I'm lying in bed right now. It's already 11 but I feel too lazy to get up and brave the sun. Summer is not my favourite time of the year, in fact, I travelled to the other side of the earth last year to avoid Auckland's two hottest months!
This year I won't be able to as my Aunt L came over from HK with my mother (her sister). On Tuesday, I went to work one last time for the year. The drive called me in the morning and first asked if I was still in bed. Then they asked if I'm coming in for lunch. Yes. Lol. So I dragged myself out of bed and went to work before we went to lunch. We went to Cafe Melba in Ellerslie Village. It's actually a really good cafe! The first time I went, it was a last option but it turned out to be delicious so when it was decided that work lunch would take place there, I was super excited.
I ordered the Melba Grill and an iced chocolate. Delicious! The grill was basically a kiwi big breakfast. I had trouble finishing it and wish I didn't eat much. It had eggs which I had scrambled, a sausage, bacon, two pieces of toast, mushrooms, hashbrown, tomato (delicious!) and came with a small dish of caramelised onion as a jam. Their caramelised onion is to die for. I think it's worth the trip there just for that tiny plate of it!
After lunch I ran back to my car. There was a tow truck pulling up behind me. I am not sure if I was parked some where I shouldn't have or if it was parking there because that was the only parking available and it was really there for the lady across the road whose vehicle couldn't start. Even if it was for me, I missed getting towed by seconds.
I drove home then together with my father, drove to the airport. On the way there I checked the Cathay Pacific app and found out the plane was delayed by an hour. It was already an hour after the original time (we always go an hour later in anticipation of customs taking a very long time). So we decided to walked around the supermarket and the warehouse near the airport to kill some time before going to the arrival lounge.
I picked up my mother and aunt and we headed home. That night, instead of staying at home, I went out to dinner with Shu and Rika. Had a delicious night!!
Yesterday was day two. My aunt and I went to the nearby supermarket and bought cans of peanut, a bag of grapes and four cartons of strawberries. The only thing I like about summer is the abundance of delicious fruits! Cheap too! When returned home and dropped off the groceries before going to Botany for lunch. We went to my fav Japanese restaurant and I don't think I've ever had so much raw things at once! We ordered sashimi, raw scallops, half dozen fresh oysters, gyutataki (slightly grilled beef. It's raw on the inside) and salmon avocado roll. I think the only cooked dish was the half dozen of cooked oysters topped with mayonnaise. Following our very delicious lunch, we went to the town centre and wandered around. I love love love this suburb so naturally that's where I'd take tourists even if its not a touristy place. Before heading home we stopped by Starbucks for a drink.
I took my aunt home, had a rest (she made me use some eye masks), ate some of the very sour strawberries (which I love!) and I went to work. It wasn't until then I realised I forgot to order scampi!!! What a terrible mistake! I'll just have to go back one day for it!
Wish I took pictures to go along this post.
Thursday 20 December 2012
Friday 14 December 2012
Hong Kong: Part 2
Right, here's my week in HK in fast forward. Part one is here, in which I talked about making the decision to go on this spontaneous adventure!
It's Sunday and my uncle's family (father's cousin) met up with me and we went to his parent's place in Tsing Yi. It takes about a hour by MTR from where I live.
Yup. Both my parents freaked out about me going to Hong Kong.
Dad: "What? You're going to Hong Kong? Where are you going to live?!"
Mum: "How are you going to survive?"
That was their reaction when I told them I was going to Japan AND Hong Kong. Notice how Japan came up first and the both of them bypassed that issue. When I pointed it out, they both shrugged and said "oh you'll be fine in Japan."
But anyway, back to the Sunday. I met him at the MTR Station in Kwun Tong, he didn't leave the gates so he didn't have to pay for it and we went together to Tsing Yi which I think takes about 45 minutes ish? Basically, it takes about an hour from my grandma's place to his parent's place.
We had to change trains and while we were waiting for the next train, we saw an older man with a younger woman and they had a baby. Auntie and uncle both seemed to be suspicious that the girl was from the mainland and married him for residency, not love. Because no one so young and pretty would fall in love and marry someone that much older. Actually, auntie nudged me and asked me whether I thought the man was the baby's father or grandfather and uncle joined in the conversation. By the tone of their voices, it was obvious they thought the guy was the father.
I was a offended for the couple they were talking about since at the time, I was infatuated with (and I probably still am) someone nearly 20 years older than I. Immediately, I defended the couple, "maybe she loves him" and my uncle brushed me off as if I were a kid and knew nothing. Well, whatever, all I could think about was "IF ONLY YOU KNEW THE TRUTH ABOUT ME!!!" They shouldn't have been gossiping about the poor girl anyway. It's none of their business whether she married out of love or for residency. The guy could have been the grandfather who just looks really young or could have been the father who looks unfortunately older than his years. OR HE COULD HAVE BEEN A FRIEND, OR AN UNCLE. My god, even now I feel defensive. So let's move on.
Then, we went to see his parents. I haven’t seen them in ages! Plus uncle has a new baby girl and omfg she is so cute I though I’d explode hahahaha. No, seriously, I love her. I just wanted to eat her up. I hardly ever say this about any child or baby. She was only six months old, but every time a camera pointed at her, she would make a weird face!! So we had lunch and I played with baby when she was awake.
Well after that, uncle introduced me to a drink. It’s black fungus … Juice? I dunno. I stole one for the Head Chef because every time we eat Chinese stuff he nudges me and says: “Emi-chan, I want to eat black stuff.”
Then it was time for me to go. Uncle took me to the station and let me loose in HK. Seriously, I’m old enough to get lost and find my way back. If I can’t do it in HK, then there’s no way I’d be able to survive in Japan. Still, he gave me a curfew time - 6pm. I lol’d and was like darling, I usually start work at 6pm.My day practically begins at 6pm.
Anyway, I took the metro train back to my stop and before heading home, I went and explored the mall near Kwun Tong Station called APM (AMP? 8AM? WTF I always couldn't get the name right). In NZ, on Boxing Day, malls are packed like sardines. A normal day in Hong Kong? Every day is packed - although after a few weeks, I noticed that what I considered to be packed wasn't really because later on, I experienced even more people, as if that was possible.
I didn’t even go into any shop. I really suck at walking around malls and crowded places. I get too easily distracted BY THE HORDES OF PEOPLE AND AMAZING COLOURS!!!! I know, pics or it didn’t happen.
I didn't realise the mall was as big as it was until I tried to walk through it very fast and then discovered that I COULDN'T FIND ANY TOILETS. I was freaking out because I NEEDED TO GO, DAMNIT. After I found one and relieved myself, I walked into a shop that sold some stationery. OH MY GOODNESS AMAZING STUFF EVERYWHERE. HEAD CHEF WOULD LOVE IT TOO!!!! In fact, I later went (on another day) back to buy him something because I knew I would regret not buying it. They were sushi magnets. LOL.
That day, I went home and made plans to see the boss in HK. I really like the personality of this boss - it's so cute! Makes me want to cuddle him, like a teddy bear. *weird*. YKR's childhood friend (whom I brought the bottle of wine for on behalf of YKR) contacted me and told me he's currently in HK on a business trip and was kind enough to consider taking time to meet me in HK! I just went with it and agreed enthusiastically since you know... I have no friends in HK. Wish Shu came with me. =(
It's Sunday and my uncle's family (father's cousin) met up with me and we went to his parent's place in Tsing Yi. It takes about a hour by MTR from where I live.
SUNDAY - technically my first adventure in HK
My mother insisted that my uncle came over to pick me up from the station that's closest to me. Completely unnecessary... I mean seriously, she's worried about me in Hong Kong - THE hub city of hub cities in Asia, the gateway between Asia and the rest of the world, where everything is in English and if not, I can at least speak Cantonese or Mandarin with the locals................. but she's completely not worried about me going to Japan even though there's a language barrier there?! Her reasoning? I've never lived in Hong Kong long enough at an age when I remember it.Yup. Both my parents freaked out about me going to Hong Kong.
Dad: "What? You're going to Hong Kong? Where are you going to live?!"
Mum: "How are you going to survive?"
That was their reaction when I told them I was going to Japan AND Hong Kong. Notice how Japan came up first and the both of them bypassed that issue. When I pointed it out, they both shrugged and said "oh you'll be fine in Japan."
But anyway, back to the Sunday. I met him at the MTR Station in Kwun Tong, he didn't leave the gates so he didn't have to pay for it and we went together to Tsing Yi which I think takes about 45 minutes ish? Basically, it takes about an hour from my grandma's place to his parent's place.
We had to change trains and while we were waiting for the next train, we saw an older man with a younger woman and they had a baby. Auntie and uncle both seemed to be suspicious that the girl was from the mainland and married him for residency, not love. Because no one so young and pretty would fall in love and marry someone that much older. Actually, auntie nudged me and asked me whether I thought the man was the baby's father or grandfather and uncle joined in the conversation. By the tone of their voices, it was obvious they thought the guy was the father.
I was a offended for the couple they were talking about since at the time, I was infatuated with (and I probably still am) someone nearly 20 years older than I. Immediately, I defended the couple, "maybe she loves him" and my uncle brushed me off as if I were a kid and knew nothing. Well, whatever, all I could think about was "IF ONLY YOU KNEW THE TRUTH ABOUT ME!!!" They shouldn't have been gossiping about the poor girl anyway. It's none of their business whether she married out of love or for residency. The guy could have been the grandfather who just looks really young or could have been the father who looks unfortunately older than his years. OR HE COULD HAVE BEEN A FRIEND, OR AN UNCLE. My god, even now I feel defensive. So let's move on.
Then, we went to see his parents. I haven’t seen them in ages! Plus uncle has a new baby girl and omfg she is so cute I though I’d explode hahahaha. No, seriously, I love her. I just wanted to eat her up. I hardly ever say this about any child or baby. She was only six months old, but every time a camera pointed at her, she would make a weird face!! So we had lunch and I played with baby when she was awake.
Yah that's a girl.
Well after that, uncle introduced me to a drink. It’s black fungus … Juice? I dunno. I stole one for the Head Chef because every time we eat Chinese stuff he nudges me and says: “Emi-chan, I want to eat black stuff.”
Then it was time for me to go. Uncle took me to the station and let me loose in HK. Seriously, I’m old enough to get lost and find my way back. If I can’t do it in HK, then there’s no way I’d be able to survive in Japan. Still, he gave me a curfew time - 6pm. I lol’d and was like darling, I usually start work at 6pm.My day practically begins at 6pm.
Anyway, I took the metro train back to my stop and before heading home, I went and explored the mall near Kwun Tong Station called APM (AMP? 8AM? WTF I always couldn't get the name right). In NZ, on Boxing Day, malls are packed like sardines. A normal day in Hong Kong? Every day is packed - although after a few weeks, I noticed that what I considered to be packed wasn't really because later on, I experienced even more people, as if that was possible.
Saw this on the wall of a shop and I didn't want to look weird, taking pictures of walls while I was alone.
I didn’t even go into any shop. I really suck at walking around malls and crowded places. I get too easily distracted BY THE HORDES OF PEOPLE AND AMAZING COLOURS!!!! I know, pics or it didn’t happen.
Amazing colours, no? I got super excited when I saw this in the middle of the mall. I stopped at the balcony to look down at this. Everyone else seemed like they didn't care about it, just walked past in a rush. I was the only one who stopped to marvel at this.
I didn't realise the mall was as big as it was until I tried to walk through it very fast and then discovered that I COULDN'T FIND ANY TOILETS. I was freaking out because I NEEDED TO GO, DAMNIT. After I found one and relieved myself, I walked into a shop that sold some stationery. OH MY GOODNESS AMAZING STUFF EVERYWHERE. HEAD CHEF WOULD LOVE IT TOO!!!! In fact, I later went (on another day) back to buy him something because I knew I would regret not buying it. They were sushi magnets. LOL.
Saw another shop with something cute! I love Snoopy.
That day, I went home and made plans to see the boss in HK. I really like the personality of this boss - it's so cute! Makes me want to cuddle him, like a teddy bear. *weird*. YKR's childhood friend (whom I brought the bottle of wine for on behalf of YKR) contacted me and told me he's currently in HK on a business trip and was kind enough to consider taking time to meet me in HK! I just went with it and agreed enthusiastically since you know... I have no friends in HK. Wish Shu came with me. =(
MONDAY - THE NISHIKI PLAN THAT DIDN'T REALLY GO TO PLAN
My aunt (mother's younger sister) came into HK from the mainland and we went to the bank as I was wondering about opening an account in the future. Initially, I planned to hang with my aunt till about 2pm but that didn't happen. She's not a morning person at all so when the plan was to meet at 9.30, she woke up at 9.30 instead. All I can say is, I was thankful I didn't set a specific time to meet my boss or YKR's friend. After we went to the bank we walked a mall. At least I think it was a mall. Then we went to Kowloon Bay and FML, I am way too childish. I walked into a Disney store and just about DIED from excitement - POOH MERCHANDISE OK. She swiped her card and bought me a ton of stuff! Seriously, I was pretty embarrassed for myself. Please, just never buy stuff like that for me or don’t let me walk into such a shop. YOU WILL REGRET IT. I don’t want to show you pics of the merch because that’d be admitting to the whole world I have a Pooh problem. Well, to be honest, I didn't take any pictures and I can't take any now because most of them I left in Hong Kong - I planned to go back and get it next year since I couldn't bring it back.
When I finally, I reached HK Nishiki. It was beautiful. Seriously. It’s
actually bigger than I thought it’d be. Everyone keeps saying it’s tiny
but wtf, it’s not THAT tiny (or perhaps my imagination is just wild). I
bought choco for staff and wine for boss. He squealed. ♥ My god, it was too cute.He was like, please, have some food but while you’re here tonight, please, LEARN THE
MENU!
We ordered oyster mayo, tako cha, cheese immomochi (deep fried potato cakes + cheese omfg) and green tea pudding. MY GOD THE PUDDING. It was beautiful! Party in my mouth. It's one of those memories you have that you regret being an incompetent Asian for not TAKING A PICTURE OF THE FOOD. So from now, I will strive to be better and make sure I take pictures of awesome - pics or it didn't happen, right? Then I was horrified when the girl at the register told us the boss cleared the bill for me. HORRIFIED. Seriously, I didn't even find out how much it was. BUT NO, SERIOUSLY. Even he has to pay when he comes to eat at the restaurant in NZ. AND HE'S THE BOSS.
When I was in Hong Kong, I felt like an idiot. My Chinese really sucks but I look Chinese so when people look at me, they expect me to be able to understand. People have expectations and people in Hong Kong have really high expectations. They are also very judgemental. They speak really fast, they get really shitty with you when you aren't on the same level of "fastness" in "life". Every time I step outside, I see everyone rushing, WHAT IS THE RUSH? DUDE, PLEASE, CHILLAX. When I see businessmen rushing, yeah ok lah, I understand. But there are some people who seem like they've got time to spare, or at least seem to be idling but then once they start moving, it's like a sprinting contest. Y'all need to take a chill pill, step back and relax a bit, y'know? Or maybe it's just my NZ lifestyle. Whatever. So when I'm too tired or I just cannot be bothered, I pretend to be Japanese. I found that when people think I'm Japanese, they treat me a whole lot better. How did I achieve this? I changed my phone settings to Japanese and every time I needed to get out of a situation where a shop lady is hassling me, I whip it out and pretend to check conversion rates. I would purposely slow down at the unlock screen and they would see it is all in Japanese and they will back off right away. *shameless*
So at immigration, the officer hands me a piece of paper with Chinese words all over it and she says to me in Cantonese: "here, read this". I think it was an oath. You'd think if you're reading an oath, immigration would want you to actually understand wtf you're saying right? Oh no, immigration just wanted me to hurry up, read it and gtfo.
So when I look at the piece of paper, I see all these Chinese words and I think I was expected to read in Cantonese (it's not like I can't read Chinese at all, I just read in Mandarin, I know, weird), I panic. I DON'T DO WELL READING CHINESE. So when she prompts me to HURRY UP, SHE HAS WORK TO DO (funny that), I blurt out in panic: "I CAN'T READ THIS!!!" And in response, she gives me the MOST DRAMATIC EYE ROLL I've ever seen. It was more dramatic than the one the customer gave me when I told her that regrettably, tea is self service. So, offended by her dramatic eye roll, I said "well, good morning to you too, bitch".
Ok, I didn't actually say that out loud as I probably would have been arrested, but with the expression on my face? I might as well have. She handed me the English version and I read it - although not very convincingly because they used all these big words that NO ONE EVER USES in real daily English conversation and I would pause for a fraction of a second and contemplate if the word was used in the correct context before carrying on. Then I got to this: "Tsui" - a romanization of a Chinese character. Which was fine but then I got to this: "HSE" and I paused for quite a while because I didn't know whether it was a romanization of a Chinese character or what... turns out that it was a shortened word form of "House" and apparently, I was supposed to know that. I took a stab and pronounced it as it was "hse" and the lady rolled her eyes and looked at me in disbelief, "House! It's HOUSE!". Seriously? Seriously! You have oh-so-big and scary legal terms and you can't be bothered TYPING OUT THE WHOLE WORD FOR HOUSE?!!!
Oh also, just before I said the oath, I was supposed to say my name and my address - I DON'T KNOW MY ADDRESS! I've never been good with addresses! I go somewhere once and I know how to go the next time. I don't need addresses! So don't look at me like I'm stupid!
After my traumatic humiliation, I returned home and lounged around till the afternoon. I was supposed to meet my uncle from my dad's side for dinner. First, I stopped by APM Mall and bought the awesome sushi magnets (childish, I know) for Mr Head Chef before heading off to N - which was like two hours early but I wanted to hang with the boss. I know, I have issues but I was sick of staring at a blank wall and ran out of social media to stalk so I was feeling like I rather see my boss. However, just as I reached there, I got a call from my uncle saying he couldn't make it at 6 - to which K-san rejoiced at the news and excitedly told me "Great!!! You can work starting now!" So I did, for a couple of hours but during this time, I wouldn't have truly called it "work" as such. K-san called Mr. Head Chef, who sounded so happy - high on life or something beautiful and amazing. He demanded I call him as soon as I arrived in Japan. I was so happy to hear his voice, I miss all my co-workers. Mr. Head Chef then told me to work hard and work every day, to which I feebly replied "ok". It's sad because I don't have anything better to do... or anything else I rather do.
After work, my uncle turned up and we had dinner. Not much - I was so tiredddd. I was always tired, auntie mentioned it multiple times - "why are you always so tired? You're on holiday!" I don't know, probably because I was tired of life - two jobs and full time university does that to you. And my eyes were burning. I can usually wear contacts all day in New Zealand - no problem at all. Unfortunately the pollution in Hong Kong made it near impossible to wear them for more than a few hours. My uncle chided me for not bringing my glasses - hey, I had a good reason! I get major headaches and dizziness if I wear them. He took me to an optometrist from where I bought eye drops. Thank god for eye drops. I still have them now but I don't really need them in NZ.
Following this, I expected uncle to say good bye since it was nearly 10 and I WAS TIRED and wanted to take my contacts out. I learnt after that night to always bring spare solution and contact lens case around with me everywhere - basically, become better at being a member of the female species. But no, apparently dessert is supposed to happen (as is ordering a drink instead of having pure water or tea during a meal). At first, my uncle probably thought I was being polite when I decline and opt for water - no, my dear uncle. I am not trying to save you money, I actually like water. That is, of course, until I tasted Hong Kong water... I started buying French mineral water. Oh, what was for dessert? Haagen Das from a nearby mall. I have no idea what the hype for it is, basically my view on ice cream: Japan, NZ Kapiti, Movenpick, NZ Natural, Haagen Das. SORRY TO SAY, Haagen Das comes pretty low on my list.
The lady at the bank asks me, "what? You don't pay the bills? Electricity? Gas?" and I said for the fourth time, "No! I told you, I don't live in HK! There's nothing in my name in HK! Which is why I provided you with proof of my uncle's address with whom I live with!" She stares at me in disbelief and points out I have an iPhone, "You have an iPhone, surely you pay for that..." OH MY GOD. "NO! I'm only here for five weeks, my uncle lent me a spare sim card - it's under his name, he pays for it!"
So she asks me, "Do you have a driver's license?" and I reply, "yes, but not a Hong Kong one." She lights up and tells me, "OH! But you have a NEW ZEALAND one right?" To which I admit and she tells me I can provide that as proof (to which I assume, proof of identity). I hand it over and she mulls over it before dragging her male colleague over and she continues to look at it with the most confuzzled expression on her face. "No... NO WAY, this is impossible! This can't be real."
Confused, I ask, "excuse me? What did you say? You calling that fake?"
She looks up at me blankly and says, "This doesn't have your address on it. How can it not?"
Well, excuse you! No one in NZ gives a crap where you live. Everything can be checked against a database, if a police officer stops us, they can easily check it up. Why must it be displayed on our driver's license? It isn't compulsory.
I finally managed to convince her thoroughly (ok, actually I convinced the male colleague who was MUCH more helpful as he went to get his manager, the stupid lady kept refusing to budge, as if there's no one higher up than her!). They asked me if I have any letters from the government - I'm a student right? Surely I have student loans and surely they send me mail... Sorry lady, it's all done through email - which I showed them so in the end, they had to accept that. I really liked the male worker. The female one was so set in stone - everything was impossible and refused to get her manager when she couldn't sort something out. Get off your high horse! There's a reason you aren't in a management role, and if you aren't in that position, you can't possibly claim to know all the rules and policies in the book.
We cleared it, and set up my account. I got my eftpos card and set up my pin number. HK Pins are 6 digits long! Or wait, was it five? I've forgotten already and need to reset anyway. NZ ones are only 4! Regardless, after the bank was sorted, Aunt L (who by the way only got to the bank an hour after I did) took me all over Hong Kong, before settling for crab covered with cheese and high tea. By this time, I was dying for bottled mineral water - I can't drink that distilled crap.
I also saw a bunch of high end shops that I would never be able to afford... even walking into the shop..., the main branch of HSBC - very nice! - and I got my hair trimmed. I felt really sorry for the guy because it was nearly the end of his shift when I turned up. But thank you! From the hairdresser (which was in Jordan), we walked over to Festival Walk (wait, did we? Or did we take a cab? I don't remember). At one point, I bought Volvic! THANK GOD, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRY, IT WAS DELICIOUS.
Delicious, delicious, beautiful water.
At a cafe in Festival Walk, I found Fiji Water - it was expensive! I didn't buy it that day. I also saw a cardboard cutout of Andy Lau, but I didn't dare take a picture with it because I didn't want to look like a crazed fan. That and my phone ran out of battery and I really couldn't be bothered taking out my camera. Sorry, I shall attempt harder at this next time. The two of us walked and walked, we talked and talked, and when the mall closed, we hung outside the mall. She smoked and I coughed. WTF, I have weak lungs. I ended staying out late and didn't get home till nearly 1am and all I could think was: "Why do I do this to myself in NZ?! Shu, why do we make ourselves suffer in a country where there's nothing after 6pm?"
I was beyond exhausted, my eyes were burning and so were my lungs. I was regretting not buying that bottle of Fiji water - I had long run out and needing some serious water. When I got home, I went to charge my phone and once it turned on again, I saw that Uncle G had called me all night, sent text messages and left voice messages. Oops. So I sent a text back, apologising and explaining my phone died a long time ago and I just got home. The next morning? I woke up to a text from him asking me wtf was I doing out so late?! CLUBBING? LOL. Oh dear, if only he knew me... he wouldn't even suggest clubbing.
By the time I changed trains I was already ten minutes late. I had actually planned to get there even earlier to do some window shopping - I like wandering around looking at stuff by myself. I'm such a loner. *cries* The main reason was that I couldn't be bothered leaving earlier. That and my mother called. Due to believing I was late, I ran to the station - to my amusement, I ran faster and longer in HK but then again, adrenaline? Or maybe I was bored. Only it all caught up with me when I stopped running and god, HK is not really a good place to run. There was an old man with a hunchback and limp that walked faster than me. I couldn't keep up. I don't think I could live in HK permanently.
The reason for going there was it was a special day so I was supposed to buy food for the granny. I don't actually remember what... it must have been a special day because when I told Uncle G that I can't come over for dinner, he insisted that I come after dinner with granny.
So after dinner, I left granny's house and made that trip to Tsing Yi again. Seriously, the effort it takes to push my way through hordes of people...
My Auntie came out again to find me, she dragged me all around HK. By the end of the day, I decided that I couldn't possibly live in HK permanently. I'd die from the pollution or the BS salespeople. Near the end of the day, my cousin called me and asked me when I was coming over. I told him 4pm but my aunt just kept dragging me around, drowning me in smoke. When we finally reached the suburb my cousin lives in, the unimaginable happened (it's already past 5pm). We got sidetracked by someone trying to sell an apartment. I'm telling you, she's got SKILLS! I don't know what happened, but bro, nek minit, we were inside the apartment, looking at it. It was TINY! But the saleslady just stands there and tries to convince me that no, it's not actually tiny, it's a very good size! WTF?! My poor cousin calls me again and I'm grateful for the escape. I needed to move my ass.
Although, once we left the building, the crazy saleslady nearly convinced us to go have a look at another building about 15mins walk away (or so she says). I'm way too easily distracted, but thank god I managed to say no and leave. It was already really late and my uncle called me, "where areeeeeeee youuuuuuuuuuu?!!!!!!" Of course, I didn't know where I was EXACTLY so uncle told me to take a picture.
We ordered oyster mayo, tako cha, cheese immomochi (deep fried potato cakes + cheese omfg) and green tea pudding. MY GOD THE PUDDING. It was beautiful! Party in my mouth. It's one of those memories you have that you regret being an incompetent Asian for not TAKING A PICTURE OF THE FOOD. So from now, I will strive to be better and make sure I take pictures of awesome - pics or it didn't happen, right? Then I was horrified when the girl at the register told us the boss cleared the bill for me. HORRIFIED. Seriously, I didn't even find out how much it was. BUT NO, SERIOUSLY. Even he has to pay when he comes to eat at the restaurant in NZ. AND HE'S THE BOSS.
TUESDAY - DATE WITH IMMIGRATION
The main reason I stopped at HK was to get my HKPID and my Return Home Card sorted and get the HKD$6000. So on this day, I went to immigration. Sometimes when I walk through Auckland's CBD, I scrunch up my face because I feel like Auckland has become very polluted... then I walked from one MTR station to the next. Ugh. The pollution in HK is a totally different level altogether.When I was in Hong Kong, I felt like an idiot. My Chinese really sucks but I look Chinese so when people look at me, they expect me to be able to understand. People have expectations and people in Hong Kong have really high expectations. They are also very judgemental. They speak really fast, they get really shitty with you when you aren't on the same level of "fastness" in "life". Every time I step outside, I see everyone rushing, WHAT IS THE RUSH? DUDE, PLEASE, CHILLAX. When I see businessmen rushing, yeah ok lah, I understand. But there are some people who seem like they've got time to spare, or at least seem to be idling but then once they start moving, it's like a sprinting contest. Y'all need to take a chill pill, step back and relax a bit, y'know? Or maybe it's just my NZ lifestyle. Whatever. So when I'm too tired or I just cannot be bothered, I pretend to be Japanese. I found that when people think I'm Japanese, they treat me a whole lot better. How did I achieve this? I changed my phone settings to Japanese and every time I needed to get out of a situation where a shop lady is hassling me, I whip it out and pretend to check conversion rates. I would purposely slow down at the unlock screen and they would see it is all in Japanese and they will back off right away. *shameless*
So at immigration, the officer hands me a piece of paper with Chinese words all over it and she says to me in Cantonese: "here, read this". I think it was an oath. You'd think if you're reading an oath, immigration would want you to actually understand wtf you're saying right? Oh no, immigration just wanted me to hurry up, read it and gtfo.
So when I look at the piece of paper, I see all these Chinese words and I think I was expected to read in Cantonese (it's not like I can't read Chinese at all, I just read in Mandarin, I know, weird), I panic. I DON'T DO WELL READING CHINESE. So when she prompts me to HURRY UP, SHE HAS WORK TO DO (funny that), I blurt out in panic: "I CAN'T READ THIS!!!" And in response, she gives me the MOST DRAMATIC EYE ROLL I've ever seen. It was more dramatic than the one the customer gave me when I told her that regrettably, tea is self service. So, offended by her dramatic eye roll, I said "well, good morning to you too, bitch".
Ok, I didn't actually say that out loud as I probably would have been arrested, but with the expression on my face? I might as well have. She handed me the English version and I read it - although not very convincingly because they used all these big words that NO ONE EVER USES in real daily English conversation and I would pause for a fraction of a second and contemplate if the word was used in the correct context before carrying on. Then I got to this: "Tsui" - a romanization of a Chinese character. Which was fine but then I got to this: "HSE" and I paused for quite a while because I didn't know whether it was a romanization of a Chinese character or what... turns out that it was a shortened word form of "House" and apparently, I was supposed to know that. I took a stab and pronounced it as it was "hse" and the lady rolled her eyes and looked at me in disbelief, "House! It's HOUSE!". Seriously? Seriously! You have oh-so-big and scary legal terms and you can't be bothered TYPING OUT THE WHOLE WORD FOR HOUSE?!!!
Oh also, just before I said the oath, I was supposed to say my name and my address - I DON'T KNOW MY ADDRESS! I've never been good with addresses! I go somewhere once and I know how to go the next time. I don't need addresses! So don't look at me like I'm stupid!
After my traumatic humiliation, I returned home and lounged around till the afternoon. I was supposed to meet my uncle from my dad's side for dinner. First, I stopped by APM Mall and bought the awesome sushi magnets (childish, I know) for Mr Head Chef before heading off to N - which was like two hours early but I wanted to hang with the boss. I know, I have issues but I was sick of staring at a blank wall and ran out of social media to stalk so I was feeling like I rather see my boss. However, just as I reached there, I got a call from my uncle saying he couldn't make it at 6 - to which K-san rejoiced at the news and excitedly told me "Great!!! You can work starting now!" So I did, for a couple of hours but during this time, I wouldn't have truly called it "work" as such. K-san called Mr. Head Chef, who sounded so happy - high on life or something beautiful and amazing. He demanded I call him as soon as I arrived in Japan. I was so happy to hear his voice, I miss all my co-workers. Mr. Head Chef then told me to work hard and work every day, to which I feebly replied "ok". It's sad because I don't have anything better to do... or anything else I rather do.
After work, my uncle turned up and we had dinner. Not much - I was so tiredddd. I was always tired, auntie mentioned it multiple times - "why are you always so tired? You're on holiday!" I don't know, probably because I was tired of life - two jobs and full time university does that to you. And my eyes were burning. I can usually wear contacts all day in New Zealand - no problem at all. Unfortunately the pollution in Hong Kong made it near impossible to wear them for more than a few hours. My uncle chided me for not bringing my glasses - hey, I had a good reason! I get major headaches and dizziness if I wear them. He took me to an optometrist from where I bought eye drops. Thank god for eye drops. I still have them now but I don't really need them in NZ.
Following this, I expected uncle to say good bye since it was nearly 10 and I WAS TIRED and wanted to take my contacts out. I learnt after that night to always bring spare solution and contact lens case around with me everywhere - basically, become better at being a member of the female species. But no, apparently dessert is supposed to happen (as is ordering a drink instead of having pure water or tea during a meal). At first, my uncle probably thought I was being polite when I decline and opt for water - no, my dear uncle. I am not trying to save you money, I actually like water. That is, of course, until I tasted Hong Kong water... I started buying French mineral water. Oh, what was for dessert? Haagen Das from a nearby mall. I have no idea what the hype for it is, basically my view on ice cream: Japan, NZ Kapiti, Movenpick, NZ Natural, Haagen Das. SORRY TO SAY, Haagen Das comes pretty low on my list.
WEDNESDAY - MONG KOK TO OPEN MY BANK ACCOUNT!
I woke up this day feeling like I had just woken up after working a very busy Friday night. I had plans with my aunt from the mainland to meet but apparently she had plans to meet at the bank. So off I went, ALL THE WAY TO MONG KOK BY MYSELF to open a bank account with HSBC. It was very hard, by far the hardest thing I've done in HK. In fact, probably the hardest thing I've done outside of NZ. They needed proof of address. It's not a common thing in NZ as everything has an electronic option. I LITERALLY GET NO MAIL. Aunt A who lives in Australia gets way more mail sent to her in NZ than I do, and I'm the one who lives in NZ!The lady at the bank asks me, "what? You don't pay the bills? Electricity? Gas?" and I said for the fourth time, "No! I told you, I don't live in HK! There's nothing in my name in HK! Which is why I provided you with proof of my uncle's address with whom I live with!" She stares at me in disbelief and points out I have an iPhone, "You have an iPhone, surely you pay for that..." OH MY GOD. "NO! I'm only here for five weeks, my uncle lent me a spare sim card - it's under his name, he pays for it!"
So she asks me, "Do you have a driver's license?" and I reply, "yes, but not a Hong Kong one." She lights up and tells me, "OH! But you have a NEW ZEALAND one right?" To which I admit and she tells me I can provide that as proof (to which I assume, proof of identity). I hand it over and she mulls over it before dragging her male colleague over and she continues to look at it with the most confuzzled expression on her face. "No... NO WAY, this is impossible! This can't be real."
Confused, I ask, "excuse me? What did you say? You calling that fake?"
She looks up at me blankly and says, "This doesn't have your address on it. How can it not?"
Well, excuse you! No one in NZ gives a crap where you live. Everything can be checked against a database, if a police officer stops us, they can easily check it up. Why must it be displayed on our driver's license? It isn't compulsory.
I finally managed to convince her thoroughly (ok, actually I convinced the male colleague who was MUCH more helpful as he went to get his manager, the stupid lady kept refusing to budge, as if there's no one higher up than her!). They asked me if I have any letters from the government - I'm a student right? Surely I have student loans and surely they send me mail... Sorry lady, it's all done through email - which I showed them so in the end, they had to accept that. I really liked the male worker. The female one was so set in stone - everything was impossible and refused to get her manager when she couldn't sort something out. Get off your high horse! There's a reason you aren't in a management role, and if you aren't in that position, you can't possibly claim to know all the rules and policies in the book.
We cleared it, and set up my account. I got my eftpos card and set up my pin number. HK Pins are 6 digits long! Or wait, was it five? I've forgotten already and need to reset anyway. NZ ones are only 4! Regardless, after the bank was sorted, Aunt L (who by the way only got to the bank an hour after I did) took me all over Hong Kong, before settling for crab covered with cheese and high tea. By this time, I was dying for bottled mineral water - I can't drink that distilled crap.
The remnants of it...
I also saw a bunch of high end shops that I would never be able to afford... even walking into the shop..., the main branch of HSBC - very nice! - and I got my hair trimmed. I felt really sorry for the guy because it was nearly the end of his shift when I turned up. But thank you! From the hairdresser (which was in Jordan), we walked over to Festival Walk (wait, did we? Or did we take a cab? I don't remember). At one point, I bought Volvic! THANK GOD, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CRY, IT WAS DELICIOUS.
Haven't had it since 2006.
Delicious, delicious, beautiful water.
At a cafe in Festival Walk, I found Fiji Water - it was expensive! I didn't buy it that day. I also saw a cardboard cutout of Andy Lau, but I didn't dare take a picture with it because I didn't want to look like a crazed fan. That and my phone ran out of battery and I really couldn't be bothered taking out my camera. Sorry, I shall attempt harder at this next time. The two of us walked and walked, we talked and talked, and when the mall closed, we hung outside the mall. She smoked and I coughed. WTF, I have weak lungs. I ended staying out late and didn't get home till nearly 1am and all I could think was: "Why do I do this to myself in NZ?! Shu, why do we make ourselves suffer in a country where there's nothing after 6pm?"
I was beyond exhausted, my eyes were burning and so were my lungs. I was regretting not buying that bottle of Fiji water - I had long run out and needing some serious water. When I got home, I went to charge my phone and once it turned on again, I saw that Uncle G had called me all night, sent text messages and left voice messages. Oops. So I sent a text back, apologising and explaining my phone died a long time ago and I just got home. The next morning? I woke up to a text from him asking me wtf was I doing out so late?! CLUBBING? LOL. Oh dear, if only he knew me... he wouldn't even suggest clubbing.
THURSDAY - not much done today.
I had plans to meet Auntie L - at this point in time, I was still unsure of the places and so it was just "a mall somewhere in Hong Kong". I didn't know what it was called, which suburb it was in and I wouldn't have been able to tell you how to get there. I did however, know how to get there since I've been there before. So I left my house by myself and went to the mall which I later came to know it as Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong.By the time I changed trains I was already ten minutes late. I had actually planned to get there even earlier to do some window shopping - I like wandering around looking at stuff by myself. I'm such a loner. *cries* The main reason was that I couldn't be bothered leaving earlier. That and my mother called. Due to believing I was late, I ran to the station - to my amusement, I ran faster and longer in HK but then again, adrenaline? Or maybe I was bored. Only it all caught up with me when I stopped running and god, HK is not really a good place to run. There was an old man with a hunchback and limp that walked faster than me. I couldn't keep up. I don't think I could live in HK permanently.
The reason for going there was it was a special day so I was supposed to buy food for the granny. I don't actually remember what... it must have been a special day because when I told Uncle G that I can't come over for dinner, he insisted that I come after dinner with granny.
So after dinner, I left granny's house and made that trip to Tsing Yi again. Seriously, the effort it takes to push my way through hordes of people...
FRIDAY - LAST DAY IN HK BEFORE JAPAN!
My Auntie came out again to find me, she dragged me all around HK. By the end of the day, I decided that I couldn't possibly live in HK permanently. I'd die from the pollution or the BS salespeople. Near the end of the day, my cousin called me and asked me when I was coming over. I told him 4pm but my aunt just kept dragging me around, drowning me in smoke. When we finally reached the suburb my cousin lives in, the unimaginable happened (it's already past 5pm). We got sidetracked by someone trying to sell an apartment. I'm telling you, she's got SKILLS! I don't know what happened, but bro, nek minit, we were inside the apartment, looking at it. It was TINY! But the saleslady just stands there and tries to convince me that no, it's not actually tiny, it's a very good size! WTF?! My poor cousin calls me again and I'm grateful for the escape. I needed to move my ass.
Although, once we left the building, the crazy saleslady nearly convinced us to go have a look at another building about 15mins walk away (or so she says). I'm way too easily distracted, but thank god I managed to say no and leave. It was already really late and my uncle called me, "where areeeeeeee youuuuuuuuuuu?!!!!!!" Of course, I didn't know where I was EXACTLY so uncle told me to take a picture.
I was like wtf? ok...
He replies with: "You're close!!! See that fire station?!" At this point, I'm going, wtfucketyfuck what fire station?!
He exclaims in disbelief "you can't see it?! It's to your right hand side!!!" Now I have this issue with left and right and I'm pretty sure more than enough people have concluded that I'm retarded because I can't distinguish between left and right. I went quiet fro ten seconds before asking my uncle "what... does a fire station look like?" to which he responded with a while of silence before saying "a red building?" This exchange of words luckily gave me more time to think about left and right but as soon as he said red, I cursed him. There were NO red buildings in the area! Eventually we get on the same page and no, it was the yellow building that is the fire station. The yellow building with the red gates.
He hangs up after confusing me a bit with his directions (seriously, too many left and right directions). I need landmarks! Once I get to his place, I realised I couldn't actually get into the building because I didn't have a code. Once I managed to get in, I realised I never paid attention to what floor they lived on. So I left the building. Silly me! Because once I left, I couldn't get back in again. So I called his home, there was no answer, all four times I called! After a while, my cousin calls me and asks me if I'm lost and I was like: "NO!" he he was all huffy and cute and said "ok sis, I'm coming down to get you." and so he did.
I said good bye to my aunt and I went up the building with my cousin. I played with the adorable baby again and I thought to myself, "she's probably going to grow up into a manipulative girl! Because she really wants attention and when she wants it, she'll demand for it until she gets it." I spent a long time holding and cuddling and playing with her (my cousin went with the maid to buy groceries and my uncle and his wife haven't returned yet).
Once they've returned, my cousin put on the move 3 idiots. It was a very good movie! We watched while we ate dinner (Chinese style sukiyaki). Since I'm so easily distracted (and engrosed in the movie) and eating hot pots takes so much attention and concentration, I didn't handle it well. I wanted to do either one or the other, not both together. That night, my uncle wrapped up my iPhone with protective film before he sent me home.
When I arrived at my station, I noticed this vending machine of umbrellas. I was in awe. New Zealand should have this, whatever company that owns the vending machine that sells umbrellas could quite possibly make a small fortune.
Excited because the next day was going to be my flight to Japan!!!
Essenity
There's this thing I've set up Google to do. Whenever something pops up with the keyword "Essenity" comes up, I get notified. Imagine my surprise this morning when I checked my email and saw that someone has opened a shop and they are using "Essenity" as the name. I always knew this would be inevitable. I remember nearly a decade ago, I would be the only search hit but now, there's heaps of others using this name.
Pity I don't have the resources or the talent to create my own brand before someone else beat me to it. I would obviously have called it Essenity. What else would I call it? The day I've feared has arrived. Nothing I can do to stop it, but I still wonder how these other people come up with this word. They can't all have seen me on the internet and decided they liked the name and took it for themselves.
Saturday 8 December 2012
Happy Wedding 2.0
Weddings. The event you attend to watch two lives (at least, it's usually two) begin the rest of their lives together (at least, that's what most people hope it is). I was invited to a small wedding on the 19th of last month.
The plan for that day was to hike up Rangitoto Mountain. The weather was beautiful and perfect. However I had to cancel this plan in the weekend because I had a wedding to attend. I know, I'm a terrible person for forgetting, right?
In my defense, I only found out about this wedding because a common friend of the bride told me a couple of weeks ago that there's a wedding. I didn't realise this verbal discussion from a mutual friend was actually my invitation to the wedding. So when I invited this mutual friend's wife to our Rangitoto Adventure, she momentarily forgot about her prior promises to the bride and groom. In panic she called me a few days before hand to tell me about the date clash. At first, I was like oh ok when she said the wedding will clash and it is a pity because she was really looking forward to hiking. And there was a silence. To which I did not know how to break. So she repeated what she said and I still didn't get anything through my thick skull. After the second pause, she tentatively asked me "you ARE coming to the wedding, right?"
At that point I blurted "oh... OH. OH of course. I would love to meet up with [insert bride's name here]. At the church. Ok." So of course, I had to postpone for this occasion.
One the morning I woke up and with a heap of effort, I dragged myself out of bed
I never know what to wear to such things. At first what I decided on looked appropriate for a funeral. Then I mind blanked and didn't know how to dress myself. So I threw my hands up in frustration and just dressed appropriate for work. I went to work then I left an hour early because I believed that parking would be atrocious since the church is smack in the middle of the CBD. Except once I got there, there was a parking spot right outside the church. How convenient... I was an hour early.
I ended up sulking in my car for half an hour before deciding to move my car to another street on the other side of the church - which turned out to be a good idea because parking was half the price! I parked, got out and joined the mutual friend and his wife (they were early too). During this time, the mutual friend's sole of his shoe fell off. He was so shocked, he started crying. No joke. His wife and I thought he just had something in his eye but the pitch of his voice escalated and his wife took out a cloth and handed it over and told him: "oh babe, don't cry!" Then we backed off and giggled to ourselves.
The bride and groom were late. Which pissed me off. When they finally turned up, they had a beautiful and short wedding. At the end of it, the bride said to me: "Are you coming? Are you free tonight? Do you have Line?" Line is a messaging app that uses wifi. She asked with such oomph that I instantly did a mental sweep of my day's plans. After they left, I followed. We went to Mission Bay for wedding photos. There, they took many photos and asked random people to be in their photos too. Cheapest way to get models... Kiwis jump at the chance to help. And very enthusiastically too!
Following this, they returned to their hotel and I went home. But not before the bride said her good byes and to me, "see you later!" Later meant dinner. I went back to the city around 7pm for the dinner. It was delicious and I really enjoyed it.
I would have made an effort to take photos, but I decided against it. They haven't even put up any on Facebook.
The plan for that day was to hike up Rangitoto Mountain. The weather was beautiful and perfect. However I had to cancel this plan in the weekend because I had a wedding to attend. I know, I'm a terrible person for forgetting, right?
In my defense, I only found out about this wedding because a common friend of the bride told me a couple of weeks ago that there's a wedding. I didn't realise this verbal discussion from a mutual friend was actually my invitation to the wedding. So when I invited this mutual friend's wife to our Rangitoto Adventure, she momentarily forgot about her prior promises to the bride and groom. In panic she called me a few days before hand to tell me about the date clash. At first, I was like oh ok when she said the wedding will clash and it is a pity because she was really looking forward to hiking. And there was a silence. To which I did not know how to break. So she repeated what she said and I still didn't get anything through my thick skull. After the second pause, she tentatively asked me "you ARE coming to the wedding, right?"
At that point I blurted "oh... OH. OH of course. I would love to meet up with [insert bride's name here]. At the church. Ok." So of course, I had to postpone for this occasion.
One the morning I woke up and with a heap of effort, I dragged myself out of bed
I never know what to wear to such things. At first what I decided on looked appropriate for a funeral. Then I mind blanked and didn't know how to dress myself. So I threw my hands up in frustration and just dressed appropriate for work. I went to work then I left an hour early because I believed that parking would be atrocious since the church is smack in the middle of the CBD. Except once I got there, there was a parking spot right outside the church. How convenient... I was an hour early.
I ended up sulking in my car for half an hour before deciding to move my car to another street on the other side of the church - which turned out to be a good idea because parking was half the price! I parked, got out and joined the mutual friend and his wife (they were early too). During this time, the mutual friend's sole of his shoe fell off. He was so shocked, he started crying. No joke. His wife and I thought he just had something in his eye but the pitch of his voice escalated and his wife took out a cloth and handed it over and told him: "oh babe, don't cry!" Then we backed off and giggled to ourselves.
The bride and groom were late. Which pissed me off. When they finally turned up, they had a beautiful and short wedding. At the end of it, the bride said to me: "Are you coming? Are you free tonight? Do you have Line?" Line is a messaging app that uses wifi. She asked with such oomph that I instantly did a mental sweep of my day's plans. After they left, I followed. We went to Mission Bay for wedding photos. There, they took many photos and asked random people to be in their photos too. Cheapest way to get models... Kiwis jump at the chance to help. And very enthusiastically too!
Following this, they returned to their hotel and I went home. But not before the bride said her good byes and to me, "see you later!" Later meant dinner. I went back to the city around 7pm for the dinner. It was delicious and I really enjoyed it.
I would have made an effort to take photos, but I decided against it. They haven't even put up any on Facebook.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Rangitoto Adventure
WARNING: Very picture heavy post!
It's been on my to do list ever since Freak invited a whole bunch of us to Rangitoto Island back in 2009. On the morning of the trip, she texted me to tell me everyone pulled out and so the plans were cancelled. I was somewhat relieved but disappointed. Betrayed, when I found out she went there by herself and had an adventure. To get to the island, there are two ferry options there and two back. There's nothing on the island, no shops, no facilities, basically it's a day trip where you climb to the summit, walk around the island then leave before nightfall. So basically, if you miss the last ferry, you're screwed. That is exactly what happened to Freak. She missed the ferry and thought she would have to sleep on the beach for the night. Up until some cops spotted her and took her back to the mainland in their boat.
Over two years later, I've finally gone through with the plan of going to Rangi. I conned Shu into coming with me and in the process, YRK who mentioned it to STM who also wanted to go. We made plans to meet at the ferry building (because I wasn't going to drive anyone around) and catch the ferry over. Since the last ferry off the island is scheduled at 3:30, I decided we should get on the 9:15 ferry over. I doubted we could get to the summit and back down again in 90 minutes (to catch the 12:45 ferry) so best to take the morning ferry - we'd miss the noon ferry back but at least we've got the 3:30 one to fall back on.
Yes, as the sign would suggest, this was supposed to be the starting point of the Grove, but whatever, we like to do things differently!
I would definitely recommend this adventure to any future tourists - local or foreign! However, you're going to have to be prepared to face a tough hike. New Zealand sun stings and I recommend you take more than one bottle of water. I only took one 750ml, not nearly enough. I'll know better for next time. Physically, it's not actually a tough hike if you're quite fit, mostly flat ground although very rocky so you'll have to be careful. After our return, Shu and I ached for weeks. Although that could be due to my not having had a break from working for over 14 days straight... but whatever, it's not like we're fit to begin with. I heard many people go to the Island and train for marathons (Rangitoto and Motutapu - the adjoining island). One day, we'll run it instead. Ok, that's not likely but come on, dream big.
Quick end of day - after Rangi, Shu and I went to the Australian Visa Office. Shu had to drop off her paperwork as she's going to Sydney for a holiday at the end of year. Coincidentally, I'm going to Australia as well, but to Melbourne. Some of the full time staff are going to Australia as well but it's by total coincidence and none of us will meet up.
From downtown CBD, we walked up Queen St, I stopped by Moustache and grabbed a M&M + Peanut Butter cookie, a drink from Starbucks and Shu bought food from the food court - worst decision ever. No matter how hungry and exhausted she was, she still agreed with me. It was disgusting. After that disappointing meal, we walked back down to Britomart to catch our trains home.
It's been on my to do list ever since Freak invited a whole bunch of us to Rangitoto Island back in 2009. On the morning of the trip, she texted me to tell me everyone pulled out and so the plans were cancelled. I was somewhat relieved but disappointed. Betrayed, when I found out she went there by herself and had an adventure. To get to the island, there are two ferry options there and two back. There's nothing on the island, no shops, no facilities, basically it's a day trip where you climb to the summit, walk around the island then leave before nightfall. So basically, if you miss the last ferry, you're screwed. That is exactly what happened to Freak. She missed the ferry and thought she would have to sleep on the beach for the night. Up until some cops spotted her and took her back to the mainland in their boat.
Over two years later, I've finally gone through with the plan of going to Rangi. I conned Shu into coming with me and in the process, YRK who mentioned it to STM who also wanted to go. We made plans to meet at the ferry building (because I wasn't going to drive anyone around) and catch the ferry over. Since the last ferry off the island is scheduled at 3:30, I decided we should get on the 9:15 ferry over. I doubted we could get to the summit and back down again in 90 minutes (to catch the 12:45 ferry) so best to take the morning ferry - we'd miss the noon ferry back but at least we've got the 3:30 one to fall back on.
The night before, the restaurant had a farewell dinner after work (more like a midnight BBQ feast) for a colleague who was leaving for Japan. I didn't get home till nearly 2 am and didn't get my ass into bed till nearly 3. Had to set my alarm to go off twice in fear I wouldn't make it up in time for my train. Managed to roll out of bed, freshen up, and get changed in about 9 minutes, just in time to leave the house for my 8:15 train. Thankfully I live quite literally across the road from the train station. It only takes about 3 minutes from my living room into the train. As the first picture indicates, yes, every photo in this blog was taken by my iPhone. Too lazy to use a camera. Also, too lazy to use sunscreen... which I hate the feeling of and I regret not buying the Za sunscreen I tried at the warehouse sale. That sunscreen felt great.
Back to the topic at hand. The train arrived just as I approached the platform. That is what Auckland trains look like at the platform - open area. I tagged on with the new AT card and hopped onto the train.
That's me trying to not so flatteringly take a photo of myself and the screen behind me which tells passengers what station they are at.
I was trying to capture the date - 26/11/2012.
Texting Shu on the way to Britomart
Didn't think about it until I was on the train, had to transfer money over so I could buy the ferry ticket.
Auckland's Ferry Building. Beautiful building, isn't it?
I met Shu at Britomart and together, we walked across the road to the Ferry Building. I never look at this building or pay any attention to it when I'm in the CBD but every time I go to catch a ferry, I always get taken by surprise by how pretty this building is! We walked through the building and met YRK and STM in front of the ticket booth.
The boring ticket and a brochure of Rangitoto Island. Thank god I thought to grab one, it had a map.
While waiting for the ferry, Shu handed us a muesli bar. It's the most disgusting thing I've tried all year. It was half covered in chocolate, which made me want to down a bottle of water after each bite. Nevertheless, I thanked her for her kindness. Only after she tsk'd me about it.
We tried taking a group shot. Fail.
2nd attempt, better but missed Shu out entirely.
Auckland CBD skyline.
Pier of Rangi from a distance, just as we approached the island.
The "pier" or "dock" or whatever when we arrived at Rangi.
Rangi from the ferry.
Arrived alive on Rangitoto Island! From left to right, STM, me and YRK.
Apparently this used to be a public pool - there were bachs (kiwi term for holiday houses) on the island and kids used to learn how to swim here.
Ew, right?
From left to right, shot of Shu, STM and YRK.
I swear, it looked way prettier IRL...
So I stuck two people in front of it.
Still, you've gotta go there to appreciate the beauty. Sorry about the blur. This was taken on our way to the caves. Which I've neglected to mention... oops. There are these caves you can go explore on Rangitoto Island. We decided to explore them on our way to the summit.
Shu and I in front of the first cave. Trying to look scared. YRK took the picture so sorry about the blur, she doesn't know how to use an iPhone.
STM and YRK posing.
Then we came across REAL caves! This is the hole at the beginning of the cave. You can walk through it! Bring a torch! The light from iPhone isn't strong enough really.
I sent YRK in first but she didn't have a torch so I took this picture before handing her my phone. She looked much calmer after that.
Midway through the caves, we saw light! A hole in the roof!
When we reached the end of the caves, it came out to this. They are called the Lava Caves because Rangitoto is a volcanic island and everything was basically built by lava.
YRK and STM coming out from the caves.
Group shot of us conquering the Lava Caves!
We decided to head back through ground while STM and Shu headed back through the caves. I regretted it because although going through the dark caves was very difficult and quite dangerous, walking in the light was actually more tiring and difficult due to the terrain.
On our way back from the lava caves, Shu decided to climb a tree... a tree in which I believe a strong spirit resides in. True story. It's the look of the tree. Looks alive.
Posers. Taken just before we started our climb to the summit.
Road up to the summit. What a workout! Seriously tiring. Shu and I started running up it because we both got the idea that running up it wouldn't be as tiring. We were exhausted. Next time, just walk up it.
At the summit, picture of the crater. LOOK AT ALL THAT FOLIAGE!
We plopped down on the benches and for a rest, had a long debate about whether or not to start running down towards the pier so we could catch the 12:45 ferry back to civilization. Some tourists overheard us and joined in our discussion. In the end, we decided we were too tired, too lazy and were enjoying this view too much to leave.
Not sure who took this photo, I think STM?
So we had lunch to that beautiful view. Left to right, Shu, me (with binoculars lol) and YRK. Oh, a warning to future tourists... there's absolutely no reception (or hardly any, depending on which company and what phone you have). You'll be relying on the good will of other tourists if you get hurt. It's probably a good place to kill someone. Haha, just kidding. There are many tourists that go through the island.
Dead bird on the way down. =S
Our path down from the summit.
Can't really see it here, but the tips of this was a beautiful purple.
Black lava rocks.
Shu talked about how she should grab one, stuff it in her back and take it back as a souvenir. Later, she was glad she didn't because the hike back was a very long one as we decided to take the route that goes around the island so we could enjoy the seaside.
Along the way, there were these posts and every time we saw one, it felt like a checkpoint in a game. Graphics of this game? Brilliant. =)
We were exhausted by this point. Actually, a lot of time passed but I was too exhausted to bother taking photos. Also, my phone was dying. You might recall from the first picture of this post, I started the trip with 50% battery life. Shu and I basically spent the entire trek complaining about walking and claiming we'd never be adventurous again. That and how we could only see MORE ROAD ahead of us.
Upturned boat
MORE ROAD
Then we got so close.................................... and to our dismay, we were greeted by this sign. We had to go through the Kowhai Grove - which was actually a mini adventure in itself. If you run through it, it feels like you're some survivor on Lost and you're running away from something sinister. So thank you, Department of Conservation, without your detour, we would never have bothered with the Kowhai Grove.
 Victory! YRK and STM emerging from the Kowhai Grove... proof of our conquering of Rangitoto Island! |
I would definitely recommend this adventure to any future tourists - local or foreign! However, you're going to have to be prepared to face a tough hike. New Zealand sun stings and I recommend you take more than one bottle of water. I only took one 750ml, not nearly enough. I'll know better for next time. Physically, it's not actually a tough hike if you're quite fit, mostly flat ground although very rocky so you'll have to be careful. After our return, Shu and I ached for weeks. Although that could be due to my not having had a break from working for over 14 days straight... but whatever, it's not like we're fit to begin with. I heard many people go to the Island and train for marathons (Rangitoto and Motutapu - the adjoining island). One day, we'll run it instead. Ok, that's not likely but come on, dream big.
Quick end of day - after Rangi, Shu and I went to the Australian Visa Office. Shu had to drop off her paperwork as she's going to Sydney for a holiday at the end of year. Coincidentally, I'm going to Australia as well, but to Melbourne. Some of the full time staff are going to Australia as well but it's by total coincidence and none of us will meet up.
From downtown CBD, we walked up Queen St, I stopped by Moustache and grabbed a M&M + Peanut Butter cookie, a drink from Starbucks and Shu bought food from the food court - worst decision ever. No matter how hungry and exhausted she was, she still agreed with me. It was disgusting. After that disappointing meal, we walked back down to Britomart to catch our trains home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)