My Trip To NZ..........An Adventurous, A Meaningful one

This trip has been a trip that I wanted to do many years ago, but it just never happen, because of other form of commitments, be it on my work, or other form of personal engagements that had prevented my traveling to the Southern Island.

I must say, this time, since I have the time to go, I grabbed the chance esp when a friend of my, Ghaz is going there for his sabbatical at Otago University. The ticket I got was extremely expensive, but since you lose some in the form of the money (ticket and hotels spent by joining part of this trip with him, but at the same time, the gain from his experience, his guide are bountiful, which I appreciate. And his sharing of his stay, his experience in every corner of south Island and, not to mention his treat for the meals (which of course is not obligatory) but are very much welcomed.

The journey starts with our arrival in Christchurch, and walking around the city really makes me understood more about what Buddhism says, nothing is permanent. And you can see this in the form of the city, once everything was standing proudly there, are nothing more than a ruin, and the city looks at being in a state of war, or have been attacked by a bomb before. And it was so sad to see all these.

Then driving throughout Christchurch to Ghaz friend's house at a farmland, somewhere 40KM from Christchurch is also an interesting part, esp the lemon tree they have in the garden, they are superb.

I think the most interesting part of was driving to Lake Tekapol and also to Mount Cook, the sceneries were amazing, and you know what, the whole journey, to all these places, it was sunny. And when i was resting at a city or hotel, only then it rained. This is amazing, is this not? Haha.

 And next driving to Queenstown again is nice but Queenstown to me is more for tourists and the place is quite expensive. But as I said, when we arrived it was cold, and then it became very sunny and we were having food in the outdoor, which rarely happens according to my friend. So, again, it was a blessing.

From Queenstown, then we drove to Dunedin, and on the way, passing through Alexandra was an eye    opening drive for me, in terms of the sceneries and pictureque highways.

 And finally to Dunedin, a city I was very much impressed with. And visiting Otago university for the first time is also touching as it was a University that I intended to do my MBA which I never did during that time, one reason being not wanting to spend my dad's money, and secondly and thirdly, excuses and excuses which I do regret of not being more adventurous than I should be.
Nevertheless only look forward, who knows I might be back.
And the highlight here is the visit to Cargill hill and also to the castle and also to a friend's farmhouse which I like a lot.

And then my trip to the south, esp the Catlins and Doubtful sound, I will write separately. That is the mother of this whole trip, very soulful and I was driving on my birthdate. I am very thankful for having the chance to do so, and it was extremely meaningful.
Will write later.

Choong
755 Regal Court
Dunedin,
NZ