Day 38

Sunday, 7 Feb 2016

New Plymouth Day 2 and Day 3

Dear Dayre,

Yesterday was a total lazy day-in for me. I didn't even leave my #hostel . Stay in had my meals, play the piano, strum the guitar and the ukulele, watch a movie with my roomie and yeapz job-hunt!! *sigh* I'm still jobless in the south and I'm heading there in like a week time. 😨😨😨

Not only am I jobless, I don't even have a place to stay!!!~ Well, I can always stay in my car but still..............

Good thing is, I managed to finish reading a book!!! Omigosh! I haven't been reading for so long, I didn't know it was so good to finish a book.

Bad thing is, I chose a #book that has 6 series. Now, I'm curious about Book 2, which I can't find anywhere to download and I refuse to pay for it.

Finally, I feel the #summer #heat !!! 33 degrees in #newplymouth How can I ever imagine it?!?! It's like back to Malaysia, except it's less humid here.

Another reason for me to stay in yesterday was also the gloomy weather. It's raining and cloudy for the whole day!!~

I guess today I'm going to visit the parks and gardens and maybe walk the coastal walk for a little bit. 😊😊😊

It's #cny #eve today and it's my first time away from my family for #chinesenewyear So, it's kinda sad that there's no #reunion #dinner for me, nor am I going to receive any #angpow 😢😢😢

But to make sure I don't feel pathetic, I'm gonna spend my day out!!!~ Hopefully bump into some awesome people along the way. Hahahaha! 😂😂😂

Landing Cafe

First, I start off my day with a hot #mocha and honestly, I didn't expect it to be this large!! 😨😨😨

Landing Cafe

Then, I'm gonna have my #hotcake *weeeeee*

So, yes, I'm having my #brunch while posting this #dayre entry. I shall think what I want to do next after I feed my tummy.

Till then. Ciaoz!

Today is quite relaxing but hot! Like seriously HOT!!~ Took a stroll along the #coastalwalkway A lot of people cycle there, which I hope I was cycling instead of walking due to the weather.

Then, another walk at the #tupare #park but I kinda miss the free tour to the Lady Matthew's house.

Hence, I can only view the house from the outside. 😂😂😂

The #lookout point from the top. Honestly, I thought I can see the river flowing at the back of the house but oh well......

Next is the #pukekura park. It's a bigger park, definitely, and there's people playing cricket as well.

I thought this is a #pond but they called it #lake *hmmmmmmm*

It's nice when you can just sit down and chill with a nice view, without the black swan and ducks targeting your food.

A small #waterfall in the #garden solely for viewing pleasure. ☺️☺️☺️

#fountain lake where everyone snap picture. Hahaha! I don't know why. So, I just follow the crowd.

Follow the #rainbow #bird

(~follow the yellow brick road~)

It leads to #glasshouse and it's super hot and humid inside. I feel like I'm back in Malaysia, looking at 'pokok nikau'. 😂😂😂

Then, I start to squat down to take a rest and a picture at this pond of #fish es. The kids thought it was something interesting and came sit with me looking at the pond. Seriously, sometimes I just wanna tell them, actually there's no apparent reason for me to do that and you don't need to follow me. 😒😒😒

Came back to hostel to cook myself an early dinner (because there's no reunion dinner for me) and calling some job offer, hopefully they can let me do some wwofing at South Island but to no avail.

Panicky as I sound, I need a job and I definitely need a place to stay!!!!! The clock is ticking and I am still searching. *sigh*

Year of the Monkey God - please treat me good!! I promise to be a good girl as I'm already is. ☺️☺️☺️

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 42

Thursday, 11 Feb 2016

New Plymouth --> Wanganui --> Wellington

Dear Dayre,

I am so excited, yet so anxious about going to South Island! Seriously, I got nothing to expect at all.

Currently, I'm doing some #couchsurf ing at #Wellington , until I leave on 13th to the South. Nathan had so far been really nice and fun and he has such an adorable daughter!

OK, let's recap! I left #NewPlymouth pretty late because I'm saying goodbye to the WWOFER there, whom I gotten pretty close to during my stay at the hostel.

#travel to #wanganui with a short stop at the #pioneervillage , #stratford

Honestly, the place is pretty cool but it creeps me out to be walking at an old village alone and on the first day of #cny

Walk around the #town for awhile but everything is close due to the national public holiday #waitangiday

So, walked slightly further to the #tunnel that I find it very chilling walking in it.

I didn't pay for the #elevator because I find it very creepy to be riding it alone. Hahaha! 😂😂😂 So, I walked all the way up with the stairs and then, I saw more stairs to the rooftop. 😐😐😐

However, the view was pretty amazing. I spent some time up there, until a guy came up and I left to another tower.

Another #tower consisted of 176 #stairs up. *urghhhhh* My feeling at that very moment was "kill me, please!!!"

Eventually, I still went up and then complaint! 😂😂😂 typical!

Went back to the #hostel after sightseeing only to realise it was a college house, run by a German couple.

However, they are sooooo cool that they have #goat and #deer as a #pet !!!!

Only then I also realised I was the only female in the mix dorm and the guy that I bump into on top of the elevator tower was 1 of my #roommate and he actually recognised me first. I seriously should pay more attention next time.

The next day, we asked whether he can follow me to Wellington and I said, "Yes".

Matthias is such a kid! But it's fun talking to him somehow because he is so young and curious about life.

We stopped at #Paraparaumu Beach for a stroll and rest to enjoy the view. He hates walking at the beach, he only likes the coastal walkway. I don't know how to describe him sometimes. I always called him a baby and choosy and sometimes picky. 😁😁😁

Mount Victoria

First night arrived at Wellington and Mitch, my couchsurfing host's housemate brought us to #mountvictoria for a night view of the #city . I think I haven't seen the city lights for almost half a year now. Hahaha! I wonder how will I feel when I go back to Malaysia? *hmmmmm*

Wellington Waterfront

Next day, went to the city to meet up with Bri!!! She came to Welly for a visit before heading to South Island the next day. We explore the city a little but and spent some time at #tepapa #museum

Seriously, it took more than a day to finish the whole museum! It's huge and we got so tired after 3 floors!!!

Wellington Botanic Garden

We then, took a #cablecar and hit to the #botanical #garden . We both have the worse sense of directions. We even got lost in the garden and couldn't managed to find any flower, until almost the end of the walk. 😑😑😑

After that, we met up with Nathan and went to #rooftop #bar for a drink before head home for dinner. It's really nice of Nathan to couchsurf Bri for a night and then Mitch dropped her off at airport today when he was going off to work. 😊😊😊

Southgate Park

Nathan's place has the BEST VIEW during #sunset and you can even see the #southisland !!!! I cannot believe I'm so lucky to have Nathan as my host.

2 more days and I'm going off to South! *cross-fingers* I had some calls and they wanted me to go in for interview. I really really hope it all goes well! Pleaseeeeeeeeee!!!

Welly has 1 of the best library ever! I spent almost half day in the library!!~ *geeesh* I'm such a nerd!

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 52

Sunday, 21 Feb 2016

Wellington --> Picton --> Blenheim

Dear Dayre,

Another long delayed post because I went missing and stranded on an outskirt island for a few days without any reception.

Let's recap from my #Wellington #trip and then my #travel to the #southisland

This is going to be long!! Maybe I should break into a few more days. Hahaha! Lazy me.

Bri left to South Island and Therese and I decided to spend some time together, hanging out and some shoe shopping for her to go for job interviews.

Since, Therese is a vegan, she found us a nice vegan #cafe at #Newtown called #Pranah Cafe. Sure enough the food is amazing!!! But pricey too. My pancake and mocha costs me NZD17.

The next day, I decided to drive to #UpperHut to visit some #lordofthering #lotr site. Honestly, I can't remember most of the names because I haven't watched nor read a single book of it. I do remember watching the Two Towers but I don't remember the story. Hahaha!

So, this is some river that Frodo walked on before, which starts with the letter I. 😂😂😂

On the way to the next location, saw a beautiful #lookout point and decided to find out. #stuartmackaskilllake and it's a man-made #dam

Most people know this place, #rivendell !!!! Actually I like the #arc and it's only a few minutes walk.

Then, I went to a park to eat my chips and read my book just to find outthat it's another places of interest for LOTR.

At night, Therese got a bad date and I'm supposed to rescue her, and we ended up having Mexican dinner and went for special craft #cocktail at #HawthornLounge

It was fun and nice to know her more and talks about how dumb a guy can be. 😂😂😂

The next day, I have to wake up at 6am to board a #bluebridge #ferry to south.

The view is amazing and the ride, the ferry and the hospitality inside is good. I managed to meet a few people and have some conversation. One of the guy ended up asking me to hang awhile when we reach #Picton

When I reach Picton, it reminds me
of Penang. 😁😁😁

The #wharf , the #yacth , sun and sea. Chatted awhile with Chris before we decided to part ways.

I drove along Queen Charlotte Drive to head to Blenheim for my interview.

Once I reach the backpackers, the boss asked me to try cooking with the rest of the girls. Honestly, cooking is DEFINITELY NOT my forte. 😱😱😱

Somehow,I managed to pass the test and got the job as the boss's PA. I should say it's a blessing in disguise. WHY? I shall continue tomorrow when the lights are on again. Or else I think Matthias is going to jump on me.

Bonne nuit.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 54

Tuesday, 23 Feb 2016

Burney's Beach Day 1 (14/2)

Dear Dayre,

My roomies sleep like VERY EARLY! by 9 pm the lights are off and they are already snoring..... *geesh*

Ooooh well, let's get back to my drama work. But before that.......

"HAPPY #VALENTINE'S DAY!!!"

I guess things doesn't turn it like what we planned (ironic, huh?). I started off my first day of work as a PA to Barry. First task is I need to pack and we are off to #BurneyBeach, to his batch for 4 days. 😯😯😯 Seriously, I got no idea what to expect.

I tried to remain my composure but I still panic so much that I forgot to reply Matthias' message! (Poor Matthias, I hope he is not angry that I always got caught up and didn't reply his message).

Barry and I went to fill up the petrol before heading to Pak 'N' Save to get some groceries. The place that we are heading has nothing, not even phone connection! 😐😐😐

I think I will survive 😊😊😊

Drove to #Picton , then straight up to #WaikawaBay , and then 50 minutes #boatride to the batch.

During the boat ride, I saw #hector #dolphins !!! 😲😲😲 *AHHHHHH!!!*

I couldn't believe it! And I don't need to lay a single cent for it! *happy -skipping around*

When I reached the batch, there's a #stingray swimming along the shore! *AHHHHHH!!* 2 AMAZING nature view in a day. Who would have thought that?!?! The view from the batch is amazing! There's a wooden plank and on top of that is a #hammock , hanging from 2 nikau trees.

Sitting on the hammock and I think, "My office is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!" On top of being a PA, I need to babysit 3 huge #dogs ! (Nipper (14), Bull (4) and Charlotte (2)) However, only Bull and Charlotte followed us to the batch.

Clean up the place a little and Barry helped to setup my room (king size bed, over-seeing the ocean) Who am I to complain?!?! After a little tidying up, we just relax until dinner.

While I was preparing dinner, Barry came back with a small handpicked flowers and wish me a Happy Valentine's Day. It's really sweet of him but I got no idea how to react except saying, "Thank you". I don't even remember when is the last time I actually received flowers and I definitely never celebrate V-day with any of my partner before. Of all the thought of coming to South Island to celebrate his birthday (hilarious!).

I had my dinner with a glass of rosé to pamper myself; chicken cordon bleu, potatoes, carrots and peas. Talked a lot with Barry and he said I uses and buy a lot of cheap stuff, which now I shouldn't because he is now paying for everything! I have my food and accommodation covered, on top of that I still got paid, even my personal toiletries are covered. LOL!

My 57 years old boss is always high on pots.

On the next day, I don't know when to start work, so I woke up at 8am and get ready to start at 9am, but Barry was already up and done his morning stuff. So, he just asked me to do my stuff while he finishes his batch's refurbishment and he will call me when he needs my help.

I ate my breakfast and went to the hammock to read my book. I think I'm going to run out of battery soon if we don't charged it.

Prepared a simple sandwich for lunch and then continue my book until I realised that I forgot to apply sunblock. Went back to the batch and look at myself in the mirror, all tanned! 😑😑😑 FML!

Reading back at the messages and prepared my reply until I have an Internet connection. I think I only told my mom which I didn't know the message didn't go through. *urghhhh*

Anyhoo...... I will need to continue tomorrow as my roomies are now sleeping and I'm the only one with the lights on 😁😁😁

Bonne nuit.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 56

Thursday, 25 Feb 2016

Burney's Beach Day 2 and 3 (15/2 - 16/2) --> Blenheim --> Dunedin

Dear Dayre,

Waiting for my breakfast while picking up from where we left off the last time. Day 2 of the batch "adventure" at #BurneyBeach

Almost to evening, Barry suggested that we go to collect some #mussels for dinner. I applied sunblock and ready to go! I don't wanna get burnt again by the sun. Went down to our boat and the stingray is still there! Bull is making friend with it. 😂😂😂 Managed to get close, to less than a metre close and grab a picture.

Ride all the way to the mussel farm and watched Barry collect the mussels. It's tough work! Then, he told me that we have to run or the farm management gonna scold us. 😑😑😑 we are actually stealing.........

Drove to other bays to try to fish for some blue cod, but we didn't managed to get any (due to impatience Barry).

However, I saw PENGUINS!!! *wooohooo* Another nature animal I don't need to pay for it. AWESOME-PAWSOME!

Came home, clean and de-beard the mussels and time to prepare dinner. This time, Barry thought of doing some gourmet. Steam the mussels with white wine, garlic, onions and shallots. Once it is ready, the #mussels are oven baked with blue cheese and sweet chilli sauce.

OMIGOSH!!! It taste ridiculously delicious! I learned another new dish. We throw the remaining mussels back to the sea for the stingray.

Getting worn out by the sun, I hit the sack right after shower. Finally, I'm reading #NotThatKindOfGirl by #LenaDunham . If I ever wrote a story of myself, it's going to be so much drama. HAHAHA! Like Yoe always said, I'm a chaotic magnet that always attracts chaos around me. 😂😂😂

Somehow, I envy James, Barry's son. I'm sleeping in his room, listening to the sound of waves, covered with skies filled with stars and amazing view.

The next day, Charlotte woke me up by jumping up to my bed and start licking my face and running round and round on my bed. Reminds me to much if Lucky, except the size is 3 times bigger than Lucky. 😐😐😐

I feel like a victorian, writing at night with only a single candle light. I can hear my parents telling me how that is going to spoil my eyesight. LOL!

Today is definitely a quiet day to start with. Breakfast and reading my book by the hammock until it t started to rain. Went in and prepare sandwich as lunch until he suggested that we go down to the beach for a stroll.

Collect some stone looking glass which actually cost more that the green stone. *hmmmmmm*

Oh well, this used to be a trading beach. Hence, a lot of weird stuff you will find on the beach. I wanna make a necklace out of it! *weeeee*

Came back to the house and continue reading until my iPad really ran out of battery. Barry then talked to me, telling me about his first impression on me and how he wants to help me now to extend my visa. Again, probably he is high on pots, he even think about marrying me! 😨😨😨

Then, he starts to tell me about hostel management and giving me the chance to take up more responsibilities because he likes my personalities. WTF?!?! It's only my 3rd day!!! And I'm only getting the minimum wages.

I don't want my PBB life all over again.

Ended up, he asked me to help with the work on the wall, which actually is only measuring, cutting cardboard and stapling to the wall. However, I have some trouble with the staple and in end up putting a hole on the wall. 😟😟😟 Barry on the other hand just sitting down and smoking pots. 😑😑😑

After I'm done, Barry said it was a good job and very neat. Then, it's time to cook dinner but he will grilled the lamb chop.

He wants it tender and doesn't want me to spoil the meat. So OK! I only prepare the side dishes. But I do have to give him the credit as the lamb chop is absolutely delicious! 😊😊😊

He taught me how to make it, so, I hope I can do it the next time. HAHAHA!

I'm heading back to civilisation the next day at 8am. Part of me am happy but another part of me kinda enjoy this peaceful place. Then again, I need to get back to pay my parking ticket and renew my car registration.

Today really got me thinking a lot last night, I woke up with a nightmare of B again. Honestly, I haven't been having that since new year. Why now?!?!? Please don't tell me it's a bad omen. *sighhhh*

Well, I had to say Day 4 of work is the WORST!! First, Barry was in a horrondous mood. I can't help with sailing the boat and he flipped at me. Seriously, you should redefined toy job description because it was not stated that I need to know how to sail the boat!

Reached back to civilisation and received 1000 plus messages and 100 plus miss calls. My friends and families are worried sick that I don't reply for 4 days and I am a tech person. I had to replied all the messages and call all my friends and families to tell them I'm alright. Mom been crying and they all lodge a police report on a missing person. 😱😱😱

Part of me laugh and then I teared. To finally realised how many people really #loves me unconditionally.

I'm blessed to have them in my life....

Boss wanted scone and it's my first time making scone. Lucky I didn't screw up on the taste but I made it mini instead of 2cm thick. But it's still nice with butter and jam. 😁😁😁

I made dinner for boss and he flipped again. *sighhhh* This time he even threw a glass lid on the floor and broke. Then, he took a vacuum cleaner to clean up the glasses. *nonsense* Makes more work. Duhhhh...

Honestly, I don't see what's wrong with the dinner?!?!?!

And he finally said fish only serves with chips and salad, not mashed potatoes and boiled carrots. WTF?!?!?!

I wish he sacked he straightaway.......Then, I can tell people I got sack because I made mashed potatoes instead of chips.

The following day, he talked to me and I was really hoping he will sack me. He then asked me how will I feel if he sack me. I just answered I don't know, who don't he try?

I kept quiet the whole day except helping Aya out with the cleaning.

He finally talked to me and asked me to smile and be the cheeky one back. 😒😒😒

Working by looking at his tempered really stresses me out, especially when it's time to cook dinner. *urghhhhh* I'm glad I'm having this 3 days break to Dunedin for meeting.

Aya and me decided to make sushi the next day for dinner. OMIGOSH!! Japanese food!!! *loveeeeeee!!* 😍😍😍

I'm glad he is eating it. Eventually the next day, I'm craving for green curry and I made green curry chicken and he ate it too!!! *wooohoooo*

Then, he wanted #devonshirescone and I had to made the #cream myself. *goshhhhh* I learned a lot but it's seriously stresses me out. I begin to miss and appreciate my food in Malaysia where I don't have to cook!

While I'm craving for some fruits and bought a #watermelon , the size is pathetic. 😒😒😒 it's so #mini that I can finished the whole thing myself.

Finally I found #glutinousrice #flour to make #tongyuen !!!! It's so difficult to find Asian stuff in a white country. And Aya made Japanese style sauce to pair with the glutinous rice ball. It's shoyru and sugar! Must show this to Peter. 😍😍😍

Yesterday, I drove 10 hours from #Blenheim to #Dunedin . My butt was so in pain that I had to make a few stop to stretch myself. Hahaha!

On the way to Dunedin, stopped by at #OhaoPoint to see some #seal

The seals are sunbathing on the rocks. Spent some time there to relax from the stressful boss. Met another American and talked a bit but we ended up chatting for almost half an hour before we headed off to continue my journey.

YHA Stafford Gables

Finally, after almost 10 hours of driving, I reached Dunedin!!! The view of the #church from my #hostel

Am so tired and lazy to cook anymore, I decided to walk to the city to grab some dinner and I ended up Thai food again. Hahaha! This time, the Tom Yum is super spicy and the portion is huge! Unlike the one Sze Man and me had in Auckland. Pathetically mini size. 😒😒😒

The hostel owner is a Malaysian from Ipoh and he got so excited meeting another fellow Malaysian that he charged 1 night instead of 2 for me and I wanted a room which is nearby the WiFi but he said the room is quite packed.

He gave me another dorm room which was much quieter but have weak WiFi. It doesn't really matters because I still got 3GB off peak data to utilised in 3 days time. So, I asked how many people is in the room and he said only me! *wooohooo* I can finally do my face mask!!

It's raining heavily today! DAMNIT! Of all the thoughts of going for sight seeing before the meeting. *sheeeesh*

So, I ended up in a #cafe having my #brunch while typing this long draggy post to summarise everything.

Dog With Two Tails Cafe and Bar

The #mocha is awesome! So chocolatey!!!! And the #coconutfrenchtoast with #bacon #banana and #maplesyrup is so huge that it can feed me until dinner time. HAHAHA! 😂😂😂

Thank goodness for the fast WiFi and a plug I can post all these draggy entries and update my phone and iPad. 😛😛😛

Now I would need to wait for the rain to stop before I can walk to the Railway Station. Wish me luck for my team meeting at 4pm!! 😘😘😘

Till then!

Dunedin Railway Station

It's been pouring the whole day!!!~ I'm drenched when i finally reached the #railwaystation and I am the most under-dressed volly they can ever had.

With my backpack, jeans and sneakers, my team leader thought I'm only 18 years old still doing my studies. 😂😂😂 But I can guarantee her that I am the oldest among all the volly.

Meeting was great and everyone finally know their roles except me because she said I seems more experience, actually I'm not. 😒😒😒

#idfashion #dunedin

Dunedin Railway Station

This is definitely going to be the longest #runway ever! If I'm the model, I think I'm gonna tripped and fall for walking for so long and on heels. 😐😐😐

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral

Randomly, I walked into the beautiful #cathedral and take a walk around the place. The church organ is playing some scary melody. Instead of making me feel calm, my heart is racing. 😐😐😐

The Jitsu

My #cravings had been met!!! #porkkatsu #curryrice !!!~ *booooyeaaaaa*

Going back to Blenheim tomorrow. Aya told me boss went up to the batch this morning. So, FREEDOM!!!~ Hahaha! I'm the worse staff ever and yet after talking for 1.5 hours with Ms. Yap and my ex-boss. I think they still miss me. 😅😅😅

Another long drive tomorrow. Gonna try to sleep early and hopefully I can get some course at the polytechnic tomorrow.

Bonne nuit.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 60

Monday, 29 Feb 2016

Dunedin --> Blenheim (stuck here for long)

Dear Dayre,

I haven't been able to replenish my fatigue of 10 hours drive from #Dunedin to #Blenheim and I got stuck in a bad jam at #Christchurch for an hour. 😑😑😑

Reached the #hostel and my 2 managers are cooking crepe! *yey* supper! And I'm gonna have freedom for a day as the boss went up to the batch! 😍😍😍

Came back to my room and greeted my roomies. Ben left and I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. So I'm making sure I'm gonna say goodbye to Damien before he leaves tomorrow.

While I was driving back, I got so bored that I stopped at #Timaru for a cuppa #mocha 😜

Redwoodtown

After work, the next day, Aya and me decided to go to the #gypsyfair at #redwoodtown . There's so much handcraft stuff and gypsy stuff with tarot cards reading, face painting and tattoo, toys and games, and definitely food!!!

And I also met Ashley there, which is quite awkward. Hahaha!!~ 😂😂😂 really proves the age difference.

Redwoodtown

Then, I saw this cute little pug!!! Omigosh!! I miss Lucky!! And there's another kid carrying a cute pug puppy!! 😍😍😍

Pollard Park

We also visited the Multicultural event at #PollardPark and there's a lot of Oceania Islander presenting their costumes and their cultural dance and stuff there. It was really interesting!

We left after gotten my lasagna and gelatos so Matt and Domi can go out and enjoy some freedom too before the boss is back. 😂😂😂 I'm such a bad influence.

Blenheim Backpackers

And because my boss is not here, I can have whatever I like for dinner!!!~ *boooyeaaaa!!!*

Then, I over-made the #pasta and somehow my boss stole my sausages and I can only have #vegetarian 😒😒😒

Blenheim Backpackers

#sunset was amazing that night! Matthias even climb to the roof to take a picture of it because the petrol station kinda stand in the middle of the picture. Hahaha!

We spent couple of minutes just looking at the marvelous sky, wondering how beautiful can it be from another side of #nz It was breathtaking!

Until Matthias decided to confess his feelings, this was pretty awkward at the beginning, but it's getting better, since he was going to check out the next day anyway. 😄😄😄

Barry came back on Sunday and we are going to make #sundayroast !!!~ it was awesome and delicious! And thank god for his good mood and pots consumption . 😁😁😁

Blenheim Backpackers

After dinner, we went out and watch another sunset. 😍😍😍 and chatted for a bit before we call it a day.

That's all for my freedom #weekend Hopefully this gets better.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 61

Tuesday, 1 Mar 2016

When your Boss is in a Good Mood

FINALLY!!~

I'm so happy is like Chinese new year! My boss had been having a pretty good mood for 3 days in a row! 😲😲😲

Shocking but I'm loving it. Less stress for me especially when I need to cook dinner for him. Hehehe!

Blenheim Backpackers

I made another bowl of #vodka #gummybears and this time is for my fellow colleagues. Aya left today and we were so sad although it was only a short time but I definitely miss her dearly!

As a #bookworm , I applied for a library card at the Marlborough District Library! I can now borrow more books! But the down part is I need to pay to place a hold on the book. 😐😐😐

After a whole day of cleaning, finally I gotta rest and help Domi with baking bread. We ended up eating almost the whole loaf after dinner! I'm sooooooo getting fat with my new housemates and I hope Mr. M can still recognised me then. 😂😂😂

Alright, time to hit the sack before another busy cleaning day.

Bonne nuit.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 65

Saturday, 5 Mar 2016

Life in the Hostel

Dear Dayre,

My #life is pretty boring after I moved in to Boss's place. *sigh* 😧 I miss the time when I can just go back to my #dorm and chat with my roomies. Even having Matthias around seems more fun, except the part when he jump on my bed in the middle of the night to ask me some stupid questions. GERMANS! (Not being racists here, is just some expression we teased each other)

My #daily #routines are basically......

#CLEAN --> TRY TO RELAX FOR 1 HOUR & THINK WHAT'S FOR DINNER --> GROCERY SHOPPING --> COOK FOR BOSS -> WASH #DISHES --> HOPEFULLY DON'T GET SCOLDED --> SLEEP --> REPEAT!

That is how sad it is........ usually I will say I don't mind such lifestyle of doing nothing but this is just too stressful, when you know anything something will fly and hit you and worst hurt you! 😱😱😱

Blenheim Backpackers

Thank goodness Aya left me an #aromatherapy to calm me down every night. Haihz! This is even more #stressful than facing my contractors, supervisors and managers at the kiwi orchard. 😥😥😥

Blenheim Backpackers

Decided to try the #Milo #cake and I shouldn't have put 5 minutes. Now it's too hard and studgy. 😑😑😑

Blenheim Backpackers

Then, I made #mango #stickyrice, which I end up forgot to take the initial pic and only took the ugly half eaten one. HAHAHA!! Firstly, I got conned by the fruits here. The mango doesn't smell like mango and doesn't taste as sweet as Asian mango. 😒😒😒

Blenheim Backpackers

When I hit to my room, Bull decided to self invite into my room and walked up to my bed (like literally walk up, that is how huge is he). He is such a darling.

Blenheim Backpackers

When the boss left to the batch, we decided to cook something nice for ourselves and have some #beers Hehehe! 😄😄😄

Thanks, Domi and Matt for cooking such a delicious dinner.

Blenheim Backpackers

Pictures!!! I haven't been taking much "people pictures" lately, only food. Hahaha! Please ignore my super haggard look. This is what you get for being stress out unnecessarily.

Blenheim Backpackers

As for today, I had #pasta !!!! Boss hated it so much that I can't have pasta for dinner. So, before he comes back tomorrow. I'm gonna #cook myself a nice pasta. Then......... I cooked too much it looks like a mountain. 😓😓😓

Ooooh well, that is why I'm gaining weight. *sigh* DIET!!

Everyone is out to party on a Saturday night and I'm here stuck in my room because tomorrow boss is coming back. 😔😔😔

That is one of the reason why I prefer to stay in the dorm.

Oooh well, since I can't do much, might as well catch up with my drama series and sleep early. #LUCIFER !!! This new drama series is awesome, at least the guy is #hawt and have a sec #accent 😂😂😂

Bonne nuit.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 73

Sunday, 13 Mar 2016

A Month in Blenheim

Dear Dayre,

My 1 week of exhaustion. Boss is away again since last Friday and will be back tomorrow. *sigh* I'm not sure who is more more stress to work with, Barry or James. James is the son who is going to take over the #backpackers #hostel in 2 weeks time. Now he keeps on emphasised on cleaning. Domi, Matt and I have been cleaning and scrubbing so much these few days. 😥😥😥

That leads to my over exhaustion and fell asleep at 4pm today and woke up at 10pm to shower.😅😅😅

#throwback time!

Blenheim Backpackers

Omigosh! I couldn't believe I'm already a #month in #blenheim ! How did I survived with my boss?!?! Hahaha!!!

I found #mandarinoranges !!!! But it was so tiny and it cost a bomb. However, I'm craving for it and my boss bought it. Hahaha!

#handmade a simple #card for Aya.

And I made sure Nippy signed on it too!!! LOL!! #fail #dogpaw

James has the cutest but most blur #americanakita

Bull on the other hand had been very attached to my bed. And due to my delay in period, my first day hadn't been very pleasant. Bull knows I'm not feeling well and accompanied me sleep the whole night. How sweet!!! 😘😘😘

My boss bought me #bluff #oyster !!!! It's so yummy!!! I think I still have like half a dozen more. Hahaha!! And he said my period is getting contagious because James's girlfriend is having and giving him shit.

I cooked #butterchicken for my boss and he thinks it was good because of the less spicy. Hahaha! I think I'm gonna cook green curry chicken tomorrow. *yey*

Everytime I cook green curry chicken Matthias is not around and then he will complain that I didn't cook for him. LOL! *awwwww*

Then, I'm craving for #indomee but my boss decided not to eat because "he ain't gonna eat that shit!!" So, I only cook for myself. Hahaha!!

After having so many #crepes , I wanted #americanstyle #fluffypancake !! And I put #nutella in the middle to make it looks like a #fudge . It actually works! Domi and Matt loves it as well. Then again, who doesn't love #pancakes ?!?!?

Taylor River Reserve

How clear is this #river !!! I'm gonna bring my book and hangout here the next time my boss is away. (Provided that I still have the energy after a long day work)

Went to the #archives #museum but it was closed. Hence, only walk and around the park beside the museum. *dangggg* why does it close so early?!?! It's only 4.30pm when I arrived. 😑😑😑

Met a random guy, which we ended up chatting for a while until he turns into a creepy guy. He finds me interesting and have the same impression with him in most of the topics we talked about................. then he just asked me to be his girlfriend. WTF?!?!? This is ridiculous!!!

taylor dam

Visited #taylordam but it was soooooooooo windy outside I decided to leave. 😑😑😑 I'm afraid if I got blown away by the wind again. It's gonna be embarrassing. But it will be a nice spot for picnic!

When the boss is not around, we ordered #takeaways !!!!! Looking back at all this food pictures is making me hungry! #chickencranberrycamerbert #burger with #chips and #kumarachips and we even ordered #donuts for desserts. *yummilicious*

Nothing much happened when you are purely working in the hostel. Worse of is when you actually moved in with your boss and managers. *sigh* No freedom!!!!!

Then again, I'm going #Dunedin in 2 days time for the #fashionweek !!! *wootz wootz* 5 days of freedom!!! *yey* I can't wait and I need to make sure I wake up early to start my journey. LOL! 😂😂😂

Ooooh well, time for bed again. Tomorrow gonna be a huge clean!

Gute Nacht.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 85

Friday, 25 Mar 2016

Hiatus (again)

#askmeanything

Dear Dayre,

I just saw the hashtag and thought of putting it up, without expecting anyone to ask me anything. HAHAHA!!!~

Ooooh well! Let's see........ I haven't been updating much due to the crazy workload back at the #hostel and then busy week working my arse off at the #idfashion #fashionweek #event at #Dunedin 😥😥😥

Finally, when I'm back to#blenheim I'm all tired and sick. *shitty feeling*

Will update tomorrow on my trip last week! My eyes can't open after talking much crap with my godson's mama. Hahaha!

Gute Nacth.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 86

Saturday, 26 Mar 2016

Blenheim --> Dunedin

Dear Dayre,

My boss is away to the the bay!!! *wootz wootz* #freedom !!! Which also means I got time to update my #dayre and watch #lucifer !!! I'm so addicted to this drama series. But I should also finish #suits soon.

Ooooh well! I found some #unknown #fruits at the back of the #hostel and all this while I thought it was #guava

Blenheim Backpackers

Don't you think it looks like guava???

Then, I think someone throw it away.

Begin my #travel #journey to #Dunedin for the #idfashion #fashionweek !!

Stopped by at the #historic #bridge but it was closed for visiting, hence, I can only see the view from the side. 😟😟😟

Finally when I reached Dunedin, I met up with Esther and Alex and chat for a little bit before heading for #dinner with Esther. #japanese #cuisine !!!!!~ *yey* #gyoza #takoyaki #tempura

Checked in to the same #staffordgables #hostel and the nice owner gave me a huge discount and I got a room upgraded. *yey*

So, I had a good night sleep and get ready for a great #event the next day. 😊😊😊

Honestly, I'm #excited and #thrilled at the same time of doing this event. I couldn't imagine how a #fashionshow is going to be, especially when I haven't been to one.

Like any other event. You can only hope it will go well. 😁😁😁

Opssss! Didn't realised it's midnight already. Will need to continue tomorrow on the Fashion Week!

Gute Nacht.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 87

Sunday, 27 Mar 2016

Dunedin iD Fashion Week --> Christchurch --> Blenheim

Dear Dayre,

Finally I got the time to lay down on my bed and start typing the #Dunedin #idfashion #fashionweek #event !!!~ 😊😊😊

Oh yea, and watching #pll #prettylittleliars . Omigosh! Haven't been watching this series for such a long time. I think I need to catch up with #tvd #thevampirediaries too.

😁😁😁

OK. Let's get back to my #glamourous event.

Alright! First day of event!! Grab my #cuppa #mocha , met up with Esther and Alex and head straight to the #townhall . Today, I was only helping with the #goodiebags and then, we realised the whole arrangement of chairs were wrongly tagged. So, we have to redo everything. However, it was all done before the time set. ALL GOOD!

Girls being girls. 3 of us went for shopping for the night's #award #show as we were assigned to be the #usherette

Again! I'm like usherette for life!! WTF?!?! End up I didn't managed to get anything but I still wanted to get a black leather jacket. 😍😍😍

The night of the event itself was amazing! It was the first time I ever attend a fashion show and let be it the biggest fashion event in Dunedin. It was so much more relaxing as I can still go out and snap some pictures. 😆😆😆

Next day is almost the same but it's a show instead of an award night. However, shits happened during event all the time and this time the setup was screwed up. So, Esther and I stayed back to help out with the setup until 3.30pm and we got a free #ticket to the show!!! 🙆🙆🙆😍😍😍

This time gotta sit front row and centre! It was awesome! But it's soooooo cold at the #railwaystation that I had to wear my jacket all the time!

Then, we were sitting beside the media and a girl, who is the reporter of #otagodailytimes was sitting beside us and wanted to take a picture of us watching the show. *yey* Totally irrelevant but it was cool to appear on a newspaper for once. 😂😂😂

Final day was a late start for the setup, hence, I have some wee time to grab my #brunch at this cafe opposite my hostel, called #Vanguard .

After the setup, we visited the #cadbury #chocolatefactory and they serves the most delicious #peanutbutterchocolatecake ! It tastes so delicious and fattening. *sighhhhh* Even my mom don't deny I am fat now. I feel so devastated.

Visited #knoxchurch with Esther and she said Europe has lotsa churches and cathedral that looks like that and even more huge and beautiful! I can't wait for my Europe trip next. ^^

Then, when a family came and asked us whether were we involved with the fashion show because they recognised us from the newspaper articles, I was like yeaaaaa! We need to go check this paper out. Hahaha! 😂😂😂

Hannes, my ex-colleague from the orchard sent me this picture and asked if it was me? 😂😂😂 10 seconds of fame by being asked. *awesome pawsome*

While Alex busy getting ready for the show that night, Esther and I went to Baldwin Street, where the #worldsteepeststreet is. We practically spent more time taking pictures that walking up the street. 😂😂😂

It was not that bad but it really destroy the car that tries to drive up the street. We watched a few people tried that and we can smell the burnt tyre or brake.

Then, we drove along the #beachdrive and I wanted to go to Lanarch Castle but it was closed when we reached there. However, we managed to see lotsa beautiful views along the way. 😊😊😊

Went back after dinner and get myself to rest early before the long drive tomorrow to #christchurch . Thank goodness my boss gave me another day off or else I'm gonna die driving another 10 hours back to #blenheim , and this time there won't be another annoying Matthias to entertain me.

The next day, I had #coconutfrenchtoast for brunch while catching up with Alex before we both part ways. It was a good chat but I do hope for the best for her. 😊😊😊

Begin my #travel to Christchurch and stopped by at the #moerakiboulders for a short stroll along the beach. It's amazing how nature works that you can get such #boulders just from the waves of the sea.

Met up with Mus when I reached Christchurch at #DuxCentral for #supper . We chatted to much, updating each other on our travels and journeys and memories and experiences - good and bad. Wow! I really couldn't imagine what we'd been through just within 6 months from leaving out home country. It definitely build me to be another person than I am before but yet I am still the same person (complicated, if you know what I mean) 😂😂😂

Stayed a night at Christchurch and then heading back to Blenheim. Didn't really gotta do much, nor meet much people but it was alright. I will have my chance someday.

Got conned by Mus to do the #godleyhead to #taylormistake track. It was bloody hot and long I almost died!!! And I'm hungry too!!! 😱😱😱

Although the view is beautiful but going through and back on the same track makes it tiring because you are seeing the same view. Recommended to go on nice weather!

Wanted to stop longer at #kaikoura but it's getting dark soon so I just visited the #ohaustream to watch some #fursealpup swimming and having fun. Omigosh! They are soooooo adorable!

I wanted to upload some videos but I realised my camera's video is on MTS. and I need to change the format first. Too much trouble and I am lazy. LOL!

There's so many of them, swimming at the #waterfall and they have such big eyes!!! *goshhhh* I'm not even bored sitting at the same spot just staring at them.

Came back feeling super exhausted but thank goodness my boss allowed me to use his shower so I don't need to walk all the way to the backpackers. *booooyeaaaaa*

Then, it's the end of my freedom and back to my work. Worse of all, I fell sick! Down with flu and cough and a little bit of phlegm. It was bad. Recovered most of it now but the phlegm is still there and it's irritating when I need to clear my throat all the time.

Ooooh well, I'm sure I'm gonna recover soon. 😊😊😊

My boss was not in a good mood these few days, which made things even worse than before. On my 2nd day of coming back to work, he yelled at me at the backpackers so loudly that I really wanna pack and leave on the same day. I think I haven't been crying because of anger for such a long time. Actually not that long PBB haven't been treating me that good either. 1 thing I hate is being accused of something I didn't do. The following days, my 2 managers got scolded, and now he left to his bay. 😐😐

Seymour Square

Peter and Sergi came to town and I gotta catch up with them!! I miss them so much!! Those were the day when we were annoying each other at #opotiki . *awwwwww* Walking to town, I gotta hangout a little while at the #riversidepark to watch some dogs taking their stroll, then to #seymoursquare to see the garden and the #clocktower

Then, I met Peter at #mcdonalds for some coffee and #cake .*goshhhh* it reminds me so much of tutoring kids at McD. Peter is so easily distracted! Sergi is being Sergi!

Alright. I guess that's all my update for now. Time for me to hit the shower and I'm gonna do mask!!! *yey* Self-pampered before the boss comes back tomorrow. Till next time!

Gute Nacht!

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 95

Monday, 4 Apr 2016

Food and Emotion

Dear Dayre,

Things had been #crazy these few days. I'm in so much #confusion and screwed up. Let's begin with the latest news, my boss asked his son to talk to me and they are offering me to stay longer but I need to find out from the immigration on the process. *sighhhh* One part of me is happy but another part is confused if I wanna do hostel management for almost a year round. 😔😔😔

Blenheim Backpackers

Another reason that my boss wants me to stay is because he just expanded his business and now the whole allotment, oversees the river, is his and he needs people to take care of it.

First time seeing #kiwiberry and they are soooooo #tiny and #cute !!!!~ 😲😲😲

It tastes somehow like #kiwiberry but slightly different in another way. The texture is just like kiwi just smaller. 😂😂😂

This is what happen when you ask your boss to dish up your dinner. 😒😒😒

Don't waste #food you said.

Good things that my boss's son, James, finally look me in the eyes and talk to me. 😂😂😂 He hadn't been much of a talker to me and he can't spell my name nor pronounce my name correctly.

However, things been really different after I relieved my 2 managers for 2 days work and he finally see it in me that I'm different from any other Asian girl his dad ever dated. 😒😒😒 And the biggest thing is he don't see me as someone who is gonna date his dad. HAHAHA! 😂😂😂

2nd shitty stuff is my travel partner bailed on me (AGAIN). I'm happy that she found herself a permanent job and got her PR but I'm not gonna burn my Fiji trip and now I need to replan all my south island trip as well. *sigh* 😧

Hopefully, things get better and the immigration will reply my email soon. *cross fingers*

Time for rest!

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 102

Monday, 11 Apr 2016

A Half Stressful Week

Dear Dayre,

It was a weird week. Apart from all the nice and fun things that happened, things had been going pretty tense. Work and travel and life..... 😔😔😔

I think it's time for me to plan my trip. Good news is, my travel mate can make it for our Fiji trip!!!~ *yey* I'm so excited for it.

First and foremost, I had to throw away my pair of pink glitter sneakers. 😟😟😟 It really got so worn out that water is getting in and got my feet all wet. HAHAHA!

This is what my dear Charlotte does to Bull everyday. As mischievous as she is, we still love her. 😊😊😊

Then, she got run over by a Mule and we were busy sending her to the vet and getting her a cast. Omigosh! She is so quiet the whole time, I cannot believe how much pain she is feeling. The vet said she broke 2 bones and 1 piece was dislocated. Now, her left feet is like my right toe! 😄😄😄

Due to the rush and stress for the #dog , we ended up getting #takeaways for #dinner . It's really funny that James came to the #vet as well when he dropped by at the #backpackers . And it's agreed upon that we are getting an #insurance for Charlotte. It's only less than 4 months she was admitted to the vet twice. First was when she run straight through to a glass door. 😑😑😑

Finally, my cravings are fulfilled!!! #longan #lychee drinks!!!! 😍😍😍 Yes, I finished the whole bowl because the rest of them don't know what it is. 😏😏😏

Haven't been doing much #selfies recently. So, the vain me did some while helping the boss to fill up some bank's loan application details, balance sheet and some kinda CCRIS lookalike computation. *damnit* What do the bank do when the customer does everything for them?!?!? *sheeeesh*

I managed to visit the #artisan #market on #saturday !!!! It's small and sells mostly baby or kid's stuff. However, I managed to get an #edinburgconserve #jam which has some #scottishwhiskey in it. 😋😋😋

Time to hit the sack! Tomorrow, am heading to the #batch with the boss and hopefully I don't screw up on the boat again. *sighhhh* Like seriously, he should put ability to ride a boat into a job description before he thrown another glass lid at me again. It's freaking stressful and I definitely do not deserve that!!! 😑😑😑

Gute Nacht.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 105

Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Farmer's Market --> Burney's Beach --> Riverside Park

Back to Civilisation

Dear Dayre,

I'm back from #burneybeach and this time was just a short trip. #relax but it #rain almost all the time so I have time to finish my book. #beautifulboss

I just follow through this book since the #beautifulbastard and it was amazingly written. Kudos #christinalauren !!!

#sunday at #farmersmarket was lovely. Managed to grab a #cuppa #mocha and a #blackberrypeachshortcake as breakfast, listen to some guy sing and browse around some stalls.

Then, I finally went to #witherhill and manage to #hike up to #mtvernon #lookoutpoint . The view is amazing and it's just less than 10 minutes away from me.

Took a few #selfies and enjoy the lovely view at the lookout point. My #backpack makes a very good #tripod

Blenheim Backpackers

Came back home and head straight to #riversidepark with Barry to see the new house and we found so many #fruit #trees !!!~ I'm getting the hang of #riding the #mule

It's #sundayroast and we are having a #humungous #pork for #dinner . Guess what I found?!?! #rainbow #paddlepop !! *weeeee* 😊😊😊

I finally gotten myself a #hikingboots from #kathmandu and that will be my #bonus !! Totally #love it!!!!~

Oooh yea, the #new #clean and #shiny doesn't last more than a day and I wore it for hiking already. HAHAHA!!!~

We hike a little bit to check on the water supply and got Charlotte so tired she just crashed on my bed..... like the whole evening! When it's my turn to get to bed, she growls at me. What a biatch!!~ 😂😂😂

So, Barry is making good use of his #fireplace to dry the weed and seriously, the whole house and my towel smell like pots! 😑😑😑

This morning, when we going to leave the batch for home, it's the first time I heard Bull #wail and not wanting to go home. It's such a pity seeing him so unwillingly. He is always a gentleman to me.

Time to feed some #ducks by the #river . 😊😊😊 Who's gonna hate this #lifestyle?!?!

Sent Charlotte to the vet for a checkup and it was such an embarrassment as the vet told me I should be treating her like a human with broken leg. 😒😒😒 He definitely do not know how impossible it sound to confine Charlotte at home. 😩😩😩

Came back and told James and Barry about it and they just laughed at me. NONSENSE SHIT! I'm not the one letting her run around whole day. *geeesh*

Alright. Time to do my #facialmask and hit the sack! Tomorrow is another deep cleaning day. I hope things turned out well.

Then again, I need to do my laundry now too. Hehehe! It's been so long since I last update my blog. Probably I should start copy paste my post here to my blog. Hahaha! I'm such a lazy pig. I shall do that tomorrow!

Gute Nacht.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Day 106

Friday, 15 Apr 2016

Calling Back Home

Dear Dayre,

It's freakingly #cold today! There's even frostbite on top of the pool cover. 😨😨😨 *sheeesh* I'm either gonna on the heater or take the electric blanket for tonight.

I got 300 #internationalminutes #call today and as usual, the first person I call will be my mom, and then she said she is out with her friend at the coffee shop and I had to hang up. Next, I called Rachel Tan and #kapster for a while before I go on and call Ms.Yap.

It's always fun to chat with them as we will joke and laugh a lot and they will start asking me not to con the feelings of the kids I met here, but hey! I can't stop it that I only meet kids here in #nz . More like I'm old. 😂😂😂

Oooh well, shitz happened but it's all good. #Happy #memories !! It's funny how stuff happened and I still cannot believe it's already 6 months that I'm in NZ and 3 more months and Hello #Fiji , #Bali , #Lombok and #KualaLumpur !!!~

Introducing James, the #boss !! And I call him "Yo, farker"..... and he will always replied "You're the farker!"

Barry said the more he is getting pissed at me, the more he likes me. 😒😒😒 If liking me means throwing stones and pebbles at me, then no, I'm all good. Being as bastard as he is, his girlfriend is the most beautiful girl in the whole Marlborough region, as so they said. Lucky bastard! 😂😂😂

Finally, #asianfood !!!!~ I decided to cook green curry chicken today as it's so simple and yummy! I made it into broth-ish and had it with rice. *yey*

However, Barry said it's hot and spicy. 😐😐😐 Seriously, my tolerance level towards spiciness is 0 and when I'm in NZ, it became 8 or just that other people became (negative). 😑😑😑

#throwback I miss #photoshooting #session at #cafes

Managed to find some old pictures in my phone while I'm deleting some others and I realised I visited a lot of cafes and this is the only one that's quiet enough for us to have some photoshoot and #selfentertain for almost the whole morning. 😂😂😂

#qotd #lifeistooshortbadcoffee

Alright, peeps! Time for my shower and #nerdmode

Gute Nacht.

Luv,
*rachelle*

Wrote by Rachelle

Day 38

New Plymouth Day 2 and Day 3

Day 42

New Plymouth --> Wanganui --> Wellington

Day 52

Wellington --> Picton --> Blenheim

Day 54

Burney's Beach Day 1 (14/2)

Day 56

Burney's Beach Day 2 and 3 (15/2 - 16/2) --> Blenheim --> Dunedin

Day 60

Dunedin --> Blenheim (stuck here for long)

Day 61

When your Boss is in a Good Mood

Day 65

Life in the Hostel

Day 73

A Month in Blenheim

Day 85

Hiatus (again)

Day 86

Blenheim --> Dunedin

Day 87

Dunedin iD Fashion Week --> Christchurch --> Blenheim

Day 95

Food and Emotion

Day 102

A Half Stressful Week

Day 105

Farmer's Market --> Burney's Beach --> Riverside Park

Day 106

Calling Back Home

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