"The spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the warmness is!"
Spring is officially here, and has been since September 1st. I can't help but try and urge Mother Nature to provide some warmth along with the season! We've had a bit of a cold snap lately, but today it seems to be trying to move along. I'm a front row supporter in the advocacy of "the brrrr factor" leaving town. This season has appeared with many "Spring-like" accompaniments: birds whistling early in the morning, the grass growing as if it were on sod steroids, and the constant need for sunglasses! I also feel much more inclined to leap out of bed earlier these days!
Things have been looking up in the last little while, and to add to it, Jordan has what is basically a new full-time job - one that doesn't involve vines, wines, or mud. Olly ( who is the son of the owner) has employed Jordan indefinitely to do odd jobs for him around this hostel, as well as for their other hostel. He has also been working at Olly and Sarah's house, assisting with renovations, painting and yard work. We assumed that Jordan's helping out would be a temporary position, but it seems that there is actually endless chores to be done, especially now that the weather is cooperating. It seems as if he will be employed as a handyman until we leave. The best part of it all is that Jordan loves the work, and his efforts are rewarded by crafts-man quality results. Furthermore, it has meant no more vineyard-induced visits to the chiropractor. Another perk is that the pay for this work is tax-free, and just simply included with our hostel bonus each week. Woohoo!
On another note, our flights have been booked for Southeast Asia! (Did I mention that pomegranates are apparently grown there?!? I keep having daydreams of me frolicking fairy-like through a meadow made of the scrumptious fruits!) We officially have less than a month left of work in New Zealand, and already the remaining time has been flying by. Our last day at Copper Beech is October 19th, and we fly out of Christchurch on the 21st at 6:00am. We are even planning to spend our last night in New Zealand in jail.
Seriously.
Built in 1874, the building was used as a prison up until 1999! It is now one of the top ranked hostels in the country, and we figured we might as well have a bit of fun before we leave!
We fly into the notorious city of Bangkok, after a layover in first Australia and then Singapore. The latter airport is apparently one of the top ranked sites for layovers, so needless to say I'm excited to check out what it has to offer! (Especially since we land around 5:00pm and leave at 7:00am the next morning.) I'm still debating about looking into accommodation for the night, as Singapore actually seems a bit expensive! We arrive at our final destination around 9:00am October 22nd, and I have no doubt that although we will be haggard and disheveled, we will be bursting with curiosity and excitement over landing in a new country! The flight is obviously a long one, but hey, I considered it a steal when faced with the final price.
After spending a few days in Bangkok, we plan to travel down the coast to the island of Ko Phangan to participate in the legendary Full Moon Party.
After spending up to a week there, we plan to travel down the opposing coast to Phuket, where although many tourists flock, the beaches and scenery are supposed to be unbeatable. (Now you can see why I'm working so hard at the gym. It's bathing suit season there! *shudder*)
We are then hoping to trek back up and over into Cambodia, to visit sights such as Angkor Wat. After some time spent in this country we will then hop into Vietnam and then up into Laos. The plan is to fly out of Ha Noi and into Beijing. After exploring the city and the nearby Great Wall, we will fly to Shaanxi, a province in China in hopes of climbing the ledgendary Mt. Huashan. Nepal and the Everest Base Camp trek will follow shortly afterwards.
Even as I sit here and type this, I can't believe that it will all be happening so soon! Of course things never go completely according to plan, and with the exception of oh...I don't know... maybe your car being stolen, unplanned events can be exciting!
There were a few necessary details that we had to take care of before Asia, and one of those details was that of vaccinations. After speaking with a nurse, we decided on several vaccines: Hep A and B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough. We also each picked up a 6 month supply of malaria pills. I wanted the rabies vaccine as well, but apparently it isn't offered in Blenheim, and you'd need three separate injections, each at a price of over $200. Yikes. I foamed at the mouth a little upon hearing that. Pun intended.
Anyways, I walked into the clinic all hotshot and superhero, thinking, "Hey, I've had blood taken more times than I care to count, and I'm a blood donor. This will be easy-peesy-lemon-squeezy." After speaking up that I'd take the jabs first, the nurse, Francis, readied the first needle containing the Hep A and B, and stuck it into my upper arm.
Ow. That hurts a little more than your average blood test. Still, I was acting macho, chatting away and smiling brightly, all the while inwardly cringing at the sensation of the vaccine being forced into my muscle. I swear I almost breathed an audible sigh of relief as she pulled the wretched needle out. Almost. Remember, I'm being a hardcore hotshot here.
The next needle (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough) hurt probably four times worse than the first, and I think my eye actually twitched and squinted when it was pushed in. Again, the sensation of the vaccines leaving the needle felt abnormal, and when my other arm was finally left alone the urge to shriek with joy was overwhelming.
My joy was short lived.
Jordan and Francis chatted a bit while patching up my arms, and I could feel the blood leaving my face. I felt the urge to put my head between my knees, and just as I was about to do so, I heard, "Are you ok?"
Yes I'm fine. "No." Damn it.
I was dragged over to the corner to lay down, and staring up at an extraordinarily dull coloured ceiling from my crinkly paper bed I knew my macho facade had just been exposed.
At least I now had the pleasure of watching Jordan get stabbed with the dreaded instruments. Maybe he'll pass out or squeal like a little girl. Come on, faint. Make me feel better.
Nothing. Not even a wince. What a jerk.
Eventually, we walked out of the clinic with Jordan proclaiming, "See? That wasn't so bad." The look I shot him probably would have made Hitler run for cover. As it turned out, the effects were not over, and I wasn't able to lift either arm for the next four days! Did I mention we have to get booster shots in 10 days as well? Can't wait!
With all of this being said however, I think it's pretty incredible that humans have been able to develop a means in which to induce life-long immunity to certain diseases. I'd say a little pain and humiliation is worth it.
As my day now draws to a close, I feel the urge to enjoy the last few rays of sunlight with a walk to the grocery store. My new favorite low-cal popsicles are calling my name.
New Zealand Fact of the Day:
Apparently houses here in NZ are built on wooden bases, to allow for more movement and flexibility because of the numerous earthquakes they experience each year.
Spring is officially here, and has been since September 1st. I can't help but try and urge Mother Nature to provide some warmth along with the season! We've had a bit of a cold snap lately, but today it seems to be trying to move along. I'm a front row supporter in the advocacy of "the brrrr factor" leaving town. This season has appeared with many "Spring-like" accompaniments: birds whistling early in the morning, the grass growing as if it were on sod steroids, and the constant need for sunglasses! I also feel much more inclined to leap out of bed earlier these days!
Things have been looking up in the last little while, and to add to it, Jordan has what is basically a new full-time job - one that doesn't involve vines, wines, or mud. Olly ( who is the son of the owner) has employed Jordan indefinitely to do odd jobs for him around this hostel, as well as for their other hostel. He has also been working at Olly and Sarah's house, assisting with renovations, painting and yard work. We assumed that Jordan's helping out would be a temporary position, but it seems that there is actually endless chores to be done, especially now that the weather is cooperating. It seems as if he will be employed as a handyman until we leave. The best part of it all is that Jordan loves the work, and his efforts are rewarded by crafts-man quality results. Furthermore, it has meant no more vineyard-induced visits to the chiropractor. Another perk is that the pay for this work is tax-free, and just simply included with our hostel bonus each week. Woohoo!
On another note, our flights have been booked for Southeast Asia! (Did I mention that pomegranates are apparently grown there?!? I keep having daydreams of me frolicking fairy-like through a meadow made of the scrumptious fruits!) We officially have less than a month left of work in New Zealand, and already the remaining time has been flying by. Our last day at Copper Beech is October 19th, and we fly out of Christchurch on the 21st at 6:00am. We are even planning to spend our last night in New Zealand in jail.
Seriously.
Built in 1874, the building was used as a prison up until 1999! It is now one of the top ranked hostels in the country, and we figured we might as well have a bit of fun before we leave!
We fly into the notorious city of Bangkok, after a layover in first Australia and then Singapore. The latter airport is apparently one of the top ranked sites for layovers, so needless to say I'm excited to check out what it has to offer! (Especially since we land around 5:00pm and leave at 7:00am the next morning.) I'm still debating about looking into accommodation for the night, as Singapore actually seems a bit expensive! We arrive at our final destination around 9:00am October 22nd, and I have no doubt that although we will be haggard and disheveled, we will be bursting with curiosity and excitement over landing in a new country! The flight is obviously a long one, but hey, I considered it a steal when faced with the final price.
After spending a few days in Bangkok, we plan to travel down the coast to the island of Ko Phangan to participate in the legendary Full Moon Party.
After spending up to a week there, we plan to travel down the opposing coast to Phuket, where although many tourists flock, the beaches and scenery are supposed to be unbeatable. (Now you can see why I'm working so hard at the gym. It's bathing suit season there! *shudder*)
 |
| Angkor Wat, Cambodia |
 |
| Mt. Huashan South Peak |
Even as I sit here and type this, I can't believe that it will all be happening so soon! Of course things never go completely according to plan, and with the exception of oh...I don't know... maybe your car being stolen, unplanned events can be exciting!
There were a few necessary details that we had to take care of before Asia, and one of those details was that of vaccinations. After speaking with a nurse, we decided on several vaccines: Hep A and B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough. We also each picked up a 6 month supply of malaria pills. I wanted the rabies vaccine as well, but apparently it isn't offered in Blenheim, and you'd need three separate injections, each at a price of over $200. Yikes. I foamed at the mouth a little upon hearing that. Pun intended.
Anyways, I walked into the clinic all hotshot and superhero, thinking, "Hey, I've had blood taken more times than I care to count, and I'm a blood donor. This will be easy-peesy-lemon-squeezy." After speaking up that I'd take the jabs first, the nurse, Francis, readied the first needle containing the Hep A and B, and stuck it into my upper arm.
Ow. That hurts a little more than your average blood test. Still, I was acting macho, chatting away and smiling brightly, all the while inwardly cringing at the sensation of the vaccine being forced into my muscle. I swear I almost breathed an audible sigh of relief as she pulled the wretched needle out. Almost. Remember, I'm being a hardcore hotshot here.
The next needle (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough) hurt probably four times worse than the first, and I think my eye actually twitched and squinted when it was pushed in. Again, the sensation of the vaccines leaving the needle felt abnormal, and when my other arm was finally left alone the urge to shriek with joy was overwhelming.
My joy was short lived.
Jordan and Francis chatted a bit while patching up my arms, and I could feel the blood leaving my face. I felt the urge to put my head between my knees, and just as I was about to do so, I heard, "Are you ok?"
Yes I'm fine. "No." Damn it.
I was dragged over to the corner to lay down, and staring up at an extraordinarily dull coloured ceiling from my crinkly paper bed I knew my macho facade had just been exposed.
At least I now had the pleasure of watching Jordan get stabbed with the dreaded instruments. Maybe he'll pass out or squeal like a little girl. Come on, faint. Make me feel better.
Nothing. Not even a wince. What a jerk.
Eventually, we walked out of the clinic with Jordan proclaiming, "See? That wasn't so bad." The look I shot him probably would have made Hitler run for cover. As it turned out, the effects were not over, and I wasn't able to lift either arm for the next four days! Did I mention we have to get booster shots in 10 days as well? Can't wait!
With all of this being said however, I think it's pretty incredible that humans have been able to develop a means in which to induce life-long immunity to certain diseases. I'd say a little pain and humiliation is worth it.
As my day now draws to a close, I feel the urge to enjoy the last few rays of sunlight with a walk to the grocery store. My new favorite low-cal popsicles are calling my name.
New Zealand Fact of the Day:
Apparently houses here in NZ are built on wooden bases, to allow for more movement and flexibility because of the numerous earthquakes they experience each year.
