hostel and goes to the ferry terminal for the ferry to the south island leaves at 7:15am... or so I thought. I got outside the hostel at 7:15am to see it drive past me. Ok so maybe I got there a little after 7:15 and I remember the driver yesterday saying they leave Wellington at 7:15 even thought I thought he was just saying that to get me there 15 minutes early (like they usually do) and I thought the actual time the coach would leave was 7:30 am. By these calculations I was about 10 minutes early for the coach. It just worried me that the coach had just driven past me and that there was no one else around waiting for a coach, well there was no one else around at all!
Getting slightly worried, I went into the hostel and asked what time the coach usually leaves. The girl behind the desk said she didn't know, but she had just seen a coach drive past. To save face, I said that it was just going to get petrol (which I hoped) even though I obviously had no idea and I had just asked about it and now I was acting like I knew what was going on to avoid the embarassment of knowing that she was thinking I had missed the coach. It was very bizarre.
I went back outside and was extremely aware that I was on my own. My ticket for the ferry, which I had bought last night, said final check in time was 7:40am. It was now 7:30am. Not bothered about losing face anymore I went back to the receptionist and asked her to call me a taxi. The taxi was at the hostel in 5 minutes, although it felt I had been waiting a lot longer. The taxi man said it would take 10 minutes to get to the ferry terminal.
I told him about how I'd been at the hostel on time and how the coach had driven straight past me and now I may miss the ferry. He seemed to be listening (a taxi driver skill?), but did not seem to share the same outrage at the coach driver as I did.
In the end, I got to the terminal and onto the ferry and was still fuming so marched over to the phones and tried to call the coach office to inform them that I had been stranded and forgotten. I frantically pressed the buttons but found that none of the phones worked, which looking back was definately a good thing as when I had calmed down I admitted to myself that the coach hadn't left early but it was I who had been late and missed the coach.
Day 149 Te Papa Museum
5th March 2009
A museum is still a museum
Day 149
Got up and went to Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's best and interactive experience apparently. Everyone raves on about how good it is and how 'you'll need at least a whole day there'. I was in and out in 2 hours. It was OK and all but maybe it was bigged up too much.
A museum is still a museum
Day 149
Got up and went to Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's best and interactive experience apparently. Everyone raves on about how good it is and how 'you'll need at least a whole day there'. I was in and out in 2 hours. It was OK and all but maybe it was bigged up too much.
Day 148 Hostels, urgh
4th March 2009
Hostel life
Day 148
Was woken up at 2:30am by a fire alarm. Everyone in the hostel had to go down the fire escape (5 floors for me) and wait outside until the firemen said it was OK to go back inside. It was quite random seeing everyone in their pyjamas and some still pissed up, including this guy who's birthday it had been. His friends had to carry him down the fire escape and he had pen all over his face from where they'd been writing on him.
It didn't take long until we could go back to our rooms (up 5 floors). Apparently someone had set off the fire alarm. Very clever.
Got back to sleep only to be woken up by 3 girls in the room returning from their night out and turning on the light. They began reminiscing, loudly, about how liberating they found it when they participated in the bar game that involved them stripping off in front of the whole bar for a free drink (I doubt they'll feel liberated in the morning. How quickly it changes to embarassment). They eventually went to sleep.
In the morning the sounds of a pneumatic drill on the streets below rung in my ears even though the room was far up and the windows were closed. Unfortunately they didn't shut properly. Oh the joys of staying in a hostel!
Hostel life
Day 148
Was woken up at 2:30am by a fire alarm. Everyone in the hostel had to go down the fire escape (5 floors for me) and wait outside until the firemen said it was OK to go back inside. It was quite random seeing everyone in their pyjamas and some still pissed up, including this guy who's birthday it had been. His friends had to carry him down the fire escape and he had pen all over his face from where they'd been writing on him.
It didn't take long until we could go back to our rooms (up 5 floors). Apparently someone had set off the fire alarm. Very clever.
Got back to sleep only to be woken up by 3 girls in the room returning from their night out and turning on the light. They began reminiscing, loudly, about how liberating they found it when they participated in the bar game that involved them stripping off in front of the whole bar for a free drink (I doubt they'll feel liberated in the morning. How quickly it changes to embarassment). They eventually went to sleep.
In the morning the sounds of a pneumatic drill on the streets below rung in my ears even though the room was far up and the windows were closed. Unfortunately they didn't shut properly. Oh the joys of staying in a hostel!
Day 147 Purr
3rd March 2009
Forest
Day 147
I woke up early this morning - 2am early. It was due to the purr-ing sound quite loud and at first I thought some wild animal had got in the room through the window. Bravely, I opened my eyes to see what it was. It was the 'Forest', the hostels cat and he was walking over everyone's beds. It jumped on my bed and I moved my legs out of the way. It lay down, curled up in a ball and fell asleep. So I spent the night with a cat in my bed, with my legs dangling off the edge.
Forest was still in my bed after I'd got up in the morning, having a lie in. Later in the day when I was reading my book he walked past me. I stretched out to stroke him and he avoided me. Charming!
Well later on today I'm off to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city and am rather excited about it.
Forest
Day 147
I woke up early this morning - 2am early. It was due to the purr-ing sound quite loud and at first I thought some wild animal had got in the room through the window. Bravely, I opened my eyes to see what it was. It was the 'Forest', the hostels cat and he was walking over everyone's beds. It jumped on my bed and I moved my legs out of the way. It lay down, curled up in a ball and fell asleep. So I spent the night with a cat in my bed, with my legs dangling off the edge.
Forest was still in my bed after I'd got up in the morning, having a lie in. Later in the day when I was reading my book he walked past me. I stretched out to stroke him and he avoided me. Charming!
Well later on today I'm off to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city and am rather excited about it.
Day 146 Dude where's my memory?
2nd March 2009
Blank
Day 146
At a place called River Valley now. Thinking that yesterday morning I was probably still a bit drunk from the night before, but I did feel great all day and talked to so many different people. I've got a bit of a niggling feeling that I did something bad on Friday night. All I can remember is being in a bar on some guys back who was dressed as a fairy, then sitting on some chairs having a drunken conversation with someone then being in reception and asking where I could get some chips. That is all. The great new group of people that were so friendly and chatty with me on Friday day are no longer friendly and chatty which makes me feel confused, slightly amused but curious.
I told a Swedish girl I'm here with about it and she thought it was funny as I did. It's fine really, but I would like to know what actually happened.
Blank
Day 146
At a place called River Valley now. Thinking that yesterday morning I was probably still a bit drunk from the night before, but I did feel great all day and talked to so many different people. I've got a bit of a niggling feeling that I did something bad on Friday night. All I can remember is being in a bar on some guys back who was dressed as a fairy, then sitting on some chairs having a drunken conversation with someone then being in reception and asking where I could get some chips. That is all. The great new group of people that were so friendly and chatty with me on Friday day are no longer friendly and chatty which makes me feel confused, slightly amused but curious.
I told a Swedish girl I'm here with about it and she thought it was funny as I did. It's fine really, but I would like to know what actually happened.
Saturday 21 March 2009
Day 145 SKYDIVE
1st March 2009
Flying (well, falling actually)
Day 145
Hungover this morning - all that goon and beer combined with whatever I ate last night plus forgetting to brush my teeth before bed resulted in not the nicest smelling breath this morning. Ew. Oh well at least I don't have a big dirty lovebite on my neck.
No time to feel ill though. Had a shower and was singing. Happy this morning and went for a skydive!!! It was fantastic. Got ace pictures and a video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svealuwP4W0 (click this for the video)
Flying (well, falling actually)
Day 145
Hungover this morning - all that goon and beer combined with whatever I ate last night plus forgetting to brush my teeth before bed resulted in not the nicest smelling breath this morning. Ew. Oh well at least I don't have a big dirty lovebite on my neck.
No time to feel ill though. Had a shower and was singing. Happy this morning and went for a skydive!!! It was fantastic. Got ace pictures and a video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svealuwP4W0 (click this for the video)
Day 144 Free drinks competition
28th February 2009
Free drinks?
Day 144
Leaving Karen's today. It's been good staying with the family for 3 weeks, but now it's time to go.
Got on the Kiwi Experience bus in Waitomo and met some really cool people. Went to Taupo and to the bar and got drunk for the first time in weeks (The drinking games and goon was a little excessive)! At the bar they needed volunteers for a competition to win free alcohol at the bar, which is stupid really as the people who volunteer for the competition are the ones who have drunk way too much anyway. So I volunteered. Standing in front of everyone was 3 guys and 3 girls - (me being one of the girls obv). Then the announcement was made that it was a lovebite competition and whichever guy gave a girl the best lovebite would win the pair some free drinks. Lovely.
So I started pulling my face and was asked if I wanted to be part of the competition. I decided against it as I'd prefer to pay for my drinks than walk around with a big dirty lovebite for the next week. So I walked over to my new friends and thought they would be in support of my decision, but they all seemed pissed off and didn't get it! No one seems bothered about morals or anything that gets in the way of free drinks. Maybe I'm getting old?...
Free drinks?
Day 144
Leaving Karen's today. It's been good staying with the family for 3 weeks, but now it's time to go.
Got on the Kiwi Experience bus in Waitomo and met some really cool people. Went to Taupo and to the bar and got drunk for the first time in weeks (The drinking games and goon was a little excessive)! At the bar they needed volunteers for a competition to win free alcohol at the bar, which is stupid really as the people who volunteer for the competition are the ones who have drunk way too much anyway. So I volunteered. Standing in front of everyone was 3 guys and 3 girls - (me being one of the girls obv). Then the announcement was made that it was a lovebite competition and whichever guy gave a girl the best lovebite would win the pair some free drinks. Lovely.
So I started pulling my face and was asked if I wanted to be part of the competition. I decided against it as I'd prefer to pay for my drinks than walk around with a big dirty lovebite for the next week. So I walked over to my new friends and thought they would be in support of my decision, but they all seemed pissed off and didn't get it! No one seems bothered about morals or anything that gets in the way of free drinks. Maybe I'm getting old?...
Day 142 Labyrinth
26th February 2009
It's all cavey baby!
Day 142
WOW! Went to Waitomo caves today and did the 'Labyrinth' tour through the glowworm caves! It was fantastic. Wore a wet suit and a helmet with a light on and sat in a inner tube to float through the caves. There were some waterfalls that we had to jump off backwards with the rubber ring on our bums.
It's all cavey baby!
Day 142
WOW! Went to Waitomo caves today and did the 'Labyrinth' tour through the glowworm caves! It was fantastic. Wore a wet suit and a helmet with a light on and sat in a inner tube to float through the caves. There were some waterfalls that we had to jump off backwards with the rubber ring on our bums.
Day 141 Bring on the caves
25th February 2009
Cavey
Day 141
Arranged my travel plans to leave Karens. Also booked a caving tour for tomorrow. Should be fun!
Cavey
Day 141
Arranged my travel plans to leave Karens. Also booked a caving tour for tomorrow. Should be fun!
Day 140 Cake
24th February 2009
Cake
Day 140
I know it's coming up for the time to leave Karen and her family and head to Waitomo. My original plan was to stay at Karen's for a few days. It's been over two weeks and I'm still here. Staying here has been great but I must leave while my clothes still fit me (so much cake!), my trousers can't take much more.
Cake
Day 140
I know it's coming up for the time to leave Karen and her family and head to Waitomo. My original plan was to stay at Karen's for a few days. It's been over two weeks and I'm still here. Staying here has been great but I must leave while my clothes still fit me (so much cake!), my trousers can't take much more.
Sunday 1 March 2009
Day 139 Pictures
23rd February 2009
Movies
Day 139
Went to the pictures with Emma and watched Slumdog Millionaire - what a good film! Then at night we watched Mamma Mia. Mmm... Colin Firth.
Movies
Day 139
Went to the pictures with Emma and watched Slumdog Millionaire - what a good film! Then at night we watched Mamma Mia. Mmm... Colin Firth.
Day 138 Angelic
22nd February 2009
Angelic
Day 138
Went to church again this morning. 3 times in a row! I have set myself a new record. Still don't join in with the singing though. Had a picnic after by the Waikato river and went to the pet shop to get bubbles the goldfish a proper home.
Angelic
Day 138
Went to church again this morning. 3 times in a row! I have set myself a new record. Still don't join in with the singing though. Had a picnic after by the Waikato river and went to the pet shop to get bubbles the goldfish a proper home.
Day 137 Fish Salad
21st February 2009
Something's fishy...
Day 137
Went to the Market this morning with Karen and Abby. Karen bought Abby a fish. When we got it back to the house we had to temporarily put it in a salad bowl until they got a proper fish tank. We had to put a sieve on top of the bowl in case the fish tried to jump out (it was quite an active fish). Karen and Ashley have their house up for sale and had an 'open house' day for people to visit so the fish in the salad bowl with the sieve on top had to be hidden in a cupboard. How random would it look if anyone saw!
Something's fishy...
Day 137
Went to the Market this morning with Karen and Abby. Karen bought Abby a fish. When we got it back to the house we had to temporarily put it in a salad bowl until they got a proper fish tank. We had to put a sieve on top of the bowl in case the fish tried to jump out (it was quite an active fish). Karen and Ashley have their house up for sale and had an 'open house' day for people to visit so the fish in the salad bowl with the sieve on top had to be hidden in a cupboard. How random would it look if anyone saw!
Day 136 Same as yesterday
20th February 2009
Kelly would not recommend getting an ambulance in a foreign country unless it's a life or death situation
Day 136
Trying not to stress about this ambulance cost
Kelly would not recommend getting an ambulance in a foreign country unless it's a life or death situation
Day 136
Trying not to stress about this ambulance cost
Day 135 Argh
19th February 2009
Stupid Ambulance cost
Day 135
Ah! It's on my mind - this ambulance cost. I read my terms and conditions in my insurance and don't think they'll cover it as it's been over 31 days since it happened,
Stupid Ambulance cost
Day 135
Ah! It's on my mind - this ambulance cost. I read my terms and conditions in my insurance and don't think they'll cover it as it's been over 31 days since it happened,
Day 134 Next time take a taxi
18th February 2009
Australian Ambulance (hiring a limo would have been cheaper)
Day 134
Checked emails this morning. Dad received a letter for me from the Australian Ambulance Service. That little incident in Sydney last month is going to cost 280 quid! Don't think my insurance will cover it either.
Australian Ambulance (hiring a limo would have been cheaper)
Day 134
Checked emails this morning. Dad received a letter for me from the Australian Ambulance Service. That little incident in Sydney last month is going to cost 280 quid! Don't think my insurance will cover it either.
Day 133 Over thinking
17th February 2009
Over thinking
Day 133
I've run out of things to do. Got car again. Went for a coffee. Went cafe. Couldn't find Karen's house. I've been there for 10 days now and feel a bit guilty for eating all their food so am going food shopping. Don't want to leave yet but only have a month left in NZ so will have to go soon anyway.
Have a lot of spare time and time to over think recently. Here are just a few of my current 'worries' - heart and lung problems, my feet look old, I am fat (put on a stone nooooo - it's all that tasty cake), fringe needs cutting, nose is red, split ends in hair.
I have to much time to think.
Anyway off to the cinema tonight with Emma, Karen's daughter to see He's Just Not That Into You.
Over thinking
Day 133
I've run out of things to do. Got car again. Went for a coffee. Went cafe. Couldn't find Karen's house. I've been there for 10 days now and feel a bit guilty for eating all their food so am going food shopping. Don't want to leave yet but only have a month left in NZ so will have to go soon anyway.
Have a lot of spare time and time to over think recently. Here are just a few of my current 'worries' - heart and lung problems, my feet look old, I am fat (put on a stone nooooo - it's all that tasty cake), fringe needs cutting, nose is red, split ends in hair.
I have to much time to think.
Anyway off to the cinema tonight with Emma, Karen's daughter to see He's Just Not That Into You.
Day 132 Miss. Jackson
16th February 2009
Miss. Jackson
Day 132
Got the car for the day so just chilling out. Checked my emails and Harriet (Hi H!) said some mail had arrived for me. Just over a week ago I completed an online application for a PGCE (teaching) course. I have decided to become a teacher. Hopefully I can start this September otherwise I'll have to wait til next year. The problem is that for the interview I wont be in the UK. I asked my sister is she'll go to the interview for me and pretend she is me but she said she isn't prepared to lie for me, or something like that.
Oh and get this -
Miss. Jackson
Day 132
Got the car for the day so just chilling out. Checked my emails and Harriet (Hi H!) said some mail had arrived for me. Just over a week ago I completed an online application for a PGCE (teaching) course. I have decided to become a teacher. Hopefully I can start this September otherwise I'll have to wait til next year. The problem is that for the interview I wont be in the UK. I asked my sister is she'll go to the interview for me and pretend she is me but she said she isn't prepared to lie for me, or something like that.
Oh and get this -
open window + lamp on after sunset = insect party in your room
I learnt the hard way. There were bugs, beetles, moths, earwigs and all sorts going crazy in my room and I only had the window open for 2 hours. The moth was the size of a tennis ball, Josh had to get it for me.
Day 131 Praise the Lord
15th February 2009
Praise the Lord
Day 131
Church this morning (twice in a row - I'm defo going to heaven now) then to Hamilton Gardens and lake.
Praise the Lord
Day 131
Church this morning (twice in a row - I'm defo going to heaven now) then to Hamilton Gardens and lake.
Day 130 Where's my card?
14th February 2009
Valentines
Day 130
Happy Valentines Day! Went out with the family for shopping and walking around a lake.
Valentines
Day 130
Happy Valentines Day! Went out with the family for shopping and walking around a lake.
Day 129 Nice
13th February 2009
Nice
Day 129
Got the car and drove to Cambridge and Hamilton. I have to say that these people I am staying with are the kindest and nicest people I have ever met. They have been so nice to me and made me feel right at home. I don't want to leave. Karen is the best cook ever and her cakes are the best. I never eat cake but I do now.
They are so nice and it makes me want to be a better person.
Nice
Day 129
Got the car and drove to Cambridge and Hamilton. I have to say that these people I am staying with are the kindest and nicest people I have ever met. They have been so nice to me and made me feel right at home. I don't want to leave. Karen is the best cook ever and her cakes are the best. I never eat cake but I do now.
They are so nice and it makes me want to be a better person.
Day 128 Family life
12th February 2009
Family life
Day 128
Went out with Karen in the day and in the evening they showed me the family photos, which was nice. I am so happy here and haven't ate so well since I left home.
I always find it fascinating to see families that are together as I hardly know any at all. When I was growing up in Werrington, most of the families in my street lived with one parent - the kids next door lived with their dad and the boys across the road lived with their mum (who had a boyfriend who could crack house tiles with his head - at the time we were impressed) and the boy up the road who was in my class lived with his mum and mums boyfriend and nearly all my friends too. The exceptions were the Catholic family in my street and Jennie's family and the people I am with now.
What's the connection? All churchgoers. All religious and believe in God. Everyone else got divorced and the kids got step-parents and siblings. Not that that's a bad thing, on the contrary it can be great! But there is a great atmosphere being in a house with a proper family. Very peaceful and settled, or maybe it's because of the religion thing. There's no bitterness or awkwardness ans everyone just be's themselves. I like it here.
Family life
Day 128
Went out with Karen in the day and in the evening they showed me the family photos, which was nice. I am so happy here and haven't ate so well since I left home.
I always find it fascinating to see families that are together as I hardly know any at all. When I was growing up in Werrington, most of the families in my street lived with one parent - the kids next door lived with their dad and the boys across the road lived with their mum (who had a boyfriend who could crack house tiles with his head - at the time we were impressed) and the boy up the road who was in my class lived with his mum and mums boyfriend and nearly all my friends too. The exceptions were the Catholic family in my street and Jennie's family and the people I am with now.
What's the connection? All churchgoers. All religious and believe in God. Everyone else got divorced and the kids got step-parents and siblings. Not that that's a bad thing, on the contrary it can be great! But there is a great atmosphere being in a house with a proper family. Very peaceful and settled, or maybe it's because of the religion thing. There's no bitterness or awkwardness ans everyone just be's themselves. I like it here.
Day 127 Brum, brum
11th February 2009
Driving around
Day 127
Went for a big drive today to Tirau and Mount Maunganui
Driving around
Day 127
Went for a big drive today to Tirau and Mount Maunganui
Day 126 Limo
10th February 2009
Limo!
Day 126
Went to Hamilton Gardens today with Karen then went to Ashleys place of work and sat in Julia Roberts's limousine. Cool.
Limo!
Day 126
Went to Hamilton Gardens today with Karen then went to Ashleys place of work and sat in Julia Roberts's limousine. Cool.
Day 125 Hamilton
9th February 2009
Hamilton
Day 125
Karen and Ashley have put me on their car insurance so had the car today and went round Hamilton.
Hamilton
Day 125
Karen and Ashley have put me on their car insurance so had the car today and went round Hamilton.
Sunday 22 February 2009
Day 124 Proper food
8th February 2009
Proper food
Day 124
Went to some lakes today with the family. It was cool. The activities here are amazing and there is so much for the kids to do. Oh and I went to church this morning. Didn't sing along though but did have the bread and wine (have a funny feeling I wasn't meant to though). I just did what everyone else did so I took some bread and bit into it, then I noticed no one else was eating theres yet so I tried to make it look like I was scratching my nose and not just about to eat the bread.
Karen's husband Ashley works at a place that has bought Julia Roberts limousine! So went there and had a sit in it pretending to be an actress for a few minutes.
Oh and the best thing about today was that Karen cooked a Sunday dinner! It was great. Had ice cream and fruit and cake for dessert then at night had a caburys chocolate milk drink with ice cream in it and some chocolate on the side. Today I put on about a stone.
Proper food
Day 124
Went to some lakes today with the family. It was cool. The activities here are amazing and there is so much for the kids to do. Oh and I went to church this morning. Didn't sing along though but did have the bread and wine (have a funny feeling I wasn't meant to though). I just did what everyone else did so I took some bread and bit into it, then I noticed no one else was eating theres yet so I tried to make it look like I was scratching my nose and not just about to eat the bread.
Karen's husband Ashley works at a place that has bought Julia Roberts limousine! So went there and had a sit in it pretending to be an actress for a few minutes.
Oh and the best thing about today was that Karen cooked a Sunday dinner! It was great. Had ice cream and fruit and cake for dessert then at night had a caburys chocolate milk drink with ice cream in it and some chocolate on the side. Today I put on about a stone.
Day 123 Joining a family
7th February 2009
Leaving Rotorua and joining a family
Day 123
Got the coach to Cambridge this morning. Karen picked me up from the coach stop. I recognised her straight away even though I wasn't sure what she would look like but definately remember her even though she left England 11 years ago.
Karen drove me around some scenic places and we went to a waterfall that had a rainbow at the base of it. Went to the chip shop for tea and went to the small town of Raglan. Lovely.
For the time that I am here, I will be staying with Karen and her family. My mum used to work with Karen in Stoke on Trent. Here there is Karen, her husband Ashley and their children Emma, Josh and Abby.
Leaving Rotorua and joining a family
Day 123
Got the coach to Cambridge this morning. Karen picked me up from the coach stop. I recognised her straight away even though I wasn't sure what she would look like but definately remember her even though she left England 11 years ago.
Karen drove me around some scenic places and we went to a waterfall that had a rainbow at the base of it. Went to the chip shop for tea and went to the small town of Raglan. Lovely.
For the time that I am here, I will be staying with Karen and her family. My mum used to work with Karen in Stoke on Trent. Here there is Karen, her husband Ashley and their children Emma, Josh and Abby.
Day 122 Drinks
6th February 2009
Night out
Day 122
Hungover, but it's all good.
Went out with the people from my hostel last night. Recently though I have been spending quite a bit of time on my own and now am the only person in my room (the others have moved on and strangely the hostel is quite empty). Was in my room doing a crossword puzzle then took a look at myself and got a grip. Went and sat with the people in my hostel who were playing pool and somehow won 2 games.
Everyone was drinking except for me so I took one of their cars and drove some of us to Liquorland to get some drinks. Went halves on a bottle of wine with an English guy, who tried to rip me off the swine! We stayed at the hostel for a little while then went out to a bar. I bumped into Steve - a guy I met in Sydney over Christmas, which was quite random.
Am hungover today and feeling quite strange. I feel like shit. Tried to sleep it off but my head is so spaaced out and not in a good way. Glad to be leaving tomorrow. Not doing much aorund here. It's surprising how many drunk people are ALWAYS around - it's funny to see how easily they make conversation with anyone who is in earshot. And maybe funnier is the next day when they speak to no one.
Today I was trying to get some sleep but it wasn't working. I was bored and saw the Swedish girl on the bunk bed across from me had bought a magazine. Even though it was cheeky, I thought she wouldn't mind if I read it as we had been chatting in the morning and she seemed nice. So I got it and took it out of it's bag and read the title. 'Aussie Couples', it was a porno mag! Seriously.
I heard people talking outside the door to the room and quickly threw it back. The Swedish girl and her boyfriend came in the room. Luckily they hadn't seen me holding the magazine. God, imagine if they had!
Night out
Day 122
Hungover, but it's all good.
Went out with the people from my hostel last night. Recently though I have been spending quite a bit of time on my own and now am the only person in my room (the others have moved on and strangely the hostel is quite empty). Was in my room doing a crossword puzzle then took a look at myself and got a grip. Went and sat with the people in my hostel who were playing pool and somehow won 2 games.
Everyone was drinking except for me so I took one of their cars and drove some of us to Liquorland to get some drinks. Went halves on a bottle of wine with an English guy, who tried to rip me off the swine! We stayed at the hostel for a little while then went out to a bar. I bumped into Steve - a guy I met in Sydney over Christmas, which was quite random.
Am hungover today and feeling quite strange. I feel like shit. Tried to sleep it off but my head is so spaaced out and not in a good way. Glad to be leaving tomorrow. Not doing much aorund here. It's surprising how many drunk people are ALWAYS around - it's funny to see how easily they make conversation with anyone who is in earshot. And maybe funnier is the next day when they speak to no one.
Today I was trying to get some sleep but it wasn't working. I was bored and saw the Swedish girl on the bunk bed across from me had bought a magazine. Even though it was cheeky, I thought she wouldn't mind if I read it as we had been chatting in the morning and she seemed nice. So I got it and took it out of it's bag and read the title. 'Aussie Couples', it was a porno mag! Seriously.
I heard people talking outside the door to the room and quickly threw it back. The Swedish girl and her boyfriend came in the room. Luckily they hadn't seen me holding the magazine. God, imagine if they had!
Day 121 Looking forward to Cambridge
5th February 2009
Going to a family soon
Day 121
Booked a coach ticket to go to Cambridge. My mum has some friends who have moved to there from England so I'm going to stay with them for a few days or so.
I really like Rotorua but am looking forward to staying with Karen and her family. It'll be strange having my own room again and being around a family instead of sharing with a bunch of drunken travellers.
The past few days have been really good and I have gotten over the bout of home sickeness that I've been feeling this past couple of weeks or so.
Going to a family soon
Day 121
Booked a coach ticket to go to Cambridge. My mum has some friends who have moved to there from England so I'm going to stay with them for a few days or so.
I really like Rotorua but am looking forward to staying with Karen and her family. It'll be strange having my own room again and being around a family instead of sharing with a bunch of drunken travellers.
The past few days have been really good and I have gotten over the bout of home sickeness that I've been feeling this past couple of weeks or so.
Thursday 5 February 2009
Day 120 Scratchcard
4th February 2009
It's a winner
Day 120
Lana (Kiwi girl) brought me breakfast again this morning then drove me around the local lakes and landmarks as I wouldn't have seen them otherwise. It was so nice! But I feel she may have felt a bit guilty about the scratchcard thing...
Yesterday after buying the sweets she got us both a scratchcard (a bit random but hey). Then I did mine wrong (ok so I'm stupid) so she checked it then acted all funny and said, 'oh well I never win anyway' then threw it on the floor quite strangely and put a plastic bag on top of it. When she went to the toilet I checked the scratchcard and it turns out it won $16!
If I knew it won I wouldn't have taken it anyway. Lana bought it so that's fine. I just thought it was quite funny how she was acting after finding out it was a winner.
It's a winner
Day 120
Lana (Kiwi girl) brought me breakfast again this morning then drove me around the local lakes and landmarks as I wouldn't have seen them otherwise. It was so nice! But I feel she may have felt a bit guilty about the scratchcard thing...
Yesterday after buying the sweets she got us both a scratchcard (a bit random but hey). Then I did mine wrong (ok so I'm stupid) so she checked it then acted all funny and said, 'oh well I never win anyway' then threw it on the floor quite strangely and put a plastic bag on top of it. When she went to the toilet I checked the scratchcard and it turns out it won $16!
If I knew it won I wouldn't have taken it anyway. Lana bought it so that's fine. I just thought it was quite funny how she was acting after finding out it was a winner.
Day 119 Munch on
3rd February 2009
Munch
Day 119
Am at the hostel with a Kiwi girl and she brought me breakfast today! Super cool. She was talking about how hospitable Kiwi's were and then I think she wanted to show it herself. We got a load of crisps, chocolate, sweets and pop and chilled all day watching films.
Munch
Day 119
Am at the hostel with a Kiwi girl and she brought me breakfast today! Super cool. She was talking about how hospitable Kiwi's were and then I think she wanted to show it herself. We got a load of crisps, chocolate, sweets and pop and chilled all day watching films.
Day 118 Buffet
2nd February 2009
Buffet love
Day 118
Moved hostels. Prefer staying at a small but shitty place rather than a large soulless one. My last hostel felt more like a youth offenders institute that a hostel.
The place I'm at now has a wild west theme. It's so tacky that it's great.
Went to a Maori show tonight. Really cool. Plus there was a buffet! Get in.
Buffet love
Day 118
Moved hostels. Prefer staying at a small but shitty place rather than a large soulless one. My last hostel felt more like a youth offenders institute that a hostel.
The place I'm at now has a wild west theme. It's so tacky that it's great.
Went to a Maori show tonight. Really cool. Plus there was a buffet! Get in.
Day 117 Rotorua
1st February 2009
Rotorua
Day 117
Got the coach to Rotorua today. It is on a geothermal site that creates natural spas. It also makes the place smell like eggs. Nice.
Rotorua
Day 117
Got the coach to Rotorua today. It is on a geothermal site that creates natural spas. It also makes the place smell like eggs. Nice.
Day 116 Sister Sister
31st January 2009
Happy Birthday H man
Day 116
Got the Kiwi Experience coach to Mercury Bay today. It's well nice. Plus it's my sisters birthday today! Happy Birthday Harriet. I said we can go out when I get back but she pointed out that when I get home it will be closer to her next birthday than to the one just gone.
Happy Birthday H man
Day 116
Got the Kiwi Experience coach to Mercury Bay today. It's well nice. Plus it's my sisters birthday today! Happy Birthday Harriet. I said we can go out when I get back but she pointed out that when I get home it will be closer to her next birthday than to the one just gone.
Day 115 Auckland
30th January 2009
Auckland
Day 115
Went on a free tour of Auckland but didn't enjoy it fully due to my head hurting. That's not very interesting is it? Maybe I should make someting up...
Today I adopted a monkey and met Kevin Bacon.
That's better.
Auckland
Day 115
Went on a free tour of Auckland but didn't enjoy it fully due to my head hurting. That's not very interesting is it? Maybe I should make someting up...
Today I adopted a monkey and met Kevin Bacon.
That's better.
Day 114 Return of the Erik!
29th January 2009
YAY!
Day 114
Erik's back. Free beer at the bar. Free food at the hostel. This is a pretty good day!
YAY!
Day 114
Erik's back. Free beer at the bar. Free food at the hostel. This is a pretty good day!
Day 113 Conversing
28th January 2009
Conversing
Day 113
Had an intelligent conversation with the Canadian guys in my room about politics, countries and values. Then the English guys in the room walked in and the conversation turned to drinking.
Conversing
Day 113
Had an intelligent conversation with the Canadian guys in my room about politics, countries and values. Then the English guys in the room walked in and the conversation turned to drinking.
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Day 110 Kayaking
25th January 2009
Kayaking around the Bay of Islands
Day 110
So I splashed out today on hiring a kayak. At first, I got to the kayak place and decided I couldn't afford the $20 for the hire so opted out. Then the manager guy overheard me and offered it to me for $10. So I did.
There was me, Joanna (from Sweden), Christina and Louisa (Denmark) and we decided to kayak out to one of the small islands that apparently had a secret beach at the back of it that no one could see from the mainland.
We were paddling against the tide and within 5 minutes I regretted coming out at all as it was so tiring. Quietly muttering expletives about how I hate exercise and how kayaking is the worst thing in the world, my bum was wet, my back hurt and I was behind everyone else.
We got to the back of the island and to the beach and sat chatting for about an hour. It was so cool. I quickly forgot about my hatred for kayaking. The sand was so colourful and made up of bits or multi-coloured cracked shell. I've never seen anything like it.
On my way back to the mainland in my kayak, the journey was much better. We took our time going back and floated easily to the shore. It was so nice and now I love kayaking!
Oh and I was chilling writing in my diary at night by the beach and this drunk kid sat down next to me and started chatting rubbish. Then his 3 friends turned up and they pretended all to be 18 years old. One of the lads shouted out at a girl 'hey girls my name is Spencer but you can call me tonight'. What a line.
Kayaking around the Bay of Islands
Day 110
So I splashed out today on hiring a kayak. At first, I got to the kayak place and decided I couldn't afford the $20 for the hire so opted out. Then the manager guy overheard me and offered it to me for $10. So I did.
There was me, Joanna (from Sweden), Christina and Louisa (Denmark) and we decided to kayak out to one of the small islands that apparently had a secret beach at the back of it that no one could see from the mainland.
We were paddling against the tide and within 5 minutes I regretted coming out at all as it was so tiring. Quietly muttering expletives about how I hate exercise and how kayaking is the worst thing in the world, my bum was wet, my back hurt and I was behind everyone else.
We got to the back of the island and to the beach and sat chatting for about an hour. It was so cool. I quickly forgot about my hatred for kayaking. The sand was so colourful and made up of bits or multi-coloured cracked shell. I've never seen anything like it.
On my way back to the mainland in my kayak, the journey was much better. We took our time going back and floated easily to the shore. It was so nice and now I love kayaking!
Oh and I was chilling writing in my diary at night by the beach and this drunk kid sat down next to me and started chatting rubbish. Then his 3 friends turned up and they pretended all to be 18 years old. One of the lads shouted out at a girl 'hey girls my name is Spencer but you can call me tonight'. What a line.
Day 109 Paihia
24th January 2009
Paihia, the Bay of Islands
Day 109
1st day of my Kiwi Experience coach tour of NZ. Am up north now in the Bay of Islands at a place called Paihia. It's well impressive! The views from the beach are fantastic, not just the ocean but all the little islands dotted about. Everyone I met on the bus are all doing activities up here (dolphin watching, boat tours, even skydiving!). Not me though.
Going to a BBQ tonight with everyone so that should be fun!
Paihia, the Bay of Islands
Day 109
1st day of my Kiwi Experience coach tour of NZ. Am up north now in the Bay of Islands at a place called Paihia. It's well impressive! The views from the beach are fantastic, not just the ocean but all the little islands dotted about. Everyone I met on the bus are all doing activities up here (dolphin watching, boat tours, even skydiving!). Not me though.
Going to a BBQ tonight with everyone so that should be fun!
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Day 108 Time to check the bank balance
23rd January 2009
Deep breath, check balance
Day 108
OK I feel better today. That's good.
Decided to check my bank balance. That may be not so good.
Since coming to New Zealand everyone I've been talking to are visiting here for one month to six weeks. When they ask me how long I'm here for I tell them 4 months. Then they laugh. Since arriving in Auckland (NZ's biggest city) it became apparent that there isn't that much to do. I thought it'd be like a mini-Sydney, but it isn't. What the hell am I gonna do for 4 months?!
Plus I checked my bank balance today. The less said about that the better.
So today consisted of the Kiwi Experience office (which I walked to to save the bus fare) to book the first leg of my route around NZ, then to the Quantas office to change my flights, which cost 60 quid! Instead of 4 months here I managed to get it changed to 2 months. So that should save some money for Thailand and Thailand is loads cheaper.
Deep breath, check balance
Day 108
OK I feel better today. That's good.
Decided to check my bank balance. That may be not so good.
Since coming to New Zealand everyone I've been talking to are visiting here for one month to six weeks. When they ask me how long I'm here for I tell them 4 months. Then they laugh. Since arriving in Auckland (NZ's biggest city) it became apparent that there isn't that much to do. I thought it'd be like a mini-Sydney, but it isn't. What the hell am I gonna do for 4 months?!
Plus I checked my bank balance today. The less said about that the better.
So today consisted of the Kiwi Experience office (which I walked to to save the bus fare) to book the first leg of my route around NZ, then to the Quantas office to change my flights, which cost 60 quid! Instead of 4 months here I managed to get it changed to 2 months. So that should save some money for Thailand and Thailand is loads cheaper.
Day 107 WHY?
22nd January 2009
WHY?
Day 107
Hungover.
Can still taste kebab from last night.
Feel sick and stupid especially after all the stuff I blogged about drinking sensibly recently.
WHY?
Day 107
Hungover.
Can still taste kebab from last night.
Feel sick and stupid especially after all the stuff I blogged about drinking sensibly recently.
Day 106 Ice, ice baby
21st January 2009
Ice, ice baby
Day 106
Met up with my friend Erik who I first met 3 months ago in Brisbane.
Fell off the wagon.
We stocked up on drinks in happy hour and soon were feeling the effects. Then we went to a bar that was made of ice (although how we got there is a mystery). It was really good inside - the photos looked like it was good anyway, but we got kicked out for making our own cocktails. Well when all the ingredients are left on a table and there are drunk English and Dutch people around with empty glasses and no staff, there is only one way the situation can go.
Plus I did something that I haven't done since I was 18 - I had a kebab!
Ice, ice baby
Day 106
Met up with my friend Erik who I first met 3 months ago in Brisbane.
Fell off the wagon.
We stocked up on drinks in happy hour and soon were feeling the effects. Then we went to a bar that was made of ice (although how we got there is a mystery). It was really good inside - the photos looked like it was good anyway, but we got kicked out for making our own cocktails. Well when all the ingredients are left on a table and there are drunk English and Dutch people around with empty glasses and no staff, there is only one way the situation can go.
Plus I did something that I haven't done since I was 18 - I had a kebab!
Day 105
20th January 2009
I'm leaving on a jet plane
Day 105
Left Sydney today and was really happy to leave. I think maybe one month was too long to stay there for. Arrived at my hostel in Auckland, New Zealand at 11pm. Was quite awake so went for a stroll around the town and everywhere was dead! It was like a ghost town.
I'm leaving on a jet plane
Day 105
Left Sydney today and was really happy to leave. I think maybe one month was too long to stay there for. Arrived at my hostel in Auckland, New Zealand at 11pm. Was quite awake so went for a stroll around the town and everywhere was dead! It was like a ghost town.
Day 104 The story of Zippy
19th January 2009
Zippy
Day 104
Final day in Sydney today and I went for a stroll up to Circular Quay to take some pictures of my Zippy doll (from Rainbow) to put on the group 'Kelly and Zippy go travelling' on Facebook.
To explain, before I came away my friends Jennie gave me one of her Zippy toys to travel with. OK so maybe it doesn't make much sense. Anyway we have Zippy in Japan pictures and now Zippy in Oz pictures.
I'm looking forward to going to New Zealand but it doesn't feel real yet. Just chilling out before I leave tomorrow. At night I couldn't sleep so I sat in front of the TV. It was all quiet until these two people burst in. They were so good entertainment!
There was a guy from South Africa and a girl from America. Both were drunk.
The girl kept saying how everyone in the world in beautiful and we should tell everyone they are beautiful and we should all just be ourselves and love ourselves, etc, etc you get the idea.
The guy was chatting a lot of rubbish really then exclaimed that most people think he is a preacher and when the girl asked why he paused for a while and said, 'because I make people think and that is a gift'. God knows how anyone would be able to think if it wasn't for him. We have a lot to be grateful for for him giving us the gift of thought. Then they rolled a joint and went outside.
I'm going to miss random drunk people!
Zippy
Day 104
Final day in Sydney today and I went for a stroll up to Circular Quay to take some pictures of my Zippy doll (from Rainbow) to put on the group 'Kelly and Zippy go travelling' on Facebook.
To explain, before I came away my friends Jennie gave me one of her Zippy toys to travel with. OK so maybe it doesn't make much sense. Anyway we have Zippy in Japan pictures and now Zippy in Oz pictures.
I'm looking forward to going to New Zealand but it doesn't feel real yet. Just chilling out before I leave tomorrow. At night I couldn't sleep so I sat in front of the TV. It was all quiet until these two people burst in. They were so good entertainment!
There was a guy from South Africa and a girl from America. Both were drunk.
The girl kept saying how everyone in the world in beautiful and we should tell everyone they are beautiful and we should all just be ourselves and love ourselves, etc, etc you get the idea.
The guy was chatting a lot of rubbish really then exclaimed that most people think he is a preacher and when the girl asked why he paused for a while and said, 'because I make people think and that is a gift'. God knows how anyone would be able to think if it wasn't for him. We have a lot to be grateful for for him giving us the gift of thought. Then they rolled a joint and went outside.
I'm going to miss random drunk people!
Day 103 Title shmitle
18th January 2009
Erm, no title
Day 103
So today I watched an episode of Red Dwarf at the hostel. There hasn't been much partying that I've been participating in since the incident hence much, much longer blog entries that go further than, 'Today I was hungover' and with my new spare time expand into something that looks more like an essay concerning new adopted attitudes towards life and conversing with drunk people - more specifically intoxicated young males.
In the hostel is where most of my time is being spent. Tonight I read my book (Tess of the D'Urbervilles) in front of the TV. A drunk Swede stood directly in front of me and started discussing Sydney. It was as if he had just been in a conversation with someone else who had just left so he was continuing the conversation with me. He just jumped right in there!
He was telling me the impressions of the city (not that I asked) then when he finished he smiled like a simple child, and walked off. Drink, eh?
Erm, no title
Day 103
So today I watched an episode of Red Dwarf at the hostel. There hasn't been much partying that I've been participating in since the incident hence much, much longer blog entries that go further than, 'Today I was hungover' and with my new spare time expand into something that looks more like an essay concerning new adopted attitudes towards life and conversing with drunk people - more specifically intoxicated young males.
In the hostel is where most of my time is being spent. Tonight I read my book (Tess of the D'Urbervilles) in front of the TV. A drunk Swede stood directly in front of me and started discussing Sydney. It was as if he had just been in a conversation with someone else who had just left so he was continuing the conversation with me. He just jumped right in there!
He was telling me the impressions of the city (not that I asked) then when he finished he smiled like a simple child, and walked off. Drink, eh?
Day 102 The mystery of the warm, wet dripping
17th January 2009
The mystery of the warm, wet dripping
Day 102
The Italian guy in my room snores. It is really loud, then sometimes he starts choking - then it's back to snoring again. Woke me up several times.
The I heard a big thud. The Canadian guy on the bunk above me fell out of his bed. Everyone woke up. He said he was ok but was moaning 'ow' as he limped out of the room to go to the toilet. We would have all been in stitches if we weren't so tired.
I went back to sleep but was woken up again. I heard something rustling and thought a rodent was in a carrier bag on the floor. I shook the bag to see what the noise was but felt that it was wet. Then I noticed it was a drip coming from the ceiling. It was warm water from something upstairs that was dripping on the carrier bag in big blobs and making the noise.
So I moved the bag and all my stuff to one side so it wouldn't get wet and went back to sleep.
In the morning, most people had left the room. It was just me, Vlad, Sarah and a big wet patch on the floor. I told them about the dripping and they looked at me funnily. I knew what they were thinking - they thought that it was piss, more specifically piss from the drunk Canadian guy in the bunk bed above me taking a leak from his bed at night - maybe to avoid falling out of bed again whilst trying to get down. 'It wasn't piss!' I said. It definately wasn't though, I knew for sure. We started to guess where the water had come from and wondered if one of the washing machines in the room above us had broken down and leaked in the night.
Later that day, Sarah went to put some washing on and noticed that the laundry wasn't in the room above us. Above us was another bedroom and they had no idea about anything leaking or being spilt in the night. They asked Sarah if it could be piss. I said that maybe a pipe burst in the night and that could be it. Housekeeping came in soon after and I asked them if the dripping and the water mark on the floor could be from a burst pipe. They said there were no pipes in the ceiling above. They said, 'are you sure it's not piss?'.
Oh man I know the difference between a slow drip coming from the ceiling and someone taking a leak. Maybe we'll never find out what it was, unless the Canadian guy says he urinated from the top bunk which will mean I definately don't know the difference. And also will mean I touched his urine.
I'm sure it wasn't though!...
The mystery of the warm, wet dripping
Day 102
The Italian guy in my room snores. It is really loud, then sometimes he starts choking - then it's back to snoring again. Woke me up several times.
The I heard a big thud. The Canadian guy on the bunk above me fell out of his bed. Everyone woke up. He said he was ok but was moaning 'ow' as he limped out of the room to go to the toilet. We would have all been in stitches if we weren't so tired.
I went back to sleep but was woken up again. I heard something rustling and thought a rodent was in a carrier bag on the floor. I shook the bag to see what the noise was but felt that it was wet. Then I noticed it was a drip coming from the ceiling. It was warm water from something upstairs that was dripping on the carrier bag in big blobs and making the noise.
So I moved the bag and all my stuff to one side so it wouldn't get wet and went back to sleep.
In the morning, most people had left the room. It was just me, Vlad, Sarah and a big wet patch on the floor. I told them about the dripping and they looked at me funnily. I knew what they were thinking - they thought that it was piss, more specifically piss from the drunk Canadian guy in the bunk bed above me taking a leak from his bed at night - maybe to avoid falling out of bed again whilst trying to get down. 'It wasn't piss!' I said. It definately wasn't though, I knew for sure. We started to guess where the water had come from and wondered if one of the washing machines in the room above us had broken down and leaked in the night.
Later that day, Sarah went to put some washing on and noticed that the laundry wasn't in the room above us. Above us was another bedroom and they had no idea about anything leaking or being spilt in the night. They asked Sarah if it could be piss. I said that maybe a pipe burst in the night and that could be it. Housekeeping came in soon after and I asked them if the dripping and the water mark on the floor could be from a burst pipe. They said there were no pipes in the ceiling above. They said, 'are you sure it's not piss?'.
Oh man I know the difference between a slow drip coming from the ceiling and someone taking a leak. Maybe we'll never find out what it was, unless the Canadian guy says he urinated from the top bunk which will mean I definately don't know the difference. And also will mean I touched his urine.
I'm sure it wasn't though!...
Saturday 17 January 2009
Day 101 Drunk Boys
16th January 2009
Drunk Boys
Day 101
I think I'm ready to leave Sydney.
Have not been drinking alcohol since the incident. At 10pm I went into my room and there was a party kicking off although 4 out of the 5 people in there I had never seen before (usually it's just the people who sleep in the room that are in there so this was quite odd). The tunes were pumping (good) but someone had spilt goon on my bed (bad).
One Canadian guy was trying to convince me to go out with them. I explained to him why I wasn't drinking and even showed him the huge cut running along the back of my head to which his first reaction was 'nice!' followed by trying to tell me that if I drunk some goon it would make my head feel better... and so the traveller's drinking habits are revealed - but not for me. You can keep your goon Mr. Canadian man. Enjoy your hangover while my head heals (the lump on it is scarily big).
Hoping no more goon would be spilt on my bed sheets I left them to their lil' party and went to watch the film 'Old School' with the other people in the hostel who had their own reasons for staying in on a Friday night. Needless to say, there weren't many of us.
Unluckily for me the Swedish guy who sat next to me on the sofa was drunk and had seen the film many, MANY times before and felt the need to show us how cool he was by saying the punchlines of the jokes in the film before they were due and laughing so loud while eating Crunchy Nut Cornflakes straight from the box. You know this is the guy everyone hates at the cinema.
When the film had finished, a really drunk American guy with a mohican appeared and sat next to me, helping himself to my bottled water before I had a chance to say, 'help yourself'. He demanded to know why I wasn't coming to the bar so I told him about my recent hospital visit to which he replied, 'but if you don't come to the bar we aren't going to be able to make out'. It was amusing but I wasn't convinced and declined the offer. He strangely shook my hand and staggered off.
Drunk Boys
Day 101
I think I'm ready to leave Sydney.
Have not been drinking alcohol since the incident. At 10pm I went into my room and there was a party kicking off although 4 out of the 5 people in there I had never seen before (usually it's just the people who sleep in the room that are in there so this was quite odd). The tunes were pumping (good) but someone had spilt goon on my bed (bad).
One Canadian guy was trying to convince me to go out with them. I explained to him why I wasn't drinking and even showed him the huge cut running along the back of my head to which his first reaction was 'nice!' followed by trying to tell me that if I drunk some goon it would make my head feel better... and so the traveller's drinking habits are revealed - but not for me. You can keep your goon Mr. Canadian man. Enjoy your hangover while my head heals (the lump on it is scarily big).
Hoping no more goon would be spilt on my bed sheets I left them to their lil' party and went to watch the film 'Old School' with the other people in the hostel who had their own reasons for staying in on a Friday night. Needless to say, there weren't many of us.
Unluckily for me the Swedish guy who sat next to me on the sofa was drunk and had seen the film many, MANY times before and felt the need to show us how cool he was by saying the punchlines of the jokes in the film before they were due and laughing so loud while eating Crunchy Nut Cornflakes straight from the box. You know this is the guy everyone hates at the cinema.
When the film had finished, a really drunk American guy with a mohican appeared and sat next to me, helping himself to my bottled water before I had a chance to say, 'help yourself'. He demanded to know why I wasn't coming to the bar so I told him about my recent hospital visit to which he replied, 'but if you don't come to the bar we aren't going to be able to make out'. It was amusing but I wasn't convinced and declined the offer. He strangely shook my hand and staggered off.
Day 100 Rethinking Drinking
15th January 2009
Rethinking Drinking and my new Philosophy
Day 100
Well it's been 100 days of travelling! What a milestone.
After my recent trip to hospital though I have been thinking a lot. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't drink so much. All these forgotten moments and hospital visits are a waste of time and money.
Ok, so lots of funny things happen and people laugh but what's the point if I can't remember any of it. Drink less = remember more. And NO GOON. Just say no to goon (really cheap boxed wine, an Australian thing). Alcohol in excess is bad and leads to bad things. My nose still hurts from the headbutting not long ago and now my head had the biggest, most painful lump on the back with a huge slash across it. It hurts but I suppose that is to be expected.
So after 100 days of travelling I have learnt so much about people, friendship and so forth. Also I have adopted a new philosophy - 'quality and quantity' (when I spoke to my sister on the phone about this she laughed but I'm being serious). The phrase is relevant to so many things in life - drink, food, clothes, dates.
It is scary to think about what happened the other night, but I've ended up in hospital before like the time I got hit by a bus or when I woke up in hospital in Portugal. All alcohol related. Well not just from drinking alcohol but from drinking in severe volumes. It's not good.
Although a lot of people find my stories funny and all, it's not worth it and almost always leads to truoble. Or in my case - hospital.
Rethinking Drinking and my new Philosophy
Day 100
Well it's been 100 days of travelling! What a milestone.
After my recent trip to hospital though I have been thinking a lot. I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't drink so much. All these forgotten moments and hospital visits are a waste of time and money.
Ok, so lots of funny things happen and people laugh but what's the point if I can't remember any of it. Drink less = remember more. And NO GOON. Just say no to goon (really cheap boxed wine, an Australian thing). Alcohol in excess is bad and leads to bad things. My nose still hurts from the headbutting not long ago and now my head had the biggest, most painful lump on the back with a huge slash across it. It hurts but I suppose that is to be expected.
So after 100 days of travelling I have learnt so much about people, friendship and so forth. Also I have adopted a new philosophy - 'quality and quantity' (when I spoke to my sister on the phone about this she laughed but I'm being serious). The phrase is relevant to so many things in life - drink, food, clothes, dates.
It is scary to think about what happened the other night, but I've ended up in hospital before like the time I got hit by a bus or when I woke up in hospital in Portugal. All alcohol related. Well not just from drinking alcohol but from drinking in severe volumes. It's not good.
Although a lot of people find my stories funny and all, it's not worth it and almost always leads to truoble. Or in my case - hospital.
Day 99 The 'Hose Guy'
14th January 2009
The 'Hose Guy'
Day 99
My head hurts. Throbbing from the incident last night. People in my room were shocked about the whole thing and some were laughing about what I did when I was drunk. Vlad said the 'hose guy' thing was so funny and was laughing. I was confused 'what hose guy?' I asked. As I couldn't remember he told me-
When I got in the room I needed sme water so Vlad gave me his and I drunk it all, so Aimee gave me an empty water bottle and told me to fill it up in the wash room sink, as the kitchen was closed. A few minutes later, I came back in the room with no water in the water bottle but instead I was covered in water - all down my front! Everyone asked why I was soaking wet and I said that a man with a hose was walking around the hostel and spraying people with water. I said it happened a lot and he makes me angry. Everyone was confused and like, 'WTF? Who is this man?' so Aimee took the empty water bottle and went to fill it up herself. When she came back in the room with a filled up water bottle she was laughing. She was in the wash room filling up the bottle when a girl turned to her and said that some drunk girl just came in the wash room and tried to fill up a water bottle in the shower and in the process got covered in water!
Oh my God everyone was in stitches and I sat there giggling apparently. Vlad said it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
The 'Hose Guy'
Day 99
My head hurts. Throbbing from the incident last night. People in my room were shocked about the whole thing and some were laughing about what I did when I was drunk. Vlad said the 'hose guy' thing was so funny and was laughing. I was confused 'what hose guy?' I asked. As I couldn't remember he told me-
When I got in the room I needed sme water so Vlad gave me his and I drunk it all, so Aimee gave me an empty water bottle and told me to fill it up in the wash room sink, as the kitchen was closed. A few minutes later, I came back in the room with no water in the water bottle but instead I was covered in water - all down my front! Everyone asked why I was soaking wet and I said that a man with a hose was walking around the hostel and spraying people with water. I said it happened a lot and he makes me angry. Everyone was confused and like, 'WTF? Who is this man?' so Aimee took the empty water bottle and went to fill it up herself. When she came back in the room with a filled up water bottle she was laughing. She was in the wash room filling up the bottle when a girl turned to her and said that some drunk girl just came in the wash room and tried to fill up a water bottle in the shower and in the process got covered in water!
Oh my God everyone was in stitches and I sat there giggling apparently. Vlad said it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
Day 98 Hello I'd like an ambulance please
13th January 2009
Kelly goes to hospital
Day 98
Had a nice chilled day and went to the quiz at Side Bar in the evening. Drunk a lot of goon with Aimee and Sarah.
To get to the point, I was out with a group of friends at about 1am ish and we were playfighting in the street when one guy grabbed my ankles and pulled them from under me. I fell back and cracked my head on the pavement. The playfighting stopped and I sat on the floor for a while, holding the back of my head. The guy kept apologising and I said that I would be ok then I took my hands from the back of my head and they were covered in blood.
I was in a lot of pain and they called an ambulance. The paramedics put a bandage around my head and took me to hospital. In the hospital, I was sitting around for ages so I spoke to the nurse on the front desk and she had a look at my head and was unsure if I needed stitches or not. She said I could go home but if the wound was still open in the morning I had to come back to have stitches.
Kelly goes to hospital
Day 98
Had a nice chilled day and went to the quiz at Side Bar in the evening. Drunk a lot of goon with Aimee and Sarah.
To get to the point, I was out with a group of friends at about 1am ish and we were playfighting in the street when one guy grabbed my ankles and pulled them from under me. I fell back and cracked my head on the pavement. The playfighting stopped and I sat on the floor for a while, holding the back of my head. The guy kept apologising and I said that I would be ok then I took my hands from the back of my head and they were covered in blood.
I was in a lot of pain and they called an ambulance. The paramedics put a bandage around my head and took me to hospital. In the hospital, I was sitting around for ages so I spoke to the nurse on the front desk and she had a look at my head and was unsure if I needed stitches or not. She said I could go home but if the wound was still open in the morning I had to come back to have stitches.
Day 97 Fire alarm
12th January 2009
Fire alarm
Day 97
Not the best nights sleep. At 5am a fire alarm went off in the hostel. There was a moment we all woke up and waited for the first person to make a move, all silently hoping the alarm would be turned off but on realising that it was not going to be turned off anytime soon we made for the fire escape. There was so many people out on the street. The hostel has 7 floors of rooms with about 8 rooms on each floor. There was a load of sleepy travellers standing out in the street in their pajamas, not impressed.
Fire engines and fire fighters turned up, and it took ages for them let us back in. I have no idea if there was a fire or someone was smoking in their room but after half an hour of standing in the street they let us back in.
We eventually got back to sleep and in the morning had to check with eachother that it had not actually been a dream.
Today I'm tired.
Fire alarm
Day 97
Not the best nights sleep. At 5am a fire alarm went off in the hostel. There was a moment we all woke up and waited for the first person to make a move, all silently hoping the alarm would be turned off but on realising that it was not going to be turned off anytime soon we made for the fire escape. There was so many people out on the street. The hostel has 7 floors of rooms with about 8 rooms on each floor. There was a load of sleepy travellers standing out in the street in their pajamas, not impressed.
Fire engines and fire fighters turned up, and it took ages for them let us back in. I have no idea if there was a fire or someone was smoking in their room but after half an hour of standing in the street they let us back in.
We eventually got back to sleep and in the morning had to check with eachother that it had not actually been a dream.
Today I'm tired.
Day 96 Hungover
11th January 2009
Hungover
Day 96
Hungover. Stayed in and watched a film.
P.S. Notice the correlation between me going on and partying and how much I write in this blog)
Hungover
Day 96
Hungover. Stayed in and watched a film.
P.S. Notice the correlation between me going on and partying and how much I write in this blog)
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Day 95 Sydney Festival
10th January 2009
Sydney Festival
Day 95
It's the start of Sydney Festival today! This city has festivals all the time, seriously any excuse and a festival is on.
Tonight is a free show at 7 places all across the city. The first night of the festival is imaginatively called 'Festival First Night'. The guys from my room all went and we took a blanket and chilled in the Domain park drinking goon (very cheap boxed wine - 4 litres for 5 quid!) then went partying afterwards.
Sydney Festival
Day 95
It's the start of Sydney Festival today! This city has festivals all the time, seriously any excuse and a festival is on.
Tonight is a free show at 7 places all across the city. The first night of the festival is imaginatively called 'Festival First Night'. The guys from my room all went and we took a blanket and chilled in the Domain park drinking goon (very cheap boxed wine - 4 litres for 5 quid!) then went partying afterwards.
Day 93 Out
8th January 2009
Out
Day 93
Was going to stay in tonight. 'Was'.
Aimee (a girl from my room) and I went down to Side Bar for 'one' drink. Bumped into Roz and Rebecca in there and ended up staying out.
Out
Day 93
Was going to stay in tonight. 'Was'.
Aimee (a girl from my room) and I went down to Side Bar for 'one' drink. Bumped into Roz and Rebecca in there and ended up staying out.
Day 92 Wake Up
7th January 2009
Sydney Wake Up
Day 92
Moved to Sydney Wake Up hostel today, it's massive!
Was going to have a quiet night in but ended up meeting some people in my room and going out.
Sydney Wake Up
Day 92
Moved to Sydney Wake Up hostel today, it's massive!
Was going to have a quiet night in but ended up meeting some people in my room and going out.
Day 91 Museum
6th January 2009
Museum
Day 91
Today I went to the Australian Museum. It was ok, especially the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' exhibition they had on.
Chilled in Hyde Park for a while, and it's off to World Bar tonight. At the moment it's one night in, one night out. Got a load of free drink vouchers to use tonight! Gotta use them all up here in Kings Cross as I am leaving the area tomorrow to move somewhere more central to Sydney and be closer to the action (and away from the dodgy area that is Kings Cross where prostitutes argue in the street with eachother about whose patch they're on).
Tomorrow will be exactly 3 months since I left England. 7 months and 1 week left until I go back home.
Museum
Day 91
Today I went to the Australian Museum. It was ok, especially the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' exhibition they had on.
Chilled in Hyde Park for a while, and it's off to World Bar tonight. At the moment it's one night in, one night out. Got a load of free drink vouchers to use tonight! Gotta use them all up here in Kings Cross as I am leaving the area tomorrow to move somewhere more central to Sydney and be closer to the action (and away from the dodgy area that is Kings Cross where prostitutes argue in the street with eachother about whose patch they're on).
Tomorrow will be exactly 3 months since I left England. 7 months and 1 week left until I go back home.
Day 90 Hungover
5th January 2009
Hungover
Day 90
A little hungover this morning, but at least I didn't get headbutted last night.
Went to the cinema with Roz and Rebecca to see the film Marley & Me.
Hungover
Day 90
A little hungover this morning, but at least I didn't get headbutted last night.
Went to the cinema with Roz and Rebecca to see the film Marley & Me.
Day 89 Fish, Art, Dancing
4th January 2009
Fish, Art, Dancing
Day 89
Went to the fish market this morning with Michaela, Nicola, Lindsay and some Dutch girl from my new hostel whose name I can't remember and couldn't pronounce.
Then I went to the Museum of Contemporary Arts, which was great although a little random at times (e.g. headless manequins in African printed Victorian attire performing 'acts' on eachother). Arty.
Met up with Gemma, Katie, Rebecca and Erik in Side Bar at night for a few (quite a few) drinks and was the only person on the dancefloor.
Fish, Art, Dancing
Day 89
Went to the fish market this morning with Michaela, Nicola, Lindsay and some Dutch girl from my new hostel whose name I can't remember and couldn't pronounce.
Then I went to the Museum of Contemporary Arts, which was great although a little random at times (e.g. headless manequins in African printed Victorian attire performing 'acts' on eachother). Arty.
Met up with Gemma, Katie, Rebecca and Erik in Side Bar at night for a few (quite a few) drinks and was the only person on the dancefloor.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Day 88 Swollen
3rd January 2009
Swollen
Day 88
Woke up and my nose was swollen, then I remembered that someone had headbutted me last night.
Was chatting to some people at the hostel and remember slightly what happened when I got back in (v. drunk) last night. Some guy at my hostel had taken a video of me on his phone last night and I watched it back. It was so funny! Can't really explain but it involved lots of random talk and ended with me jumping on a mans back in the street. The guy with the phone said it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen.
It made me so happy. I can't believe how happy I am recently, even though I'm hungover to fuck and my nose hurts.
Swollen
Day 88
Woke up and my nose was swollen, then I remembered that someone had headbutted me last night.
Was chatting to some people at the hostel and remember slightly what happened when I got back in (v. drunk) last night. Some guy at my hostel had taken a video of me on his phone last night and I watched it back. It was so funny! Can't really explain but it involved lots of random talk and ended with me jumping on a mans back in the street. The guy with the phone said it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen.
It made me so happy. I can't believe how happy I am recently, even though I'm hungover to fuck and my nose hurts.
Day 87 Ouch
2nd January 2009
Ouch
Day 87
Went to Sydney Aquarium today with Lindsay, Nicola, Michaela and Rebecca. Feeling so good today, I love Sydney and am having such a great time here.
Then at night I went to a bar in Kings Cross called Madam DeBiers and I was headbutted.
A crazy fat chick at the bar headbutted me because apparently I bumped into her.
Ouch
Day 87
Went to Sydney Aquarium today with Lindsay, Nicola, Michaela and Rebecca. Feeling so good today, I love Sydney and am having such a great time here.
Then at night I went to a bar in Kings Cross called Madam DeBiers and I was headbutted.
A crazy fat chick at the bar headbutted me because apparently I bumped into her.
Day 86 1st Jan 2009 - hungover
1st January 2009
Hungover
Day 86
So hungover this morning. Never mind that - last night was probably the best night out I've ever had. Carlsberg don't make nights out, but if they did...
Went to the cinema today with the guys from last night. No drinking today though.
Hungover
Day 86
So hungover this morning. Never mind that - last night was probably the best night out I've ever had. Carlsberg don't make nights out, but if they did...
Went to the cinema today with the guys from last night. No drinking today though.
Day 85 NEW YEARS EVE
31st December 2008
NEW YEARS EVE
Day 85
Everyone from my hostel shot off this moprning (as early as 6am) to get a good spot to watch the fireworks from. I didn't need to go though as have booked a CRUISE ON THE HARBOUR! How fucking mint is that? There's 7 of us going who were all on the surf camp. Check these pics-
Day 84 The Rocks with the Americans
30th December 2008
The Rocks with the Americans
Day 84
Spent the morning shopping then went out with Sam and Rob (the Americans I met in Cairns). We went to the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens and to a German Beer Pub in The Rocks... Mango beer anyone?
Later that day I was bored and decided to text nearly everyone in my phonebook that I'd met out here. No surprises with who did and didn't text back. It's all good and I love Sydney!
The Rocks with the Americans
Day 84
Spent the morning shopping then went out with Sam and Rob (the Americans I met in Cairns). We went to the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens and to a German Beer Pub in The Rocks... Mango beer anyone?
Later that day I was bored and decided to text nearly everyone in my phonebook that I'd met out here. No surprises with who did and didn't text back. It's all good and I love Sydney!
Day 83 Side Bar
29th December 2008
Side Bar
Day 83
Went to Side Bar with Gemma and Katie. Got drunk. Can't remember what else went on today...
Side Bar
Day 83
Went to Side Bar with Gemma and Katie. Got drunk. Can't remember what else went on today...
Day 82 Sunday dinner, yum
28th December 2008
Sunday dinner
Day 82
Met up with Gemma and Katie and had a Sunday dinner, as we sort of felt we were cheated out of a proper meal on Christmas day (it was gross), but this made up for it.
Sunday dinner
Day 82
Met up with Gemma and Katie and had a Sunday dinner, as we sort of felt we were cheated out of a proper meal on Christmas day (it was gross), but this made up for it.
Day 81 Rangers Celtic game
27th December
Rangers Celtic gane
Day 81
Watched the Rangers Celtic game with some girls from the hostel and a few of the Scottish guys. Lindsay is a Rangers supporter, so was I for the day. The game was a bit boring to be honest. Us girls got bored quite quickly and ended up playing dress up in the corner while the guys were watching the football.
Day 80 Boxing Day
26th December 2008
Boxing Day
Day 80
Went to the races with Lindsay today. It was so good! Spent the rest of the day eating ice cream and watched the film Trainspotting at the hostel. It wasn't your avarage Boxing Day.
Day 79 MERRY CHRISTMAS
25th December 2008
Christmas Day
Day 79
Ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas! Spent Christmas Day in Bondi Pavillion with Gemma and Katie (who I met in Cairns). It was amazing.
Day 78 CHRISTMAS EVE - The 12 Pubs of Christmas
24th December 2008
Christmas Eve - The 12 Pubs of Christmas
Day 78
Roz, her friend Vicky, Lindsay, the Scottish guys and I took part in something they named 'The 12 Pubs of Christmas'. Very festive - well we were all wearing Santa hats. It was so much fun, and a good time was had by all!
Day 77 ?
23rd December 2008
?
Day 77
Moved to the Blue Parrot hostel today, where I am going to be staying over Christmas and New Year. Can't quite remember what I did today (it's actually the 27th December and I'm trying to remember what I've been doing)
?
Day 77
Moved to the Blue Parrot hostel today, where I am going to be staying over Christmas and New Year. Can't quite remember what I did today (it's actually the 27th December and I'm trying to remember what I've been doing)
Friday 2 January 2009
Day 76 Off the tablets
22nd December 2008
Off the tablets
Day 76
Read up on the internet that it is ok to drink when you are taking Penicillin. Oh well I feel fab after having 2 weeks off the booze.
Oh and today I booked a trip a trip on a boat for New Years Eve with Gavin, Roz and Simon that I met on the surf camp.
Can't wait!
Off the tablets
Day 76
Read up on the internet that it is ok to drink when you are taking Penicillin. Oh well I feel fab after having 2 weeks off the booze.
Oh and today I booked a trip a trip on a boat for New Years Eve with Gavin, Roz and Simon that I met on the surf camp.
Can't wait!
Day 75 Sydney Opera House
21st December 2008
Sydney Opera House
Day 75
So my plan for today was to go to the Sunday market. When I was having breakfast, I bumped into Roz (a girl I met at the surf camp) and ended up going with her and her friends to Darling Harbour and Sydney Opera house instead.
Later that day we went to Bondi beach to meet up with some of their friends and chilled on the beach and went to the pub. I still can't drink so was on diet cokes all night. This not drinking thing is saving me money but not very sociable. One very drunk Scottish guy at the pub asked me in front of everyone why I wasn't drinking. I said it was because I am taking tablets. He then said 'why do you have thrush or something?'. Oh my God. Seriously, everyone was laughing and I said it wasn't for thrush, it was for Tonsillitis. Then the drunk guy told me that drinking cranberry juice would help. And now everyone thinks I have thrush.
Sydney Opera House
Day 75
So my plan for today was to go to the Sunday market. When I was having breakfast, I bumped into Roz (a girl I met at the surf camp) and ended up going with her and her friends to Darling Harbour and Sydney Opera house instead.
Later that day we went to Bondi beach to meet up with some of their friends and chilled on the beach and went to the pub. I still can't drink so was on diet cokes all night. This not drinking thing is saving me money but not very sociable. One very drunk Scottish guy at the pub asked me in front of everyone why I wasn't drinking. I said it was because I am taking tablets. He then said 'why do you have thrush or something?'. Oh my God. Seriously, everyone was laughing and I said it wasn't for thrush, it was for Tonsillitis. Then the drunk guy told me that drinking cranberry juice would help. And now everyone thinks I have thrush.
Day 74 Kings Cross, SYDNEY
20th December 2008
Kings Cross, SYDNEY
Day 74
Well I'm in Kings Cross, Sydney. A place that Lonely Planet describes as this-
'The Cross is a cocktail of strip joints, prostitution, crime, and drugs shaken and stirred'
Lovely.
Today I went for a body balance class at the gym and felt pretty good after. Then I had a walk around and ended up at the hostel I'm staying at for Christmas. So I went inside and got chatting to 3 Irish girls who asked me 'are you going too?' and I was like 'to where?'. Well they were off to a carol singing concert so I tagged along with them. It was a huge event, there was loads of people there and the event was broadcast all over Australia. It was a 3 hour free show with loads of singers, including Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden. There was a firework display at the end, it was fantastic!
Kings Cross, SYDNEY
Day 74
Well I'm in Kings Cross, Sydney. A place that Lonely Planet describes as this-
'The Cross is a cocktail of strip joints, prostitution, crime, and drugs shaken and stirred'
Lovely.
Today I went for a body balance class at the gym and felt pretty good after. Then I had a walk around and ended up at the hostel I'm staying at for Christmas. So I went inside and got chatting to 3 Irish girls who asked me 'are you going too?' and I was like 'to where?'. Well they were off to a carol singing concert so I tagged along with them. It was a huge event, there was loads of people there and the event was broadcast all over Australia. It was a 3 hour free show with loads of singers, including Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden. There was a firework display at the end, it was fantastic!
Day 73 Surf Camp 4
19th December 2008
Surf Camp 4
Day 73
So exhausted all the time from this stupid Tonsillitis. We go out surfing for a few hours each day but after 10 minutes, I'm fucked. It's all the fighting through the waves that's the most tiring.
Well at least I'll be off these tablets in time for Christmas.
I've been in a room full of Germans at the moment. Germans are everywhere.
Surf Camp 4
Day 73
So exhausted all the time from this stupid Tonsillitis. We go out surfing for a few hours each day but after 10 minutes, I'm fucked. It's all the fighting through the waves that's the most tiring.
Well at least I'll be off these tablets in time for Christmas.
I've been in a room full of Germans at the moment. Germans are everywhere.
Day 72 Surf Camp 4
18th December 2008
Surf Camp 4
Day 72
Tried surfing again today. Anyone who has ever had Tonsillitis will know all about the migraines, complete lack of energy and crap feeling it imposes. Anyone who has ever been surfing will know that the above symptoms do not mix well with the sport.
At night, the group sat around a fire near to the beach and we ended up drinking games (which I can't take part in because I'm on Penicillin). It was fun though and as we were mostly in darkness, no one seemed to notice I wasn't drinking alcohol. Or they did and didn't say anything.
Surf Camp 4
Day 72
Tried surfing again today. Anyone who has ever had Tonsillitis will know all about the migraines, complete lack of energy and crap feeling it imposes. Anyone who has ever been surfing will know that the above symptoms do not mix well with the sport.
At night, the group sat around a fire near to the beach and we ended up drinking games (which I can't take part in because I'm on Penicillin). It was fun though and as we were mostly in darkness, no one seemed to notice I wasn't drinking alcohol. Or they did and didn't say anything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
