Today’s Kiwese word: nit. Used to ketch fush
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Ketching fush
June 30th, 2011Blank canvas
June 29th, 2011
I’d been getting ever more confident. Dispensing with guide books. Besides, never quite got around to reading them on the road. New Zealand. Seventeenth country. Probably. If you counted Hong Kong as a de facto independent state rather than just part of mainland China. Made sure I could get into NZ. Checked the visa and immigration requirements. Six months on entry. Outbound plane ticket. Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself. But nothing more.
Overly relaxed? I knew of North and South Island. Heard about the Hobbits. But otherwise little idea about the place. However, I’d long since decided the easiest thing would be to chat to friends I was staying with for a few days. Seek their advice. And I’d already learnt of New Zealand’s very helpful network of iSITE visitor information centres. Besides, seemed rather fun to be starting with a genuinely blank canvas.
Pocket pedal power
June 29th, 2011
Today’s Kiwese word: peck. What you do before going on holiday
Alas, unable to bring Emma, my trusty steed, over to New Zealand for a few weeks. Far too expensive. Pity. Probably a bit quicker than this pocket sized pedaller.
A dog called Jasper
June 29th, 2011His name was Jasper. I knew because I’d asked his handler. The pair had approached each and every passenger. Waiting by the baggage carousel. The dog seemed disinterested. I was pleased.
With Emma, my trusty steed, safely parked up in Sydney, I’d decided to spend a few weeks in New Zealand. Visiting friends. Exploring. Alas, too expensive to bring the bike over. Flying into the Capital, Wellington. Southern tip of the North Island. The other one’s South Island.
Immigration. Six month visa. Of sorts. Just a quick stamp in the passport. Customs. Biosecurity. Terribly friendly. Terribly. I’d ticked a few boxes on my Declaration Card. In some countries that’d get you a full body cavity search. No lubricant. Here the worst you’d probably get is a soggy biscuit with your cup of tea. And they’d be very apologetic about it.
Struggled to find the very items I’d declared. Becoming increasingly concerned I’d forgotten to pack them. Medication mostly. Said so to the inspecting officer. We chatted for a while whilst I rummaged around in my bag. Weather mostly. Already knew I was going to like it here.
Coming up.. in New Zealand
June 29th, 2011Emma, my trusty steed, safely resting up in Sydney for a few weeks. Fleeting visit to New Zealand. Visiting friends. And a spot of exploring. In search of a glacier. Bit of practice for Alaska. Plus the usual cast of characters. One poor soul just waiting to cross the road before I pitched up. Got away after about twenty minutes.
Few insights into life travelling on the buses. And living in hostels. Not forgetting a few handy hints to help you sound like a local. But, alas, no Hobbits. Or French military tourists. Still, lots I hope for you to enjoy over the forthcoming days…
Spot of confusion?
June 19th, 2011Seems I might have being causing a bit of confusion. Especially if you’re followers of Facebook. Or regular viewers of the Gallery. Where exactly is Ken? I sometimes wonder myself. So, a quick clarification.
Having reached Sydney a few weeks ago, made an all too brief foray to New Zealand. Visiting friends. Back to Australia a couple of days ago. Eventually. Bit of a story in itself. Return to the road on Tuesday. Bound for Melbourne. The last leg of my third continent.
I generally run a few weeks ahead of the blog. So, journey into Sydney yet to unfold. Whilst I busy myself writing up my notes from a fantastic time in New Zealand. In the meantime, the photos are already in the Gallery.
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