Tongariro Crossing

The next day I got up early to catch the bus shuttle to the Tongariro Crossing. On my way over there I could see the summit of Mt Ruapehu. Minutes later the peak was covered by clouds. Nevertheless the view of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro was breathtaking.
When I managed the first steep part of the walk I met a German. After a small talk we realised that we had more than just the same backpack in common, we were both walking alone… so we decided to join each other for the rest of the Crossing. Actually that was a very good idea, because I was a little bit worried about my knee. Nearly one year ago, I got terrible problems with my knee. Now, I am not able to run anymore, although running was and is my great passion. I hope, one day I will be in shape again for a marathon. I still hope to find a competent doctor, when I am back in Germany. My gosh!!! I am only 21 years old! So in case, somebody who can recommend a qualified doctor reads this, tell me!!!! I will be more than grateful!
Most of the walk I managed without any pain, but the last two hours I had to wear my uncomfortable and mostly useless bandage. I could not really enjoy it. I can tell you… I learnt to love climbing uphill more than walking or running downhill, because I know I won’t have any problems with my knee on the way to the top.
Nevertheless the view of the mountains and all the other natural wonders more than compensate for the pain associated with it.
Just to give you a gist of what this Great Walk is like, here a few sentences out of my tourist guide:
“Reputedly the best one-day walk in New Zealand. The walk traverses spectacular volcanic geography, from an active crater to steaming vents. And the views ain’t bad either. It covers the most spectacular features of the Tongariro Northern Circuit between the Mangatepopo and Ketetahi Huts…The track passes through vegetation zones ranging from alpine scrub and tussock, to places of higher altitude where there is no vegetation at all, to the lush podocarp forest as you descend from Ketetahi Hut towards the end of the track.” (Lonely Planet – New Zealand; p. 315-316)

Additionally I did a side trip from the main track to the summit of Mt Tongariro. From there we had a stunning view of Mt Ngaurahue. But as soon as we got back onto the main track a cloud came quickly and the summit of Mt Tongariro was gone. We can be so happy, that we had been there in the right time.

This walk is definitely a special one. You obtain the impression being on another planet. Marvellous! And it is definitely worth a journey for all Lord of the Ring fans.
Hope, you guys enjoy the pics!!!

One of my favourites!

It was a disastrous first day...

On the 22nd of December I wanted to start with my travels on the North Island. I calculated three weeks time to explore everything. People who are acquainted with me know that whenever I am going on travels or similar things I first have a shower and start to pack afterwards – that’s my ritual. By the way, I have been living out of a suitcase for the last 4 years… so I really know what I am talking about. But on this very morning nothing worked the way I had planned it.
I got up at 5:00am and was just about to have a shower. However, and that is the way it all started: There was no water in our flat!!! Ok, I thought. Don’t worry. It might be only temporary. So I started to pack my stuff first. I was supposed to move out of this room on that day as well. Every 10 minutes I checked if we had any water again… but nothing… the pipes were bone dry. At half past seven I got extremely impatient. I planned to pick up the rental car around 9:00am. So I called Jeremy and asked if I could have a shower at his place. Minutes later he came around picked me up and brought me to his place. After I was ready we went to the rental car office by bus. And there the next stupid thing happened. I realised that in all the morning hectic I had exchanged my bags, so I did not have my driver’s licence with me, but my toothbrush… Yes, unbelievable, but nevertheless absolutely typical. Bad things never come alone, at least in three. Fortunately, I was accompanied by Jeremy, so we used his driver’s licence to pick up the car. Then we went to town to handle another typically stupid thing. The day before I had brought back all the books I had borrowed from the library. But when I came home that evening I realised that I had forgotten one single book!! ARRRGH!! So, I had to go there that morning again. Afterwards, I picked up the trousers I had brought to the tailor the day before. Then I posted a letter for my little goddaughter Rafaela… sorry that it took me such a long time to reply, but I have heard you were so delighted about it that you jumped into the air happily – That’s the reaction I had expected!
But this was not all yet. I could not find my camera. The day before, I had used it in the Early Years Centre, so I guessed that it was still there. Luckily I was in the possession of the key for the building. So we had to get there und yeah, I found my camera at once! Puhhh!
After all this stress, Jeremy invited me for breakfast – Eggs Benedict – yumyumyum!
When we were finished with loading my entire luggage in the car, Jeremy already gave me my Christmas present. You know those cassettes you put in your car radio with a wire connection for your MP3-player. I am sure there’s an expression for it, however, I can’t think of it now. Anyhow, so I was able to listen to my music during my travels. Thanks Jeremy! That was a very good idea, since the radio reception here in New Zealand can be absolutely miserable.
After we went to the Car Rental office again to show my driver’s licence I was ready to head off, to leave Wellington for the first time after 3 ½ months. I was absolutely excited, but admittedly tired as well. Actually I intended to leave Wellington around 11:00am, but at this time it was already 2:00pm. So Jeremy did me another favour. He drove with his car in front of me out of Wellington, so I just had to follow him without concentrating on any signs… Thanks! But nevertheless I still had a long drive ahead. After saying good bye to Jeremy the bad luck came back… I was stuck in a traffic jam!!!!! Yes a traffic jam! Here in New Zealand on a Saturday afternoon, heading north!! My gosh! And that for 2 hours! Ah, by the way, driving on the left hand side is no big deal. But attention: “Always account for the stupidity or ignorance of other people!”
Finally around 4:00pm I was free and made all way up to the Tongarriro National Park Village. I arrived there between 7:00 and 8:00pm. I can tell you, whenever you get the opportunity to fill up your car with petrol here in New Zealand, do it! It’s amazing-sometimes you can drive for hours, and there’s nothing, no civilization, no petrol stations – Wow! Some people experience that as a little bit spooky, other ones hugely enjoy it! I had mixed feelings. I enjoyed the landscape but felt a little bit lost sometimes. Nevertheless, I reached my aim and stayed with French, Brazilian, Kiwi and German people in a lovely backpackers.

Mt Ruapehu

Mayday, mayday!!! Yvonne, where are you?!?

Well, I know you have not heard from me for a long time. The last four months passed quickly… and I was terribly busy. I have been travelling around for the last seven weeks. But before that I had worked fulltime at the Early Years Childhood centre. I had so much fun together with those little rascals. I took them to my heart. When I visited the centre this week I was emotionally touched. I did not expect I would react with tears in my eyes. I love them all! Besides I wrote research papers for university, moved to a new flat, which is just behind the Basin Reserve. I enjoyed spending my time over there watching cricket games. It is actually my favourite spot here in Wellington. I had lots of fun with my new friends while having potluck dinners and going out. I went to a soccer game in the Westpac Stadium (Wellington Phoenix FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC- and no, I did not see David Beckham playing)

and attended life drawing classes, what I still do. I went to art exhibitions (Spatial Design, Piranesi and Pat Cush & Roger Morris – letzteren kenne ich persönlich – ist schon ein schönes Gefühl zu einer Kunst Vernissage zu kommen und vom Künstler mit Namen persönlich angesprochen zu werden). I watched amazing fireworks at the harbour water front on Guy Fawkes Day. I met Susanne again (refer to Able Tasman Coast Track), went to the Early Years staff party and Farewell Dinner of my workmates.

Got a new haircut. Around Christmas time I enjoyed “the Advents Calendar” Anika had sent me from home. Thank you my love. Actually, I still enjoy it...ups it’s already February!

Silverchair & Powderfinger & Autozamm

On the 18th of October there were Silverchair and Powderfinger playing in the TSB Bank arena. Julia and I had been given free tickets from a friend who has got connections and due to the fact that we used to work there we knew how to sneak into the hall without standing in the endless queue in front of it. Though, we were a kind of unexpected fans. When I saw the door with a sign on it, saying “Dressing room – Autozamm” I did not hesitate; without thinking about it I just popped in there and had a brief chat with the band. Minutes later, we watched them playing on stage just a few meters away from us. And they were amazing!

Powderfinger was next and absolutely good.

And finally, Silverchair performed their show. And wow, I have to admit the singer is stunningly beautiful…

After the concert Julia and I were quite hopeful of meeting one of the bands and just an instant later our wish came true. Autozamm was coming towards us. At once, I asked them cheekily if they were going out…and yes. They even asked us if we wanted to come with them…

After a little while we sat all together in a bar on Cuba Street, drinking wine until late at night. And guess who we met outside, when we had to leave the bar! The singer of Powderfinger… Unfortunately, he ran away after I had taken a picture of him… SOWAS ABER AUCH tstststssss…

Seatoun to Lyallbay

Once, on an early Sunday morning I was woken up nicely by a phone call. After a wonderful talk to Andi I decided to use this perfect weather and go for a walk. First I took a bus to Seatoun a completely different part of Wellington. As the name already reveals, it is situated directly by the sea. And I was totally astonished. I did not know that Wellington can be so beautiful. Wow!!

I went all the way from Seatoun to Lyallbay. While taking photos it took me about 3 hours to get to the airport. Directly at the beginning I met a woman from the South Island (Invercagill)…after a little conversation addresses and phone numbers were exchanged. It’s unbelievable how fast you can get in contact with the people over here.

There is not so much to report about. You can not use words to describe how beautiful it was…but therefore I have taken all those pictures. I hope you can get an impression!

As usual I had problems with the wind…

…and after this walk I was just fed up with!!

My New Job - Early Childhood Care

Three pink chicks!!

At the end of September I got another job. Now, I am working in an Early Childhood Centre. It’s like a Kindergarten. I have to look after one to four year olds. Basically, I play with children all day long. It’s so much fun! Fatimai and me!

yummy delicious!