Otago Adventure Day 4 Happy New Year!!

 We awoke in our stable room to the pitter patter of rain and wandered into the breakfast room.  At a long wooden table, set with old China, we feasted on locally grown stewed fruit, muesli and clotted cream. Followed by home baked bread, jam and baked eggs. We had a leisurely stroll around Clyde, packed up and hit the road, well literally hit the road and stopped at the Bank Cafe where we had to squeeze in a cheesy roll. All in the name of science.  10/10, and fortunately couldn't squeeze in a second.

It was a quick drive to Queenstown with a stop in Cromwell and Gibbston Valley Wines. Our time in Queenstown will be spent with old friends Kay and Jeff Turner. They have a fabulous home on the edge of Lake Whakatipu. We settled in and caught up on kid stuff, medical dilemmas and life in general. New Years Eve was started with drinks, a meal and meeting new friends at the Turners and at 11:15 we braved the cold and drizzle to walk down the road to the Hilton and onto a water taxi and across the lake to town  where hoards of people were enjoying live music. Declan is also holidaying in the South and we caught up with him, his girlfriend Alena and her family to see in the New Year. Spectacular fireworks, no rain and a great atmosphere. A New Year to be remembered.

Otago Adventure : Day 3

Otago Adventure : Day 3

After a sporadic sleep in our cosy cabin we rose to an overcast day. This was a nice contrast as it gave the sounds a different vibe. Fun facts ( come on, I am a teacher after all) It is called Doubtful Sound because when Captain Cook found it from the Tasman Sea he was "doubtful' they would find their way out if they went in. And it is not even a 'sound' as a sound is carved out from water and these were carved out from glaciers. Last  fact, there is no soil, so the trees and plants are hanging onto the hills and mountains by the skin of there teeth (actually lichen and moss) so there are frequent landslides. After a bacon and egg breaky we reversed the trip order and arrived back at Manapouri around mid day. 

 As I have never been down this way I want to see as much as I can so wisely or unwisely we drove to Clyde via  Invercargill. There was not much to see and the terrain was not as rugged as I had anticipated, but it was an easy drive (well it was for me because all I had to do was sit and look out the window). A brief stop in Riverton for late lunch at the Postmasters. Nice little cafe where we have begun a project to aid mankind. "Cheesy Roll Testing". These are pieces of white bread with a cheesy sauce filling and rolled and toasted. These were served with butter slathered and melting over the top. I would rate them an 8/10. Not a ten because we needed a second serving just to re test. I also demolished a superb custard square (vanilla slice for you Australians). 

Back on the road the vista was pretty and much like the North Island, until we hit a sign saying 'Welcome to Central Otago'. An immediate change in countryside. Rugged hilly mountains with piles of rocks and stone, hills yellowed and golden with poplar trees in rows like soldiers. In the valleys lush patches, especially in Ettrick and Roxburgh where cherries and other fruit were so thick on the trees you could see the flashes of colour as you drove by.

And then we got to Clyde. We had been here once for lunch on our 10th wedding anniversary, nearly 17 years ago. Oliver's stables is a quaint historical stone set of buildings  and our room is awesome.  Like we have just stepped off a gold rush wagon. Furs are draped over leather chairs and the room is dotted with old books and bone china. We are ready for a luxurious shower, food and sleep. Goodnight.

Day 2: Otago Adventure.

 We were up early and waiting to board a small vessel to cross Lake Manapouri. Fifty minutes later we boarded a shuttle boat to drive across the amazing Wilmott Pass to board the Tutoko 2, our home for the next 2 days. A hardy vessel (we thought) and a cosy little cabin to ourselves. Our shipmates (of which  there were 9) and 4 crew were all nice. 

 Apart from one kiwi who lives in Perth the rest of the tourists were young Americans. One young guy is an astronomer from NASA! Doubtful Sound is beautiful, the weather was perfect and we sat on the top deck with cups of tea and home baking watching the mountains slide by. As we approached the Tasman Sea, a wall of cloud appeared and we were swallowed into it, immediately the weather took on a new and slightly menacing feeling.Almost like we had entered the King Kong Movie. 

We had a quick look at the seal colony and re-entered the sounds. It was a whole day just sliding through the water, we stopped to let a crew member dive for some crayfish.  Lance's favourite meal. And he popped up with half a dozen. Nice birthday meal in store for Lance.

 Then we were off to another cove for some fishing, I caught a small shark (dog fish) and another thing too small. But Lance pulled in a couple worth eating, still a happy man. I went kayaking and then braved a dip off the side of the  boat.

I was astonished at how warm it was with the odd cold patches. And the fresh water made it a tiring swim, but delicious.

 Later as we were about to tuck into our crayfish the skipper came and explained a "situation". There was a hole in the boat. Honest, that is what he said.  He said not to worry, it was only a small hole and they would strap a plank of wood over it for the night. We all tried to look casual as a very long plank was taken down into the hold. Anyway, we didn't sink so it must have worked, but they have had to cancel the next couple of cruises. After our four courses which included freshly caught fish we popped back on deck to watch the Dolphins playing around our boat. It was so peaceful with hardly any other boats around. All in all a fantastic thing to do, highly recommended in the scheme of things you must do in NZ. Fiordland Explorer.

Otago NZ Adventure 2014/15

Day one: Otago Adventure. 

Up at 4:50am, stand on the back of a man's jandal at Christchurch airport and broke it, throw a "Sorry" over my shoulder as I join the queue boarding for Queenstown. Pray that he isn't  on the flight. 

Jump in the hire car and drive to Milford Sound, 5 hours. 

I hoped that it would be worthwhile- it was!!!  We bumped into Fiona Allison. Dipped our toes in the water expecting ice, but it was warm as a bath. After a 2 hour drive to Manapouri, Manapouri we arrived at the Lakeview Inn, good lodgings, a swim in the Lake and dinner at the pub 100m from unit. At 10pm and Lance is still sitting outside in daylight and me ready for bed. Great day today!

30 April to 2 May Hong Kong

Leaving Cambodia we joined the queue to check in for our flight.  I chose the shortest line, there was a girl waiting at the counter, a Korean couple, and four French speaking people around our age.  Are you wondering why I would think you would be remotely interested in this information?

As we arrived in the queue the counter next door closed and a whole pile of Korean people jumped under the rope and tried to push in front of us. I had already manoeuvred myself into place to stop them from getting in front of me but 4 pushed through.  When the couple at the front finished they turned and called  the 12 behind us to come through!  They weren't in a tour party or anything. We were really ticked off and Lance said "no, you wait" and they all just stopped. The French people nodded at us in agreement and motioned to the four others that were squishing in front "non" and put their hand up to say stop.  It was a bit uncomfortable and the Korean people quickly backed up. And stood back to let us go through. Even as we boarded they stopped on the stairs and let us go in front. Different people, different customs I guess.

We left Camobodia in the middle of a thunder storm, lightening had been flashing and the power had gone out once. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, and we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in time for dinner. We had booked into a hotel called Movenpick, and thought is sounded a bit funny, but is was lovely. Our room was one of the nicest we have ever stayed in and we enjoyed a Japanese meal at one of the restaurants. Breakfast in the morning was equally as nice, with a great array of things to eat.  In fact I had bread and butter pudding for breaky and it was almost as good as my own.  

Arriving without any more action apart from a bumpy ride we transferred to our Hong Kong hotel The City View. Don't be fooled by the name, there was no view and the room was like something you might have at boarding school. In fact it is the most basic room we have ever had. However the rest of the hotel was very nice and we hadn't planned on stayng in the room long during the day. 

Dropping our bags we ventured out, by now it was about 5:30. Lance had mapped out the way down to the water front so we set off. It was a joy to be able to walk on footpaths again after Vietnam, and whilst the traffic was busy there were minimal scooters and no tooting. They also had stop signs and traffic lights where we could cross the road safely. But on very busy roads we had to walk quite a way before we were allowed to cross and sometimes had to take a tunnel under the road.

We hadn't seen many beggars on our journies, but like any big city, Hong Kong has beggars. The difference is that they sit with their heads bowed almost ashamed that they have had to resort to this. They all were visibly maimed or disabled in some way. There were a couple of corners where someone had made a home, barricading themselves in with boxes and old umbrellas. 

The shops were more approachable and easier to pop into than Vietnam. We found all sorts of strange things, big slices of tree bark, big black pieces of fungus all part of medicinal remedies.  Fancy some seafood?

Walking for about 35 minutes I spotted a bus coming towards us that said 'Kowloon Ferry'. Guess we were heading the wrong way. An about turn was done and a retrace of steps. Along the way Lance mentioned that we were going to have dinner without returning to our room, a fact I was not aware of. What a daggy creature I was, shorts, walking sandals and a tshirt. 

Aqua is a fabulous restaurant with many levels that look out across the city.  On the 29th floor we were turned away from the restaurant as Lance had shorts on,I had hastily rolled the cuff down on my shorts to look like baggy disgusting Capri pants. They showed us up stairs to the bar where we could partake of the same menu but not the silver service. This was a very trendy looking place, so dark that I was terrified that I would trip over, but the view certainly was amazing. This building had signage changing constantly. It was a shame it was a bit misty. 

I started with the Foie Gras which was silky and rich, my risotto was ok, but I think I make a better risotto. I had a couple of glasses of Villa Maria Sav Blanc at $20 a glass and Lance drank Heinekin at $13 each, certainly a contrast to the lowest price he found in Vietnam, $1.25!!!

Slowly the fog rolled in but the city lights still twinkled through the haze. Certainly a nice place to dine.  Back downstairs we tried to grab a cab. Their first question is "where are you going" and if they don't want the fare then you don't get a ride.  Lance grabbed one and offered him way too much, so he took us, he turned out to be a nice chap from Shanghai. He said that the next day was a public holiday and all the shops would be closed, oh bugger! When we paid him we realised that we certainly had paid way too much, he showered us with thank yous. It was no more than we happily pay for a ride home from the city in Auckland, but we had definitely made his day. 

Next morning we had a slow start and wandered out of the hotel, this time in the right direction.  We thought  that some shops would have to be open and we were spot on.  I really wanted to go to Uni Qlo and we found a beautiful mall with the flag ship Uni Qlo store. I did the rounds and got a discount of HK$500. Yippee. 

The plan was to go to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch and we traipsed up and down where Lance thought it should be and finally gave up. A pizza was had on the waterfront, and very nice it was. 

Hong Kong certainly is a diverse city, extreme wealth and poverty. 

We had decided that because Vietnam was so cheap to eat and drink that we should do something a bit special for a dinner in Hng Kong. We couldn't decide and Lance had heard that the Intercontental had a nice view so off we went, this time we were dressed a bit more appropriately. 

We found that they had a Michelin Star restaurant called Spoon by Alain Ducasse so headed there. They couldn't seat us right away, which was not a problem as the bar had magnificent views, this time from ground level, across the harbour. 

After a couple of beers and a strawberry Daquiri we headed back to the restaurant. Those of you who know us well will understand that we dine out regularly and at times visit some very nice establishments. Well this one was right up there and above! 

At the table with crisp white linen and an amazing view of the harbour lights we received a plate with a small bite of terrine each and a small lobster thing and some ball things. Our waiter brought butter, 2 pats, one salted and one unsalted. Then he placed a teaspoon by each of us. Lance didn't hear him say was butter and thought it was some sort of mousse. He picked up the teaspoon and dug it in the butter to take a bite. "It's butter" I hissed. Man did we giggle.  Lance whispered, "if they ask where we are from say Australia". 

A different waiter came with a large basket of bread and explained each type for us to choose from. 

A small bowl arrived with fine pasta and a few fine veges and with a flourish the waiter produced a jug and poured hot broth over them. 

Next up a lobster and asparagus dish, with our cutlery was a desert spoon sort of thing that had been flattened out. I just had to ask and he called it a sauce spoon. I told him that I had never come across one before and he told me I would see plenty this evening and to use it to scoop up my sauce. After he gave the table a special little sweep to remove my crumbs...

Frogs legs followed! Spindly little bones with a wee plop of meant at the end. The jug appeared  again, this time a green purée (green for frogs?) was drizzled around the small limbs. 

When I asked where the bathroom was, I was whisked away and shown to the door, when I arrived back I thought that they had re folded my napkin, however when Lance was escorted to the loo someone whistled past the table picking up Lance's napkin and from somewhere behind me a long arm with a pair of silver tongs whipped in and placed another fresh napkin on the table. When leaving the bathroom someone appeared from the dark corner and escoted you back to the table. This was great for me because I am a bit directionally dyslexic in these sorts of places, especially after a few drinks. 

Next course, rare lamb rump and finally, we thought, desert. A most delicious strawberry dish. But we hadn't finished at all, along came some petit fours. All of this with a bottle of New Zealond wine, I found this in the wine list that was 10 pages long. 

As we left we were given a small box each and these held 3 perfect macaron. 

What a special night, I won't broadcast the bill, but it is the most we have ever paid for a meal. What a memorable evening. 

Next morning was our last, we had a few ours to kill before heading back to NZ. We confidently wandered down to the waterfront again and this time took a ferry across to Central Hong Kong.  This is  a very fast pace part of the city and if possible even more crowded, but this time with well dressed business people. The streets lead uphill and with new information we found the Hard Rick Cafe and had some brunch. Then wandered back down to the ferry through an art park and back up to our hotel. 

And that was that, done and dusted.

In 2 weeks we travelled on 7 flights, trains, motorbikes, cars, buses, vans, tuk tuks, ferries, junks, Sampan boats, motorcarts, cyclos, feet, kayaks and probably something else I've missed. 

Thanks for coming along with us via this blog. 

Till our next big adventure. 

29 April last day in Cambodia

An 8 am pick up but this time in tuk tuks. It seemed to be a little cooler, but maybe that was because we didn't have to walk around anywhere. 

We took quite a long ride out of town and visited a modern temple where people worship and monks live. It was very Indian looking even though it is a modern Buddist temple. And the cemetery was beautiful. 

It was a really lovely (apart from the dust and the bumps) way to travel, as you got a good look at everything.  Most of the houses were pole houses hanging over the river. There were often little children outside playing or working. And we passed a couple of schools with really small kids playing. 

At one place it must have been a water lily farm and there were acres of pretty flowering water lillies, all purple. 

At a very small port we boarded a long thin boat that would take us down a long and very shallow river to the floating village. 

The river opened I to a huge lake and houses were dotted all over the place. As we passed each house there were kids playing and swinging in hammocks. The water was pretty brown and murky and I guess the toilets go straight into the water. While the houses were basic they were pretty spacious and women were working washing clothes or dishes as we passed.

Stopping at a huge pontoon we were encouraged to buy souvenirs and we saw the fish farm cage where the cage is sunk in the platform so the fish are in the water. Next to this cage was a larger cage with good size crocodiles waiting to be slaughtered where their skin will be sent to China to be made into bags and belts then sent back here. I did price one of these bags last night and they were between $400 and $600 USD. 

A quick ride back and into the tuk tuks.  We stopped in a village for a snack. Banana wrapped in sticky coconut cream rice and then wrapped in a banana leaves and toasted over hot coals lying in a bit of spouting. It was very nice.

I have been wanting to take photos of the kids as they are adorable. And I managed to snap this little cherub. 

The tuk tuk dropped me in town and took Lance back to the hotel. I had a nice pork and pomelo salad and a mango smoothie. Then came back to the hotel. And here we sit waiting for time to pass so we can jump on the next plane back to Ho Chi Minh City for one night, then off to Hong Kong! We have thoroughly enjoyed Siem Reap and recommend people visit. 

28 April Siem Reap and more exploring

This morning we had a 7am pick up. 

Our first stop was a bit out of town was the pink temple Banteay Srei, this is a much smaller temple.

Our next stop was a wild life park. I usually enjoy these sorts of things but I was not anticipating a happy time at this place as I thought they may not have it right and I may see animals in places that they shouldn't be. Well I was so wrong. They had a big focus on biodiversity, conservation and education. They had sections where the animals were well away from the public so they would be able to be released back into the wild. He talked about the animals that they had already released and about the things they were putting in place in schools to stop people keeping wild animals as pets or killing them for shonky  medicinal reasons.

My favourites were the gibbons. We have gibbons in the zoo close to our home, they often wake us up at night. It was great to see some so close to their natural habitat. And they put on quite a display with their loud calls. 

Our trek began at the wildlife centre, and a trek it was.  We only had to climb 1500 metres, however at around 37degrees it was a bit of an effort.  There were parts that were more clambering than trekking and apart from the puffing and sweat running into my eyes I enjoyed it.  At the top there was a small waterfall.  Then we walked back down. 

A nice lunch was had in a forest setting a and I'm a bit cross because the whole time we have been away people have been ordering milk shakes for lunch.  I'm not a big milk drinker so haven't followed suit. Until today that is, when I found that they are more of a fruit smoothie. I had a mango one and it just tasted like blitzed mango and was delicious. Bugger. 

Our afternoon habit has been to come back to to the hotel, throw our sweaty clothes in the bath to soak and to have a swim. And that is exactly what we did today.

The tuk tuk driver was waiting outside our hotel to run us into town, where we met up with Emma.  Lance found us a lovely French restaurant, Le Malraux.  We enjoyed an excellent meal and would highly recommend this place. For desert we found a place called the Blue Pumpkin. Downstairs is a patisserie sort of shop and upstairs an ice cream parlour. Is was really cool with large wall sofas, so deep that your feet are out in front of you, and little tables to pop on your lap. Desert was delicious as well.  Who thought we would come to Cambodia for this type of cuisine. 

Just when you think you have seen every thing possible on a motorbike. Here they have trailers to hook on the back. We have see a cow on a trailer attached to a motor bike. And in this photo you can't see the corrugated iron hanging off the back. 

 

Yep, this is on a trailer on the back of a motorbike. 

And now for bed and our last day here is tomorrow.