Holiday in DownUnder and Middle Earth

It has been ages since I updated my blog.I was on holiday with family to Australia and New Zealand from 24 July to 4 August 08.This is the first trip for sophie to down under and a first for all of us to Middle Earth. We started our journey in Gold Coast, Brisbane for 4 days. We arrived just around noon, took our rented car and off to 45 minutes journey to Courtyard Marriot right smack at the center of Surfer Paradise in Gold Coast. Freshen up then headed to Pacific Fair shopping center to buy some winter clothing for our trip to NZ. The weather in Gold Coast somewhat cold around 12-18 degrees and of coz the kids have to wear their warm clothes.

At Surfers Paradise. Both me and wife kindda 'kebal'

Next day we off to MovieWorld just 15 minutes out of Gold Coast.Had a wonderful time there. The kids really enjoyed themselves particularly Izkey driving a toy car and of coz the carrousel. Weather was kind to us unlike previous day with severe cold rain. We suppose to go to Wet n Wild the next day but I made the right decision not to as the weather is quit cold for the kids.So we just stroll around in Surfers Paradise and did some shopping. This is the last night I went to Jupiter Casino and won AUD 700…hehehe…thanks Ausies for sponsoring my shopping spree.

At the Movie World, Gold Coast

On Sunday morning we headed to Christchurch in South Islands. We decided to visit only cities in South Islands due to time constrain and of coz financially constrain. We slept one night in Christchurch as I have to have a good rest the next day for 6 hours drive to Wanaka. So early in the morning around 9am we off to Wanaka and arrived around 4.30pm. The drives was damn marvelous.I took my time driving as im enjoying the beautiful scenery of mountains, creeks and lakes. Took a lot of pictures. Next day off to the objectives of our holiday, skiing. We went to Cadrona Ski Resort just 30 mins drive from Wanaka. Me and Izkey opted for ski lessons for beginner while we sent sophie to babysitter center…hehehehe…sian diaa…anyway she behave herself though. So off for ski lessons and then suddenly Izkey was like hysterically crying.Haiya..nevermind, Ween was there to comfort him and I concentrated learning how to ski.Saw in tv, skiing is a piece of cake.How wrong I was.Its damn difficult man!But I really enjoyed myself trying something new.One thing I hate going to these places is the snow chains.Really hate it trying to put it right. Then headed back to Wanaka for rest and next day off we went to Queenstown.I opted to use a longer road rather to go through Crown Range road as they required a snow chains for 2W …duhhhh!!!

In front of Lake Tekapo in Wanaka. At the back, our rented car, Toyota Aurion

Izkey trying to ski

Learning to ski.I forgot my instructor name but i know he's French

Arrived in Queenstown somewhere in the noon. Straight went to Gondola ride then checked in at Blue Lodge. At night again we rode the gondola for Kiwi Haka show.Good show though.Ween participated on stage doing ‘puoi’.Its kindda like a ball with a string and u used it to whack people put cold…hehehehe.next day we just had quiet and relax day strolling around the town and took many beautiful pics. I need a good rest as tomorrow we headed to Dunedin.

On top of observatory in Queenstown.Behind us is Lake Wakatipu

Peace!!!Behid is the town of Cromwell.

After 4 hours journey, we arrived in the port city Dunedin in evening.Next day we went to Cadbury Chocolate factory.It is a must for every visitors to visit the factory. Had a nice tour and bought a lot of chocolates.Then we off to Otago Peninsula which ended us in Larnach Castle….uhahaha…eeeee….Haunted Mansion…hehehe.The road to the Peninsula was close so we were diverted to this castle.It was nice though with garden and all and antiques. At night I found myself vomiting coanstantly till midnight.Cant handle it, went to the emergency at hospital and guess what… YOUR WAITING SESSION WOULD BE 3-4 HOURS…what the fuck!!!Are u fucking kidding me!!Im like vomiting like hell and need urgent attention and u want me to wait.Fuck Off!!And whats more there are no private clinic around town just like Klinik Ahmad ke Klinik Famili in Malaysia. Back to motel and tried sleeping.Woke around 8 am and went back to the area.There are only one private clinic in Dunedin that’s open on Sunday and went there.Saw doc and took medicine then drove off back to Christchurch.

My angels in front of oldest buiding in Dunedin, the Railway Station

Ween drove all the way to Christchurch as I am doze off in backseats with the kids.Then suddenly I felt ok again.Took the steering and speed like hell to Christchurch. At night we had our last dinner at Robbie’s.Ate large lamb shank so as Ween. Next day we off back to for one night in Brisbane before heading back to Port Moresby. Wonderful holiday despite a stomach setback in Dunedin.

Cheers