Christmas break

So the week started with me being on relief - the nice thing about ITU relief is that if I'm not called in by 10am the rest of the day is mine to play with.

On Monday - I didn't get a call by 10am so Mum, Dad and I headed over to Rotorua for some fun and sight-seeing. They both visited Rotorua when they were over in 2004 so were keen on doing some things they hadn't done before. 1st stop was lunch which was lovely meal at the same cafe I was at when Gem gave me the news she was engaged. After that we headed over to Whakewarewawera which is a thermal village in Rotorua. Has great views of the famous geysers and very interesting story behind their lives there.
After that we headed home via zorbing. Successfully managed to get both of them in a zorb which they absolutely loved - never heard Dad giggle so much - brilliant fun!

That night we headed out for a lovely meal with Si as well (he had been stuck in work all day)

Tuesday - No call again, however I did have to be in for 12 for teaching - so after some Christmas shopping in Hamilton we grabbed some lunch and I sent Mum and Dad over to Waitomo in my car to do some caving (booked them into a black water rafting trip so they couldn't get out of it) They really really enjoyed it and another thing they wouldn't have done without me just booking it.
Tuesday night we went for some posh-nosh in Hamilton to my fav restaurant.

Wednesday - Again, no call......doing well. This time we headed over to Raglan to introduce them to my favourite surf beach. I took my surf board and Mum hired a bodyboard (Dad's back was playing up so he watched from the beach) We then went to a few of the shops for some last minute shopping.

Wednesday afternoon we drove up to Auckland to stay wit Gem and James so we could get up to our holiday destination (Russell) earlier the next day (Christmas eve)

On Christmas eve we went and did thebig food shop for Christmas - lots of seafood and meat - for Christmas the kiwi way i.e. BBQ on the beach. I decorated a little tree in the corner in vague attempts to make it a little more Christmassy (difficult when it's over 30degrees)
Gem, James and Si joined us at about 10.30pm - had a few glasses of wine and headed to bed in preparation for Christmas day.

Christmas Day
***************
Woken up early by Gemma excited about the day. Made us all get into our swimwear and go for an early morning swim - very good idea. Got out the water to a nice glass of bucks fizz, with cloudy bay champagne!! Had a lovely breakfast of eggs benedict then started to set up all the pressy opening on the front lawn. After an hour or so of exciting gifts (I got thoroughly spoilt - especially by Si who bought me a new ripcurl surf watch and a pair of funky special edition GHDs, my old ones recently packed in) After the presents we went over to the nicer beach where we chilled with a few beers on the beach followed by water vollleyball!
Had an amazing christmas dinner on the BBQ- about 5 courses, scallops, prawns, tuna steak, ribeye steak and christmas pudding...yum yum yum Finished the evening off with phonecalls home (wonder if people could tell we got through 10bottles of wine and 1 crate of beer.....)

Boxing day we got the ferry over to Paihia and Waitangi where the treaty between the British and the Maori was signed. Really beautiful treaty grounds and great way to learn about what happened over here. The treaty is still used as a basis to all the rights of the Maori's in NZ. We then wandered around a few of the shops while Si and James went to play in the sea. Had another great BBQ of lamb steaks with more wine.

Sunday we had a sailing trip booked for the afternoon. We sailed around the bay, about 40 islands and stopped at one. Si found a dried up dead fish on the beach and decided it would be fun to hit Gem over the head with it. Then he found another which he speared on a stick, dipped it in the water and chased Gem with - She screamed like a small child v. funny. We walked to the top of one of the islands for amazing panoramic of the bay of islands.

We headed back to Hamilton on Monday as Gem needed to prepare to start nights and we needed an early night as we were going to be getting up at 4am to start our big journey down to the south island.

See next blog (sorry these are really busy - but kinda using it as my own diary of everything I get up to aswell!)

Coromandel Peninsula 18-20th December

Sorry these are coming in really late - had a really busy couple of weeks and havent had much time to sit down and blog - all the photos are up on facebook for a video diary though. So for the update - bits at a time.

Mum and Dad spent there 1st weekend in Auckland with Gem seeing all the sights whilst Gem was at work. I spent that week doing my 1st set of nights on ITU. Very busier - much worse than the shifts in the UK but really good and I learnt loads.

For the weekend I booked the same bach in the Coromandel that I stayed at for Si's birthday - since I loved it there thought I would show the family.

Decided on Friday night to open a few of the christmas pressies early since we decided they would be really good to have that weekend. James and I both got snorkel kits and Si a volleyball and net.

Spent Saturday on Cathedral cove beach, jumping off rocks, playing with the bat and ball and rugby ball (when Si wrecked his foot - took a nice chunk out of his toe), did the snorkel trail at Gemstone beach (marine reserve with buoys set up with information on them as you swim along) and then went back to the bach opened a few beers and set up the volleyball court on the beach. (Si, Mum and Me V James, Gem and Dad).......Guess who won!
Had a lovely BBQ and plenty more beers that evening.

Sunday, while cleaning the bach ready to leave we got an urgent phone call from my brother to tell us that he and Claire were now engaged- very exciting, but it also means that within about 2 months both of my siblings are engaged - think Si is feeling the pressure..... After cleaning the bach we headed to the other end of cooks beach and swam out to a little cave that you can climb up the walls of the cave and jump in - also pretty good snorkelling - although an unsuccessful trip as Si lost his snorkel and James broke his fins (luckily managed to blag to the shop that they must have been faulty.)
Sunday afternoon we went to hot water beach where we hired spades and dug ourselves holes in the beach so we could sit in hot springs. That evening Mum and Dad headed back with us for a week in Hamilton (and surrounding areas) I was set to be on relief (where i'm on short notice call back for sickness) so it was fingers crossed for a quiet week....

Mum and Dad arrive

Blog for 15/12/09

Sorry I forgot to blog - was very busy, what with Mum and Dad arriving and my first week as an ITU reg.

The week was spent mainly in induction - learning all the basics and the things about the unit that are different to the ITU I've worked in before (basically, being a tertiary referral centre we take everything, so lots of new things to learn)

Worked my 1st 2 shifts on the Thurs and Fri and they were pretty uneventful really, no helicopter retrievals and nothing terribly exciting on the unit (I did however attend 4 cardiac arrest calls on Fri afternoon)

At the weekend I spent Sat doing some christmas shopping in Raglan after hitting the surf of course! Surf was rubbish though so didn't last very long in it before giving up. Niamh did have a lovely dinner date together though before going out for a few drinks (poor old Si was working the weekend)

Sunday I headed up to Auckland to meet Mum and Dad at the airport. Went up via Gem's and did some christmas shopping with James (Gem was working the weekend 2) before they arrived. I stayed Sunday night and Gem cooked an amazing meal for us.

Monday I spent the morning with Mum and Dad in Auckland, more christmas shopping and a really lovely lunch on the viaduct before heading back down to Hamilton to have a quick sleep before starting nights!

Hawke's Bay

Si and I had Friday off so we decided to head over to Hawkes Bay to see Napier and sample the local produce!

We arrived at about 2pm and quickly found a campsite and erected the tent. From there we headed into Napier to see what it has to offer. Got a quick bite to eat, played more crazy golf (I won..AGAIN) then went out for a drive around the local area and a little walk before heading back into Napier for some dinner.

Saturday we awoke to rain, not ideal when heading out for a bike tour of the vineyards. Unfortunately Si must have caught some vomiting bug as he couldn't even keep water down - again, not ideal!. He did however want to try to come so we headed out on our bikes. Luckily the rain stopped just in time to enjoy the day. The 1st stop (at 10.30am) was a cider house and brewery. I ordered the sample tray (£5 for 6 1/2 pints!!!) Si tried a sip of the alcoholic ginger beer and left me drinking the rest - solo! After that we headed out to a boutique vineyard where they had some AMAZING wine. Si joined in the tasting this time after realising that although he couldn't keep water down, alcohol seemed to go down quite well! The wine tour continued till about 5pm after which we realised we spent over $300 in wine. Oh well, it was REALLY nice (or was it just that we were a bit pissed!)

Sunday we decided (a little crazily) to get up at 7.30 to watch the All Blacks v Barbarians replay (the match was played at 3am so we didn't bother getting up for that) After the match we packed up the tent and headed to the coast in search of surf. Found some surf - bit average but had a good time anyway. Back to Napier for lunch then headed home around 5pm.

This week I have started my 1st week as an ITU reg. Had 2 days of induction, where I was shown around the helicopter, warned not to wear nylon as when it burns it sticks to you, told that if the helicopter lands on the sea it goes upside down and you have to kick the windows out....... and when it is necessary to crack someones chest open.
So, sounds like this run will be a breeze!!

SYDNEY!!

Last week I had an AMAZING week with a few of my bestest friends.

Tuesday evening I travelled up to stay over night with some very generous family friends, Jean and John who put me up and fed me an amazing meal. I got up at 3.30am to fly to Sydney to see Loz, Tom and Helen. Arrived in Sydney at 7.30 to amazing weather. We decided to head straight over to Manly beach for the day, we spent the day shopping, catching up and chilling on the beach in over 30 degree temperatures. That evening we showered in the public showers and headed out for a nice dinner on the beach front where Tom joined us after work.

Thursday we headed over to palm beach, the set of home and away- where we all bought the surf life saving T-shirts just to look cool. Again spent the day on the beach, the four of us - showered in the public showers and went for a really really posh 8 course meal. Apparently one of the best in Sydney. Really amazing evening.

Friday we woke up to our 'Christmas Day' celebrations (our 3rd pre-christmas-christmas) we started the day by sea kayaking and then went to the fish market to buy christmas dinner, which consisted of oysters, calamari, prawns and mussles (oh and a baked potato for some carb to soak up all the alcohol.....it didn't!)
After dinner and lots of alcohol we headed into sydney for more drinks

Saturday we woke up with sore heads (some worse than others...Tom ;)) Went for a lovely brunch before saying goodbye to Helen then Loz and I headed over to Bondi beach to chillax (Tom had to go to work) Saturday evening Loz and I went out for a lovely thai meal and chilled with a dvd.

Sunday I headed home after having an amazing few days :(

Simon spent the weekend with Gem and James and a few of the Hamilton crew up north of Auckland near goat island, went snorkelling and camping - in typical camping style, it rained!!

Tauranga and swimming with dolphins

Last week was spent between spending time with twinny Malps and marathon on-calls - but had a great end of the week in Tauranga.

Being on 14 hour shifts on Wednesday and Friday was a little annoying - especially since the weather is just getting better and better. Thursday Gem and I decided to have a bit of twinny action on the hockey pitch which resulted in a grand total of 4 goals between the 2 of us (ok, so she got 3 but was sat on the left post!) Fab game of hockey and reminiscent of our medics mixed hockey days.

Saturday morning we got up at 6am and headed over to Tauranga to swim with the dolphins - spent 9 hours sat in a wetsuit on the boat to see all of 1 dolphin swimming the bow......was fun all the same and we did get a free trip to try again another time - so not really a disappointment. Saturday evening we celebrated Nat's birthday with a lovely meal and a very good night out (maybe a little to many tequilla's and sambucas though)

Sunday we hit the surf for a nice lazy day surfing, gentle waves and very chilled.

Now, I've just arrived in Sydney to spend a few days with the girls (and Tom)....yey

Photos to follow.x

Gemma's 1st weekend here

GEMMA ARRIVED ON THURSDAY!!!

So, that is my biggest news at the moment.

After getting up at 3.30am on Thursday morning Si and I headed up to Auckland Airport to pick them up. Luckily, I didnt get called in on Thurs but poor old Si was in and headed straight off to work (although he was on psych which is a bit of a doss). Thursday evening when Si got in we cracked open the champagne to celebrate their arrival and their engagement and then took them out for an AMAZING meal (think I've found the best restaurant in hamilton!) James asked Si to be an usher, which he was dead chuffed about, and obviously I'm chief bridesmaid, which I already knew (think that was a given). Gem has set the date as 21.1.12 so I think we have a few days to sort out arrangements.

Friday I was called into work, so my total weeks worked added up to a humungous 16hrs......tough life. Gem and James went out to buy themselves a car and then picked me up from work. Friday evening we went to a house party for the RMOs (junior doctors), it was a fluro party (everyone dressed in fluorescent colours) and the closest thing to an american frat party I've ever been to....they'de turned their entire house into a night club, spray painted fluorescent colours all over their living rooms, blocked out daylight and installed black lights.........crazyness.

On Saturday morning we headed over to Rotorua for the day where we went zorbing, swooping, bungy jumping...not to forget a round of crazy golf just to add to the adrenaline activities. On Sat nght we were exhausted so had a more chilaxed evening with a few beers and the wii.

Sunday we headed down to Waitomo for another caving experience (see my 1st weekend blog) but this time we did the black abyss which involved abseiling down 40m into a pitch black cave, flying fox through the caves, black water rafting in inner tubes, caving, and climbing water falls - really cool and I think James said it was one of the best things he's ever done.

Gem left me this morning to head up to Auckland to sort themselves out somewhere to live. They are currently staying with family friends just outside the city but think they'll be back here in a few days as the place they've signed up for isn't available until next Thursday.

So, hopefully more fun and games next weekend (although I am on-call next Friday...booo!)

Not much to report

Unfortunately, we didn't get to go on any exciting trips at the weekend. I'm back on short notice - well, I was meant to be next weekend but since GEMMA IS HERE, I have swapped it so that I can get next weekend off with her!

We did, however still manage to get in a good bit of exercise and fun. Si played his 1st match for his tennis club on Saturday morning (and won) and in the afternoon we decided to hit Raglan. Finally bought ourselves our own surfboards and now we need to learn how to surf. (Si is looking quite good, I'm not!) Although, I did manage to stand up properly and ride the wave all the way in - that is progress!

Headed to Raglan again on Sunday only to realise that after driving all the way there we had forgotten our wetsuits - doh!! we were just so excited about being back on the boards. Decided to give it ago anyway - wasn't to bad!! Still cant believed we surfed without a wetsuit in November though......brrr!

This week is all about preparing for Gem - Get here soon!!

The weekend I heard the news!!

Friday arrived with no real plans for the weekend - not like us, but when it's only been 4 days since out last excursion with on-calls mixed in there 2 it's no surprise. So when we got home we packed a few things for all eventualities and got in the car with a map book. Decided to head over to Mount Mauganui, Simon drove whilst I rang the places in the Lonely Planet looking for a place to stay - Managed to have a bit of time to go for a drink or 2 when we got there.

Up to a beautiful day on Saturday - headed out to hire some snorkel gear and hit the sea. Really great way to spend a day.
Saturday we did the same as the night before but headed down to Rotarua for a day. Booked into a cheap hostel for the night and headed out for amazing steak and some drinks watching the All Blacks beat the Wallabies.

On Sunday we managed to get ourselves booked into the polynesian spa for my amazing birthday present from Tom (an hour's mud wrap and massage) followed by use of the natural geothermal pools set at different temperatures. After getting out of the spa I realised I had 4 missed calls from Gem......thats a bit weird!! Finally, she tracked me down whilst I was having lunch to give me the news that she is now engaged! Amazing news just wish I could see her.....well I will in a week! Don't know how I'll be a decent chief bridesmaid from over here though, will prob need a little help from home.

Sunday afternoon was spent in the stunning weather - going for some beautiful walks around Rotorua. And we even managed to fit in some cray golf (I won - not sure where that puts us in the Bara/Malpo world series. I'm thinking that I'm winning)

Another awesome weekend...roll on the next!

So you really think I'm coming home....

This weekend was labour day weekend, a celebration of the eight-hour working day (how ironic that you celebrate it by not working!) It also happened to coincide with Simon's birthday.... and the result was the best weekend in New Zealand so far!!

We headed up to Cook's beach on the Coromandel peninsula (the 1st landing of both the Maori's and Captain Cook) where I had rented out a bach on the beach front for 10 people. Friday night was spent in awe of the place I'd managed to find and a few cheeky beers.

Saturday we decided to do a bit of a beach tour, starting at Cathedral Cove, an AMAZING beach on the east side of the Coromandel with a beach to rival the Caribbean. Stunning white sandy beach with arches carved out of the lava/pumice cliffs (Mum, hope you're proud that I was paying attention to the Geology!) Went swimming/played volleyball/rugby.....brilliant! Then we headed off to hot water beach where there are hot springs lying just under the sand. If you use a spade you can dig down and sit in your own little hot tub, weird, but cool (well, bloody hot!) That evening we had a few more games of volleyball on own little beach with a few beers in the sun, followed by a slightly drunken BBQ (our 1st on in NZ)

Sunday we had booked to go on a sea kayaking adventure. A day tour around the Coromandel coastline - stunning and a great day, if a little knackering. We had another BBQ that night, but it was a little more chilled due to the sheer exhaustion of the day.

Monday (bank holiday) we went in search of some surf, after a while we realised we were on the wrong coastline and decided to go for a nice walk instead.

Fantastic weekend - So much more I wanna do there. Hopefully back for Christmas.

Hope all is good back home.xx

Taranaki

Wilke's pools, Mt Taranaki

Little bit wet

Katie, me, Charlie

Mt Taranaki

My favourite beach, White cliffs


After my week of recuperation a group of us all headed down to New Plymouth and Mt Taranaki for the weekend.
Before heading down, Si and I made a quick trip to Mt Perongia, the largest in Waikato (our home region) to try out one of the walks in my new walks of New Zealand book. Was a really pretty walk and went through one of the thick forests in the region.

On Friday night we headed down to Mt Taranaki and got caught in a MASSIVE storm on the way down - like a true tropical storm, after arriving we got some food, had a few drinks and played a good game of the big taboo (love that game)
The next day wasn't forecast for good weather so we thought a walk to the mountain seemed like a good idea. After getting caught in hail storms, torrential downpour and felled trees - we realised that it may not have been the wisest one, but a fun one all the same.
Went for a lovely meal and drinks in the evening (anyone ever played who's line is it - most frustrating game EVER!!)

Sunday looked more promising - although the day started with rain, soon cleared up into a lovely day. So decided to hit the surf. After a pretty shaky start I soon got back into it.

Headed home after amazing fish and chips on the beach.

On the way home - decided to detour down to the white cliffs - now my favourite beach in New Zealand - absolutely breathtaking!! (loving the black sand)

For more photos see my facebook page

Off to the Coromandel with a group of 12 next weekend for Si's birthday and the long weekend.....whoop whoop!!

Sorry about the delay

(can you see the pain in my face on this last pic.....ow)


Sorry I haven't posted for 2 weeks.

Well, last week was pretty unexciting, spending the week doing night shifts. Although, I still managed to fit in some pre and post nights surfing and nice meals out as well as buying myself a wetsuit and chopping my hair off.

Played my 1st game of hockey in NZ during that week. We have put together a mixed hockey team and have entered a summer league - all just for fun really. We seem to have some pretty good players on our side, we just need to learn to play together, oh, and get a goalie. Unfortunately we were defeated (to no real surprise).

This weekend was probably the most eventful. I spent Saturday in Auckland with some friends. We went to see Mamma Mia at the theatre and also fit in some shopping.

Sunday, I headed out to the beach for some more surfing. That was when I had my accident, after falling off the surfboard I got struck in the throat by it as I lifted my head out the water. Was all pretty scary - basically ended up with me being admitted to hospital Sunday night after my throat started to close off. Still pretty sore and husky - had quite alot of swelling and bleeding around my vocal cords. Am now off work on strict vocal rest (yea, thats not going too well) But now on the mend. I have to thank Gem's skype diagnosis, may not be here now otherwise!

So, drama over - plan to get back into the surf asap.

Have had a few ideas as to how to spend the next few weekends - will let you know how it goes.

Love to you all.xx

Tauranga and Auckland

Mt Maunganui beach, Tauranga

Will and Zoe , happy with where they will be living

Auckland Sky Tower

Have just realised that my blogs are weekly reviews (mainly about that weekends) hope that suits.... don't have the stamina to do daily blogs like the rest of you (sorry)

So last week was yet again spent in work during the week and fun at the weekend (for a change).

Friday night we went round to the girls flat for some board-game fun...I love the big taboo.
Saturday I headed over to Tauranga (bay of plenty) for some surf/shopping/flat hunting with Will and Zoe (cant believe they are moving there and leaving us...I sense BBQ's and surfing most weekends) Didn't make it into the sea cos I got too caught up in the shopping and flat hunting with Zoe. We let Will go in though.

Saturday night Si joined us, he was on his SNR weekend this time and couldn't really leave Hamilton (although I did last weekend...oops) Had a lovely meal followed by drinks. Well earned I feel.

Sunday I headed up to Auckland for the day with the girls. Met up with a long-lost friend that I haven't seen since 2005 when I was last in NZ and again, had some pretty successful shopping.

Thats it for another week. Next weekend I'm on nights so unlikely to have any interesting news. Although, hoping to go over to the surf for an hour or 2 at the weekend....we'll see!