~New Zealand~

"New Zealand... Trulyyy Asiaaa..."
sang bernard happily all the time when we were anticipating our holiday. (It's pointless tryin to convince him that NZ is not Asia, he just likes the jingle.)

Somewhere early last year, i decided i wanted to go NZ. While still getting to know each other, he tried to sell me the idea that he is the best travel companion one can have. True to the fantastic RM he is, (the best, in fact!) he convinced me that his travel concepts and styles are very similar to mine, and promised that it will be a most wonderful holiday. So can he come with me pleeease???

Anyway, of cos i agreed; we were an item shortly after :)

Oct approached, and he told me, "don't worry, leave everything to me", so i did. He always pampers me.

When we were on the flight to NZ, he (strangely) indicated that i shud perhaps take a look at the safety instructions in the pocket in front. The usual blur me took very long and many prompts to realize that there was a set of papers stuffed in the pocket. I retrieved it, and to my surprise, it was a detailed itinerary of what we were going to do for our 2-week holiday! The heading "New Zealand, Truly Asia!" (of cos...) sat atop the page, that contained daily commentaries, driving times, activities, addresses, etc...!! It was so well-planned and well-research *touched* To me this ranks as one of the best gifts he gave me. We spent so much time together (even when we were not together we chatted for hours on the phone) that i really wondered where he found the time to do all these without me knowing!

Our adventures:

Hot-air ballooning at Christchurch

Horseback riding in Middle Earth!!!

Jetboating

Glacier walking - Franz Joseph Glacier

The Ultimate - Skydiving @ Taupo!!

Cooking dinner (i think can consider this an adventure as well)
He ate wat i cooked, and i ate wat he cooked. So... dunno which is better ;)

Arty shot - Reflection of Wellington in my shades.

* * *

We both fell in love with NZ. Loved all the outdoor activities, the scenery, the people, the peace. In particular, we love the South Island.
While driving to Queenstown from Glenorchy, we stopped for lunch along the road, and chanced upon our very own Paradise. So quiet, so still, that no ripples broke the calmness of the water, a perfect reflection of the sky.

Our dream is to retire in NZ, beside the gorgeous Lake Wanaka.