Day one - Christchurch
I was giftted a five day tour with a short holiday in Norfolk Island just for the days leading up to Christmas. As usual, I started the first day in a mad rush since I wasn't completely packed ready. My suitcase felt less heavy than normal let alone a five day trip away from home so I kept thinking I'd forgotten something. Then it got to a point where I couldn't recheck anymore otherwise I'd be late. So I did my final double checking that yes, I do have my passport and yes I do have all my IDs and money and phone... then I rushed out the door for the airport.I just bought a camera the Sunday before for the purpose of this very short getaway so I was very anxious about remembering to bring it with me. Not that I know how to use it. Here's a poor first attempt at figuring out how to kick the camera into gear.
Cbf editing since it's just me trying out my new cam while waiting forever for my room service fml. Obviously a flatlay of travel essentials, no?
The flight down to Christchurch was extremely turbulent and I felt kinda sick throughout the flight. Once we reached Christchurch though, it was so hot - reportedly 31°C. The Christchurch based flight attendants claimed it went up to 36° earlier in the day even. Crazy, no?
So we all took off our Auckland weather clothing and braved the heat as we dragged our luggage to the hotel pick up and off we went. At the Rendezvous hotel, we separated as we all had our own plans. I caught up with a bit of work before I finally made some secure plans with my friend who lives in Christchurch during the summer holidays. He was busy so I had myself an early dinner which ended up being rather expensive as I ordered room service - add $4. I ordered a Caesar salad without the chicken as I wanted to try their Monday night special fried chicken which came with slaw and mashed potatoes.
Took this without my grapefruit juice because it was taking too long.
For the price they were charging, it was certainly quite expensive but probably to be expected from hotel room service. The fried chicken at first was flavoursome and quite delicious but towards the end ended up being too salty and harsh on the tastebuds. The salad was rather small and if you wanted chicken, you had to add something like $4 to the price. In the end I had to call room service again asking where the hell my grapefruit juice had disappeared to an hour later. Apparently they didn't know what room I was calling from and so they gave up - obviously waiting for me to call back. I only did after I finished my dinner.
During my wait for dinner, I took some pictures of my hotel room view. My room came with a balcony which I couldn't access. For some reason they locked the doors. I don't know if it was purely for structural stability reasons or what considering this hotel was smack bang in the middle of town where the earthquake impacted the most.
I had two views as my room was on the corner. I took pictures right into the sunset so that's why there are differences in the pictures.
Pretty awesome set. Could possibly sleep here when your hotel loses your booking lol.
Not too sure what this giant model of a living room is supposed to be but still cool.
Unfortunately this building looks much more stunning IRL than in my photos. Truly worthy of its awards.
Unfortunately, our meet ran over time and so now I'm typing this up hurriedly so I can go crash since tomorrow is going to be an early star - flying to Norfolk with a Brisbane stopover.
Day 2 - Brisbane stopover and first day in Norfolk!
When we arrived in Brisbane, we hopped off the plane during the stopover for a drink. I ordered an iced mocha and then regretted not getting a Boost Juice instead. Not that I knew there was a Boost Juice. The iced mocha wasn't bad actually and I rather enjoyed it so it ended up being a great choice for the moment. I also bought a slice of banana bread to snack on later during the flight. It wasn't until a few days later that I really regretted NOT getting a juice as the cravings got strong. On our race back to the plane, we spotted this magnificent display.
Brisbane Airport's commitment to Christmas.
We couldn't appreciate it longer and we continued back to the plane for boarding. Once we got to Norfolk, we were greeted by the hotel pick up and along the way we received many tips from every local about which places we should visit over the next couple of days. We ended up deciding on attending the fish fry later that night but first the supermarket! I went in for nothing and came out with a packet of expensive New Zealand chips, chocolate and bottles of water lol.
It appears even an island in the middle of nowhere cannot escape the Kewpie.
Or the vegemite tube... why must a tube be necessary?
Cutest charity box ever!
So our night out at the fish fry turned out to be a brilliant decision. It costs about $65 per person and you can book through your hotel reception. And by book, I really mean you can call up and ask about available spaces. We managed to bags the last few and they were kind enough to grab a picnic table for us. But first, the view!
View over the hill.
Not even sure what filter or editing function on my camera I used to make this photo turn out edited like this LOL.
The group waiting patiently for the fish fry.
Our MC/musician for the night. He was rather good and quite entertaining.
Dancers!
Dancers teaching our audience some moves.
Choice of wine for the night.
Feast lay.
Most beautiful batter around the freshest Kingfish I've ever had! Served with salad, coconut bread, pilai (made from bananas) and anna (made from kumara and coconut cream?). Beautiful.
Dessert - coconut pie with cream. Actually had a rather strong taste of egg but I was determined to try everything.
Our dinner backdrop.
Final photo of the night before it got too dark and everyone got too drunk.
