Interests, Pastimes & Hobbies: December 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Skip Visiting Oamaru, NZ South Island, If you have These 3 Traits

As travelers, we often ask ourselves if a stopover especially at a small town is worth our time, money and effort. For an answer, we read up what others say about 'To Do' at this town or we throw a question in a forum or at fellow travellers we meet at hostels. Then, we decide 'To Go' or 'Not To Go'.

If you are considering whether Oamaru is a town worth your limited travel time and fund, the following may help you to decide if you would like to drop by, and if yes, for how long?

A traveller may skip visiting Oamaru if he/she has these 3 traits below:-

1. Dislikes blue-eyed penguins and seals

A.S’s most memorable penguins encounter in NZ was here in Oamaru. They were not confined like you see in a zoo but out there at the harbour front especially at night. How amazing! To A.S, penguins, whether blue-eyed or yellow-eyed, they are exotic wildlife to her. If only these penguins and seals were livelier, they would be more interesting to watch.

2. Is afraid of deserted streets

It was EEERIEEE, yes it was. It felt like A.S was in a dead town or a setting of a horror movie. Take a look into the video and you will agree with her. It was only 10 p.m in summer and no one else was seen on the streets, but a lost penguin.

3. Loves partying

Sorry but true, Oamaru is not an ideal town for partying. The nightlife here is enjoying the sound of water blown by the strong cold night breeze at the harbour as one looks out into the dark water and only guided by the orangey street lamps with intermittent spotting of penguins and seals, as one sinks into deep contemplation, with a can of beer in one hand and snacks on the other.

More tips on experiencing Oamaru can be found here.

Stopping by at Shag Point during the drive from Dunedin to Oamaru.

A.S joined a crowd waiting for these Yellow-Eyed Penguins at a look out point on a higher ground. It was an EXTREMELY COLD drizzling evening and they waited for about 30 minutes, only to leave in disappointment.

*A.S's current location*

Day/ Date: Wed/ Dec 24th, 2014

-A.S has been back in KL, Malaysia since Aug 16th, 2012 from a total of 3 months in Spain and then, Austria. Burdened with lots of thoughts, plans and to-dos, she'll still try her very best to keep this blog alive. Thank you so much for keeping up with her delays.

A.S appreciates you as an audience to her blog. She welcomes you to drop in more often, share your thoughts and interact with her here at cyberspace. The posts may be a little behind but she promises to close the gap as much as she can, as she gets limited internet access and the time to update.

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Thank you very much and A.S hopes you enjoy your stay here. ;)

Sunday, December 14, 2014

NZ South Island: 3 Top Things Memorable About Dunedin

Dunedin (pronounced Duh-nee-den) is claimed to be New Zealand’s oldest city. It is a university city of Scottish heritage, rich with culture, architecture and wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin has a population of about 130,000 and is the main centre of Otago, a region recognized for its spectacular scenery.

In the 3 nights A.S spent here, Dunedin gave A.S 3 lasting impressions which are:-

The best place to spot Royal Albatrosses and Sea Lions.

A.S remembers walking over to Otago Peninsula after checking in at the hostel in the city centre of Dunedin. It certainly was not as small as it seemed on the map neither was it as near as it seemed. She took a local bus, and then walked and walked for about an hour before thinking she would not be able to make it there before dark if she kept walking. So, she put her thumb up as she walked. There was only one destination at the end of that street and many who headed this direction had the same intention as her, to spot Royal Albatrosses and Sea Lions. She was lucky she found a ride with a fellow traveller from The States.

It is not flat and has a beautiful coastline.

This city is not flat and it serves as an ideal place for anyone who loves to burn calories, but not for someone who would like to get to places quick and easy. Baldwin Street, here in Dunedin is considered the world’s steepest residential street. However, the coastline is spectacular just listening to the waves and feeling the breeze with close eyes.

It feels like being in UK.

Strolling along the street surrounded by the architectures brought back the memories of being in London once again. Do you feel the same by looking at the pictures below and here.

Just arrived, from Invercargill.

Where, o where is that hostel.

Highest land so far to look down to the city.

Belonging to the University of Otago.

Dunedin does not just have a university.

An enjoyable stroll on a lovely day.

Admiring the architecture.

Yay, down she goes.

Events to check out.

Lovely day, lovely people

A quaint non very flat, peaceful city.