Dear Dayre, 

Again I have abandon my blog due to my bad time management and also the limit of my data. I used to have 3gb of data per month, back in Malaysia, but I only have 500mb per month now. So, yeaaaaaaaaa.... FML!

I am going to post about my Rhythm and Vines music festival on the next post as I don't want to forget what happened this few days first. 

First of all, I'm SICK!!!! Down with flu, thanks but no thanks to Lya for spreading her virus to me during the festival. 

Been taking clarinase for 2 days and I'm still not getting any better with the flu and now I kinda start to lose my voice. *sigh* All this when I plan to start travelling and now I am stuck at her place, resting all the time. *emo* I hope I can get better soon and my mind will be clear soon too, because of some things that happened during the festival.

Yesterday, we made curry puff as a snack!!! *weeeee* More like Lya and Ricky do all the work and I am only entertaining Jess and eat it later. Hehehehe! 

Jess been asking me lotsa questions and wanted to find out what kinda person am I. As much as I am not smart, I am not that dumb to not realised her intention. However, when she mentioned about other French backpackers, we talked about Clement and Bruno and again, it kinda brings back some unwanted memories and feelings.

The curry chicken......

Curry mutton...

The pastry.... Oh yeaaaaaaaaa.... I did helped to roll this into balls.

And then, Ricky did the rolling pin part.

And Lya did the wrapping part.

*tadaaaaa* it's done!!! Time to deep fried this stuff!!! *boooyeaaaa*

Honestly, it really turns out not bad. A little bit jumbo for the look but jthe taste was pretty alright. 

Alright, the sick girl needs her beauty rest now. Will post up on the festival and my new year celebration tomorrow.

Can't wait to meet up with Alex and Esther tomorrow as well!!! They are back to Opotiki to get their car fixed!

Bonne nuit! 


Luv,
*rachelle*

Tuesday, 5 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre, 

I totally lost my time in planning my #trip and meeting up with Alex and Esther that I didn't have the time to update my festival stuff.

I'm leaving tomorrow for my #travel !!! *yey* Hope it works out good.

I called my tarot card lady and I think this year is going to be a bad year for me. *sigh* Please don't make it anymore worse!

Went for a visit at Craig's and we finally saw Milo's kittens!!! It's so adorable!!

Only 1 male kitten looks like Milo and 
the rest is Black and Grey. Hahaha!!

Finally received my parcel and I got my black bikini for 5 dollars! *booooyeaaaaa*

Craig is still funny in his own way because he keeps on teasing me that I broke Peter's heart and he really fall badly for me.  NO SUCH THING!

I settled all my visa extention documents and courier out to the immigration! *cross fingers* Hope I can get my extention and I have 6 more months in New Zealand!!! Or else I will be leaving in March.  * sobzz*

After all the trouble, and the small drama I went through during new year's eve, I decided to get a #Rose #Quartz to calm myself down.  *excuses*

At least now I feel much better. Although my flu and voice don't justify much.

Time for bed! I'm gonna wake up at 3am to start my #journey to the east to see the sunrise. Hahahaha!!!! Hopefully I am that determine tomorrow.

Weather, please be kind to me.

Bonne nuit!


Luv,
*rachelle*

Thursday, 7 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

Been really, really sick yesterday that I slept throughout the whole afternoon and night. Wanted to do some camping but I decided to pay 25 dollars for a #backpackers dorm for a better sleep so I can recover faster.

Finally, I am annoyed with my own phone as it keeps on beeping nonstop. I decided to silent it and flip it down. It was the best decision ever. The next thing I'm going to do is off my mobile data. I hope my bunk-mates is not too annoyed with my cough and my phone.

Woke up at 3.30am to begin my journey to #EastCape yesterday, so I can catch the sunrise. To my dismay............

Trying to chase the #dusk of #dawn .........

Then, the #sunrise is covered with clouds.  FML! But I enjoy the breeze up here, except I feel kinda bad for disturbing a lady sleeping at the bench.

So, I walked back down.

I haven't been climbing so many stairs for such a long time I think my calve muscle kinda sore right now.

But when you reached the #lighthouse . It's all worth it! 

Reached #Gisborne and hangout st the lake for a little while going through my #travel itinerary since I can't check-in to YHA Gisborne yet.

Went back at 3pm to check-in, showered, and I slept through until 3am my alarm ringed. I totally forgot to off it! *urghhhhh*

Continue to sleep until this morning 9am and I managed to pull myself up and scroll through all the messages. *goshhhh* Then, I managed to type the whole RnV story to Rachel as I have been too sick to text her before.

Feeling much better today.

I walked to the city centre. Got my Fiji trip and Bali flight sorted. Now I need to tell Sze Man and Esther on the price and their suggestion.

Went to the pharmacy to get some lozenges and went to the chemist to get EPO. Bought a new sunnies because I kinda expand my current one and it's too lose for me now.

Came back to drop my stuff and talked to one of the local. A very nice man, looking for her daughter but caught me instead. Chatted for a while.

Went to the #beach to snap some photos of the #statutes . Captain James #Cook !

Young Nick's Head. I don't understand why because it definitely has the body as well.

Sitting along the beach until a car stopped by and 2 men came and asked if I am married.  The last time I checked, I'm not even engaged.

So, I left the beach and decided to look for the Champagne #Pool. All the way back to #Rere (which I have yet to update about it during New Year).

I was almost an hour drive. I overshot the place, hence, need to do some u-turn.

The place is pretty! But it's also very dangerous because the pool is too deep and there's no pathway to get down.

Yeapz! You have to slide down with the #rope and climb back up with it.

The pool is soooooo deep I can't even see the bottom. But the water is so cold and refreshing. Just dip my feet on the water makes me happy. 

~like a river flows, slowly to the sea~

It's an empty #road . How often do you find that in KL?!?! 

Because of that, I decided to leave before the sunset.

Reached Gizzy around 7pm and I'm getting tired to cook. CHINESE TAKEAWAYS IT IS!!!~ 

Gonna get a nice warm shower and then, if the Internet connection is good. I will write about my New Year's post.

Bonne nuit. 


Luv,
*rachelle*

Friday, 8 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre, 

Finally, I reached #Napier ! Due to some unforseen circumstances, I had been avoiding this place but not anymore. 

Honestly, the #journey here is long and draggy. I practically stopped at every lookout point available and I only managed to reach Napier and check-in at 7.30pm. Hahaha!!

Currently, staying at Stable Lodge #Backpackers. I love the environment here!! So comfy!! Just hanging around the lounge area is good enough for me. Yea, and eating my instant noodles. 

Yes, Peter won't be very happy about this. But the lazy goddess (because of the book the #undomestic goddess) isn't in a mood to #cook after a long hours of drive and shitty weather that I can't really hangout at the beach. 

However, I'm the #queen of all instant food. So, it's still delicious.......at least to me. ^^

The #view is #spectacular !! Especially along the east coast highway. Please do not trust the word highway. It's just another winding road.

The view of #mahia #beach . Not much #surfers today due to the gloomy weather. I was almost getting blown away by the wind as well. I have to admit right now that I am really too light.  Too many incidents had proven me so.

Words can never describe how in #awe am I at the place. 

On the way to #wairoa where you can still capture the view of the coastline. #mountain #sea #railway

Did a #detour to #tereinga #fall thinking to capture some photos but the road is closed. Hence, we can only walked until the fence to capture the stream.

I think my calve muscle haven't fully recovered from the East Cape hike. Hahaha! I'm such a lose in outdoor activities. *geeesh*

#yawn I'm so tired right now I think I'm going take a warm shower and look through my itinerary for tomorrow. I hope I can make it for the farmer's market in the morning. ^^

Just realised that there's nice #mural done at the patio. Some people set up their tents outside as a changing room. Creative!! 

Oh well................... bonne nuit.


Luv,
*rachelle*

Saturday, 9 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

My long delayed post on Rhythm & Vines 2015 #rnv #rnv2015 #rhythmandvines #rhythmandvines2015 #music #festival. Hahaha!

Yeapzzzzz! Everything happened in the blink of eyes that I just applied for the #volunteer position and they emailed me before I set off to Rotorua. I begin my #travel on boxing day and then another email from my team manager asking us to be there 1 day earlier for team meeting. So, I need to cut my #trip short by 2 days.

It's alright for me because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to work for the biggest festival in #newzealand !!!! *yey*

So, I have to wake up at 4am to start my journey to Gisborne from Rotorua just to reach there in time to get my accreditation pack before the meeting at 10am.

Then, I was there way too early before 10am so I was asked to chill and hangout at the main house, which is going to be the artists dressing room. By the way, I was part of the Artist Liaison Team. 

That is the main house and the VIP tent. Yeapzzzzz! Not for the staff. But the house is awesome!!! Nice view and pool and everything in the garden.

I asked the most stupid question, which is, why did the vineyard owner allows them to held the party at the vineyard? Won't the party-goer destroy the plants?

And their answer was....................

Rhythm & Vines own the whole estate, including the house.

After meeting, time to set up my #tent ! It's really crazy that everyone queue up for the #camper check-in before the the check-in time.

I'm glad I have my staff tag that I can setup my tent and go check-in later when the crowd is lesser. 

After got changed to a more comfy attire, time to hit the campsite bar for some booze. However, staff rule...... must always stay sober. So, yeapz not much booze for me.

Guess who I bump into while I'm heading to the #bar ??? Bruno..... after weeks or maybe months of not seeing each other, we bump into each other even before the festival. 

Coincidentally, we are staying in the same campground! He brought me to his campsite and there's where I met Clement, Fiona and Thais. How much I miss Fiona. She is always the funny one. Not to mention Clement being the gigantua himself. 

Talked to them for a while and found out one of the volunteer, Max is actually their friends. The world is so small.

Told Bruno I need to go find my friend and hope we have some time to catch up more. It was always nice to see him again.

#sunset at the Orchard is amazing! Meet some new people along the way and I reckon is a great start for this 3 days #event

First night at the tent is horrible!!!! I was so cold, and Lya keeps opening and closing my tent for god-knows how many times!!!

All the thoughts of sleeping early for work tomorrow. I woke up almost every 1 or 2 hours.

But by end of the day, I did managed to get at least 5 hours of sleep in total. Restless but better than nothing.

First day of the event, first day of work..... it was quite tiring. Most of the artists check-in to the hotel or some to the camping ground and we need to give them the artist accreditation pack.

End of the day I worked from 9am to 7.30pm.

Worse of all is not about the hours, is about the shower at the campground closes at 7pm !!!!!! 

Hence, no shower for me and I head straight to the festival for some #PekingDuk and #RLGrime .

Oooooo yea! And I got a #sachi #lighter !!!

After party, came back to the tent and wanted to get ready to bed until B called to check if I'm still up for some chat and catch up. So, why not...... afterall, I don't know when will be the next time we gonna meet again.

He came over and we talked for hours about his life in Hastings, people he met along the way. His next travel plan and so forth.

It always surprised me when he is so forthcoming to tell me his stuff since he is a very quiet person. 

Finally, he left around 3am and the night is not as cold as before. Like he said, "he is a concentrated of hot". 



Is mean for me to laugh but it is very funny!!!!

Work was much easier the next day because most artists already took their pack. I left the hotel earlier and help around the main house, preparing food for the artists and decorating their rooms with lotsa booze. I begin to.love this job!!! 

I even manged to shower before heading out to party!!~ *booooyeaaa*

Running from stage to stage was really fun. And because of the craziness, we kinda forget how tired it is to climb up and down the hill. 

Bump into B and Clement at the entrance. The gigantua can just carry me and swing me around!!!! Then again, I think all of them are quite high with alcohol. I can smell the alcohol but definitely not beer. So, I asked B what he had and true enough, it was Jagermeister!

2nd night was all great!!! I got no idea what happened to B but he is being very clingy and possessive the whole night, even Lya feels so.

Trust me, B is the type of guy that even if there's another man talking to the girl he likes or even his girlfriend, he will just walk away and back-off. So, the alcohol in him is really making him react the opposite way. 

Another strange thing that happened was when one of his friend introduce herself to me. I got no idea how to react when she just came up and said, "So you are the Rachelle everyone is talking about. I heard so much about you that I keep on wondering what type of girl are you. And now I can finally meet you in person."

All I do was stand there, smile and said, "I hope you only hear good stuff about me."

*weird* 

After the party, B and me talked again. Finally, he decided to talk it out, which I believe is the alcohol influence.

It was such a heavy topic that we both finally speak our heart out and what lies ahead. Admittedly, we still need to part ways and we won't know when will be the next meeting.

At this point of time, I thought why not just appreciate the time when we both meet? And we still have 1 more day to go.

Last day of the event, busy day at work and helping around after my work at the hotel. However, my colleagues were really nice to let me leave on time so I can catch Angus & Julia Stone!  FRONT AND CENTRE!!!

B never talked to me anymore. He had been ignoring and avoiding me the whole day. It makes me even more confused right now it's as if we can't even be friends.

Countdown with the fireworks and everything is so beautiful!!~ I lost Sergi along the way, so only Lya!!! 

After the fireworks, I saw Clement lost in the middle of the crowd. So, I went and wish him Happy New Year and I texted Fiona too. Finally, I met her in the middle of the crowd at the main stage, with the rest.

Whole night of dancing and singing until Fiona told me B looks angry. I can see that he did look angry but when I asked him, he said there's nothing going on. I thought it was because I was dancing with his friends and his friends went disappear when he arrived.

I really give up on him. I tried so many ways to talk to him and he just shove me off.

It made me feel so frustrating at myself that I had been surpressing all this kind of feelings for yearsssss and when I finally talked it out, I rather we didn't talked it out. At least, right now, I know we can still be friends. 

Went back to my tent and talked to Jason about all this shitz and his advice was to surpress the feelings. *sigh* How many times have I tell myself to not be stupid.

First sunrise definitely didn't happened, because it rains heavily!!! And there's only clouds in the sky.

We packed our stuff and it's time to go home. I managed to run to the main house to say some goodbyes and to Fiona too, but I couldn't find Clement and B anywhere.

So, not exactly how I want to be feeling, ending my 2015 and begin my 2016. Somehow, 2015 did made me a stronger person. I left my stable lifestyle and went to another country alone.Doing different things I never thought at all.

I hope 2016 is going to be better!!

I need to be a better person for a change. And for sure all the memories and experience builds who I am as well. ^^

As for now, I hope I don't meet B any sooner. I got no idea how I am going to feel or what I am going to react but as per my BFF, "Don't think. Only react when the situation happen."

Bonne nuit. 


Luv,
*rachelle*

Sunday, 10 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

On New Year, Lya and I went for Rere #Rockslide before heading back to Opotiki. Wanted to do a detour to east cape but Lya was too sick and now she is getting me sick too. 

First and foremost, I can't swim..................... (this part is when Zach starts to laugh)

Yeapz, I almost drown, until 1 of the guy came down to save me. They said I was too light that's why my board flew me far, far out of the pool while the rest only fall at the bottom of the slide. 

Actually, it was quite fun and cool. If I know how to swim I don't mind doing it over and over again. But because I can't swim and I am too light for it, I don't wanna fly again.

Funny thing is I can't even get myself to slide down!!

I'm at #Napier now and I LOVE IT HERE!!!~

Art Deco is so awesome with the #vintage car and everything! #Gatsby style. Walked around the CBD area and I'm in love with the buildings. Walked along Marine Parade and I'm in love with the turquoise ocean.

How can you not love the #car ???

Finally, a hearty brunch!!!

Walk along the beach until I reached the National #aquarium . Spent some time inside waiting for the shark feeding and penguins feeding. Afterall, I paid 20 dollars for it. 

I tried so many times to selfie with this huge #turtle but failed miserably. So, I give up!

Went to Westshore after that. #spectacular #view but it's sad I can't eat any ice-creams or drink any beer to go with such a great view.

Hence, I drove to Bluff Hill Domain but too early for sunset.

The #lookout #point from Bluff Hill Domain. I kid you not. The name is really Bluff. 

Since it is still too.early for sunset. I am not waiting for sunset anymore. 

I did the Estuary walk and I am definitely the odd one there. Everyone is in their sports attire and I am with skirts and boots. *bimbo on the loose*

Besides, it's only a 1 hour walk. Not much of a sport thingy, right?!?!? *self-comfort*

I can't answer the questions yet. How about you? What will you do? Where will you go?

That's all for now. It's already 12.32am. All my dorm-mates were asleep and I should to as I am heading to Hastings tomorrow!!


Luv,
*rachelle*

Monday, 11 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

I don't know what gotten into me but I went for a #hike , Te Mata Peak yesterday and Cape Kidnappers today. Now, I feel like dying!!!!! 

Let's start with yesterday. I went to #Hastings , Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, in the morning. It was sooooooo windy that some branches fell down from the trees.

Everyone is so happy and lively!!! If I am staying here I will definitely go broke because I will visit the #market every week!

I even queue up almost 30 minutes for this #coffee . By end of the day, is just another long macchiato. 

I bought #cherries !!!! And I finished eating it in a day. Hopefully my cough won't get worse.

Bought #plums too! When I tasted it, it was all right, sweet and everything. But after I buy it, it seems not sweet. 

Then, I went to the Farmland #Zoo to feed the animal. Hahaha! First, was feeding the goats.

Then, it was attempt to #selfie with the animals. Fail miserably.........

Smile sheep!!

Bambi! Look at the camera!

Bambi attempt fail!

Visited the #Honey centre and it's sooooooo expensive!!! Finally I didn't get any.

I love this place!! Birdwood Gallery, Garden Sculpture and Sweet Shop.

#Candy shop!!!

The #decorations #beautiful ! #simple yet #pretty 

Then, I decided to do the #tematapeak 

I should have just drive up......

#spectacular #view from the top, except that the wind is too strong that I almost got blown away.

A man came up to me and asked me to hold tight to the steel because I look like I am going to fall anytime due to the strong wind. 

Came down and visited the Hastings Art Gallery before heading back to Napier to meet up with Max. We volunteered at the festival together and it was great to catch up with him.

Again, I'm having trouble buying beer with my ID. My original passport is with the immigration and my photocopy is not certified true copy. And they don't believe I'm reaching 30. 

I'm not perfect, I'm awesome!

Hahahaha!!!

So, Max and I talked a lot. After all our "sharing" of opinions, I am fully convinced that I am better off without B. 

I guess the #guinness work its wonders.

I don't know what gotten into me, but I decided to hike #capekidnappers today. The weather was actually quite nice until I reached the location it is sunny and hot and now I'm having sunburnt on my neck. 

Starting point is easy because it's only #walking along the #beach

Others choose to pay for the ride to the bottom of the hiking trail. Cheapo me don't wanna pay, hence, need to walk for 2 hours.

The view is awesome!!

I almost give up.

#solotraveller trying her best!

When you reached the peak, you will see a whole bunch of gannet colony. It stinks of shit!

#sharktooth #stone

Going down is easy but walking back to the starting point is crazy!!! The tide is high and my shoes are broken. So, all the stones and sands went into my shoes. Hate gravel road!

#sheeps and #cows please do not attack me. I just wanna go home!!! They look really scary when they are looking at you.

When I reached home, I just showered and lay on the bed. Totally collapsed! Hiking is definitely not my thing. I think my whole year exercise quota had been met by this 2 days. I foresee tomorrow my whole body is going to be very sore. 

And I need to drive 6 hours to Auckland! *damnit*

Alright, I slept, woke up to continue posting my dayre post, and now I'm going back to bed.

The guy talking outside my dorm is definitely an American because he speaks like Zach.  I miss my bitch!

Bonne nuit.


Luv,
*rachelle*

Saturday, 16 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

Haven't been posting anything because I ran out of data and there's no WiFi at my current stay area, but now there is. 

So, here goes. I drove 6 hours from #Napier to #Auckland and I got stuck in Auckland due to the bad #traffic . It reminds me soooooo much about KL.

Hello, stupid traffic.  Seriously, I don't really wish to remind of how I survived the #city life.

After almost 4 months of taking care of my skin, I got #sunburn because of my #travel to #capekidnappers 

To make myself feel better (excuses), I got myself some #selfindulgence !!! *weeeee* Again, I took too long to finish my big #breakfast that the waiter keeps coming out and asking if I was alright.  I'm just a slow eater and I was reading magazine. So, can I be left alone??? #introvert and #antisocial is speaking.

On the way to Auckland, saw a #scenic #lookout point nearby #Taupo and did a detour to snap some photos of the #waterfall .

I was soooooo tired when I reached Auckland that I just check-in to the motel, showered and sleep. Best decision ever!

I got myself a new #sunnies !!!~ *weeeee*

The next day, I decided to walk to #MountEden . Bad decision, I should have taken the bus.  It was a 1 hour walk and then another 1 hour walk up to the lookout point.  *damnit*

The city view is pretty awesome, but somehow it didn't really capture my heart. Maybe I like if it is a nature scenery.

Met 2 random guys and I just hang out the rest of the afternoon with them. Hahahaha! Seriously, very random. I wouldn't do that in Malaysia.

In the evening, I met up with one of my French friend, Jo, for dinner and he decided to bring me to a Thai restaurant. Honestly, I couldn't believe he was so sweet and gentleman (based on historical experience of French people I met, French people are not sweet nor gentleman). I couldn't believe he even pay for my meal and the next day, he thought he can meet me again, he carved me something. 

Obviously, I didn't meet him the next day because I already promised to meet Mus!!!

Meet up with Mus the next day and we practically hangout for almost the whole day. Had #brunch at #Rosie #Parnell before we head to Parnell's #rose #garden .

The food and environment is nice but most importantly is the company! Hehehe! So much gossip to update!

After walking at the Rose garden, we walked back to CBD and had ice-creams, then more #coffee 

All the things we do for photographs. We walked to the opposite road to set the camera on time, on someone else's car, then run back to pose. 

Even the guy sitting at the bench beside us was laughing. But I have to say it was a very good picture! And Mus said it looks like pre-wedding shoot. 

Poser drinking coffee.  This one was taken when nobody is around.

After all the crazy shots, we called it a day, because I need to go to airport at midnight to pick up a friend. Went back, did my laundry, showered and sleep until midnight. HAHAHA!

Next day, I'm heading to Coromandel! *yey* I can't wait and I know I definitely go back there again, for all apparent reason. 

Since, I will still have WiFi tomorrow, will post on Thames and Coromandel tomorrow!

As for now, bonne nuit!!~

I hope I will stop coughing soon. Hate it!


Luv,
*rachelle*

Sunday, 17 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

Been driving a lot, which means I'm getting more and more lazy to walk. Hahaha! Finally, I reached Coromandel! But I'm definitely coming back here again for all apparent reasons. 

Left #Auckland after a nice #brunch at #Newmarket #Broadway #Street

#travel to #Coromandel via #Thames and decided to go see The Pinnacles. However, reached there quite late and couldn't make it for the track because it's going to be a 8 hours return track.

Hence, we go for the #Cookson #kauri and the #Wainoa kauri track because it's the shortest. 

After the tired #hike , we stopped by at The Wharf for a cuppa #chocolate and #fishandchips  There goes the output and then the input of calories.

Checked-in to our B&B and it has the most awesome #seaview !!!~ They gave us 6 bunk-beds, 1 large bed and 1 single bed for 2 person.  *hmmmmm* I haven't figure that out yet.

Well, that's all for the first day in Coromandel.

Start my day with my #brunch with a cuppa #mocha and #bigbreakfast at Coromandel #Town

Then, we head to Driving Creek Railway for some #tourist activities. Honestly, the 1 hour ride is not bad although it cost 30 dollars. 

The view from the top is all blue and green!  I think it's "nature" enough for me.

Then, we visited the #cafe and #secondhand #bookshop . Didn't find any books that I like but the juices taste awesome! Loving it! 

Drove along the #coastal #lane until we reach #fletcherbay . I think I'm going to drag Mus and Sze Man to come here for camping and picnic!

Drive another hour to Port Charles Wharf just for some view and photo taking. (Asian thingy) 

Finally when we reached town centre, it's already past 8pm and it's really lucky that we managed to catch a restaurant that is still open. What can I say about this #scrumptious #dinner ???? #oyster #mussels #lamb AWESOME PAWSOME!!~  I am sooooooo #bloated that I feel I gained weight in this 2 days. *bad bad bad*

Plan for tomorrow is Whitianga, Hahei, Whangamata. Hopefully I manage to wake up early.  

That's all for now! Bonne nuit.....


Luv,
*rachelle*

Sunday, 24 Jan 2016

Dear Dayre,

Things had been really rough for this few weeks. My phone decided that he needs a spa in the sulphur pool and hence there goes everything. I'm still trying to retrieve it and hopefully it is working well.

Traveling on the other hand is good!! But there's some hiccups. I'm just a spoilt brat with travel. Thus, it is not easy to find a travelmate.

Anger is building within me. Everything just pisses me off. It's OK. Forget about that and let's recall back my lovely trip in Hahei. I think I saw Etienne so am definitely going back there to pay them a visit. I miss Gaelle!!!~

Had my #brunch at The Chai Tea House, #Coromandel before #travel down to #Whitianga and #Hahei and end my night at #Whangamata .

On the way to Hahei, found another #waterfall and decided to stop by for a while. #Waiau #fall is only an hour walk and we can't really go down to the fall. It's just a scenic lookout.

After the walk, found another beach, which is supposed to be one of the beautiful hangout beach at Whitianga. No doubt there's a lot of people doing water sports there.

Hahei!!! #cathedralcove !!! Omigosh! It was wonderful! I think I have entered #narnia ! I did the #boat #ride first before doing the walk. But both is a different view and it is totally worth it!

I am my brother's sister. Since he is not around, I am always the one getting splash with water during the boat ride. 

The famous #madden #icecream !!!! After I ate this double scoop of chocolate dipped rum and raisin with chocolate mint, my cough is getting worse.  NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN!

Then, I begin my walk to the Cathedral Cove. Picture perfect moments!

More picture opportunities! Hahaha! Seriously, I thought being an Asian I'm already the worse, but there's a girl who practically do all the cheerleading stunts there for picture-sake. ~You win liao lor~ #malaysianquote

After Cathedral Cove, hit to the #hotwaterbeach but it was too crowded and the weather is too cold for me. 

So, it's time to drive to Whangamata and call it a night. Honestly, I am surprise with the small town. It is quite comfy.

After a scrumptious brunch, decided to take a walk at the town before heading to #Waihi and #Paeroa . Wanted to go to Tirau but kinda miss it. It's OK! Next round!

Stopped by at #Wentworth #fall for a walk.

Went for another walk at the #miners at #Waihi . it rained so heavily that I only did half of the walk and went back. I'm practically drenched!!

And is a MUST shot! #LnP #lemon #Paeroa !! NZ local drink. 

Then, it's a straight drive to Hamilton. 

I loveeeeeee the waffles at Traffic Cafe! Is my first time here, just trial and error but it was surprisingly good!

So, breakfast at #Hamilton (I wish it was Tiffany ) before heading to #hobbitton again! Wanted to do Waitomo Caves first but we aren't able to do it due to the heavy rain on the days before that leads to flood in the cave and we won't be able to do the boat ride. So, switch of plan!

Hobbitton we go!

Didn't take much photos this time but I made some new friends!! Nina and Stefany!! Didn't manage to get a photo with Stefany but will call her out when I'm back in Auckland. Maybe u can go to her work place and try the food in the restaurant, if and only if it is affordable. 

Finally, #japanese food for #dinner !!! Like real #sashimi and #bento kinda food instead of just sushi. *yummilicious*

Feels like having #french breakfast today, and I found this lovely lane in the middle of Hamilton #town that sells lotsa cute trinkets and there's a french #cafe . 

Finally, I am here!!! #glowworm #cave !!!! When my eyes first lay on the glow worm. Omigosh!!! It was breathtaking! The whole cave is filled with them. And honestly, they look so much more better glowing that the real worm itself.

A few minutes drive alone the road is #Marokopa fall. I saw #rainbow !!!!! 

The rainbow is sooooo near I feel I can touch it. *loveeeeee*

After all the walk and drive, reached #Rotorua at dinner time. Gotta try #ciccio cafe. #italian #cuisine with nice ambience. #whitewine with my # #spaghetti #marinara 

All right! I think I kinda squeeze my 3 to 4 days #trip into 1 post. Gonna call it a night and I shall continue tomorrow on how my phone decided to get his spa. 

Bonne nuit.


Luv,
*rachelle*

Tuesday, 2 Feb 2016

Dear Dayre,

My hiatus is due to me, running out of data again. And also driving and #travel around been getting me really tired and by the time I reached a certain stay it's already almost midnight. Hence, me not updating my post.

Oh well! So far so good, I have to say, except I still didn't managed to do my Skydiving!!!  it was raining and cloudy for 2 days! *urghhhh* Let's see if I can still remember what happened in #Rotorua and #Taupo #trip .

The next day after we reached Rotorua, we decided to rent a bike a cycle to the town centre. First destination is definitely #brunch at #limecafe 

Seriously, I can smell the sulphur all around the city! It's worse than before.

However, brunch is awesome! I think I'm changing my appetite of ordering french toast or pancakes from big breakfast. 

Then, walk along the Lake Rotorua and watch some #blackswan . It was freaking hot!!~ I haven't really got over me getting burnt from Cape Kidnappers.

However, I should appreciate the sun now or else I'm going to be freezing cold for the next 4 months. Then, I will start to rant again.

Did the #ducktour and it was so cool!!!~ especially when the vehicle can go onto the lake!!

Seriously, the lake has really cool view, and you gotta see the rich people's accommodation. ^^

Took a break after the tour for a buy-1-free-1 coffee! Highly recommended : #chocolate #brownies *yummilicious*

After the tea break, it's #spa time!!! #PolynesianSpa 

This is when my dearly beloved phone decided that he needs a spa too and fell to a 38 degrees sulphur pool. 

I managed to grab it up and wipe it dry, took out the battery and use the hairdryer to blow it dry again, then, chuck them into a bowl of rice (that was done when we are back at the hotel). Sad! 

I tried the mud spa! It was so relaxing!! I can't wait for more at Bali.

After the whole day and previously all the driving and walking and stuff, I'm beat! All I want is a good night sleep. Trust me, I can skip food just for sleep.

However, shits happened and I was woken up for couple of times I got really frustrated and I slept in the car. OMIGOSH!!!~ BEST SLEEP EVER!!! No one disturb me nor calls me nor wake me up. Loving it!

Next day, I leave my phone in the bowl of rice again, hopefully it really helps absorbing all the water from the phone.

So, I'm only left with #gopro and #lumix #camera .

Went to #Agrodome to see a bunch of #sheeps and #shearing process. It was a really cool show! After show, you can go up to the stage and take pictures with all the sheeps and the #dogs !!!!~ 

A few minutes drive away is the #skyline !! Bought a package deal and I gotta play the #luge for 5 times including 1 free photo taken. Also included in the package was ZipLine and #skyswing 

When you are 50metres high up in the sky and it's your decision to pull the string to fall right down and swing, it's scary! But it was fun too!!

View from the cable car, first was nice, after you sit that for 6 or 7 times, it looks the same to me. Hahahaha!

After the games, we had #buffet #dinner at #Stratosphere to watch the Rotorua night view from above.

Next day, woke up early so I can catch the Lady Knox Geyser in the morning at #waiotapu

Basically, a man just throw something inside to activate the geyser to shoot right up. Hahahaha! 

#champagnepool #emeraldpool so many #pools here filled with different colour due to the sulphur and the stones.

Went to the #mud #pool and a kid just took the mud and put on my face as if she was helping me to do face mask.

After a hot day walking under the sun, we went to #rainbowspring and I finally gotta see a real #kiwibird !!~

As much as I want to continue posting, but my eyes are closing. So, will continue when my brain are working.

Bonne nuit.


Luv,
*rachelle*

Wednesday, 3 Feb 2016

Dear Dayre,

I am having my #brunch now before getting ready to climb #mount #maunganui . Wish me luck!!!~

And since I got WiFi and I got some time here, I shall continue what I left off. Seriously, I got no idea why am I so tired. Hahaha!

Finally, I gotta go #Mitai #culturalvillage !!! It was soooooo good!!! Not to mention scrumptious #hangi #buffet #dinner . Then, there's the #hakadance and the night walk where I can see #glowworms . It's just amazing!

The next day, I decided to stay in and start looking for more jobs. I had been getting a lot of negative response that I'm getting desperate to just walk in for a job. *sigh*

I wish to get a permanent job here but now I'm desperately need a job in South Island. 

Went for a #japanese #cuisine as dinner. I think I ate way too much Japanese food in #newzealand .

Did I mentioned I am fat already?!?!? *goshhhhh* I feel so bad right now, my face is practically round!!!!!! 

The next day, had #brunch at #urbano thanks to a recommendation from a Canadian lady I met in Mitai, before #travel out.

We left #Rotorua to #Taupo and on the way, we stopped by at #orakeikorako for some #thermal #walk . It's HOT!! Like in Malaysia, when I don't wanna get out of my house or office and just blast my aircond and sleep - kinda HOT! You gotta do what you gotta do! *smile for the camera* 

Another thermal walk, called #cratersofthemoon , a smaller walk and a different view. More like craters instead of pools of thermal water or mud.

Reached Taupo and had #dinner at #thebistro . The service is top-notch! I like the lady because she is always friendly and smiling and patience in explaining each food for me.

#lake Taupo is huge and beautiful! Brunch at #dixiecafe overseeing the beautiful lake is a definitely a bliss.

Did a river cruise at #hukafalls before I do the walk along the #Araitata dam. It's amazing. Then when you think about falling into the river, I will probably die due to the strong current.

#maccas at Taupo is cute!! It's the design of an aeroplane!! I just go there for picture purpose. Hahaha! 

The #lavaglass is really nice as well, because you gotta watch the #glassblowing process and at the same time, they have a glass #garden which is absolutely amazing! You feel like you're Alice in wonderland. That's for me. 

Then, I went to the #bungy and #cliffswing site for a view. I can't bear to do it myself. And because of the rain and cloudy weather, I miss skydiving. *sobzzz* 

Eventhough it was raining, the boat to Earnest Kemp is still on and I gotta see the Maori Carvings. So, to think of it, you sit 2 hours to go to the middle of the lake to see a carving and then you ride 2 hours back.  *hindsight*

Next day, travel back to #auckland and I met Sze Man to take my passport. My visa got extended!!!! *yey* So so sooooooooo happy!

Visited the #Whangarei #fall on my way up to #Kerikeri

And took a walk along #Paihia town centre. If the accommodation is not that expensive in Paihia, I would love to stay a night here.

Reached Kerikeri quite late but still managed to visit the #stonestore .

The lodge I'm staying at Kerikeri is called Relax-a-Lodge. The owner has a huge black dog called, Nika! The place is sooooooooo comfy! Why didn't I got a job at Kerikeri and then I gotta stay there for a period of time.

The next day, I went up to #CapeReinga , the place where the 2 sea/ocean meet.

Stopped by at #TePaki sand dunes.

Sze Man and me tried the black sand dunes at #Berthells #beach . It was difficult. Hahaha!

Now, I'm all tanned! *unevenly* 

The following day is Auckland Day!!! Public holiday for all Aucklander but I'm #volunteer -ing at the #laneway #festival and I gotta meet some more awesome people! I bump into Harry there too and he said I shouldn't volunteer anymore. I should work for money. Hahaha! I bet he is drunk.

Got so tired after a whole day of work and party. I just knocked out at bed and woke up the next day to get ready to go Tauranga. Hahaha!

Life as a #solotraveller .

Time for some hiking!!!~ More updates on my trip to Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui next! *cheerios*


Luv,
*rachelle*

Friday, 5 Feb 2016

Dear Dayre,

I'm finally done with Mt. Maunganui and currently at New Plymouth. Honestly, I love my trip at Mt. Maunganui!!! I love my roomies and the people I met st the hostel. They are so much fun!

Like usual, on the way from Auckland to #mountmaunganui, before I checked-in to the hostel, I #travel a bit and because it's a 3 hours drive, I only managed to stop at 1 place, which is #mclarenfalls

The place is beautiful but it looks scary to me. Maybe because I can't swim and the kid practically jump down from the bridge to the #waterfall 's pool. 

There's rocks everywhere, which actually I find it even more scary because I always imagine what if someone slipped and fell?!?! DIE!

Walked along McLaren's #park and there's another smaller #fall which nobody swims.

Guess who I bumped into working at the #pacificlodge #hostel ?!?!?! MARIO!!~ *goshhhh* NZ is really small that I managed to bump into people I know from different places.

Once the picture is posted up to group chat, Sergi messaged me already.  It was really great to bump meet him again.

I checked-in the same time as my roomie, he is an American and when we went to our room, another girl was there since the night before and she is also an American! Now I'm surrounded with Americans. Haha!

Americans or not, they are really cool and we just ended up as a squad. LOL! But that night I was so tired I didn't managed to pull myself to go out party with them, or else it's going to be even more fun! 

The next day, I woke up late and got #brunch on my own at #thelocal #cafe that actually do #byo food. They only serves like small pastries, which tastes really really good! Even Bree loves the cafe.

Then, I went and climb the #mount , which is a torture for me by looking at the super hot weather and steep stairs. However, I made it!!!~ The view is #spectacular !!!~ I managed to talk to a guy who is doing parasailing too. But he needs to go round and round and round to respond to me, which I find it funny. LOL!

Another thing - I got attacked by the falcon looking bird that probably thinks the tomato I'm eating is some red meat (according to Bree). Everyone was laughing because I practically throw my tomato at the bird when it flew towards me. 

Went to hostel after all the drama to find Sam and Bree in the room and Sam was upset that he lost his GoPro while surfing. *awwwww* 

So, we decided that we need a booze tonight! LOL! Random thing.

Met another American at the hostel and asked him to join us for a drink at #Astrolabe and he was like OK! So, yes! 3 Americans and 1 Malaysian. Random..........

It was a fun night. We talked and laughed and drink and make fun of each other. I think I get the American jokes and sarcasm better than the European. 

Next day, I'm checking out and the 2 decided to extend another night. Damnit! I should have to! But oh well, squad picture!!!~ I'm sooooo gonna meet them again!

Managed to find the #kaiatefalls and did a small walk. However, the water has high level of bacteria in it that it's not recommended to swim in it.

Then, I finally managed to find #omanawafalls !!!! Omigosh!!!! It was a disaster. The tunnel was closed and we had to climb over a fence, did some dangerous rock climbing, walk in the woods to get to the falls. But the view is #amazing !!!

Did I mentioned I even fell and cut my legs and arms? Now I have cuts and bruises everywhere, including my butt (because I slide).

Then, when we wanna leave, we lost the path. It took us more than 2 hours to get out of the wood and found an unknown path. 

Then, we need to trespass to someone else's property to get to the main road and then walked for 1 hour to our car. 

It was the most adventurous thing that ever happened to me. If it was for the couple, Aaron and Fian, I wouldn't even do it alone. So, thanks a lot of the memories. 

Oh yea. And I have to drive 4.5 hours to #newplymouth that means I only reached my hostel at 11pm. I was so exhausted I can only think of shower and sleep. LOL! 

I told my mom about it and she didn't even reply my text messages.  Sometimes I wonder how busy can she be???

Oh well, today is my first day at New Plymouth and all I did was exploring the #citycentre because I'm too tired to do anything else.

I went to the #museum at i-site because it was raining and the museum is free. It linked to the #library that I found an interesting book to sit down and read. It's called "Desperate Duchess". I'm gonna download it on my iPad. 

Had an awesome #brunch at the #federalstore cafe, recommended by Rachel, the hostel owner. The #coffee is delicious and the #eggsbenedicts is to die for!! But I had to walk for 30 minutes to get there. My muscle sore so badly right now.

Hahaha! Lazy people have lazy bones.

Alright! Time to hit the sack as tomorrow is gonna be a park and garden day! *weeeeee*

Bonne nuit.


Luv,
*rachelle*