Let the Journey Begins! (KUL-CHC)

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.