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Archive for October, 2005

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Adelaide-Warrnambool

Sunday, October 30th, 2005

Arrived in Warrnambool, Victoria, Saturday afternoon. We are staying with Shevahn’s sister, Melania, her husband Kym, and their two daughters, Claudia and Logan. They are just adorable. Especially, with their “accents”.:) We had dinner, some wine, and just relaxed. We passed a lot of country-farmlands-sheep, cattle, etc.

Today (Sunday), we woke up and went to breakfast. Then, Shevahn, Melania, and I went to Hopkins Falls (a mini version of Niagra:), Cudgee Wildlife Park, and Port Fairy (a small local oceanside town). You may have noticed my Orana description was not too exciting and I was called on it! Well, Cudgee was very cool. I had a baby Koala nuzzling my neck! They brought him out since I was an “overseas visitor”!! I also got to feed a kangaroo-pictures to come. The keeper also brought out a baby wombat. OMG! He looked like Dobby out of Harry Potter (so I was just told):). Kinda of like a baby alien. I will get a picture up on this definitely!! They also had deer, monkeys, emus, lorikeets, and talking Cockatoos! This was definitely a better experience than Orana.

Kangaroo:)
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Hopkins Falls
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Tomorrow, we are off along the Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles” before they all fall down (they’re are only 11 left)…..It’s true! So, that’s it for now! Ciao.

Christchurch to Adelaide

Sunday, October 30th, 2005

On Friday, I left Christchurch and headed to Adelaide. I spent the morning just hanging out in Cathedral Square. There was a highschool band and they were awesome! They played “show tunes” and worked their way into Jimmy Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” and Santana’s “Black Magic Woman”.

I had my first “discussion” aka “run-in” about Mr. Bush. Of course, it has come up a few times already but this guy was way pissed about him. He persisted with his ongoing interrogation while I looked at his goods. (There was a market in the square on Friday) He basically said someone should shoot him and he is surprised that no one has so far. I said “I didn’t vote for him”. He said I just can’t believe the nerve of him nominating his “friend” Harriet. I agreed. Then he just went on and on. I said again “didn’t vote for him” and just left. Ugh! How many more years????

Anyway, I had a bumpy fligh in but again they served up some dinner, which again was surprisingly good! Stir fried beef, rice, and vegetable, roll, salad, and free beer/wine!! After dinner, they came around with ice cream for everyone. And, it’s FREE! I had a lay-over in Melbourne and was asked the following questions at Customs:

1) Who are you going to see in OZ?
2) Is she American or Australian?
3) Where did you meet her?
4) Can I see your itinerary?

I was a little surprised and found out the reason for the questions was because stupid me did not have Shevahn’s address! I think they might have thought I was trying to sneak in and not leave (not a bad idea, acutally)….5 weeks of annual leave (hint, hint)…10 days sick day….sheesh! No wonder I haven’t met any Americans while traveling!!!

So, I landed in Adelaide and met Shevahn and her mum. We went to her house and basically crashed in preparation for the 6 hour drive tomorrow.

Orana Wildlife Park

Thursday, October 27th, 2005
Today, I went to Orana Wildlife Park. Orana Wildlife Park is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust. The park is set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds. Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s largest wildlife and conservation centre ... [Continue reading this entry]

Mt. Cook

Thursday, October 27th, 2005
Yesterday, I went to Mount Cook National Park. It was a 5 hour drive via bus. The place was absolutely gorgeous...some of the best scenery I have ever seen. We had stopped by Lake Tekapo along the way for some ... [Continue reading this entry]

Christchurch and around..

Tuesday, October 25th, 2005
Well, today did not start off too great. We had some new roomates last evening who stumbled in around 3AM stinking drunk. How loud can two girls be??? Ugh. Funny thing was this morning, after they left, everybody said, how ... [Continue reading this entry]

Photos

Monday, October 24th, 2005
Some photos have been uploaded for Tahiti and New Zealand. Sorry for the delay:)

Christchurch City

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005
I have to say that I am more impressed with the South Island than the North Island so far. Christchurch is a very pretty garden city. Actually I just found out that is its nickname- "The Garden City" since ... [Continue reading this entry]

Picton to Christchurch

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005
Another day, another train ride:) Took the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch this afternoon, about a 5 1/2 hour ride. First of all, I wish I would have spent another day or so in Picton. It ... [Continue reading this entry]

Wellington to Picton

Friday, October 21st, 2005
Got to the ferry bright and early today. It was a relatively smooth ride and took about 3 hours. Marion and Anne Marie were on the same boat headed to Picton as well. Picton is at the northeast ... [Continue reading this entry]

Auckland to Wellington

Friday, October 21st, 2005
Okay, so I took the train from Auckland to Wellington. It was a 12 hour train ride. There was some good scenery which included 3 active volcanoes-Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhue, and Mount Tongariro. Go ahead-try to pronounce them:) ... [Continue reading this entry]