a pic a day (day 201)

Posted on September 8, 2011 by nitzus

a juxtaposition of two totally different profiles – a temperate rain forest and snowcapped mountains. yep, it’s near haast township on the west coast of middle earth! june 2010.

the location:

a pic a day (day 187)

Posted on August 23, 2011 by nitzus

foreboding view of lake tikitapu (or blue lake) facing south from a lookout point off tarawera rd. near rotorua gave a chilling look to onlookers. the group of dabbling ducks on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind at all. june 2010.

the location:

a pic a day (day 166)

Posted on August 2, 2011 by nitzus

while driving through arthur’s pass national park, 35 km south of arthur’s pass village, we came upon this scenic lake, lake pearson, surrounded by purple hill (left) at 1,879m, broken hill (far centre) at 1,485m and mature willow trees on the lakeshore, albeit leafless. however it gave thoughtful and morose feelings in each of us of leaving those wonderful places behind and fully ingrained in our memories as moments never to be forgotten. june 2010.

the location:

soul searching road trip oznz – day 15 (20/06/2010)

Posted on July 24, 2011 by nitzus

day 15 was the day that we didn’t do anything. that morning, together with diman, i sent companion #4 back to avis, it was a pleasure being intimate with her even it was only for a day. initially, the plan was to rent the car for 3 days, visiting mt. taranaki and spending the night at new plymouth, some 250 km southwest of hamilton but i had to cancel it as the itineraries were too jam packed and decided to occupy the last remaining days in new zealand only at hamilton. it also saved us a few dollars.

when i got back to carrington ave. with diman around 9:00 am, most of them were still deep in their sleep and i just resorted to watch some tv programmes with some channels in maori, updates on the current world cup results and watching music videos. i had my breakfast, couldn’t remember what i ate, except that it was delicious. although it was not a memorable day per se, but one thing that struck me was that i was introduced by diman to a pretty interesting music video by an australian band, the temper trap, which i continued to appreciate their music even to this day. here’s the video:

other than that, i slept again during noon and only woke when lunch was ready. i only went out of the house once more in the evening, with elias and alif, walking about 50m south to the nearest grocery store at masters ave., to buy some chocolate bars, dr. pepper and a gummy ball for alif and luckily got a plastic diecast doc hudson of pixar’s cars fame inside it. i also went to the backyard quite a lot, befriending the neighbour’s cat, smoking and getting impressed with kak maz’s self nurtured broccolis and strawberries. that night after dinner, most of us were quite sad as that night was our last night in new zealand. we cherished the night by sitting on the sofa and the floor, remisniscing about our short time when we were there. all of us went to bed early as we would be having a long and tiring day on the following day.
▼ somewhat blurry image of a new feline friend

▼ the backyard

next» soul searching road trip oznz – day 16 (21/06/2010)

a pic a day (day 153)

Posted on July 20, 2011 by nitzus

after putting up an engaging show, little rock and the south pacific at the mare’s leg cove near cathedral cove ended the day with gentle waves helped by a breezy afternoon and a clear blue sky. the packed audience reacted by giving a sitting ovation and demanded an encore. june 2010.

the location:

soul searching road trip oznz – day 14 (19/06/2010)

Posted on July 14, 2011 by nitzus

at 8:45 am, i was already on the road with diman who was driving and our business for the day was to pick up companion #4 at avis hamilton branch, anglesea rd., near the city centre about 4 km from hillcrest. diman left me at the entrance and waited in his car, i walked into the compound, rental cars were everywhere and entered the small office where i gave my boking reference number, paid my due and received the key. i went outside and found my new friend, a new silver corolla altis. i got inside, had a feel of it and ignited the car engine. the car soundlessly left the compound swiftly and diman led the way and being unfamiliar with the dowbtown area, i just followed his car. soon we were back in the driveway at hillcrest and i had my breakfast. by the time zack, ija, alif and yomi were ready, we left hamilton at 9:30 am and moved through sh1 again going south east, the same route that we took days earlier. aina didn’t follow us and used the time to web surfing and watching tv as the car was crowded enough with 2 child seats at the back, ija cramped in between.

just slightly after the town of cambridge, we exited sh1 at piarere and entered sh29 towards the north. the weather was cloudy and cold, less than 7°c. our 1st destination of the day was to visit matamata, made famous by the lord of the rings movie location for hobbiton, the grassy slopy hills where the hobbits lived. however the actual location is a private farmland somewhere near matamata and you have to pay a lot to join the tour with a tour bus to visit the movie set. and the base of the tour is in the small rural town. i’d decided long before the trip that the only way we would be joining the tour depended on the weather. if the weather was clear with a blue sky and everything, only then we’d joined. drab weather does not a good picture make. that is my mantra. it was not worth spending nzd66 pax to take photos in hobbiton if it’s cloudy. unfortunately, the weather did not permit us to go on an expensive tour that particular morning. instead, i just parked the car near the visitor information centre, called i-site in new zealand, walked 50m to the i-site, and even the structure are designed like a hobbit’s dwelling. it was enough for us to take photos in front of the i-site. inside, zack bought some lotr keychains and fridge magnets. later we crossed the main road, the broadway, and right in the centre lies the welcome to hobbiton signage with the statue of gollum sitting next to it. they all took turns posing with gollum and i snapped as many photos as i could muster.
▼ the matamata i-site

▼ from another angle

▼ hobbiton tour bus
▼ more hobbiton inspired building

▼ gollum statue at the broadway

once they grew tired of walking around the town area, it was time to take our leave and we left the town at 11:00 am and used sh27 towards tirau. we reentered the highway (sh1) and our next destination was only planned the day before because zack and ija could not find any souvenir shops in hamilton and we needed something to bring home. there are none tourist flocked town in the vicinity other than rotorua! the journey was concentrated on reaching the town. pretty soon, my favourite smell of sulphur came flying back into my nostrils and i inhaled it with joy. after reaching the town, both kids were sleeping, therefore i had no other choice but to wait inside the car while zack and ija went to get some stuff at the souvenir shops at pukuatua st. it took them roughly half an hour before they came back with shopping bags in both of their hands. i started the car, retraced our trip and raced our way back to hamilton and completed the round trip by 2:00 pm. kak maz invited us to have lunch first before we continued our journey with the hosts leading the way.

back on the journey, diman led us towards the east, using sh23 through rough terrain, mountainous farmland, turning into smaller roads at te mata and cruising through kawhia rd. until we reached the carpark to waireinga/bridal veil falls, about 35 km from hamilton. ija and aina travelled with diman’s car and left just the four of us inside companion #4. alif vomited once inside the car just before we reached the carpark, we had to stop and clean his shirt and seat. yomi was fine, as usual.
▼ putting on the proper gear at bridal veil falls car park

▼ companion #4 rear

▼ getting friendly with the stream

the 10 minute walking track through dense native trees, full of ferns was full of wonder, it follows a small stream of pakoka river. the walking pattern reminded us of our trekking towards cathedral cove the week before. alif as usual insisted on walking with islah and elias, only yomi became tired and we had to alternately carrying her on our shoulders.
▼▼▼ the walking track

the track comes out of the dark tiered trees into an opening with the sound of crashing falls overwhelm the soundless atmosphere. it was a spectacular view indeed. we stood on the first platform and observed excitedly towards the 55m plunge waterfall. then we walked to the second wooden lookout and the views kept getting better. for diman, kak maz and their children, this was their second trip to the falls. later we followed them descending the 300 plus wooden steps to reach the base of the waterfall but halfway through, there’s another lookout point that gave a stunning view of the falls, surrounded by dark foliage as a frame. 10 minutes later we reached the last platform, perfect view of the large pool at the base of the falls with a bridge crossing to the other side of the river. we sit on the wooden seats and rest. everybody was tired but smiled and laughed and joked about the downhill climb and the marvelous waterfall. it was bliss.
▼ the opening near the falls

▼ looking back towards the track

▼ 1st lookout point

▼ all you need to know about the falls (i guess)

▼ the top of the falls before plunging 55m towards gravity from the 1st lookout

▼ the scenic bridal veil falls from the 2nd lookout point

▼ zack and yomi on the 2nd wooden platform

▼ a wide panoramic view

▼▼ alif and his cousins

▼ looking back towards the 300+ steps after reaching the falls base

▼▼ view from the 4th lookout point

▼▼▼▼ group photos

▼ from the wooden bridge crossing pakoka river

▼ enjoying the view

▼▼ long exposure of pakoka river by mounting the camera on the wooden handrail on the bride near the base of the falls

▼ islah, aina & ija

▼ tilting to the left

the descent was quite tiresome but ascending the steps was another behemoth to tackle. we climbed slowly, putting our foot slowly one by one, the kids were surely on our shoulders this time around. we stopped countless times along the steep steps. after a gruesome 15 minutes climb, we returned to the 2nd lookout on top of the falls. everyone was relieved with joy except ija, who was really closed to passing out, and had to sit and rest on the wooden floor of the lookout platform for quite some time.
▼ reaching the top

once everybody had regained their strength, we all strolled slowly through the track and our cars came into view 10 minutes later. the public toilet near the carpark was the third long drop toilet (a rudimentary toilet consisting of a small outhouse over a pit where all the wastes are dropped to the lowered ground and we can see if lights permitting, the artistic wastes of human) that we found after the one in cathedral cove and boundary creek near lake wanaka. this was the 2nd time that i had to use and it was quite exciting. it gave a certain but indescribable feeling that you became a wiser person after coming out of it.

we came out of the forest nearly 4:00pm and diman and kak maz suggested that we moved on towards the western shore some 20 km away. after driving passed the beachtown of raglan, we pressed on until we came to ngarunui beach, a famous spot for surfers and surrounded by paddocks with lots of cows in it. from the carpark, we walked a downhill track about 500m towards the black sandy beach and closer, we knew for sure why the surfers love it. waves upon waves consistently came crashing the shore. the light was leaving and through the darkening views, there were some cool dudes still surfing on the waves. and it was cold winter waves! we let the kids played on the vast sandy beach and everybody was having the time of their lives. it was almost completely dark when light rain started to hit us and we walked briskly up the slopes and got into our cars. i treaded diman’s route carefully and we ended the journey at 5:30 pm, already a night time in june.
▼ ngarunui beach sculpture greeting us

▼▼▼ on the hill above the beach

▼▼▼ the views of the surfing beach

▼ at the beach

▼ almost dark

that night, i had my first bath after that early morning in yha franz josef glacier 4 days earlier and it was refreshing. soon kak maz, zack, diman, ija and the kids left to do groceries and more shopping at the warehouse and i was accompanied by aina, aslam, islah and elias at home. we just watched tv and ate and stuff and when they got back from shopping, we finally rested after spending 380 km on the road with companion #4.
next» soul searching road trip oznz – day 15 (20/06/2010)

a pic a day (day 144)

Posted on July 11, 2011 by nitzus

steep steps (more than 300) leading up or down, depending on your orientation, linking the bridal veil/wairenga falls top and base, through the dense opulent subtropical forest. the drama that unfolded while tackling the steps was another story altogether. near raglan, waikato region, june 2010.

the location:

soul searching road trip oznz – day 13 (18/06/2010)

Posted on July 6, 2011 by nitzus

on the morning of day 13, my fatigue was gradually healing and by 10:00 am, i was feeling rejuvenated again and after having a heavy lunch, i immediately requested diman to send us to hamilton city. by 1:00 pm, we were walking in the downtown of the waikato region capital. we strolled along victoria st., supposedly the trendiest area in hamilton but had to admit that it was a sleepy town. we went to many shopping complexes and shops but we couldn’t even find any shop that sells souvenirs. we also had to come into terms that hamilton city is not a tourist destination. we bought some stuff at the warehouse, a hypermarket chain and also at k-mart, which i didn’t even bother to enter and volunteered to look after the kids instead. we met all kinds of people, some who even entered the hypermarket barefooted. diman already remarked beforehand that most of the townspeople are really proud of their farming root that they try to emulate their ancestors’ culture as best as they could, walking barefooted (even on asphalt) included. getting bored, at 2:45 pm i called diman to come and pick us up and we waited for him near the city council building and hamilton city libraries at garden place.
▼ hamilton city

▼ hamilton city council

▼ zack in ija’s crimson wig at garden place

20 minutes later diman came to the rescue and suggested to us that the best place to visit is the hamilton gardens. we all collectively agreed and he brought us there and we reached the carpark at 3:15 pm. diman and elias joined us as we visited each thematic garden. the paradise collection garden consists of chinese scholars garden, english flower garden, japanese garden of contemplation, american modernist garden, italian renaissance garden and indian char bagh garden. the place was really interesting especially if you visit in the spring and summer, however, even in winter it was quite stunning. we walked at our own pace. zack, aina and ija explored with the kids on their own path while diman, elias and i went to each garden separately.
▼ hamilton gardens

▼▼ chinese scholars garden

▼▼ west coast american style of the american modernist garden with an abstract island sculpture

▼ indian char bagh chalk couloured pavilion

▼ arched trellis work from the italian renaissance

▼▼▼ the italian renaissance garden

afterwards, i left them and found myself alone walking towards the te parapara garden, a maori cultural and heritage garden. unfortunately it was closed for renovation works. however, i proceeded to encircle the parameter wall with the wood-carving representations of ancestors (whakapapa) and paua shells for eyes in provoking appearance to cordone off evil spirits and also to scare off members of enemy tribes. they are called tekoteko. other than menacing looks and protruding tongue, they also have huge penises, and none seems to have an erectile dysfunction, save a two or three limped ones. it was a collection of phallic symbols at its finest. i stood there feeling like an eternity admiring those glorious penises carvings that my mind bursted into a python’s song instead!

isn’t it awfully nice to have a penis?
isn’t it frightfully good to have a dong?
it’s swell to have a stiffy.
it’s divine to own a dick,
from the tiniest little tadger
to the world’s biggest prick.
so, three cheers for your willy or john thomas.
hooray for your one-eyed trouser snake,
your piece of pork, your wife’s best friend,
your percy, or your cock.
you can wrap it up in ribbons.
you can slip it in your sock,
but don’t take it out in public,
or they will stick you in the dock,
and you won’t come back.

▼ gateway to te parapara garden

▼▼▼▼ the many faces of tekoteko

it was so out of character of me to explode into a musical set piece from a quiet contemplation of watching huge penises but that was what played in my mind at that time.
▼▼▼ more tekoteko

▼ waikato river

huge penises aside, the garden also lies next to waikato river, the same river that flows at huka falls. there are many other collection of gardens but since we went there quite late, the sky was getting dark and we had to return to the carpark, a bit frustrated but happy nonetheless.
▼ time to leave

we left the place soon after and after driving for 2 km towards the east, we reached carrington avenue. that night we just lazing around the house, had another delicious dinner, hanging out and did nothing else. at 10:00 pm, we settled into our room, turned off the lights, forced the kids to sleep and together, surrendered ourselves to mr. sandman.
next» soul searching road trip oznz – day 14 (19/06/2010)

a pic a day (day 139)

Posted on July 6, 2011 by nitzus

an outstanding ornate vista, inspired by the italian renaissance garden, part of the paradise collection garden in hamilton gardens, waikato. a one stop wonderland if you ever find yourself in hamilton, and most importantly in love or at ease (at least) with plethora of nature that the garden provides. if you are none of the above, skip it. june 2010.

the location:

soul searching road trip oznz – day 12 (17/06/2010)

Posted on July 4, 2011 by nitzus

3:30 am: woken up by zack and went to the toilet.
4:30 am: dropped the room key inside the pigeon hole and left dorset house. temp was near freezing.
4:45 am: stopped to refuel the car at memorial ave.
5:00 am: left zack, ija, alif and yomi at the christchurch international airport’s departure hall.
5:10 am: arrived at ace rental car branch, abros pl., off wairakei rd. about 2.5 km from the airport. the place was empty. parked companion #3, took a final look at its mileage, 1,755 km. quietly said thanks to the car and dropped the key. called the local taxi.
5:20 am: the taxi arrived and brought me and aina to the airport.
5:30 am: met the others and checked in our bags at air new zealand counter. was given priority as we got kids with us.
5:45 am: already in the boarding room. yomi was sleeping on zack’s lap but alif got excited looking at all the planes on the runway.
6:40 am: boarding flight nz504.
6:55 am: the plane took off.
7:20 am: the sun was rising and could see the snow covered southern alps.
7:35 am: crossed the cook straits and reached the north island.
7:45 am: could see the snow covered summit of mt. taranaki/egmont (2,518m) above the clouds.
7:55 am: the pilot announced that auckland was raining and needed to postpone landing.
8:10 am: the fog and clouds were clearing and ready for landing.
8:15 am: touched down.
8:45 am: at the arrival hall.
9:00 am: still waiting for diman, decided to walk to the international terminal just in case he was there. called kak maz and she said that diman was at the domestic terminal and he would come to fetch us.
9:30 am: safely back in the comfort and warmth of diman’s honda stream.

i’d never have thought that we would be visiting auckland city, even in my initial itineraries. however, once we got inside the car, diman offered to take us to mt. eden to have good panoramic views of the city. by that time, my mind just wandered off out of tiredness and diman also let the gps led the way. 20 minutes later, we entered mt. eden area and the road begins an uphill climb through a one way lane. the parking area was full of cars and tour buses and we walked on the rim of the grassy crater. once we reached the other side of the crater, auckland city came into full view and we just stood there marvelling at the largest city in new zealand, albeit a bit foggy. we could also see one tree hill from a distant, another elevated lookout in the city area. alif was so excited in seeing his uncle that he only held diman’s hand while walking. zack, ija and aina including yomi showcased different poses while having their pictures taken. it was quite hot and almost of us just wore our t-shirts. after some 40 minutes, we returned to the car and diman drove us southbound through sh1 back towards hamilton. we were there 8 days earlier but this time we could see the meadows, farmlands, lots of cattles and sheeps that we could not see then. about 2 hours later, we reached no. 3 carrington ave., hamilton. after carrying our bags inside the house and having a full lunch, i retreated into one of the rooms and dozed off.
▼▼▼▼▼▼ mt. eden cam-whoring session

▼▼▼ meditating session

▼ one tree hill

▼ auckland western suburbs, te atatu peninsula

▼▼ auckland city

▼ diman and alif

▼ explaining the formation of the crater

▼ the sacred mt. eden crater

▼ mt. eden

▼ the perspective of the size of the crater and the tour bus

▼▼ state highway 1 southbound towards hamilton

that afternoon while i was still sleeping, they went for a short walk at hillcrest park, about 500m from the house and let the kids played at the playground, they even visited the crowded hillcrest library. when i woke up several hours later, it was already dark and again, i had a full dinner prepared by kak maz. that night after dinner, i just spent time uploading pics to zack’s fb, socialising with the hosts, eating unlimited supplies of tiptop ice cream, smoking a lot with diman and watching local tv programmes. that night it was (8°c) not as cold as when we first slept in the room. i guessed the heated comforter helped considerably.
next» soul searching road trip oznz – day 13 (18/06/2010)

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