It’s 6am
and we prepared to catch the cab and head to LCCT Airport after having our
light breakfast. After dropping our luggage at the counter, we entered into the
departure hall and boarded our flight! Goodbye Malaysia! See you again in a few
months time!
(Gwo Shiou, Yee Chin & I before entering the Departure Hall)
To say that
I am excited was just an understatement. I planned not to sleep throughout my
flight to NZ but I was defeated by the boredom that ruled the
9-hours-sit-straight-and limited-space-flight. Thus, I ended up sleeping for a
couple of hours before the meals were served.
(Sky view on the way flying to New Zealand)
Talking about the pre-booked meals on board, they were definitely not as good as those you can get from 5-stars airline, but you will be amazed by how tasty you find the food when you have no other choice but the food they have, especially when you are starving.
(From Left: Chicken Ala Kiev, Christchurch Airport & Chicken Lasagna)
We took our
flight as the sun rose, but reached NZ long after the sun has set. What a day
and it was already 11.55pm. We were indeed lucky to have a one-time-privilege
for a free stay at Christchurch International Airport; the lobby. It was a
windy night and we were fighting against the difference in temperature.
At that
very night, we met our one-week-travel-mate, Maria and Michelle! Introducing:
Michelle
Caryn Low
Cute,
funny, big laughter, did-not-know-she-has-seasick, do not know how to cook and
a cam-whore, who take beautiful pictures.
Maria Panmui
Tan
Fierce,
Tai-ka-jie, Wai leng nei re, a good cook and self-proclaimed-no-seasick-but-vomited
HAHAHAHA
It was time
to catch the first bus (not sure if it’s the first, cos I overslept) to the
city to check-in a backpacker lodge. Bravo to us genius, we didn’t make any
booking, thinking that it is off peak season, and the fact that there are loads
of backpacker lodges in town. But the truth is, it’s SUMMER (the very peak
season) and most of the backpacker lodges were fully-booked. (Group photo, Clockwise: GS,Nic,Michelle & Maria)
Initially
was planning to stay at Drifters
,
but we were so ‘lucky’ that it was fully-occupied. Thus, we checked-in the
lodge across the road, Old Country House, which was nicer (and of course, more ex). My first
impression was, “darn! Why couldn’t we find this in Malaysia?”. The place was
equipped with tv lounge, laundry room, spa, sauna and kitchen. I love their
kitchen, with utensils and pots enough for everyone. Also, they have a
free-food-cabinet where you can freely use the food you can find here.
Next, off
we went to the city. I was taken aback by how quiet the city was. No car, no
people, nothing. A lifeless city? We then found out it was public holiday, Waitangi Day! Still the
city was way too ‘peaceful’. Christchurch is still recovering from the
earthquake that hit the city last year. Most of the tourist area had collapsed.
It was so sad.
On the
second day, we moved to Woucester City Motel, and again, comfy accommodation to
stay at. We tried to register for 2 people, where in fact, there were 4 of us
moving in. And we regretted! This act of dishonesty created hoo-ha. No elaboration
needed. Anyway, something good did happen. We found deals to relocate car from
Christchurch to Auckland for NZ$ 15 a day, and so, our road (Waitangi Day Poster) trip began.
Before
leaving for Akaroa, we settled our IRD application, visited the Museum, Victoria Park and Avon River, and opened a bank account at ASB Bank.
P/S:
Christchurch may not be as lively as I thought it would be, but it is
convenience for free car relocation and work opportunity as it is one of New
Zealand’s main city.
