My Life... My Path...

Nursing and Breastfeeding Wear @ SummerGlitz.com.my

2011-11-21T21:16:00.000+08:00

Trendy and stylish nursing wear at affordable prices!!
Purchase online at www.summerglitz.com.my.

RM40

RM35

RM25

Trendy & Hot Ladies Wear @ Reasonable Prices

2011-01-26T20:14:00.002+08:00

Summer Glitz Online Fashion Boutique

Tops & Dresses @ Below RM25!!!
SummerGlitz.com.my

Dresses, Blouses, Tees, Rompers, Jackets @ Below RM25

Hello World! My baby Ayden has arrived...

2010-09-25T22:10:00.000+08:00

Finally the big day has arrived, a new family member has joined us. We are very happy and excited to welcome my first baby boy.

All the funny and cute little faces of Ayden

My Birthday 2010

2010-07-28T23:39:00.000+08:00

Dinner @ Victoria Station, Taipan

A simple yet joyful dinner with my hubby tonight. No cake, no candle and no birthday song.

Here comes our main courses.... I had "All Poultry" (with chicken sausages, fillet and pate) and honey dew juice. And for him is his usual Fish & Chip and Ice mocha latte.

Preparation to Welcome My Baby

2010-07-27T20:18:00.001+08:00

There are just too many things to prepare. After downloaded few samples of New Born Checklist, it added more headaches.... There are way too many different stuff to buy, apparels, nursery, feeding, health care, bathing & Grooming and etc
A very big thank you to my sister Eunice and my good friend June for their courteous contribution and advices. A list of preparation for my records and remembrance and also I hope it to be a guidance for other parents-to-be.

Apparels: Bodysuits, infant cap, mittens and booties, socks, blankets, grobag, Laundry detergent for infants.

Feeding: Medela Freestyle electric breast pump, breast pad, nipple cream, breast milk storage containers, feeding bottles, bottle brush, steriliser.

Bathing & grooming: bath tub, wash cloths, towels, Water Temperature Indicator, cotton pads, cotton balls, cotton buds, Bepanthen cream, Seba-med Baby cleanser.

Health Care and Hygiene: Grooming set (Nail clipper, scissors), infra red thermometer.

Diapering : Cloth diapers (Bum Genius and Flip), wet bag, cream to prevent rash, disposable wipes, changing pad, Disposable diapers.

Nursery: Playpen, Baby cot, crib set (bumpers, fitted sheet, comforter), newborn pillow, Bumble Bee 2" latex mattress, Bolster, waterproof bed pads, blanket, night light, baby monitor

Travel: Stroller, infant car seat, baby sling, baby carrier, diapers bag, infant head support

My New Camera - Samsung ES65

2010-07-27T16:17:00.001+08:00

Just bought a new compact camera last night. For the price of only RM400, I can get a 10.2Megapixel with 5x optical zoom compact camera, which is light weight and trendy. Now they even comes with smart auto mode, which is very suitable for people with no knowledge in photo shooting.

Dad's Birthday Dinner

2010-07-19T22:20:00.003+08:00

18 July 2010, Sunday @ Restoran Loon Sing (Kuchai Lama)

We visited this newly opened restaurant for dinner last night. The captain is not well trained to recommend the dishes, may be due to the restaurant just opened. Furthermore, we have to wait more than half an hour for our food and yet the restaurant is only half loaded.

The had few dishes but the cod fish is quite nice. Serving is a portion per pax.

My little nephew at the restaurant.

Cake cutting ceremony at home after the dinner. Very yummy chocolate cake from 'Just Heavenly'.

Extra Ang Pows for Exchange

2010-06-20T23:24:00.007+08:00

Recently I started to exchange ang pows with some new friends via mails. So will have to dig out all the extra copies of ang pows that I have. Definitely need time to do so because most of the ang pows are with my mother. Ha! Ha! Yeah... actually she started to collect ang pows more than 10 years ago. I only started to collect and filed them in album(s)... hmmm... I think since 2006.

I categorized my ang pows into 4 categories - Small size, Big Size, Set and Special.

For the 1st round, need to thank Ida for helping me to snap the photos. Updated 13 June 2010.

Top: The Store S01, Hong Kong Express S01, Gama S01, Cheong Wah Restaurant S01.

Bottom: Wed S01, Style Jewelers S01, Sheng Li Herbal S01, Gama S02.

Top: Maybank S01, Comfort S01, Vincci S01

Bottom: Public Bank S01, Public Bank S02, Public Bank S03.

Top: Tai Hin Chan S01, CAC Goldsmith S01, Tai Meng Jewellers S01

Bottom: Toto S01, Toto S02, Kurnia S01

Top: Alliance Bank S01, Carrefour S01, Dunkin Donuts S01, McDonalds S01

Bottom: Alliance Bank S02, Yeo's S01, Yeo's S02, Yeo's S03

Top: Comfort S02, Triumph S01, Citibank S01, Southern Bank S01

Bottom: Citibank S02, Hong Leong Finance S01, BHL Bank S01, Hongkong Bank S01.

Top: Hongkong Bank S02, HSBC S01, HSBC S02, Bumiputra Commerce S01.

Bottom: Public Bank S01, Maybank S01, Public Bank S04, Public Bank S02.

Top: Tiger B01, The Face Shop B01.Southern Bank B01, RHB B01, Bumiputra Commerce B01.

Bottom: Orient Jewellery B01, Giant B01, IOI B01, RHB B02, Repco B01.

Top: Toyota B01, Summit Shoes B01, CP B01, Caring B01, Shaw Parade B01.

Bottom: Padini B01, Herbalife B01, Spicers Paper B01, Jacobs B01, Shrek 3 B01.

Top: Magnum B01, Magnum B02, Toto B01, da ma cai B01, RHB B03.

Bottom: Magnum B03, Magnum B01, Toto B02, da ma cai B02, AmBank B01.

Top: Aeon Jusco B01, Aeon Jusco B02, AmBank B02, Public Bank B01, Sunshine B01.

Bottom: Public Bank B02, CIMB B01, Public Bank B03, Hong Leong Bank B01, Hong Leong B02.

Top: UCMAS B01, Premier B01, CIMB B02, Parkson B01, Metrojaya B01.

Bottom: United Overseas Bank B01, M1 B01, Purple Cane B01, da ma cai B03, Sun Plaza B01.

L-R: Premier Thai Restaurant B01, HSBC B01, PanGlobal B01, Hush Puppies B01, Commerzbank B01.

Top: UOB B02, UOB B03, HSBC B02, Kingstar Ent. B01 (Refer Kingstar Set01)

Bottom: McDonalds B01, Sunrise B01, RHB 04, Standard Chartered B01.

Top: Singapore Pools B01, CIMB 03, Hong Leong Bank B03, Padini B02.

Bottom: Credit Suisse B01, Maybank B01.

World of Cartoon Set01

OCBC Set01

Chipsmore Set01

Tiger Set01

Caring Pharmacy set01

F&N Set01

YB Set01

2nd updates on 20 June 2010.

HSBC Set01

OCBC Set02

EON Set01

Kingstar Set01

M1 Set01

Top: HSBC S03, HSBC S04, Malayan Banking S01, Bumiputra Commerce S01.
Bottom: CAC Goldsmith S01, Hock Hua S01, Public Bank S05, Kurnia S02.

Top: Southern Bank S01, Poh Kong S01, McDonalds S01.
Bottom: Autoways S01, Kung Fu S01, Shell S01.

Top: Isetan S01, American Express S01, Kingstar S01.
Bottom: Aktif Lifestyle S01, OUB S01.

Left-Right: OCBC B01, OCBC B02, Caring B01, Deutsche Bank B01.

Left-Right: Raffles The Plaza (S'pore) B01, Parkson B02, Camel B01, EconSave B01.

Top: Maybank B02, Allianz B01, RHB B05, CIMB B03.
Bottom: Hong Leong B04.

Top: Kerry's B01, Giant B01, Yaohan B01, Aktif Lifestyle B02.
Bottom: Sunsilk B01.

L-R: Maxis B01, Palmers/Eubos B01, DBS B01, Merrill Lynch B01.

L-R: Magnum B04, Magnum B05, Magnum B03, Yuen Palace B01.

L-R: Shiseido B01(Sp), Larrie B01, RHB B06, Affin B01.

Shiseido B02(Sp)

L-R: RBS B01(Sp), Credit Suisse B02(Sp), ABN-AMRO B01(Sp).

L-R: Swissotel The Stamford B01(Sp), BNP B01(Sp), Robina B01(Sp), State Street B01(Sp), 1 Utama B01(Sp).

Public Mutual 21st National Sales Convention

2010-06-01T23:16:00.000+08:00

15 May 2010, 9am-5pm, Saturday
Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa

I make myself as a qualifier to the National Sales Convention 2010. And my photo is published in the major newspaper on 14 May 2010.

In front of the main stage

At the lobby after tea break

Lunch break

In front of the board with newspaper cutting posting photos of all qualifiers.

During the English session of the seminar.

Public Mutual Annual Awards Nite 2010

2010-05-24T22:09:00.002+08:00

16 May 2010, Sunday @ Sunway Convention Centre

This is my second year attending this Annual Awards Nite (AAN). However, this year is different. I attended as a qualifier myself instead of as my husband's spouse last year. I am proud to be among the top 1200 qualifiers this year. Our team has more people attending and hence it is a very remarkable and exciting session for all of us.

Photo with GAM Wong Kian Meng

Ice cream dessert with cake.

Group photo at the end of the session.

Dinner at Restaurant Summer Park @ Bukit Tinggi

2010-05-18T23:57:00.001+08:00

11 May 2010, 6pm, Tuesday

Tonight is the award presentation for April's top producer. But too bad, not for me this time. A total of 10 of us assembled at Ivan's house and headed to Bukit Tinggi in one car. Thanks to Chee Hong for the dinner.

Congratulations to the winners - Janice and Ivan.

Very nice surroundings...

Posing after the dinner.

The dinner ended early, and next we headed for dessert at Kepong before calling off.

Lunch at Hee Lai Ton @ Shaw Parade, Pudu

2010-05-17T13:56:00.000+08:00

10 May 2010, 12 noon, Monday

A total of 8 attended lunch treat by Mr Lai.This lunch is to celebrate our team's excellent April's sales. Thanks Mun Leong for the photos.

Group photo after the meal
From left to right: Seated Mr Lai, Chee Hong, Ms Lee
Standing: me and hubby, Mun Leong, Ivan, Janice

Italiannies @ Empire Shopping Gallery

2010-05-16T12:29:00.003+08:00

8 May 2010, we went to the new Restaurant Italiannies located at ground floor in Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya, with Chee Hong and Mun Leong for free lunch! Thanks to Mun Leong for informing us about the free food during their training session.

The four of us... very satisfying after the heavy meal.

We have to sit in 2 separate tables.

My "Giant" cup of Hot Mocha!! Hahaha!

Our food... Classic Pizza and Grilled fish. Both taste very good! Thumbs up for it! We also had Minestrone soup, which is good too! The servings are big, the two main dishes can be shared among 3 person.

Tiramisu as dessert... yummy!

My Breastfeeding Myths & Queeries - ANSWERED!

2010-05-08T21:39:00.004+08:00

Both me and my hubby just attended a breastfeeding class on 1/5/2010 hosted by Ms Gina Yong. We were excitedly looking forward to this class because finally we found someone who is very experience and passionate towards giving the best for our babies - "Breastfeed". Everyone knows that breast milk is the best for our babies, I think most of us do understand the benefits, but to what extend? However, there are too many negative comments and failures on breastfeeding examples that I known of all these years. I can say that there is none of the people around me has successfully exclusively breastfeed their babies. The truth is most mummies in Malaysia do not breastfeed, if they are given options to feed with formula milk. I guess it's mainly due to lack of education in this field.

The Myths....

Not all mummies have milk naturally, especially during the first few days after deliver.

This is the most common sentence I heard from mothers, mother-in-law, confinement ladies and even nurses...

Breast milk works by "Demand and Supply" concept. When there is demand from babies, the breast milk factory will automatically produce milk supply for babies. During the first few days, babies do not need to be fed abundance of milk. The milk that produced right after delivery is called "Colostrum", which is the "precious gem" and contains high level of antibodies which can protect babies from infections.

Do babies need to drink water?
No water is needed for exclusively breastfeed babies for the first 6 months. This is because breastmilk contains all the water that babies need.

Women with small breasts produce lesser milk.
Ohh... This is not true. The size does not matter.

The Benefits...

Breast milk is documented to be the best food possible for infants and breastfeeding is known to have enormous health benefits for moms, too.

Natural Substance in Breast Milk Destroys Cancer Cells

Reuters: Does breastfeeding protects against asthma?

The Star: No milk, please

Breastpumps

Invest in your breast pump! After some survey from the internet and recommendations from Gina, the following breast pumps are highly recommended, either electric or manual; single or double pump, all depends on your budget and time. Some cheaper pumps hurt while expressing milk, so it will be very discouraging.
Retail prices for Medela Freestyle Double Pump RM2299, Medela In style Double Pump RM1788; Avent ISIS Single Pump RM899; Avent ISIS Double Pump RM1800.

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Join Breastfeeding Mommies and Advocates on FB
There are a lot of experience and passionate mummies that are willing to share.

Check out these useful websites on breastfeeding:
Dr Jack Newman and Edith Kernerman
Breastfed is Best Fed
Susuibu.com

Breakfast @ Delifrance Cafe, Leisure Mall

2010-05-05T23:49:00.003+08:00

Today, after visit to the gynae, we went to Leisure Mall in order to fill up our spare time before the sales workshop. Although it's lunch time, we ordered their All Day Long Breakfast Set. which comes with free flow coffee/tea. The presentation is very nice and the set is just above our expectation. Yummy! Very good! Must Try!

5D/4N Chiang Mai, Thailand

2010-04-25T20:39:00.008+08:00

6-10 July 2006

Day 1:

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Temple Doi Suthep)

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple located at Doi Suthep. The temple is located 15 km from Chiang Mai city and is a sacred site to the locals. It is a popular destination for foreign visitors and a MUST TO VISIT!

Two ways of getting up to the temple. At the temple base, you can either climb 309 steps which is free to reach the pagodas or ride the tram. The tram costs 30 Thai baht for foreigners (or 50 baht for a two-way ticket)and it is free for the locals.

Once inside the temple grounds, we have to take off our shoes. We have to wet our feet because the floor is wet since it is a drizzling morning. It is not advisable to visit Chiang Mai in July as it is the rainy season. We must appropriately dressed too before entering the temple. We were told that we can have magnificent view on top of the hill, but it was covered with thick mist since it's raining. Not too lucky for us.

Top view of The Naga Stairway, with a total of 306 steps. Due to time constrained, we did not walk down the stair. The sides of the stair are decorated with colourful and scaly Siamese legendary dragons.

We are waiting for our bus at the main entrance to the temple and the vision is blur because of the rain.

Day 2:

Mae Ram Orchid Farm

We were given a small orchid that pinned onto our shirt as a welcome gift. However, the place is not too amazed though, just another ordinary orchid farm to me.

Mae Sa Elephant Camp / Training Centre

This camp offers elephant shows, bathing elephants and elephant rides. Located about an hour’s drive into the Mae Sa Valley, this is a great outing for the whole family.

Feeding the Elephants with banana and sugar cane is fun. They even run after us for more food.

The elephants are ready to go for rides...

It's bathing time for the elephants. The lady with the basket is standing there collecting the elephants' shit.

Interesting performance by the elephants.

They can even draw. And the drawings are for sales at 2000 Baht.

The handicraft Village: silk weaving, silverware, lacquer ware, teak wood carving and umbrella making.

Shopping at one of the shopping malls after dinner at night.

Day 3:

Day trip to Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle - Laos and Myanmar, Mae Sai (Border Town).

On the way, just a quick stop at Chiang Rai Hot Spring.

The Longneck Karen Village - Ahka Tribe

Boat ride to cross the Thailand border to The Golden Triangle - Laos and Myanmar.

A beautiful open-air temple with a big golden Buddha statue

Oh, here we are at the Laos border, loitering around for an hour or so to do some shopping for T-shirts, souvenirs, handy crafts and etc.

Just hanging around trying out their local food and some shopping. The Mae Sai Town.There is an immigration checkpoint at Mae Sai, which is the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

At the Mae Sai Shopping Area.

At the open-air temple

Day 4:

Free and easy, visit around the city area.

Body massage at one of the shopping centres. Enjoy...

More shopping at night, at the Sunday Night Market. A lot of hand made souvenirs and art deco can be found here. Very cheap foot massage by the road.

Smiling while riding in the local public transport "tut-tut" car.

Our accomodation at 4 star hotel - Novotel Chiang Mai (now known as Mercure Chiang Mai).

2D/1N Genting Highlands

2010-04-25T18:14:00.004+08:00

1 -2 April 2010

This is the first time bringing my little nephew out to stay overnight at another place. Our main purpose for this trip is just another family outing, to relax and get out from daily city life. We are staying at Awana Genting Resorts.

Lunch at Restoran Chuan Kie, Gohtong Jaya, before we check in to the hotel rooms. The durian stall right in front of the restaurant looks tempting. My sis wants to eat the durian, but no companion.

Views from Awana room

Around Awana Resorts...

Our stay comes with free ride for Genting Sky Way, which worth RM10/per person for 2 ways. My first time to ride cable car up to Genting Highlands was more than 10 years ago.

Hmm... Free food tasting at the local tit-bits shop at the Sky Way Station. There are lots and lots of varities. Wow! Just look at the piles of dried sotongs (with few types of flavours) are very impressive... The staff stops me from taking photos, else I would have taken few more shots.We bought a few bags of tit-bits like dried kiwi, dried guava, sotong, nuts and etc.

Tea time at The Bakery @ Lobby Floor, Genting Hotel

Monday - Friday and Sunday 10.30am - 12.00midnight, Saturday and Eve of Public Holiday 10.30am - 2.00am

The design of the cupcakes look very tempting and colourful. However, I don't find the taste of the food as good.

Loitering at the indoor theme park...

Dinner time... at the same restaurant-Chuan Kie, again.

We have steam Shun Hock fish, my favourite otak-otak and etc. All taste good except the fried belacan vege.

Cakes Promotion @ lounge at GF Awana Hotel... 50% off after 9.30pm...

A visit to Chin Swee Temple & Goh Tong Hall before we call off the trip.

Vegetarian Meal @ the temple.. Chin Swee Vegetarian Restaurant
The food is expensive and with average taste. But Joon likes the decoration so much, he just can't keep his eyes off the ceiling.

Little Joon in his New High Chair

2010-04-21T19:50:00.001+08:00

London, England

2010-04-13T19:18:00.001+08:00

Year 2007

London Bridge at night

The Eye of London / London's Eye

Views from The Eye

Around London city...

Amsterdam, Netherland

2010-04-13T18:58:00.001+08:00

Year 2007

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

2010-04-13T00:07:00.002+08:00

4D/3N KOTA KINABALU, SABAH (July 2008)

Day 1: City touring.

Day 2: On the way to the Mount Kinabalu, we pass by Tamparuli.

We visit Poring Hot Spring at Kinabalu Park.

Kundasang War Memorial

And here we are at our resort tonight - Kinabalu Pine Resorts.

Around the resorts...

Day 3: We are leaving the Mount Kinabalu Park.

Entrance of the Mount Kinabalu Summit Trail.

Half day trip to Pulau Manukan for snorkeling and water activities.

Dinner with family and friends.

Fruit juice stall with lots of varieties and cheap in price too!

Day 4: After some frozen seafood shopping, off we go at the Kinabalu Airport.

New Zealand Self Drive (Part 6 - North Island - Rotorua, Auckland)

2010-04-11T15:08:00.003+08:00

Continue from New Zealand Self Drive (Part 5)

Day 17: Rotorua
We are visiting Wai-O-Tapu, the Thermal Wonderland today. Entrance fee is NZ$22.50/pax. This thermal area is a Scenic Reserve administered by te Department of Conservation and has the largest area of surface thermal activity of any hydrothermal system in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

We arrive early today in order not to miss the eruption of Lady Knox Geyser. Despite the drizzle, all the visitors including us are out in the rain, waiting patiently for the performance of the geyser.
At 10.15am daily, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts.

The walks in the wonderland varies from 30 mins to 75mins, in 3 different paths.

The Artist's Palette

The Champagne Pool

Bubbling Mud Pool

We are visiting the Mitai Maori Village in the evening. It is an authentic and interactive Maori cultural experience. Each person costs us NZ$72.50.

Hangi Meal The authentic hangi meal is cooked in the earth oven known as 'the hangi pit'. Our menu includes a hot selection of succulent New Zealand Lamb & Chicken, Potatoes (Rewai), Sweet Potato (Kumara) and stuffing (a combination of Bread, Mixed Herbs, Corn, Carrots & Peas). While side dishes include scalloped potatoes baked with a cheese topping and freshly baked Garlic Bread.

War Canoe/Waka Hand carved by the Mitai family, the waka (ancient war canoe) paddles by, leaving the spellbound. See warriors by night in traditional dress traveling down the Wai-O-Whiro Stream as was done many years ago.

Cultural Performance The cultural performance is real, raw and earthy. It is a fascinating performance full of emotion and power.In the tranquil natural bush setting, the performers take us back in time when the ancient Maori customs and traditions were part of everyday life. Through songs and dances plus tales and legends told, we learn a great deal about our fascinating past.

Day 18: Rotorua- Auckland

Befor leaving Rotorua, we visit the Zorb Rotorua. Zorbonauts can experience rolling downhill inside a 3.2m, inflatable plastic orb.

Auckland, City of Sails

Our final destination in NZ. Auckland in Maori is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers. It earned this name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is an eight-lane box truss motorway bridge over the Waitemata Harbour. The bridge is the second-longest road bridge in New Zealand, and the longest in the North Island.

The Sky Tower

328 metres tall and the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. NZ$15 entrance to the Sky Tower observation deck.

The glass floor panels that allow us to stand and look straight down to the street at 192 metres above.

Day 19: Auckland - KL

We are very relax and lazy in the last day of our trip. We just wander around the city and visit the Victoria's Park Market for last minute shopping. We buy some tit-bits and souvenirs there. Then we drive to Auckland International to return the car and fly back home filled with sweet memories!!

-The End-

and we'll be back in year 2011 again!!

New Zealand Self Drive (Part 5 - North Island - Wellington, Napier, Taupo, Rotorua)

2010-04-08T00:36:00.002+08:00

Continue from New Zealand Self Drive (Part 4)

Day 14: Picton - Wellington

We arrive Wellington in the evening. North Island is very different from South Island from the scenery, buildings, people and "feel". Wellington is just another a city to me, surrounded with buildings, busy streets and people and most importantly we need to pay for the parking here.

Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand. It is often called Windy Wellington because it is the windiest city in New Zealand. The urban area is situated on the southwestern tip of the country's North Island, and lies between Cook Strait Rimutaka Range and the It is home to 386,000 residents, with an additional 3,700 residents living in the surrounding rural areas.

Our itinerary for the night is just strolling around the city nearby our hostel and hunting for dinner. Some of the buildings are Harbour City Shopping Centre, National Library, Parliament Buildings, Executive Office Building @ the Beehive, Original Government Buildings, Museum of Wellington, City and Sea, Civic Square, City Gallery of Wellington and etc.

Day 15: Wellington - Napier

Driving around central Wellington can be frustrating, because of the many narrow one-way streets, but it's an easy place to get around on foot. Early in the morning, we being our journey at Kelburn Cable Car terminus in Cable Car Lane. Taking the cable car, which is NZ$1.80 one way, to get up high to see the city's layout and to the Wellington Botanic Garden.

After passing a Henry Moore bronze, we reach the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. l

Te Papa Tongarewa-Museum of New Zealand

We leave Wellington after lunch to Napier and Hawke's Bay.
Napier is a popular tourist city, with a unique concentration of 1930s Art Deco architecture.
Criterion Hotel is typical of the Spanish Mission style. The Daily Telegraph Building is another Napier classic, used today as a real-estate office. ASB Bank has The Maori theme on the lintels.

Day 16: Napier - Taupo - Rotorua
On the way from Napier to Taupo.

Huka Falls / Lake Taupo

Craters of the Moon - thermal activity, mud pools, steam vents and lunar landscapes. Entrance NZ$5.

Sceneries that you can't find it elsewhere.

Aratiatia Dam & Rapids

Arrival in Rotorua. At the entrance of Te Puia (New Zealand's Maori Cultural Centre). We did not visit Te Puia, because we plan to go to Wai-O-Tapu tomorrow morning.
Photo below is at Mc Donald's Rotorua, very unique design.

More activies in Rotorua and Auckland in Part 6.

New Zealand Self Drive (Part 4 - South Island - Cromwell, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Picton)

2010-04-05T23:50:00.003+08:00

Continue from New Zealand Self Drive (Part 3)

Day 10: Queenstown - Cromwell - Franz Josef

Leaving Queenstown, we continue our drive up north to Cromwell. It is located in the valley of the Upper Clutha, deep in the heart of the dry interior of Central Otago. Its a landscape of bare brown hills, tussock and briar, purple thyme and tors of schist, with broad basins and fertile valleys. This is also the country's fastest growing wine region.

A very windy place..

Gold Fields Mining Centre

It was the discovery of golf in the 1860's that began the settlement of the Otago Province of New Zealand. Originaly known as Gees Flat, the Goldfields Mining Centre was where the gold rush struck it rich in Cromwell. Now protected as a historic reserve, Goldfields remains much as it was it was in the days when miners from around the world lived and worked here. It is an authentic example of a fully functioning goldfield preserved as the region's main demonstration site. Entrance is NZ$15/pax.

I am very lucky to get some gold dust that they allow me to bring home!!

Continue on to Wanaka to visit the Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World.

Entrance to the Illusion Room is NZ$7. We did not go The Great Maze, which is two storey high and1.5km of passages.

The clock tower is falling down!!!

We are very tired and arrive at Franz Josef in the night. Our originally plan is to join the glacier tour in Fox Glacier, but the it is not a pleasant and easy drive from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef. So we change our plan.

Day 11: Franz Josef - Greymouth via

State Highway 6 - The Coast Road

We are very anxious as we have not book our glacier tour yet as we reach here late last night and the office is closed. We end up joining the Franz Josef Half Day Glacier Guide which starts at 8.45am. This is NZ$90 per person. The duration is about 4.5 hours including 1.5 hours ice time.

Although very tiring and exhauting, this is definitely a very incredible and unforgetable experience for us. I look forward to visit this glacier again and will go for heli-hike instead. Hehe!!

After this, we make our move to Greymouth. Overnight at YHA Greymouth Kainga-ra. Greymouth is the largest town on the west coast.

Day 12: Greymouth - Christchurch via

Arthur's Pass

There is not so much of activities that we interest us at Greymouth. Therefore, we depart early adn rather spend more time in Christchurch.

And here we are at Christchurch again!!

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Established 1863, Free entrance.

Aerial view of the Botanic Gardens

The Conservatories

Central Rose Garden, The New Zealand Garden, Rock Garden and Herbaceous Border

Statue of Captain James Cook and Queen Victoria Square

Day 13: Christchurch - Kaikoura

We wake up at 4.30am to check on our Hot Air Baloon tour, but to our disappointment again, it is canceled due to bad weather. We travel north to the Kaikoura, which is famous of all year around whales watching and also the base for wildlife experiences of all kinds - it's also a great place to eat crayfish. Our accomodation at Maui YHA.

Views of Kaikoura

The Seal Colony

Visit the World of Lavender.

Day 14: Kaikoura - Picton

Our main purpose to drop by Kaikoura is for whale and dolphin watching. The tour is NZ$130 per pax. The whale watching part is not too exciting because we can only see a very small part of the whale on the sea surface. We have to wait for a while just to witness the turning of the tail. However, the chasing after the dolphins is very interesting.

We then drive to Picton Harbour to drop our rental car and take the Interislander Ferry at 14:25 to Wellington. The ferry fare is similar to flight, it's NZ$60 per person per way, about 3 hours ride.

That's the end of our South Island trip and we are continuing our journey to the North Island!!

New Zealand Self Drive (Part 3 - South Island: Milford Sound, Queenstown)

2010-04-05T20:39:00.000+08:00

Continue from New Zealand Self Drive (Part 2)

Day 8: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

The Milford Road

The Milford Road is not just a journey - it's a destination in itself!
This statement is very very true. You have to be there to witness it yourself. The scenery is magnificent. The road is a stunning alpine drive and it is a must to get out of the car to drink in the spectacular scenery and trully appreciate the sheer scale of the awesome landscape. Leaving Te Anau and heading north, we follow 119km of sealed road to the majestic Milford Sound.

Te Anau Downs

Continue along Milford Road.

We are so glad that we can see snow in spring.

The Homer Tunnel
Completed in 1953, the Homer tunnel periced the mountain to allow road access to Milford Sound. At an altitude of 945metres above sea level, workers toiled throughout the depression of th 1930's in ectreme conditions, and completion of the tunnel, 1.2km through a mountain, was an extraordinary achievement.
The tunnel remains largely unmodified since its ealy creation. There is limited internal lighting within the tunnel. Traffic lights control traffic flows over peak periods in the summer months.

Milford Sound
Milford Sound is 119km or 2 1/2 hrs from Te Anau and has been described as te eighth wonder of the world. Few would disagree. Milford Sound is the most dramatic of Fiordland's glacier-carved fiords with cascading waterfalls, lush rainforest and towering Mitre Peak (1682m) rising a full mile out of the water. Milford is at tis best after rain.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Operated by Real Journeys, NZ$75 per pax, about 2- 2/12 hrs.

After a very relaxing cruise in the morning, we gotta say Bye-Bye to Milford Sound. Continue our journey to Queenstown, we use the same Milford Road. It's the Kea bird.

More stops to snap more photos on our way to Queenstown.

I think this is the Mirror Lake along Milford Road, but I'm not too sure though.

Queenstown
We arrive Queenstown in the evening, just right for dinner time. We have spicy Thai food. After dinner, we stroll in the town and the lake.

Day 9: Queenstown
We are staying 2 nights here at YHA Queenstown Lakefront. The hostel has a very nice view and very comfortable sitting right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

The town of Queenstown, just 10 minutes walk away from our hostel.

Deer Park Heights
This is Queenstown largest Lord of the Ring location. The self drive tour costs us NZ$20 per car via tollgate. We spend quite some time here exploring the stunning scenery that made this a key movie set. It is surrounded by lakes and mountain ranges experience a spectacular journey through this magnificent wildlife park.

Magnificent views from top of the hill

We have a really fun time feeding the animals. We fill in a silver tin from the green animal nut dispensers with NZ$2/tin and take it with us through the park. We stop to feed the miniature horses, sheep, donkey, goats and etc.

The animals in the Deer Park- miniature horse, llama, bixon, goat, deer, donkey and etc.

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy
43 metres above the crystal clear water of Kawarau River, the world's first bridge bungy established in Nov 1988 and the home of bungy ever since.

Arrowtown

Located only 20 minutes from Queenstown is the beautiful Arrowtown.
The cry of “gold” in 1862, brought thousands of miners to the Arrow River, one of the world’s richest sources of alluvial gold. At the height of the rush the population reached 7,000. These pioneers built small cottages of stone and wood, established churches, and planted avenues of beautiful trees. Through careful preservation, the legacy of the early settlers is retained in a fascinating, picturesque town where the past and the present are delightfully blurred with Arrowtown now a treasure in its own right.

After some shopping in the town of Queenstown, we go to the coolest plain in Queenstown- Minus 5 Degree Ice Bar (NZ$25/pax). To my disappointment, the room is quite small and I think only tourists visit here, not the locals. Nevertheless, it's a great experience.

In here, everything is made of ice, even the glasses and bar counter. Cool!!

Day 10: Queenstown - Franz Josef
Today is the day we have to continue our journey without our friends-Muththu & Shaaly. They are taking bus back to Dunedin, whereas we continue to Franz Josef.
The Skyline (Gondola, Restaurant & Luge)
and Kiwi Birdlife Park

Our journey continues... just the 2 of us again to Franz Josef.
New Zealand Self Drive (Part 4 - South Island: Cromwell, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Picton)