TravelStream™ news feed for member richandfi on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/richandfi en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:40:03 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1195803600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1195803600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1195803600/tpod.html Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:40:03 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Wellington, New Zealand

Lots of walking today. Visited the Te Papa museum. They have an exhibit - a house - you go in it and they let loose a grade 5 eathquake on you. Cool but scary. Loads of Maori stuff including a Maere (their meeting house).
Tea was out for a Chinese called Big Thumb on Allen Street just off Courtenay Place (quite posh). Nice. Also not too expensive.
Rest of the night spent repacking. Off to pick up the rental car tomorrow morning then we have to get over to National Park Village. We have booked to do the first day of the Tongariro Crossing. 17Kms, 800m ascent in some heat. We're looking forward to it, honest!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196961360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196961360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196961360/tpod.html Sun, 09 Dec 2007 12:20:37 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Pontefract, United Kingdom

Packed the cases for the last time this morning. Shuttle bus came at 12pm and we had to hang about til 12.30 for another passenger. We got to LAX at 1pm, in time for check in.
Flight was fine, but being back in jolly old England with its short days and cold is quite a shock after the last 5 weeks.
Now lots of unpacking, washing and back to work on Monday. Christmas is here so tree and decs to put up in a hurry!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196836020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196836020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196836020/tpod.html Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:32:43 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Los Angeles, California, United States

Took 2 buses to get to Santa Monica this morning. Quite worrying as we're not really sure what bus numbers or where to catch them to get back. Walked on Santa Monica Pier and watched the filthy surf (it's the most polluted beach ever, I think. The Rough Guide quotes such things as "disease", "poison", "even the locals don't swim" etc.).
We ventured onto muscle beach, and I (RM) did a set of rings (10 rings in a line, all them really far apart; then turned round at the end and did them back again!). Knackered after it. Then a 40 minute walk up to Venice Beach. This is a stretch where all the wierdos hang out. Must have passed 10 shops selling "pipes" of all descriptions. Several psychics (2 were next to each other, which in terms of tourist competition shows that they were not really that psychic).
On the way back called off at the Farmers Market and the Grove. Such a cool place. Fresh food and good eateries!!
Sorted out the airport shuttle for tomorrow. Got to fly home :0
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196829060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196829060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196829060/tpod.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:37:24 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Los Angeles, California, United States

A leisurely start to the day then off on the metro to the Universal Studio. Yep I got a callback (yeah right). Just through the gates and Fi got attacked by Shrek. Did some cool rides and the studio tour. Didn't see anyone famous though we did go into Wisteria Lane!!! A proper cul-de-sac!! Did a small rollercoaster in the dark (The Mummy ride) and an 84ft log flume drop on the Jurassic park ride. Did my first 3D show - Terminator 2:3D - soooooo cool. Fi jumped out her skin once. Characters were on the stage then disappearing back into the film. It was so well done.
I got attacked by Shaggy and Scooby! Shaggy told Scooby my backpack was full of food and he chased me!
Got back into Hollywood near our place and we went to the tourist information to find a local store with fresh fruit and stuff. They looked at us like we were from another planet - that sort of stuff is a busride away. Hmm. Yet there's plenty of crap to eat. And they say USA has an Obesity problem?
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196742420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196742420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196742420/tpod.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:28:26 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Los Angeles, California, United States

Very noisy night, as expected, due to trucks delivering to the hotel next door. Went to Reception and requested to be moved - no problem - moved to nice room at the back near the pool.
Didnt get out until lunchtime due to moving etc. Went for the Hop On Hop Off Bus for a tour round LA. Hopped off at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills where Rich promptly confiscated my credit card.... charming!!
Went up to Unvieral Studios City Walk in the evening for something to eat - had great meal, Mandarin, a first for both of us.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196578800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196578800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196578800/tpod.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:01:44 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Los Angeles, California, United States

Breakfast at the hostel, some last minute repacking then check out! Our last day in NZ. The hostel are letting us store our gear there til our flight (today 11pm) so we can at least use the last day. They have even offered us the use of a shower just before we go so can even get rid of the suncream. After liberally applying the suncream this morning of course it rained just about all day. Auckland knows about this of course - no-one has waterproofs on - it's far too warm. All of the pavements here have rooves above them so walking around is dry. Only the intersections of roads are wet. And some junctions have this cool rule where you go cross diagonally! Smart! Went up the Skytower and watched to idiots jumping off in yellow suits attached to bits of wire - madness! Did a bit of shopping.
Taxi picked us up 7pm, off to the airport. All checked in and waiting for the boarding call.
V boring but also v exciting. We fly out at Sun 2 Dec 11pm and land in LAX on Sun 2 Dec 1pm. V strange. We've got used to knowing what time it is in the UK from our local time - this is really gonna be difficult!
Confusing is not the word - tiring I think!
Anyway - arrived at LAX at 1.30pm (Sunday) to do Sunday afternoon again. Got pulled at customs as my (Fi) fingerprints didnt match something had to have them verifed - just what I needed (still got cough as well)! Rich spotted John Burton Race (a chef) but luckily refrained himself from running up and asking about a "good roux"! Sorted anyway and got Shuttle to our hotel (more traffic seen in about 2 mins than we have seen in 4 weeks in NZ) - vv nice although noisy outside. Had wander round local area to the Graumans Chinese Theatre (where the hand and footprints are) and the North highland Mall which we are just behind. Something celeb going off but still dont know what - kids screaming so think it was pop stars (someone called Eve?) or something!
Unfortunately we crashed out about 8pm so didnt see too much more.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196143920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196143920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196143920/tpod.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:16:24 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Auckland, New Zealand

Not up too early today again. A more leisurely day is planned.
Over on the ferry from Auckland to Devonport. Still part of the mainland (not an island) but a shorter distance across the bay instead of driving or getting the bus round. A lovely place, every house there has only a short walk to get to a beach. Cheltenham beach is lovely. Warm sea (after the usual adjustment period - but not like the UK adjustment period of simply going numb) and soft sand with lots of shells. We've already got a property paper and are looking at prices in and around Devonport.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196464800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196464800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196464800/tpod.html Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:21:35 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Auckland, New Zealand

Drove off to Hamilton this morning. A bigger place than we both expected! There's a statue of Richard O'Brien creator of Rocky Horror, he's dressed up as Riff-Raff. Those who do not know the musical will be lost here. Oh well. Not much else to see so drove on to Auckland. A VERY large place. Dropped the car off at the remtal place and they kindly gave us a lift to our digs. Got checked in then had a quick walk around central Auckland. Saw an advert for "We will rock you" the Queen / Ben Elton musical - we've been trying to see it in LOndon for ages and here it is! We managed to get tickets for tonight in the circle, front row. How cool? It was a really really good show. From 8pm to 11pm so good value for money. Another night in Auckland left then we fly out to LA Sunday 11pm.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196377980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196377980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196377980/tpod.html Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:15:04 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Hamilton, New Zealand

Not exactly up with the lark this morning. Fi's cold has taken hold so lots of coughing during the night. I of course do the decent thing and kick her out of bed into the spare single. In the corner. Where I demand she be quiet!
So much for King and Castle because of course she ignores me.
Drove over to Raglan, a nice seaside town. Much of the drive was on "unsealed roads" - thats "rally gravel track" to the boys. Many landslips to negotiate. What a cool country! Sent Fi out to photo them (just in case any more came down). Found a small B&B that is really nice, and settled in. Then found out about Raglan Club. Yep, just what it sounds like. A typical working mens club / community hall. Had a great roast dinner there for a few dollars. No it was not a charity handout either. Happens every Thursday. A small thing called community with a capital "C". Nice to see.
Walked round the town and the immediate suburbs - we marked a few houses that were really nice just in case they come up on the market in the future. Fi liked the one with the hottub out front (see pic). Change of plans - driving through to Auckland tomorrow - will hit a few job agencies.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196231820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196231820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/richandfi/newzealand-2007/1196231820/tpod.html Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:38:34 -0500 An Adventure in New Zealand

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Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Up and out for 9am. Drove over to Waitomo Caves, got there early so sorted out a bed for the night before the rafting. Got into Juno backpackers. Pool, tennis courts, mad sheep (see later).
Black water rafting was really cool. I (RM) am NOT a big fan of water, don't really know how Fi talked me into this. The idea is we have an innertube to sit in and we float down the river in the underground cave system. Sounds tame enough. We have wetsuits etc. so why not? The problem came right at the start. We togged up in gear and got to the cave entrance, next to a river. Before going into the river we had to practice to jump into the water. Backwards! With the tube squashed round our bums! This is because there is a waterfall underground we will be jumping off, just like this. RM not too happy at this but did it OK. It was only about 3ft above the water. Went completely under, v soaked, v cold. Quite unhappy.
Then into the cave. Some walking through fast flowing water (up to our middles) then some floating on the tubes. We had sessions with lights off and you can see all the gloworms on the roof above shining green. Sooo coool. Then it came to the waterfall. Did it OK, was about 3ft. The I found out this was just another practice, the real one was still up ahead. This was about 6-7ft. Jumping backwards from that height into fast water???? Well, I did it and was dead chuffed about it too. Another phobia crushed? Fi of course was OK all the way through cos she is really confident in water, but she still admitted to a few nerves before the big jump.
Spent some time chatting to the lamb back at the hostel. Just a mad animal. He was forcing his head through the fencing to get more petting. I went into his field (it's the way to the tennis courts) and he wouldn't leave me alone! He was like a mad Spaniel hopping and running around.
Tomorrow is a drive to Raglan, a nice town by the seaside. We do need a holiday after all.
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