We're going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo..!

The weekend arrived rapidly and we booked tickets to go and see Dark Knight Rises on Friday evening, it was great and if you're thinking about seeing it, then do, it's brilliant. The night ended with the usual American TV and then we called it a night as we had a big weekend of sightseeing ahead of us.

Saturday was the Zoo! Dan met up with us at the hotel and we got a taxi over. We had breakfast with the animals as planned, Orang-utans and a Snake were around for a photo opportunity - the brochure said elephants too, but we didn't see those. The buffet was excellent though and it set us up for the day. The weather was the best it has been since we arrived, as I had left at the crack of dawn, I did not realise how warm it was going to be and during the Elephant show, I got well and truly brunt! We took a wander around most of the zoo, but it was so hot that after a while, we were all pretty tired and called it a day - I did get some nice photos of Giraffes though, which pleased me!

We decided to have a siesta in the afternoon because we were all feeling the effects from the sun and then later met in Raffles for a Singapore Sling - expensive, but really nice and there were monkey nuts on each table to tuck into, which I thought was a nice touch. We wandered down to Marina Bay and noticed that there were some fireworks - we also stopped off at the MerLion, which was a poor attempt compared to the original one we saw the weekend previous - in fact, this one looked like lego, but just not as impressive.

Dinner was at Boat Quay in an Italian, which was pleasant, then Dan called it a night and the girls headed to Clarke Quay for cocktails, but we didn't last long and ended up turning our big night out into an early night in.

On Sunday, I met Dan and he introduced me to a Singapore breakfast as he felt that my Chai Tea Latte and pain au chocolat wasn't really very cultured. So, we had pork ribs and stomach soup, chicken feet with rice, dough balls and chinese tea - I think that was very cultured and I even tried a foot.. I was sooo proud of myself - I won't be eating another, but at least I gave it a go.

We met the girls at the botanical gardens and the weather didn't disappoint again, it was another scorcher! We went to the ginger garden and followed by the orchid garden, all so beautiful, but again, a lot of sunshine and not much shade. We came back into town and grabbed tea and cake, then Dan and I wandered into Chinatown and the girls had siesta.

The evening brought with it beers, cocktails and Lebanese food, which was delightful and then Dan got his plane home and we all had an early night again!!

I’m having a fantastic time here and I can’t believe I have a week to go before flying home and back to normality. Still have some things to cross off the list, we’ve seen Marina Bay, but haven’t been in, so that’s something to do and I think Charlotte wants to hit Orchard Road and buy about 100 dresses. Unfortunately, we say goodbye to Jodie soon as she flies back to UK on Wednesday – so tomorrow, we’ll have a send off for her, and then it’s just the two of us (Charlotte and myself) until Peadar arrives on Friday.

becoming a commuter...

Singapore time: Thursday 4:55pm
England time: Thursday 9:55am
Weather: foggy (I know!)

So, I finally did it.. I purchased an EZ card, which is the Singapore equivalent to the Oyster card.. for the MRT (underground) and bus (self explanatory). I now feel so much more at ease now, compared to before, where I would be at the bus stop in a panic looking for $1.10 in change because they don't give change! Now, I just swipe on.. swipe off.. magic!

So today, we pitched logos to the Client and then came back with a few modifications, which have now been done - just need to get them to make a decision (which is apparently notoriously difficult) and then I can complete the branding on the leaflets. simples.

After work, we got the MRT to Orchard Road to have a look around the shops, we have only scratched the surface there.. as there are millions of shops.. unbelievable! We got dinner in an up-market hawker centre.. for the cool price of $6 (about £3.. yes, for dinner!). Picked up some awesome stationary.. from a nice shop.. looks ace, but I suppose you have to be bothered by things like that!

I then successfully managed to find my way back to the appartment and watched an episode of Bones before sleep time.

This post seems to be a bit boring, but considering I did an 11hr day in work, there really wasn't much time for anything else :os

Lost? errr YES!

Singapore time: Wednesday 09:45am
Manchester time: Wednesday 02:45am
No. of hours sleep: 6

So, work is going well and we're presenting the options for logo and branding at a meeting this afternoon, which is good because there is so much to do once this has been approved.

Monday night saw us in the Hawker Centre in Chinatown, which was interesting, the food here is so cheap if you go the right places and there is just so much choice, that it makes having dinner a military operation! But, as always, we got there in the end. After a walk around the shopping mall there, I realised that people are desperate to thread eyebrows, remove moles and generally beautifying everyone.. the beauticians (I think I can say this) look at you and point at inperfections that they can fix.. and they draw you in by saying "We do a test - $5" - although, as soon as you're in the chair, this $5 turns into $50 before you know it.. it's truly fascinating to watch. I do know someone who got caught out by this behaviour, but I'm not going to name and shame.. it wasn't me..!

Last night, was a chill out session and I am now becoming addicted to Criminal Minds - we don't watch them in any particular order, but each one is brilliant.. we also ordered take-out pizza as the prospects of eating rice or noodles didn't fill us with enthusiasm.

Then, there was the very interesting journey home, a little adventure you might call it.. I got on the correct bus, but it seems that after a cetain time, routes merge a bit and the buses reduce.. needless to say, my bus into work, is not the bus I should get home from work. Thankfully, I ended up at Boat Quay, which is really nice and I'm looking forward to going there sometime for drinks, there seemed to be a lot of english people around there, so maybe it's the place to be. Then I walked along the river to Clarke Quay, which is also delightful - so, the evening was great for getting my bearings, however, not so great for getting home as I simply could not find the apartment block - it was so frustrating, but without a map, it is quite difficult. I didn't want to use google because of the data roaming, so I cheated a got a cab - turns out I had made it almost all of the way, and I should have trusted my instinct and carried on walking, but hey ho, it was 11.30pm and I was worried about being too tired for work.

So, an interesting time for sightseeing, but wouldn't recommend it past 11pm on your own..!

the weather is soooo unpredictable

Singapore Time: Sunday, 23:26
UK Time: Sunday, 16:26

So, the last few days have been a little hectic and as the internet in the hotel was dialup (i know), I decided to wait until moving in the apartment before writing.

I survived work on friday and then went straight out for mexican food, which was very good and reasonably priced.. we also got on the cocktails, which were also very pleasant.. I re-introduced myself to the Strawberry Daiquiri, which to be honest, was amazing.

We had planned to do a lot of outdoor sightseeing on Saturday, however, there was a downpour, so the plan got delayed and we decided to head to the Asian Civilisation museum, which provided some entertainment, air conditioning and much needed shelter from the rain. I took some pretty awesome photos and took in a bit of culture. The afternoon saw us in one of the many malls in Singapore and there I found the $2 shop.. the things you can buy for $2 is amazing, I would say it's better than the £1 shop to be honest. I got some tuppawear, in the shape of a frog.. excellent choice and some pretty cool postit notes, always come in handy.

Little India was hosting a food festival and it would have been rude for us not to check it out, so the evening was spend there, enjoying some pretty amazing food and drink, then back to the mexican for a night cap (yes, another strawberry daiquiri).

Today was sunny and humid - so proud that I didn't get sunburnt, we also tried out three new methods of transportation - the MRT (underground), cable car and monorail. We went to Mt. Faber (reminiscing the good times of the past) and found the original MerLion.. the importance I have yet to read about, however, it's pretty important here.. and we also got a glance of the CBD.. I say glance because there were so many branches blocking the view, that we didn't get it all, but it was nice all the same.. but very humid.

The plan for the afternoon was to get the MRT to the botanical gardens and have a relaxing mooch around there, however, the heavens completely opened up and it was just too wet to consider.. and this is when I stumbled across Forever 21.. a clothing shop.. which, I have heard of in UK, but always considered it not really my type - well, I spent ages in there and ended up with some decent purchases, at a reasonable price, so I was happy about that.

Moved into an apartment today, which means I can finally unpack, there's nothing worse than crumpled clothes, so I've been ironing this evening, whilst watching the trashy american shows, which I am slowly getting addicted to.. Criminal Minds and Bones are ones to borrow the boxsets of when I return..!

Night! x

Jetlag 1 - 0 Becky

Singapore time: Friday 12:04pm
Manchester time: Friday 05:04am
No. of hours sleep: 2-3

So, arrived at Manchester Airport, terminal 3 on wednesday evening and to be honest, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.. if you know before you book, I would consider choosing a different airport to travel, it was that bad. Thankfully, there was a costa, so I settled down with my book and a pot of tea and tried to forget about how bad the facilities were!!

Got to Paris on time for the transfer, but found myself in a little 'jog' to get to the correct terminal as it was already at boarding status on the board.. got there and thanks to AECOM, I had priority boarding.. scanned the boarding card into the machine and it made a funny noise and printed out a new card.. yes, that's right, I got a complimentary upgrade..! to business class. Got a bed and everything. So, enjoyed the lovely food, free champagne and 'the bed' and promptly slept for 8 hours.. this was my downfall I now know.

Arrived in Singapore on time and got a taxi to the rather nice hotel. Dumped my stuff and went to meet Jodie and Charlotte for tea - although I didn't really need anything to eat because I'd had enough food on the plane. I found where the office was (walking distance) and got my bearings a little. Then had a look around Jodie and Charlotte's appartment and chilled out for the evening with the obligatory American TV.. Criminal Minds, CSI Miami and NCIS Los Angeles to name a few.

At midnight, I felt ready to go home and 'attempt' sleep.. that didn't happen and I ended up watching Transporter 2.. which was quite good, a bit of Jason Statham action never hurt anyone.. followed by another NCIS. At this point, I thought it would be best to force myself to go to sleep, but at 6am, I was still in bed awake and annoyed and knowing the feeling that I am currently feeling.. Jetlag is the pits.

So, I'm sat at my desk at lunchtime, wanting to go to bed.. and today is 'be creative' day where I am coming up with the branding and logos for the entire project.. I really hope I can pull it out of the bag.. I have a starbucks to keep me going, so we'll see.

After 6 months off.. I'm BACK!!

So, tomorrow, I am embarking on yet another long haul flight to Singapore.. having not really seen very much the last time around, when given the opportunity to travel with work, I jumped at the chance to revisit and enjoy this amazing part of the world.

Not really looking forward to the flight though as it's a night flight and I'm notoriously not brilliant with those.. but we'll see, apparently the flims should be decent and I managed to get some shut eye on my way home from Singapore last time.. here's hoping.

Nothing else really to tell you right now, other than I am very much not looking forward to the humidity, but everything else should be fantastic! xx

Reunited with Vicky for ROAD TRIP in the 'Green Hornet'

Melbourne:: Saturday 7 Jan - Monday 9 Jan

A massive early start again, to be honest, I really do not know how I organised this, but at the time, it seemed like a good idea so that I didn't waste the day travelling, but I booked it so long ago, I'm now wondering what on earth I was thinking!!

Something to note, which has been on my mind now for a while, but I keep forgetting to mention it. Locks on doors in public toilets are random over here. There is only one type of lock, so, if the door opens from the right, then that's fine and the lock works fine. However, if the door opens from the left, they just use the same lock and turn it upside down.. this has caught me out a few times, where I have been convinced I was locked in the bathroom.. Essentially, you turn the lock as if to open it and it locks, then, you turn the lock to lock it and it opens.. difficult to explain on here, but honestly, it has had me in a pickle and I can't believe the Aussies haven't just got locks for both doors.

So, arrived into Melbourne Airport at 8.15am and got straight into a hire car - the Hyundai Getz, in pistachio green, which we named The Green Hornet. An excellent little car, which we used to drive the Great Ocean Road!! It was a bit strange driving an automatic, the other thing that got me stressed is the window wipers and indicators are on the opposite sides to england, so, when I wasn't concentrating, I would put the window wipers on to indicate.. hilarious for vicky.. but I got continually annoyed at myself for doing it!!!

We drove to the 12 apostles in good time and it was nice to stretch the legs a bit as it took us 3 hours and I was driving. We had a little look at the apostles and took some photos, but the weather wasn't as great as promised. Vicky took over driving and we had the windy turns, changing speed limits and slow campervans to contend with. We even saw some koalas in natural habitat and took some time to watch them in the trees, it was pretty spectacular.

The hornet then took us to a random place in the middle of nowhere in Jeetho to meet Laura!!! Who I got on with particularly well on the Kiwi Experience. She was visiting her sister and invited us over for dinner and to stay the night. The plan was to go to Philip Island, but it took us sooo long to get to Jeetho, we missed it all and didn't have time to stay longer. Altogether, it took 12 hours to drive to the 12 apostles and then back along the great ocean road and then off to Jeetho. We were pretty tired and resulted in singing to the radio, which provided us with some entertainment - you know how I love a bit of free karaoke action!

Laura's family were very welcoming and we ate a lovely dinner (we were completely starved) and met the most delightful 3 yr old child called Clancy, he was pretty amazing (although Laura tells me I'm lucky not to have witnessed a tantrum..). This was where we were told that we would be sleeping in a tent! BONUS!!! road trip and tent action, how brilliant.. Vicky wasn't so sure and was worried about spiders. I had a fabulous nights sleep though :)

Scrambled eggs were on the menu for breakfast cooked by myself and my able hand, Clancy who whisked them to perfection. Then time to get back into the little car and get it back to Melbourne before we ran over the time limit... Vicky drove this time and the weather was pretty bad, raining hard.. but the car survived it and vic's driving got us back - then I map read us into the city centre and was only an hour late, but they let us off! bonus!

Hostel was pretty nice, called the Nunnery and I could have stayed there longer to be honest. Breakfast included and everything. It was just very homey, which I like. We went on a little adventure on the free tram around the city centre, wandered the Lanes, then for a walk down Southbank and finished the day with a trip up the skytower to see the views. We stayed until the sun set and then walked back to the hostel.

Day 3 was pretty good too, we went to Melbourne Museum.. slightly disppointed on the lack of audio tours so far this trip, I haven't actually done one, so I went for the next best thing and got a guided tour instead, which was excellent, you get to know so much more, and a taster of all the best stuff rather than having to look around everything. It's good when you're tight on time. I found out that on my birthday (9 May) in 1901, Melbourne hosted the first parliament session when Australia became a Country and part of the Commonwealth. Interesting fact of the day for you there..!

We got on a tram, headed out to St. Kilda for the afternoon. Grabbed a spot of lunch, walked along the beach, had a trip down the pier and then got back to the hostel to pick up our stuff and get to the airport again to fly to Brisbane. I really enjoyed Melbourne and would really like to visit there again given the opportunity.

Adelaide part deux - more wineries? yes please!

Thursday 5 Jan - Friday 6 Jan

So, after my amazing update to you, we went out into Adelaide on the train, went to a few trendy bars for some drinks and then went to an Italian restaurant where we all ate Spaghetti con Polpetine.. amazing as it was, it reminded me of the times we all went to Porto's at lunchtime.. which was nice. Off to a couple more bars, but we were all pretty tired after our exciting day and decided to head home for a brew!

Friday was my last day in Adelaide and to be honest, I was getting a bit upset at the fact the time went so fast. Liam was chauffeur again and we went up to the Hills, to get some great views of the CBD - whilst we were there, it would have been rude not to visit some more cellar doors and sample some more wine! They didn't disappoint and at one (which I think was called The Lanes) Michelle and I had a wine and cheese pairing selection, which was pretty good.

Handorf for lunch, which is a little German town/village with loads of little shops, local eateries and generally a nice place to walk around in.

We came back, got changed and headed out for my last night at a seafood restaurant - the food was great, but the waitress was a bit of a nightmare and lost her tip within the first 5 minutes. She didn't have a clue about anything.. was rather random. A walk along the beach was lovely as it was still warm and then we went for a cheeky ice cream and went to the pier to take some snaps in the dark.

I had a great time with Michelle and Liam and cannot wait to come back to Aus to have another fabulous time with them!!

Was I expecting 37 degree heat in Adelaide? No.. did I get it? Yes!

Adelaide:: Tuesday 3 Jan - Friday 6 Jan

4:30am start to the day was well worth it because I got to see Michelle and Liam for 4 whole days!! I arrived to a lovely welcoming party and it was completely lovely to see them.

We started with a beach walk, with breakfast included and then went back to the house to get changed and apply suncream before investigating the botanical gardens and CBD. After a wander, we got some nice chocolate, had a great salad in a restaurant and then headed back to the botanical gardens for the moonlight cinema where we watched Moneyball (which was excellent and had Brad Pitt: win!). The cinema screen was a massive blow up one and we could take with us a picnic and alcohol, so we just opted for the wine.. sat on little chairs and enjoyed the film.

In the whole day, I walked 27,000 steps (Liam's pedometer told me so).

Day two, wine tour day and Liam was our amazing Chauffeur for the day whilst Michelle and I got progressively drunk and purchased wine (hopefully I can get most of it back into the UK). We visited a number of wine cellars and some were excellent and some not so great, but it was fab to try them all out, the weather wasn't quite so hot, which was great for me and it was all very relaxed. After a quick walk on the beach (which we found out today that there was a 2 meter shark spotted in the water at the time we were there..), we came back, had a BBQ and watched a film, whilst drinking some of the wine we purchased during the day.

In the day, considering we only walked to and from the car to the cellar doors, we walked about 10,000 steps, which wasn't bad, and I fear I will have to get one of these gadgets because I'm getting a bit addictive!!!

Bringing you right up to date, today we went on a Catamaran in the search of dolphins, and we soooo found them, it was so exciting to see them swimming along side us and there were about 15-20 in a pod, which was pretty cool. it was a 3 hr trip in all and it was pretty brilliant to be honest with you, got some decent photos and then the guide also took a load and put them on a dolphin memory stick - how cool??!

We went and got tea and a cake (I had a cream tea, which didn't disappoint) and then after a supermarket shop for a few bits, we were back at the house and I have spent the afternoon, drinking beer, eating nice food and catching everyone up on my trip. Again, so sorry for being rubbish, but when you have no Internet access and limited time, it's pretty difficult.. but you're up to date now and tonight we're going into the centre for some food and drinks out.. which should be a lovely evening. Also, we done my washing this afternoon.. it dried in no time because it's well hot here!! GREAT!!!

New years by Sydney Harbour Bridge?? don't mind if I do actually!

Sydney:: Saturday 31 Dec - Monday 2 January

So, new country warrants another early start - we're at the airport for 7am. Flight went very well, actually, I was rather impressed with Air New Zealand and I watched Limitless, which was OK, but pleased I didn't pay to see it at the cinema.. but Bradley Cooper is still HOT.

Got to Virginia's, and went into the CBD for some lunch and to get our bearings. We ran a lot of errands and then came back in preparation for the party we were going to.

The apartment party was excellent and began with the fireworks at 9am over the harbour - immense to be honest, this was when we realised what an amazing view of the bridge we had and how lucky the host, Alana, was to live in such a brilliant location for new years eve parties! Turns out that Virginia is friends with one of my friends, Emma, who emigrated out here with her boyfriend - she was also at the party, which was a shock, but ace!! Everyone made an effort with their clothes and looked very dapper, so I'm pleased I took a dress with me!!

The midnight fireworks were absolutely sensational (see how I'm coming up with new adjectives all of the time?!). I have some brilliant photos of those. Then we had sparklers, ate nice food and danced the night away to spice girls. The wine flowed the entire evening and to be honest, it was one of the better new years I've had.. fantastic times.

Got up on new years day in a pretty amazing mood and no hangover (bonus). I went out today for a lovely adventure on my own to the CBD to meet up with Emily for lunch. It was fantastic to see her and it was great to have lunch with both the opera house and the bridge in view.. the weather was also amazing. We walked through the botanical gardens, went for a glass of wine and then said our goodbyes.

The adventure really began then because I got completely lost and ended up on Darling Harbour, which was actually no where near where I wanted to be, but it worked beautifully because I ended up going on an excellent walk around the harbour, to The Rocks.. and got some excellent views of the bridge as well as some quiet time to just do nothing, which is always nice to do. A starbucks later, and I met up with Virginia and Vicky off the ferry and went to Circular Point for a vino. Takeout pizza and a rental film finished the night off nicely.

Monday was a goodbye day for Virginia who has flown to England for a holiday. We went to The Rocks and booked my Christmas pressent from Ma, Pa and Jess - the Bridge Climb - so, I will be doing that on my return to the city.

We've done some lovely walks and today was no exception, getting to the point where we could get a picture of both the Opera House and Bridge (something which I just hadn't been able to do before... VERY pleased with that pic (smug face). We sat in the gardens and read the old book.. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, before going back to the house for a fridge party and watching The Proposal, which wasn't bad actually.

And it's back to the rain we go..

Auckland:: Thursday 29 Dec - Friday 30 Dec
Bex and Virginia picked us up bright and early and we went to Piha for the day, which was lovely, a bit windy, but the rain wasn't too bad out there, just in the centre of Auckland it seems.

We had a lovely lunch and went on long walks along the beach and then we went back to Bex and Ed's flat for some hot tub action and dinner. Then, I was introduced to a very interesting game called bananagrams - concept is random and I have purchased a set, so if you are as interested as me, then we can play sometime.. anyways, it appears to be very competitive, but also a lot of fun at the same time, and once I understood it all, i was enjoying myself, but I think I need to play some more to catch on to the quirkiness of it all!

After another night in the hostel from hell, we then spent our final day in New Zealand in Parnell - we found somewhere nice for brunch and then went to a Chocolate Boutique for some afternoon tea, which was lovely. Ed and Bex headed out with the rents to the Coromandal and Virginia, Vicky and I stayed in their flat for the evening, and watched the Jonathan Ross Christmas Special and played bananagrams, drank wine and had nice dinner. Very civilised.

"I feel like I'm in an episode of The Walking Dead"

Christchurch:: Tuesday 27 Dec - Wednesday 28 Dec
Worst journey of the trip so far - 8 hours in the heat with no aircon. Brilliant. It was so long and we had to say goodbye to everyone. Our destination was Christchurch, which had just suffered yet another earthquake, so there was an element of worry.

We knew that there is a 'red zone' and you can't go through that for safety, but nothing can prepare you properly until you actually see it. To be honest, I'm pleased I'm only here for one day.. I feel like I'm in an episode for the walking dead and I am the only alive person left.. it's empty here and the streets feel weird when walking around them. They've built a shopping complex, out of cargo containers, which looks fab, but they're only the expensive shops, I don't understand why they did that - where are the basic shops that people actually need?! The Council are obviously looking to tourism, but seriously, it's been nearly a year since the first quake and nothing seems to have been rebuilt. I feel so sorry for the people who live here, even the Crown Plaza hotel looks like the quake happened yesterday, or that there's something major happening right now. But nevertheless, it was interesting to come here and see it for myself.
After dinner, we watched Inglorious Bastards, it was really good actually (I know, never seen it) and the manager made us popcorn, which was a lovely gesture.
The only tourist attraction open was the Cantebury Museum, so it would seem stupid not to check that out.. and it was really good. Another Maori Section (I've come to realise it would be odd to be in a museum without one now) and a really good 'Wearable Art' exhibition, which I could have stayed in for hours. Antarctic was also a plus.

After a walk through the botanical gardens, we got our stuff together and went to the airport to catch our flight back to Auckland. We met with Virginia and Bex (Vicky's friends) and had a starbucks and then stayed in the worst hostel ever.

It's CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Queenstown:: Friday 23 Dec - Monday 26 Dec

Christmas Eve Eve was pretty special, for a start, I was in an incredible mood, the sun was shining, I had eaten a nice breakfast and we were en route to Queenstown for four whole nights, which would be the first for our trip - I simply could not wait. Oh, and there was another thing called Christmas happening?!!

On our trip out of Wanaka, we stopped off a puzzleworld, which was brilliant, loads of different illusions, which properly messed with your head and we actually got some excellent photographs from them. Then, outside for a bit of maze action.. now, I'm not really into mazes, I don't get them - and true to form, I was in there for ages. It was just so annoying, finding all the coloured towers and then after all that, we needed to discover the exit.. harder than you think actually. It was also really hot, I hadn't applied suncream (fatal error) and I forgot to take my hayfever tablet (you can only imagine.. I was a picture).. so, it didn't go too well, but it was fun all the same.

Funny thing of the day, we went to 'Have a Shot', which, I honestly thought was Havershot, a town to visit, but no, it's a range for people to clay pigeon shoot or go on the driving range.. this provided me much amusement and I actually laughed out loud to myself when I realised I had misunderstood. I didn't do anything, apart from write postcards in the shade (I know, epic fail, but it was warm).

Alex went off to do the Nevis bungy jump, which is the highest in NZ and the rest of us checked into the best hostel we have stayed at all trip, Nomads Queenstown.. brilliant - staff and facilities.

Our night out included teapot cocktails, which is basically a cocktail in a teapot.. which I loved and I may even consider doing the same when I return to England - it's the future, especially if you don't like tea..

Saturday 24 Dec

I'm excited but positively ill.. been fighting a cold/cough going around for two weeks and it finally grabbed me and made me feel like complete death on the one weekend I needed to be well. But, anyhow.. not letting it get to me in the slightest, today was preparation for tomorrow.. So, food, alcohol and secret santa gifts needed to be purchased. After getting the food and drink and having a bite for lunch, operation secret santa began.

I found my gift quite early on and then after a wander, spotted a bead shop that I fancied a browse in - I then spent the next hour in there making crafty items as souvenirs for people.. it was ace, the girl in the shop was very helpful and I just sat there, forgetting about the cold and getting on with craft related items, which was amazing.

We all met in Starbucks after the shopping and I tried a gingerbread frap for the first time ever, which was pretty brilliant and everyone seemed pretty upbeat about the secret santa action.

Then, I frequented a Fergburger - the most immense burger I have ever tasted. I went with Sam and Claire and to be honest, we were pretty amazed by the whole experience. The burger was outstanding and the chips were brilliant. In conclusion, the best Christmas Eve dinner I've had in a long time. Superb.

The evening was spent chilling out, playing Christmas songs and having a fairly early night - unheard of for me, but I was ill and didn't want to ruin Christmas.

Sunday 25 Dec

Amy woke us up at the crack of dawn singing "It's Christmas everyone - wake up! Santa's been". Although I was pretty tired, it was lovely to be around people who were excited about the festive season and I can safely say that I haven't woken up pre-8am for Christmas morning in years - or do I intend to anytime soon.

As it turned out, Santa had indeed visited our room, with his elf and delivered us some treats in a stocking. Unlike previous years, my stocking today was in the form of a walking sock, which contained chocolate treats and a pack of playing cards, a pen and keyring. A lovely gesture by the staff at Nomads, who actually worked really hard to make sure we all had a great time of the year.

After a Christmas Day shower (Standard play and was pretty great), I put on my santa hat and party dress and made pancakes for breakfast - pretty tasty. Then we exchanged secret santa gifts - being honest, the gift I received was pretty brilliant actually, an Optimus Prime lego set, I was completely taken aback and so excited.

Christmas day Starbucks was in order, followed by lunch (Christmas sandwiches and salad, which we all prepared together), then the afternoon by the lake with a BBQ. It was weird sitting in the sun, but lovely at the same time, and we were all together, which was great.

Evening brought cheese board, reading and talking to friends and family in the UK, which was a particular highlight - a great substitution to a traditional family Christmas - it was a Kiwi Family Christmas!

Monday 26 Dec

A Boxing Day trip to Milford Sounds for the day - which wasn't originally on the itinerary, but a good choice because the weather could not have been better: the sun came out to say hello :)



Then it was back to Queenstown for our last night - would be wrong not to have a Fergburger, so we did and then prepared ourselves to leave the next morning - loads of packing to do, our room looked like our bags had exploded!

Well done weather.. I knew you could do it!

So, massive apologies for not keeping this up to date, I am terrible, but it's been so busy and I haven't had very much internet access, that this is the first opportunity to catch up.. so, happy new year and here are my monster updates..

Thursday 22 December

A pretty early morning and the bus leaves at 7.15am, which is a bit of a bind, but hey, it means we get to our destination at a reasonable hour of the day. We head out for a walk around Lake Matheson to get a good view of Mount Cook, but the weather wasn't so great this morning, but the walk was good, so and I appreciated it because I meant I could nurse my poorly legs that got a complete battering yesterday.

After an overpriced bagel, we began our journey to Wanaka. We stayed at Knight's Point, which was the joing point when the road was built from the north and south. Lunch was consumed in Haast, which has the gates of Haast, special because as you go through, the direction of the river flow changes (interesting fact, and true because I saw it!). Then we got to Lake Wanaka, which is stunning, there were no particular photo stops along this stretch, but we managed to get a few shots through the window, like a proper tourist would!

Today has been pretty fantastic for weather and it was set to continue throughout Christmas, which pleased me no end. We checked into a lovely YHA on arrival and Vicky went off to do a skydive - the rest of us popped to the supermarket - Now, I have to stop here because I feel like I have spent most of my holiday in a supermarket and we've got it down to a fine art now because we know what we want and also the random places that you find these items in NZ.

After a lovely dinner, the four of us walked to the local cinema and watched Drive, which not only was a pretty good film (obviously enhanced with Ryan Gosling action), but the cinema itself was pretty special, with only around 50 seats, all chairs were either sofas, train seats, bus seats, plane seats.. there was a car to sit in (which Alex took advantage of) and the whole cinema experience was pretty special. To be honest, we were only in Wanaka for one night, and I could have easily stayed there longer.