grumeti peking

hong kong, new zealand, australia, february-march 2015 *download PDF*

Imagine drilling a deep,deep hole in Switzerland, we will come out in New-Zealand. How cool is that ? We go the more common and exhausting way. Take a plane and fly, how it seems forever. So the plan is, take it easy and enjoy.
First stop Hong Kong, after a 12h flight have the comfort of the Hotel transfer, smooth and on time. Welcome back to Hong Kong it has been a few years. 30 Minutes later it is already getting dark, I like to scream ' stop the film, I am missing a day '. But it wouldn't help, hello jet-lag. We walk around in Central to ease off some of the time differences and tiredness. Only a bit successful because the next morning we have problems to get out of bed
at 9am !! Best thing in Hong Kong is always meeting, seeing some friends and former colleagues. This time we all have dinner together and we have a ball. I have very fond memories.

The 3 days pass quickly and here we fly again, to Auckland. That means another 6h to add to the jet-lag. Gosh I am getting old, it is no fun. Therefore we create a special fun part by taking a helicopter from the airport to our Hotel on Waiheke Island. What a treat, exciting and birds eye views.
The treat continues with a lovely Hotel, Delamore Lodge, which helps to eliminate the jet-lag. 2 days of easy walking, good food and exploring the island. Enough of being lazy, we go by public ferry to Auckland to embark our cruise-ship.

This will take us along the coast of the north- and south island over to Australia. Can't wait to see more of NZ. Who did not eat all their food ? The weather god was furious ! My grandmother always told me I have to empty my plate otherwise we will not have nice weather. A few people did not do it right, strong winds and cool air, we are taking the winter sweater out ! We see a bit of volcanic landscapes, rain forest, beaches with Albatross and Pinguin, picturesque villages, plenty of gum trees in different forms and shapes and have a devils ride on a 4x4 squad over rocky terrain. Help ! Last but not least we cruise in the Milford Sound. Beautiful, calm and dark. The sun is not generous and provides only a few spotlights. Now the roaring forties, the tasmanian sea. Be warned, that what the guide says. It is disappointing harmless, not that I want to feed the fishes. Even the captain says he has never done the crossing with such a calm sea. No roaring.

Melbourne, Australia welcomes us with heat. The sightseeing is done in 34 degrees. Don't stand in the sun you will boil. The last night on the ship, tomorrow we pick up our rental car and off we go, that was the idea. The Great Ocean Road, if we find the highway which should get us out of Melbourne. The GPS seems to have a life on its own and does not want to tell us which turn to take.

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