East As
Trip Start
Aug 01, 2007
1
14
91
Trip End
Jan 11, 2009
Napier,
New Zealand
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
We got in a little bit before dinner, and after a round at the pub, headed back to see the sunset (peritally obscured by clouds). I splurged on and joined in the group option desptie not being too cost effective, in order to chill out with the rest of the group. It is only a small bus, and there are only 7 of us on the trip. (I count myself as the only female, however there is an older lady who seems to be a bit off her rocker). Traditionally the owner comes and we do the traditional Maori greeting (shaking hands and pressing noses twice), and then he sings a song and we reply with a song, and then we are officially welcomed into the home
01 Oceans views along the East Coast
. However, he was working late so we sang some songs on our own after a good feed, then brought some drinks down to the hot tub. Only 4 of us went in, it was a chilled out time and 3 of us even ran down for a QUICK dip into the ocean (oh yeah, the hot tub overlooked the ocean! tough life it is.) The room was freezing though, and with my wet hair I now feel as though I have a bit of a cold. In the morning, got up for our brekkie which was included with the meal fee, but I wasn't brave enough to try the Marmite! Maybe next time haha. Off we went again, this time heading for the East Cape. Usual roadside stops to take in the beach scenery. We arrived early again, and a few of us were goiong to make the long walk to the beach, so the driver drove us in order to chill out himself. However, the sun disappeared and it got quite chilly, not to mention while wading in with our feet, a huge wave came and soaked my near to my waist!
We had a hangi meal, which is cooked in earthen ovens. Not bad, but not as good as Rotorua! We chilled out and played some ping pong, watched TV and headed in for an early night, as today was SUNRISE!
We dragged ourselves out of bed at the ungodly hour of quarter past 6, then up a hill 15 minutes
02 east coats beaches
. My cold progressed throughout the night, so I had a tough time keeping up with all the guys sprinting up the hill. (Good news being, my knee didn't bother me, so I might start jogging again soon provided it warms up at least a LITTLE!) You could go left or right, of course I choose the long path up the hill which involved climbing a fence and seeing some pigs running down the hillside. There were a few clouds, however it was pretty spectacular, and East Cape is the first spot on a major continent to see the sun rise, in the whole world. Awesome feeling. Then we left early for a LONG day of driving, stopping at a historic wharf 660m long and walking out to the tip of that. When we got into Napier, two others and myself headed for a soak in some hot pools which was well needed. Then it was out for a "final dinner" at a buffet, where I again ate too much. I'm thinking of staying in Wellington, I've put in an enquiry for a flat with 5 kiwis for 5 weeks or so, and hopefully find some cafe work!Well, its been a long day and I'm "knackered", to use the phrase of the many english I seem to be surrounded by everywhere here!
XOXO
Shawna
Comments
Winter wonderland!
Hey Shawna,
Sorry I hadn't responded sooner, e-mail access was spotty last week with us being up in the Sunshine Coast in an apartment, and having to use the library or cafe to surf.
I've been following your travelogue closely, and I'm amazed at how adventurous you are... OMG, there's NOT a chance that I would jump out of a plane, or be in a cave - as you were - in the pitch black! Good on ya, as they say here. :o)
My visa expires around Nov 10th... so we're planning to visit NZ as close to just before that date as possible... I haven't looked at airfare, but that will probably be a factor in the exact date we go. We'll maybe stay a week, then I can come back to Australia for up to another three months). Is there any time that works better/doesn't work for you? Are you planning to stay in Aukland after the concert? Do you know if and when your parents are coming over?
As far as what to do... well, we we're hoping you could give some suggestions!!! We'll catch up with you whereever you are... maybe we'll even rent a car (but I haven't looked into that to see how much that costs)... Colin is very good at driving on the left side of the road, and I hope to learn! No drama. (Again, another saying used here a lot.... I think it means 'Don't stress about it, it will all work out').
I just got a mobile number today, so I'll send it to you at your e-mail addy.
Love,
Auntie Melissa and Colin