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Round-the-south
  • Sara Lyn

Round-the-south

A 145-day adventure by Sara Read more
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  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Drago D28 The big push

    May 3, 2017 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    As we were such a small group compared to the usual Dragoman groups of 20 we had been doing good time. So the plan for today changed from a 12km trek to a 16km trek, including a second pass meaning a warmer campsite for our second night, less walking the 3rd day and possible access to beer. Olly was sold at once.

    We were woken up at 05:30 by "tent service" a warm drink to enjoy in the tent as we got ourselves ready. Breakfast was pancakes with a smilely face written in caramel! We firmally met our camping crew, the two mule drivers are Nelson and Walter the latter being Mr Wari's son. Mist decended as we had breakfast and the trek continued through it and we couldn't see much at our first pass. A steep downhill bought us into a local community where our Mule drivers came from. The locals were busy in their potato fields as it was harvest season. A uphill before lunch nearly finished us off as our reserves ran out.

    Going up and around a few mountains we continued to the second pass, racing the rain we could see behind us. The view of snowy mountain tops and glaciers around sacred valley were breathtaking. The pisco came out again and we thanked Pacchamama before continuing to run from the rain down the valley. We started to hear loud music and cheering. In the village below we could see hundreds of people dancing, racing horses and playing football. It was the festival of the cross and day 2 of their celebrations! We reached camp just before the rain!

    All washed up Mr Wari went on a beer run so we enjoyed beers and cards after supper. Exhausted we headed for bed just as the camp staff headed to the party!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Drago D29 We made it

    May 4, 2017 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Our big push yesterday was rewarded with a lie in today of 06:30. Rearing to go after breakfast we only had 3 hours of hiking to do! Saying goodbye to the camp staff they looked a little sheepish and appologised for getting in late from the party. None of us had heard them so we reassured them and thanked then profusely for the amazing service they provide. They deserved a party.

    Starting down through the village a handful of people were still partying and dancing outside a hosue higher in the valley. Evidence of heavy partying could be found in the poor sheep still stuck in their corals their owners fast asleep, and one poor man had fallen asleep in a field with his mule looking on. Even Mr Wari had a slower pace today.

    We rounded the corner and could see our aim of the morning an Incan pit stop used to house the runners that would take messages to and from Cusco. A pretty place it had a temple and storage houses restored by the government. Beneath it was a beautiful waterfall with cooling mists. As we neared the end we passed our first lot of tourists for the whole time. They had a lot of going up ahead of them and Olly gleefully wished them luck. We reached our end destination Soricha, and celebrated with a big beer.

    A bus picked us up to bring us to Ollyatambo. Here my adventures of the day came to an end as I became very very very very sick. I'm not kidding. Thank god it happened in the hotel is all I can say.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
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    Drago D30+31 Machu Piccu and goodbyes

    May 5, 2017 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    A knock at 06:30 was my deadline; did I feel well enough to go to Macchu Piccu, or did I take the taxi booked back to Cusco later in the morning. Things seemed to have settled, so even though I felt weak as a kitten I opted to get on the train, and the taxi was canceled.

    The scenery from the train was enough to distract me as we passed into a tropical area and the snowy mountains lay high above (the train had windows in its roof!). We passed the start of the classical inca trek (good luck with the steps) and pulled into Agua Caliantes about two hours later. Here we jumped into a bus which ferried us high up into the hills. Pulling round a corner we had our first sight of Macchu Piccu!

    After a small queue we were in and we climbed to the top for the picture postcard view. I started to feel weak but pushed it out of my mind as I took in the incredible sight. A whole incan city preserved, it streched out away from me towards the next mountain. Among the terraces you could already see the llamas posing for pictures!

    Pierro started his tour and my symptoms got worse. I excused myself as the rest continued on. Wandering through the city towards the exit I tried to take it all in before I left it behind. They charge 1 sol per entry to the toilet in Macchu Picchu by the way. No return rates. They made some money from me that day.

    Taking pity on me after the tour, Pierro took me back down to Agua Calientes where his favourite haunt had sofa like chairs that I could lie down on, and a toilet within distance. A few naps later (and more than a few beers for Pierro) the rest arrived back and we headed back towards Cusco. I've never been so happy to be in bed.

    Next morning I felt better and it was time to say goodbye to Lou, Olly and Karen as they all had flights to catch. We walked around the catherdral (full of incan gold) and an Incan museum. Checking into a hostel by ourselves for the first time in a month felt odd. Luckily it was a lively place with good cheap food so we grabbed something to eat before meeting David for a last drink. Just before we headed out I spotted a familiar face. Iwan was a Cardiff medic in the same year as me travelling with his boyfriend! Small world!

    Meeting David in the main square we hiked up to Cusco view point a lovely bar that overlooks the whole of Cusco and enjoyed a few mojitos and pisco sours. It was a sad goodbye as we had our final hugs. Dragoman had been a lot of fun with some amazing people!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Arequipa

    May 8, 2017 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Out last day in Cusco was spent relaxing in the hostel trying to ignore my ongoing feelings of sickness. We were down to three as we were joining Izzy as she made her way down to Arequipa and her work abroad scheme. We caught a extremely bumpy night bus and arrived in Arequipa at dawn.

    A very pretty city surrounded by three volcanoes we collapsed into bright orange sofas adorning the hostels rooftop terrace until the coffee shops opened. Taking it easy with food I ordered a light breakfast forgetting the gargantuon size of any South American meal.

    Izzy had enough energy for a walking tour, James and I did not. A very hot shower and a nap later I felt human again for the first time in days. With Izzy back she became our tour guide with her new knowledge of the city. The market had fruit stalls piled high and we chanced on their empanadas, cooked for extra long by request which earnt us an eye roll.

    We continued through the prettiest main square with palm trees, on one side lies the cathedral with volcano misti behind. We continued past to see the convent. A city within a city this complex was full of cloisters, narrow streets and small squares. Initally for wealthy nuns they all had a house each with a servant until reformation forced them together.

    Returning to the hostel we enjoyed some beers on the patio until sunset. Listening to the garbage truck bekow which for some reason blasted out Little Mermaid on steel drums. Supper was at a place I spotted on tripadvisor. Simple and cheap food, you had 6 different variaties of potato at the bottom and could choose any topping you liked on top - for me chorizo! On arrival they ask where you're from so we ended up with a Welsh flag proudly adorning our table. Izzy has become honorary welsh.

    The next day we relaxed most of the day waiting for the last marathon bus to take us to Lima. Scoffing pizza before we said our goodbyes to Izzy we set off for our last city in South America.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
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    Lima - Farewell Sud America

    May 10, 2017 in Peru ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    A looooong bus ride later and we ended up in Miraflores Lima. Staying in a bohemian hostel called the Healing dog it has a naked hairless mascot called Pisco who became pissed off that I'd taken his favourite seat, the sofa.

    A brief walk down to the seafront in blazing heat showed pretty gardens including the garden of the lovers, which included a statue of a couple snogging- the japanese went wild. We enjoyed crepes whilst watching the surfers below. Retreating from the blazing heat we sorted ourselves out packingwise before venturing out for supper.

    Miraflores reminds me of Miami Florida with art deco type buildings dotting the avenues in pastel colours. Supper was had in what was a beer/ football/ going out venue but they did a surprisingly good Schnitzel!! Back to the hostel we finally opened our expensive Mendoza wine (sooo good) and cheered a farwell to South America.

    Lessons learnt in South America
    1. You need more Spanish than what we had, or a lovely half Spanish girl called Izzy who will take pity and translate. Many thanks Izzy!!
    2. TMI but your first normal bowel motion after an illness is to be seriously celebrated.
    3. Don't take photos of Bolivians, they.do.not.like.it!
    4. Rio might be batshit crazy and a bit scary but the spectacle of the city is worth it.
    5. People will say every city in South America is dangerous, be sensible and confident and you will have no problems. Don't be that nervous traveller, go explore.
    6. Book Cama in the night buses and the better companies. The extra money WILL buy you extra sleep
    7. Booking a Dragoman tour was the best decision. We saw so much more than we could ever have tried in that time in great company, young and old.
    8. Go see your bucket list even if you risk throwing up all over it "I went to Per-ah and chundered everywhere" comes to mind 🙈
    9. The wine is amazing
    10. The steak even better

    Hasta luega Sud America, it was a travel experiecce of a life time.

    Here comes the US of A......    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Santa Monica

    May 11, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    South America left behind, 5 films and three glasses of wine later, we landed in LAX. Having had grumpy Americans at security and customs in previous visits to the US, we were pleasnantly supprised as we went through in half an hour.

    A jump in a expensive taxi and we were in Santa Monica, just above LA. Dumping our stuff in the very expensive hostel room, we walked out into the night to explore. We walked down to the pier, full of colour and noise of the fun fair. People sold crafts, sang and even played the sitar to passers by.

    Climbing back up past muscle beach we walked along 3rd street full of the popular american brand names. We were starving so after months of avoiding as much as we could "American" food we went to town. Steak 'n' shake had mouthwatering steak burgers with gorgeous salty fries and that wonderfull soda machine with 50 different flavours of pop. After 3 months of luminous orange fanta drinking other flavours was wonderful. I am going to gorge myself on American food!! The weight I lost from food poisioning will soon be replaced.

     Tomorrow road trip USA starts!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
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    Pacific coast to Monterey

    May 12, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    We picked up our Chevy Impala and made our way out of Santa Monica. The morning was spent working our way up the coast past gorgeous sea front properties on the pacific coast highway. We pulled into Santa Barbara a picture perfect town with colonial style buildings lining its mains street. First stop was an apple store for an aux cable for the car. The Californian radio stations are either spanish, good fearing or play a LOT of Adele.

    Lunch was had in a little pizza chain with wood fired pizza. Yum!! A pit stop into H&M and we found cheap clothes to update our wardrobe, having found that no one in their right mind can afford Abercrombie and Fitch. $60 for a skirt or $75 for a jumper!

    Continuing up the road, sadly the pacific coast highway is closed due to landslides, so we headed inland, powered by Starbucks and frozen yoghurt. We passed through grassy hills, that turned into vineyards. No time to stop more wine tasting will have to wait for NZ.

    We arrived into Monterey just before sunset into a friendly HI hostel. Walking down to Fisherman's warf we could hear but not seen the sea lions of the cove. Called in to one of the restaraunts by promise of good chowder we were sat by the window watching the boats bob on the sea. We shared some perfectly cooked calamari and I had some New England Chowder in a bread bowl. It was creamy and filling, and went down well with the local red wine.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
    1

    Yosemite

    May 13, 2017 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 1 °C

    After some pancakes we drove across California to reach Yosemite national park. We hit the park's rush hour at lunch time so it took an hour to gain entry. Luckily a pit stop at a humongus Walmart ment we were well stocked, and a roadtrip playlist kept us happy. When we finally reached the enterance, the ranger gleefully snatched the dollars out of my hand and ushered us in.

    Our first stop was the furthest viewpoint of the day, Glacier point. It had only opened two days prior due to the snow still encrusting the top of the peaks. On the way up the park truly put on a show. As the snow is melting, waterfalls adorn the granite surfaces dropping hundreds of meters to the valley floor.

    Glacier point did not disappoint with a panoramic view of half dome with the valleys either side. Working our way back down, a stop at Tunnel view gave a vista of El Capitan (the background of your iMac) and a beautiful waterfall. Taking our chance to see the waterfall closer we got soaked in its mist. Well worth it to capture its eternal rainbow at the bottom!

    A cruise through yosemite valley as the sun set completed our tour for the day. As night approached we left the park to our accomadation for the next day, Yosemite bug resort. Tucked away up a hill we gratefully went off to sleep.

    Next day our plans varied greatly. James hiked a round journey of 20 miles to the top of clouds rest, a challenge he set himself, getting up before the dawn. I would bum around the rustic resort having blueberry pancakes, catching up with friends and having a spa day with massage. Travelling for months takes it toll especially at the breakneck pace we did South America. You sometimes miss those lazy days on the sofa watching netflix or reading a book.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    San Fransisco

    May 16, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    We arrived into San Fransisco just after lunch, driving across Bay bridge we could see golden gate in the distance and the city an ecclectic mix of 20th century buildings and sky scrappers. The air stank of weed having just been legalised in November, and more than a few eccentric homless wandered the streets.

    First thing first was to grab a new phone for James and I bought a pair of jeans to fit in with the locals. As it fell dark we explored china town to find its streets empty apart from the lanterns criss crossing the streets. Stopping to eat at a tripadvisor find we had yummy burgers.

    Next day we hopped onto a cable car (a tram) at its table turn in Powell Street. Vintage looking with staff with colourfull and loud personalities we had fun running up and down the steep San Fransiscan hills down to Fisherman's warf.

    Exploring the wharf area we had a quick look at pier 39 (very touristy) before Brunch in a cafe James loved from a previous visit! Eating quickly we then made our way to pier 33 for a cruise to Alcatraz. A grey misty day the island looked forbidding in the bay.

    Our first place to visit wad the industries building which had a photo exihbition about the last day of the prison. Outside stood a park ranger who gave a hilarious talk about the known escape attempts from the prison. Up the hill a audio tour took you around the prison buildings, past the isolation block, through the "gen pop" blocks to the officer rooms.

     By some miracle we were let off the island and continued to explore the cheap eats around the hostel, this time a slice of pizza which when it came was as big as my head. Supersize US!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    The Golden Gate

    May 17, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    After a doomed trip to see if we could ship things back home to lighten the souvineir load (big fat no at $200 for a package 😨), we ditched the not so free walking tours for the good old hop on hop off bus.
    First stop city hall, a beautiful white building with a gold leaf dome. Inside continued with intricate mouldings, and a fair few brides and their parties were mulling around inside. One of the wedding photographers ushered us downstairs to see a exhibition on the summer of love.

    Jumping back on the bus we stopped to see the painted ladies, before continuing on to the golden gate park (which isn't close to the bridge). Unfortunately the science museum was out of budget so we walked around and had a great hot dog in the sun.

    Highlight of the day came next as we were dropped off on the far end of the bridge. It was a cloudless sunny day so the next hour of walking was spent taking hundreds of photos of this iconic bridge. The aim of staying alive at the end, as the walkway was shared with bicycle traffic from both ways. A tourist on a bike taking a photo is a dangerous thing! Just as we left the boat we saw two couples transfixed by something in the water. A whale had come up for air and was sending spurts of water into the air!

    We walked until the palace of fine arts which had gorgeous lake in front, full of turtles. The tour ended as we whizzed towards the pyramid building before ending at the ferry building. San Fran did not disappoint!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
    1

    Hollywood

    May 18, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    With over 12 hours lay over in LAX we had to wander out or risk becoming crazy. After a saga of trying to get to somewhere that stores luggage (after 9/11 no luggage storage in airports), we caught the bus to see Hollywood.

    Getting off on Hollywood and Vine the stars had already started down the walk of fame, and I had fun spotting the famous and Welsh stars. Part of Hollywood was cordened off by the famous Dolby cinema (the one with the oscars) as the American premier for Pirates of the Caribbean was in the evening. Unfortunately we were to early for any of the stars, but it was fun to duck between the absolute nutters dressed in pirate costumes. Some had put a lot of effort in, with real life sized stuffed parrots on their shoulders, and a lot of eyeliner.

    We took pictures at the chinese theatre and compared shoe sizes with the film stars before heading to the back of the complex to grab site of the famous sign on the hill. While fun to see it and tick it off the list it was a bit underwhelming. Leaving the US behind after watching a fair few people being shouted at US security its Fiji time!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
    1

    Fiji time

    May 23, 2017 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Excuse the silence on the blog for the last few days but I've been enjoying doing nothing and pure relaxation on this incredible island. We've stepped off the traveller path for now to fully embrace the resort tourist way. In the airport we were welcomed with a big Bula (Hello!) and a trio playing ukeleles as we shuffled through security. The welcome and friendliness has not stopped since.

    Our shelter for the day was The Bamboo hostel, a lively hostel full of backpackers and locals. I hung out in a hammock until our room became available to pass out for a few hours. On awaking we met our room mate Kansas who was here on an exchange from uni. A great place for a semester! She was barely functioning too after a night celebrating the crusaders rugby game.

    Next day we took a boat out to the nearest island to try and see some good snorkeling. We were greeted by the staff onto a picturesque little island that takes less than 5 minutes to walk around. One buidling was surrounded by soft sand and palm trees. We sat and sunned ourselves, helping outselves to the free beer and soft drinks. I had the most amazing massage for the equivelent of £12.

    At 10 fiji time we were taken a few hundred meters off shore to snorkel. Following a guide we saw Nemo a feat I hadn't managed in the great barrier reef. We also saw a Eel that loved to he tickled! While the coral is bleached the fish are every colour under the sun. My favourite being the zebra patterned little ones that pop in and out of the coral.

    Next day we arrived in the big treat for myself for doing the W trek and the Andes trek, 5 days in a resort. From the moment we arrived we knew we'd hit gold. The staff are obviously invested, saying Bula at every turn and truly try to get to know you, and make your stay special. We're a novelty here as they don't often have Brits. Its nice, no towels on sun beds, no pushing in at the buffet. Aussies and Kiwis behave themselves in resorts.

    While our first two days were rain and wind, we busied ourselves playing air hockey, pool and squash, between planning New Zealand and having a look around. The evenings we joined the Kava ceremony enjoying high tide glasses. Leaving with a feeling of calm the stuff gives you a fantastic nights sleep!

    We had an unforgettable meal at the Sazanumi Japanese restaraunt. The staff sang for us and we danced along to the songs, getting up at one point to dance the conga! We had teppanyaki which is the style of cooking where the chef cooks in front of you and truly puts on a show of his skills. He chopped at the speed of light and would flick food onto your plate. The food was mouthwatering, and as another guest on our table had her birthday we enjoyed some yummy free choclate cake!

    By our third day glorious blue skies greeted us and we rushed out to the sunbeds overlooking the sea. The landscaping team were climbing the palm trees to knock down the coconuts. Soko a friendly groundsman used his machette to cut open one of the coconuts and we got to enjoy the lovely milk. Snorkling suprised us with the amount of fish around, watching baracudas hunt through the sand, all done while trying to avoid the creepy looking sea snakes at the bottom! The bars at night have amazing singers to relax too after supper.

    We will leave the hotel with a heavy heart after an amazing time, a night in the hostel awaits before a morning flight to Auckland. Our last leg of the journey begins in the land of the long white cloud.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    The land of the long white cloud

    May 27, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌫 17 °C

    Final stop before home, New Zealand. We arrived in Auckland after a short hop from Fiji. It's hotter than I thought it would be, a nice balmy 18 degrees.

    First things first, we grabbed the rental car for the next 6 weeks. A white Toyota Corrolla that we have dubbed Kora. I'm chief navigator and 2nd driver! Next was a shop to the black and yellow behemouth Pak n Save, a massive supermarket that looks like a cash and carry. Picking up the basics I dub this place the cathedral of budget backpackers.

    Our hostel for the first night was Bamber house, while a lovely great house and a suprising upgrade to a twin room from a 8 bed dorm (!) the atmosphere was lacking. With a lot of long term residents who could be quite abrupt and not polite we ended up sticking to ourselves that night.

    A sunny half an hour walk the next day into Auckland CBD. After grabbing my contacts ordered in the US (Hallelujaha I can see again!) we wandered to the skytower. A ear popping 52 floors later and we viewed Auckland from above and watched the crazy people jump off the edge. Scoffing sandwiches in a pretty park after, it was time to set off to the Northlands. We drove through windy and hilly roads through rolling green hills full of cows. I can get used to this!

    Hostel: Bamber house 3/5 - lacks atmosphere but nice enough

    Skytower: 3/5 - Not the greatest view compared to other city skylines    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
    11

    Bay of islands

    May 29, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Up bright and early we headed to the wharf and jumped on board the cruise of the bay. A foggy morning in Paihia we couldn't see Russell the town the other side of the bay. The skipper gave a running commentary as we sailed around the bay and the mist lifted. First stop a privately owned island to drop off their post!

    Dolphins were the aim of the game, along with seeing the hole in the rock. While the dolphins evaded us the hole at least stayed put. We couldn't go through due to swell but had a good look either side.

    Dropped off on the biggest island we hiked to the top and had a great 360 view across the bay and the penninsula. The sun was out so the sky wad a vivid blue, reflected in the sea with emerald green isles inbetween.

    We stepped off the cruise in Russell and had a walk around the sleepy old capital. Full of colonial buildings and a pretty beach. A free ferry ride later, back in Paihia, we got our affairs back in order and enjoyed the atmosphere in the hostel. With a free upgrade to a twin room, and a helpful owner called Nicky, it was such a nice place. With a roaring wood fire, comfy sofas and a good kitchen we could relax and get to know the fellow guests. A mix of German, Irish and French they gave us a lot of tips for our travels to South Island soon.

    Our tour for the next day was cancelled but the hostel staff soon booked us into another company's tour with a discounted price. An early start for that tour too!

    Hostel: Moustrap hostel: 5/5 Great room, great kitchen, great atmosphere, brilliant staff. Loved

    Fullers cruise the bay: 4/5 only because there was no dolphins, but we have a free trip that lasts a lifetime to come back to try and see them!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
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    To the top

    May 30, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Zooming up the misty roads the next morning the kiwi tones of Kevin the bus driver kept us awake with facts about history and fauna of the area. We stopped at a Kauri forest, gawped at great towering trees that used to cover the whole of the north before clambering back onto the bus.

    It was a long way to reach the top so lunch was had early a nice serving of "Fush and chups". Two hours later we reached Cape Reinga a beautiful penninsula that reaches into the sea where the pacific and tasman oceans meet. It's a sacred place for the Maori, they believe all spirits come here and descend down the roots of an ancient tree, into the water, where they journey on to the afterlife. A lighthouse stands at the end of the point warning ships of the trecharous seas around.

    Next stop were the sandunes an exhilerating ride down with a board. Driver Kevin was a tad too saftey concious, and kept shouting for us to slow down and break with our toes. Going fast is the whole point! We sped down 90 mile beach on the bus them headed back to civilisation.

    At the hostel after food we went across the road with a fewnof the other guests to enjoy some local beers. Mone was ginger and manderin beer. Very refreshing!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    The Coromandel

    June 1, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    It's the end of autumn creeping into winter. As it is still quite warm up in the North we're being treated to an array of oranges, reds and browns as we pass forests. It's a lovely site contrasting against the green rolling hills. It truly looks a lot like Wales a lot of the time.

    Our aim of the day was Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The latter we were told could not be enjoyed that day as the low tides were very early and very late. Change of plan then, we'd head for the Karangahaki gorge.

    The walk down to Cathedral cove was a nice gentle walk through a few tropical forests along the cliffs amd then down to the beach. As we arrived the tide was coming in, so ditching our shoes and trouser legs we waded through to the next beach to get the best picture of the cove. Taking a quick picture I quickly ran back and waded/waddled back the water now reaching half a meter higher than before.

    We sat and just enjoyed being on the beach for an hour. The sea was lovely and blue, the other end of the beach had a fresh water waterfall and in the middle I found a toilet with a window looking out on the vista, truly a toilet with a view!

    Mid afternoon we arrived in Karangahaki gorge and enjoyed the quick old railway tunnel loop. The tunnel runs for 1km and it was a lot of fun doing long exposure pics with James' camera and experimenting with light painting.

    Continuing west we stopped at Matamata for the night, which can only mean one thing tomorrow....Hobbiton!!!!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Hobbiton and starry caves

    June 2, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Only one thing could be on the car radio this morning, the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. It continued in the green bus that ferried us to the set. Our guide was called Haydn and he'd read the books in and out and was full of LOTR trivia. He was also good at ignoring inpolite chinese tourists, and rounding them up as neccesary (you can imagine my look of horror every time one of them spat 😲).

    The set is amazing, there are over 40 hobbit holes, each with a different theme- the butcher, the deli, seamstress etc. They come in different sizes too to fool your prospective to make Gandalf look tall and the hobbits small. Part of the tour is a free drink in the tavern, the green dragon. We nabbed the seats by the fire and enjoyed our pale ale.

    Continuing on from Hobbiton we shot across to Waitomo. With a tight budget that week the black water rafting was out, so we opted for the footlight cave tour, a family buisness that allows photos in the caves. As others didn't turn up we had a private tour, which Roz the guide informed us usually costs $400!!

    Decending into the dark as our eyes adjusted we started to see the gloworms on the roof. With dim lights on amazing stalagmites and stalactites emerged. The main corridor of the cave was like a star constallation, a shame our cameras could not pick them up as it was an aweinspiring site. They were spread apart from each other as they tend to eat each other! The tour ended with a cup of tea made out of the cousin of the fijian kava.

    After a packed day it was nice to have a room to ourselves in the hostel and a roaring fire in the lounge. The staff member was a kooky guy but he had a lovely terrier called Max that curled up on James' lap.

    YHA Juno Hall: 5/5    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Maori Tamaki Village

    June 3, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    The night experience at the Tamaki village is worth its glowing reviews. Picked up by Dennis our Louis Armstrong sounding driver he gave a witty explanation of the welcome ceremony we were about to be greeted with.
    Step 1. We needed a chief, an Aussie wife at the front voluntered her husband. Chief Michael was born.
    Step 2. No laughing or smiling despite the faces the warriors will pull, its insulting.
    Step 3. Take as many videos as you want and say a big Kia Ora at the end!
    He the had the whole bus miming to row our "waka" aka the bus into the park.

    We were greeted by the village chief and around 7 warriors who presented welcome gifts to Chief Michael. Once we were accepted into the village we went around 5 different huts learning Maori childhood games, dancing and the Haka!

    Our food was the traditional Hongi which is cooked under the ground. While it was being prepared we sat for a concert of Maori dancing and singing, followed by some contemporary dancing. They have amazing voices! The night was topped off with the amazing hongi buffet.

    Dennis drove us back, singing the wheels in the bus chipping in a verse where the driver doesn't have a liscence and then finished off with its a wonderful world. What a brilliant night.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Smelly Rotorua

    June 4, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    After a poor nights sleep due to 4 drunken Nepalese teenagers, I couldn't wait to leave the hostel for the day. We drove up to the blue lake and had a nice wander around, dodging into the bush to avoid runners who were competing in a sporting day! Stopping at the opposite end for coffee and cookies, we watched them coming in for the finish.

    Going back into town we turned off into the Redwood Forest planted 80 years ago, they grow faster than their Californian cousins and tower above you. They've built a elevated walkway through the forest so we had fun walking on the bridges and learning about the forest. Avoiding the hostel some more we took a cruise in the car around some lakes for sunset. Reluctantly heading back we watched a film with some other backpackers from Bristol and Ireland before sneaking back into our room. The four were already asleep.... I might have slammed the door on the way to brush my teeth 😈.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Blue Lake Taupo

    June 6, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Glad to leave Rotorua we made our way to Taupo. First pitstop was the Wai o Tapo Geothermal wonderland. Sitting with a hundred other people we eagerly awaited their geyser Lady Knox to blow. Shock horror, they cheat her natural cycle of blowing every 72 hours by putting in washing liquid 😨. When she did blow it went to an impressive 15m. Once the main show was over, we sprinted back to the main park to beat the selfie zombies to the walkways.
    A smelly place, the park has lakes of amazing colours and a nice panorama down a hill.

    Carrying on we pulled off to have a look at Huka falls. A dazzling blue colour, the falls have amazing power, as much to fill 15 swimming pools in one minute!

     Taupo was sleepy on the bank holiday Monday. We enjoyed lunch in front of the lakeside before settling into the hostel and having a pool tournament. I actually won a game!!! My first since we've started playing in Fiji.

    Next day a lazy morning before heading on the boat Ernest Kemp to the Maori carving by the lakeside. With a complementary beer and hot choclate it was peaceful on the lake with the mountains and clouds reflected in the water. We had fun feeding biscuits to the ducks which would fly up and grab it from your hands! The carvings were amazing even if they are only from the 70's! A grandmother demanded her grandson to produce the carving, he outdid himself!

    Jumping back into Kora we headed down to Turangi, a town the other side of the lake. Our base camp for the Tongarira Alpine Crossing the next day!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    June 7, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C

    Up at a creaky 06:30 am we shuffled into 6 layers of clothing and our well worn boots ready for another top class hike to tick off. Parking at the end of the hike we grabbed a shuttle with a driver that kept repeating "sweet as" as his company picked up around 150 willing walkers for the day.

    The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km walk starting at 1100m, climbing up to 1765m, and then back down to 750m. In winter its closed except if you have a guide. Luckily a big snowfall had yet to materialize, so the path, in good weather, is still open to everyone. With the sun shining and low winds we were good to go according to the DOC (Department of conservation).

    The whole walk goes through a live volcanic area, starting through frosty gorse we went up a valley with old lava flows coming down from the volcanoes below. The Devil's staircase whilst devlish in their steepness did not beat the steep inclines of South America, and the stunning view of mount Doom above keeps you going. The DOC put less than helpful signs at various points. The first bring if there is an eruption you should run for it....

    After taking a few pictures of Mount Doom we continued through the crater with snow crunching underfoot. The next climb up was a ridge with rope chains to help you up the tricky bits (take note Hellvelyn) and at the top you had a panorama for miles and the beautiful green lakes below.

    Now came the tricky bit... volcanic scree all the way down to the lakes. James ran down whilst I took my time skidding every once in a while. At least if you did fall it was a sift landing onto sand. I felt sorry for the girl behind me on some kind of Duke Of Edinburgh type walk with a heavy backpack, she was petrified and needed two people to coax/drag her down.

    Lunch was quickly eaten at the lakes as staying still to long ment the chilly wind made you feel baltic. A quick up to a blue lake then it was down all the way. The snow melted again into bush land with hot springs gushing steam either side. Down into a forest and finally after 6 hours and a half into the car park.

    Back in the hostel after the most glorious hot shower we ordered a pizza from next door, and then headed out with Katy and Alan (a pair from England that had also done the crossing) to watch the Lions play agaisnt the Blues. Even though they lost, it had been a great day, and James' mastermind plan if turning me into a hiker is working bit by bit.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler
    Hiding mountainStill hidingJust saw the top again before cloud surrounded it again

    Volcano hide and seek

    June 8, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Legs aching we said goodbye to our hiking friends Alan and Alex and set off towards New Plymouth. Everybody we had met said that Mount Taranaki a volcano was worth seeing. Alan and Alex had recommended taking the forgotten highway there, and we enjoyed the panorama of our crossing yesterday, and drove past farms and changing trees We even had to stop for sheep crossing at one point.

    A choice then loomed left to follow the highway or right as google demanded. We chose right and I had to contend with miles of gravel road 😬. I literally yelped for joy when we rejoined an asphalt road and soon on the horizon we could see Mount Taranaki. A perfect cone that juts out from the horizon, it even had the classical snow on the top. Unfortunately neither of us took a picture at this point and later on it had disappeared behind the clouds never to return. These are my best attempts.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Whanganui

    June 9, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    A pit stop on the way down to Wellington Whanganui was a sleepy town on a winters day. We rode up a very old crickety elevator to the top of the hill and snapped pictures of the great river and then meandered into the museum full of local maori artefacts. A arty town with a lot of galleries lining the streets. At glassworkswe chatted to the friendly receptionist as we browsed their exhibition.

    The next morning we had a look around their local market and bought a lovely little kiwi model made from blackwood that changes colour in the light. The same stall had tens of beautifully crafted woodwork that we would have carted home if only we had the weight allowance!    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    Wellington

    June 10, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    In a rainy Wellington we stopped by Mac's brewbar and enjoyed a pale ale before entering the Te Papa museum which is a treasure trove. We first entered an exhibition about the Gallipoli battle in turkey to which Kiwis were sent. We were faced with amazing waxwork models of real people who had been at the battle and the stories behind them. A thought provoking exhibition which left me saddened that thousands of men lost their life over a barren cliffside that brought no gain to the war effort.

    The second exhibition about earthquakes was fun with an earthquake simulator and interactive games. The museum is definately worth a visit and it's free!!

    A further 5 minutes down the road lay the Welsh Dragon Bar where we settled ourselves in for the Lions game. It was much more fun to watch the match with the majority of the croud supporting your team! Llan was already pinned on the map. I wonder who it was that placed the pins there?

    Next morning after an unexpected steep hill we met up with Kelly James' friend and Tim her boyfriend. She moved here after meeting Tim on an exchange year. We spent a lovely few hours in their company being fed a fried breakfast and having a go at foozball (I was crap!).

    We wandered down the pretty botanical gardens back to the hostel, then jumped in the car over to Chocolate fish cafe which made a great flat white.    Read more

  • Sara LynRound-the-southTraveler

    North of the South

    June 13, 2017 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    A gentle ferry ride over the Cook Straits gave great views of what is to come on the south island, snowy mountain tops and lush green inlets. Jumping into Kora (the car), we wound our way to Nelson with lovely views over the Queen Charlotte sounds. The hostel for the night was full of longterm workers gossiping about love triangles. Not quite the chat we're after at the moment so we decided to move on.

    The next day was grey and wet so postponing planned hiking, we ambled along in the car to farewell spit and farewell cove the northen most point of the island. On the way back we stopped into the Mussel inn a cosy pub with their own vraft beer and a big open fire. It was lovely to just sit there listening to the rain outside.

    We stopped in Takaka for the night and had a wonderful time in the Barefoot hostel which is run by a friendly couple in theri 60's. James grabbed one of the hostel's guitars and jammed with one of the other guests and the owner, while all of us in the kitchen sang along and chatted. This was more like it, actual socialising.

    We headed out after supper to the only place with the rugby on to watch Lions v Highlanders. The locals in the pub had the policy of supporting the Lions during the provincial matches so there was a lot of shouting at the ref. Great little place Tekaka.    Read more

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