Simply Beautiful: Coromandel

Another memorable weekend! To get in the right mood for the weekend, I went together with a few friends out for dinner at the viaduct where we enjoyed delicious tapas and probably the best white wine I've ever tasted. On Satuday morning I early set off with Kiwiana Tours in the direction of Coromandel Peninsula. On our way there we drove along its westcoast, which is windy, but just stunning. Once in Whitianga we settled into our accomodation next to a beach before we took the free bodyboards and rocked the waves. Good fun, a few bumps and even more goose bumps because of the southernly breeze. In the evening we planned to go to Hot water beach, but as the sea was too rough we decided to stay at the accomodation and play cards. It was a good decision as we heard the next morning that a lot of people were smashed into the rocks because of the waves. However, we of course couldn't miss out How water beach and so we went there in the morning. we tried hard to dig a hole but the waves were still to powerful and all our efforts got washed away. Anyway, we went swimming and enjoyed the nice beach before we headed to Cathedral Cove, one of my favourite spots in New Zealand. The colour of the water, the blue sky and the fern is for me the inclusive concept of paradise. And I couldn't keep my promise - not to make my bikini wet because of the long drive back to Auckland- I just had to jump into this deep blue of the ocean and feel the waves. The funny thing is, that afterwards I again (like after the sailing trip in Nelson) I found myself seeing things moving; probably I'm supposed to be a seal, living in the water rather than in a bed that doesn't move continuously... I arrived in Auckland safely, but tired and I'm now focusing on the three last weeks of my course. And by the way: I'm home in less than four weeks! Look forward to seeing you all again!

Walking on the moon: Tongariro Crossing

Waitangi weekend does not only mean to hear some interesting political disputes about the Maoris and the illegal implementation of the New Zealand law, but also having a longer weekend again. This time, we set off on Friday morning to Waitomo, where we visited the famous glowworm caves. Although I have been in such a cave on the Southern Island, I have never before seen such an impressive cave formed by such oxidants and water. On top of that, the boat trip through the actual glow worm caves was just stunning. But also the rest of our day was an adventure as our drive to Tongariro village wasn't just on normal roads. No, 40 kms on unsealed roads,occasionally decorated from branches, Possums (or what was remaining), and sheep starring dumbly at you: it took us ages to get where we had to get :) However, we settled in our hostel and cooked delicious Pasta before we started a energetic UNO-competition. Having in mind that we were going to walk far the next day we popped into bed early; unfortunately, I didn't sleep very well,as I always had the feeling of missing the alarm clock which was due to go off at 5.30 am. The next morning we started the track at 7.00 am which was really nice as we not only could do the first quarter of the track without too many hikers, but also see the sun rise behind the volcanoes. After two ours we reached the first South Crater, far under the estimated time. So we decided, to try climbing MT Ngauruhoe. I never before saw such a steep mountain where there is not even a pathway. The volcanic rocks, -sometimes fine sand, sometimes big chunks of black lava,- made it quite arduous to climb it. Besides that, falling rocks, rising fog and freezing temperature made us decide to return more than half-way on our way to the summit. It was a pitty, but better safe than sorry and we still had an amazing view all over Tongariro National Park. Going down over the black sand was like skiing, just with other conditions. Once back at the South Crater we continued the normal Crossing with loads of other fellow tourists. Often slowed down by the rest, we had a lot of time to look at the beauty of the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and finally Blue Lake before we made our way down. I reckon, that I will never forget this long journey back to the valley, not only because it was long, but also because of the constant smoke that was coming out of the volcanoes. This is so fascinating! Back in Tongariro village,we all could have entered a competition in 'who walks the stiffest?', as everybody had either blisters, sore muscles or of course, painful knees. Having had a shower, we went out for a nice dinner, well deserved. Walking back from the restaurant to the hostel was probably the most entertaining part; we must have looked like being escaped from a old people's home. On Sunday morning we drove to Taupo where we made a short stop to have a coffee and enjoy the view over the white mountains and the crystal-clear water. The drive to Auckland is quite long and so we stopped again at the Hamilton Gardens. Once in Auckland, or to be precise, on my way from the busstop to my homestay, I realised how tired I actually was. The other thing I realized in the morning was, that my muscles somehow didn't enjoy the weekend as much as I did...

Warning labels for dummies

Even at Proficiency school can be fun. Great stuff here:

1. Do not use in shower. Do not use while sleeping. (warning on a hair dryer)
2. Filling may be hot when heated. (Kellogs Cornflakes)
3. Mask and chest plate are not protective and cape does no enable wearer to fly. (batman costume)
4. Defrost before eating. (found on a frozen dinner)
5. May contain nuts (peanut packaging)

Islandhopping ;)

It is so nice having a long weekend! The three days passed by so quickly. On Satuday I went with Tanja to Waiheke Island by ferry. Already the ferry trip is just amazing but once you arrive on the island, you feel like your in another country. Waiheke Island (Maori:The long,sheltering island) consist of several little villages and there actually live people. And I guess, they live in paradise. White beaches, little bays, cristal clear water and streets full of little cafes are what add up to the laid-back atmosphere. We had a look at several of these villages, strolled over a tiny but wonderful Satuday market, but most of the time we spent on Onetangi Beach. No, we weren't just laying in the sun doing nothing. We actively used our English by chatting a lot :) and we somehow leapt back into our childhood collecting arms full of shells, especially the broken pieces of the pauashell. The amazing thing was, that even on a popular weekend like this, the beaches were not crowded and we easily found some spots for our own. At around six we looked for a nice restaurant and we were both completely happy with choosing a nice fish restaurant. After dinner, to support our digestion, we walked down to the wharf where we could enjoy the seafront before we caught the ferry back to downtown. And this trip is just unforgettable. We chose the perfect time to set back as the sun set behind the skyline of Auckland. I never thought, that a city can be so beautiful. My pictures are better than on postcards! On Sunday I went to church in the morning before I went to Auckland Domain, where I studied with the nice background music of a live Jazz band. In moment like these, I really like the city as everybody comes out of their houses (and televisions),sitting on camping chairs, letting their children play and simply enjoy the day. Later on I met Tanja again and we went together to the wharf were the 175th anniversairy of Auckland was celebrated. It was a really nice festival but already around six o'clock, there was not much more going on and so we walked to Parnell, a really nice part of Auckland, where we had a delicious Indian dinner. And than it was already Monday. Time for me to explore Rangitoto, another Island, this time on my own and without any civilisation on the island itself. As I try to save some money I wanted to catch the earliest ferry at 7.30 am to get the early bird fare. The thing I didn't think of was, that the regular busses didn't run. So I ended up in another bus which stopped at Parnell at 7.21, so I had to run in nine minutes down to the wharf, a distance of 1.9 km. I still can't believe that I managed it, as I am really not fit anymore. But where there's a will there's a way. Once on the island (already completely exhausted of my morning run), I walked up Mount Rangitoto, which is a young volcano. The crater and the view over Hauraki Gulf is just stunning but the little bays I went to explore later on were even better. On my way, which was probably a little bit to long, considered the heat absorbed from the black volcanic stones and the fact that the last ferry leaves at 5 pm, I took a few swims in my private bays. There was literally no-one! With a little final spurt,I got on the ferry back to Auckland. Since then I am incredibly tired and I'm afraid I had a little bit too much sun...

TOP OF NEW ZEALAND

After two weekends in Auckland I thought it was high time I listened to my sister’s advice to go and see the Bay of Islands. As I was quite disappointed by the high rate of Swiss students at school (and even German speaking ones) I decided to go to this trip organized by school without knowing anybody. This decision was definitely worthwhile. I met a lot of really nice people and especially I found some Swiss people that spoke English, too. And although they were far older than I am, I had a great time with them and I am thankful for having met them. On Friday we left after school and set off for Paihia, the Gateway to Bay of Islands. As the trip takes quite long we made a few stops. One of them was in a Kauri forest, which was pretty impressive. As you can see on one of the pictures, the trunk of this protected tree is incredibly big. Once we arrived in the nice seaside village of Paihia we went out for a delicious, (and expensive) dinner at a seafood restaurant. A nice glass of wine with delicious fish pasta made my day. In the morning we got up at 6 am to get ready for our trip towards the top of New Zealand: Ninety Miles Beach and Cape Reinga. With a bus, rather looking like a truck, we made our way up through the stunning landescape and I found myself starring out the window thinking 'This looks like in the Lord of the Ring'. And then we arrived at Ninety Miles Beach: No words for that. Making our way up along the beach was an mind-blowing experience as you felt the waves splashing at the bus. Then we drove along a creek into huge sanddunes where we had the chance to go sandboarding. Good fun, but I was more afraid of this than I was before my skydive!!! At midday we reached Cape Reinga. To the Maori, this point means a lot as they believe this as the gateway to eternity. I just found it awesome to see how the two oceans crash together. In the evening, back in Paihia we made a promenade along the several beaches with a really nice Italian icecream before we popped into a bar to have a nice glass of wine. (two things I learnt I NZ: White wine is delicious, but: Like my mum I feel dizzy and get a little bit crazy :)) On Sunday we went for a nice bushwalk along a river. It was relaxing after doing so many things on Saturday. Then we took the ferry to visit New Zealand's first capital called Russel. We found a beautiful beach, almost abandoned, where we took a swim before we had to say goodbye to a paradise of little Islands. The good thing is that, when we drove into Auckland, that I for the first time had the feeling of coming home. 

Devonport

My first weekend in Auckland was really nice. On Saturday I went with a few classmates to Devonport which is just a few minutea by ferry.

Once you are there, you feel like in an Italian seaside village (at least I imagine it like this as I have never been to Italy). However, it has this beautiful charm that puts you in a holiday mood. First of all we walked up Mount Victoria (10 min, 80 hm; now we are ready for Mount Everest;)) and enjoyed the beautiful view that you have up there.

After that we ate fish and chips in a really nice restaurant before we set off to explore some of the lovely beaches. Some of them were quite crowded, especially when you are used to the abandoned beaches of the southern westcoast. But of course we took a swim in the refreshing water.

Later in the afternoon I went with Myriam to Newmarket to have a look at all the shops which was nice but cities always make me kind of tired.

On Sunday I went to a church quite close to where I live. The people were really opened, so it was easy for me to feel comfortable. The atmosphere is amazing, you really go with the crowd and the message is so close to your daily life.

After that I went with a friend to Auckland domain to have lunch and to listen to an openair jazz concert. In the evening I cooked a Swiss dish for my homestayfamily and although I wasn't happy at all with my result they seemed to enjoy it.

Now already the second week of the course started and I get already into kind of a rhythm how everything works, which is nice.

Advanced: Done! Let's go for Proficiency!

Already one week is over of my stay in Auckland. Although Auckland is much bigger than everything else in New Zealand I still manage not to get lost!

The school is much more official than in Nelson which has of course advantages and disadvantages. The classes are less funny but probably more effective. What i really miss is the personality which was one of Nelson's biggest plus. And on top of that I missy old classmates as im Auckland there are so many Swiss people who even speak German!!!

However, I found my friends and we are having a good time. The course seems to be hard and we all know that it won't be easy to get that one as we are then on the level of an educated native speaker.

The good news is that I passed my Advanced exam with the top grade (wohooooooo)

All in All, I am fine and I like Auckland (so far) ;)