I have not been updating this space for
some time now because
- I have just started a new job so things are still shaky
- I have not been to Japan since then
Initially I was planing a few trips in
the beginning of the year.
- Taiwan for @JAM 24-26 Jan to see UUG
- Japan 14-22 Mar for Team Makenki Spring Tour and C-ute Spring Tour
I had to scrap all these new plans due
to my new job. Its very painful for me but I do not have a choice.
On the other hand I had a very
enjoyable and long anticipated Family Holiday to New Zealand during
the Christmas Period. It is the first time in a few years where my
WHOLE family gets together for a good time over the festive period.
Not a stock Photo. New Zealand in 1
Photo
My sister flew in from Japan and my
brother and his wife flew in from Brisbane. We met up in Queenstown,
which is a gorgeous Lakeside Town. Most of the business caters to the
tourist who come from all over the world. Most noticeably from
China, India and USA.
We exchanged Christmas presents, ate
good food, and enjoyed exciting activities everyday.
Some of the activities we signed up for
included: Horse Back Riding through Middle Earth, White water
Sledging, Tandem Paragliding, Sight Seeing Cruises, Hikes to see
Glaciers.
I have never felt more blessed in my
life.
New Zealand is my 2nd mos favorite
place in the word. (After Japan)
It was my 3rd time horse-riding and
most enjoyable as well. We were driven to a place about 1 hour away
from Queenstown for the half day tour. We rode along a valley and
cross a few shallow rivers. Some of the horses we rode actually
appeared in Hollywood movies like “Narnia: Prince Caspian” !!
That valley also happened to be the location of the Misty Mountains
in “Lord of the Rings”. Mountain Range surrounding us was
stunning with snow capped tips. The valley is filled with Purple and
Pink flowers called “Lipids”, which are the horses favorite
snack, much to the irritation of the riders. The river crossings were
especially fun because the horses were weary of the gushing water and
slippery pebbles which gave it that touch of excitement.
Next we did White water Sledging. Most
people have heard of White Water Rafting. This is something like
that, but without the boat. I was so apprehensive about this activity
because even though it is summer in NZ, the temperature is about
15-deg cel. Which means the water temperature is about 11 deg cel.
Luckily the weather on this day (day 3) was very warm. And also we
were wearing wet suits and life jackets which insulate body heat very
well. Armed with flippers and swimming floats (which they called
“sledges”) we tumbled washing-machine-style down the rapids. At
one point I had let go of my sledge and was being tossed about the
rapids, my life flashed pass my eyes for that second as I was gasping
for breath and I thought “Ok Im dead”. Lucky for me, one of the
guides spotted me and pulled me up.
Selfi taken just after White Water
Sledging.
Honestly no worries for safety because
I was so piled on with bouyant coverings that I could not even
submerge myself in still water if I wanted to.
During the few still stretches of
water, we have the pleasure of floating down the river leisurely and
admire the beautiful scenery.
Also my limbs ached like hell for the
next 2 days from all the flailing and kicking
We also did many other activities but
they were not as impact as these
The last activity I will talk about is
the Helicopter Ride to walk on the Glacier. It is my first time on a
helicopter so I am trilled. The blades of the Heli are really scary,
there is a reason why people always bend down low when getting on and
off Helis. The views are spectacular. I am just about enthralled by
the snow and the views. I built a tiny snowman on top.
