Waking Up in New Zealand, Day 1

On the first of my 8 days in New Zealand I woke up at Base-X Wellington Hostel. It's quite a strange feeling to wake up and have to remember where you are, but after almost a year on the road I am getting used to it. As the night before came back to my memory, I remembered I was in New Zealand! YAY! A huge smile crept across my face. It feels amazing to be somewhere that you have imagined for so long.

 ~ I wish everyone could have the chance to experience this feeling.~

It was exactly 9:55 a.m. and check-out was 10:00 a.m. I knew this meant I had to get all my gear together and to the lobby in under 5 minutes but I cheerfully hopped down the stairs with all kilos in hand (after realizing this old hostel's elevators weren't exactly in tip-top shape.) But nooooo worries- I was in such a great mood nothing could get me down! 

I managed to check out at exactly 10:00 a.m.- muahaha....victory was mine! I grabbed a table in the lobby where a yummy breakfast greeted me.  Fresh orange juice after travel=revival of life! Hells yes! While I had a light brekkie, I opened up my daily calendar book, which is where I usually record all of my travel plans. I scribbled in some details over two cups of tea, O.J. and some jam and toast. I decided to spend the day sightseeing around the city of Wellington (which I had heard was awesome) and buy myself some extra travel time by taking a bus up the North Island that night.

My plan was to head North to Taupo (A), the volcanic area of NZ's North Island

Photo Credit: static.stuff.co.nz

But for now, Day 1 in New Zealand was all about discovering "Wellywood." After brekkie I re-arranged my gear so it would all fit in one of the lockers in the hostel's kitchen. While I was wrestling my tent onto my backpack, I struck up a conversation with this friendly fellow named Wallie. He was a middle-aged Lebanese guy who was in NZ on business, but it turned he was very interested in the whole backpacker lifestyle and also had a long history of travel. He had already traveled through many African countries which intrigued me and after a good 20 minutes chatting he asked if he could join me. I thought sure, why not?  We stepped outside into the crisp, clean air. It was a magnificent sunny day in downtown Wellington and the very best weather for a morning stroll around town! The breeze was cool, salty and delicious. After taking a quick inventory of the CBD we headed straight for the water.

Colorful Kayaks at the City Harbour

Sailboats on glistening waters

After strolling around the harbour and stopping for a quick lunch at an Indian restaurant we continued walking towards wherever looked interesting or beautiful (which was everywhere!).

Eventually we decided it would be great to see a view of the harbour from Mount Victoria. I didn't know the way, but Wallie said he did. As we hiked up the dirt and rock path he struggled a lot and had to take several breaks. I was in flip-flops and had no problems with the hike but stopped with him and caught glimpses of the water through the trees. But the further we walked, the dirt path got smaller and less distinct and I was afraid we might have taken a wrong turn. Wallie kept saying he was sure this was the right path, but I wasn't convinced. Looking off the cliff to the road I could see where many cars were lined up and I think the actual path was somewhere around those cars. I calculated the possibilities. 

Either A) Wallie had made an honest mistake and we were rambling up this hill for nothing, unknowingly, B) We were on the right path (but that seemed unlikely because of the lack of wear on the path, or C) We were going the wrong way and he knew it.

I knew what I had to do. Upfront and honest I just said "I dont think this is the right path and I dont want to go any further. Im leaving the track."  I made my way down towards the lines and colored streaks of cars down below. He tried to sway my decision to continue on the path, but I just knew it was a waste of time, and in fact, it could be dangerous. I didnt have proper footwear and more importantly, I really didn't know him at all. Wallie reluctantly agreed, and he too came down to what appeared to be the main route up the mountainside. It was bustling with people and cars and that gave me a feeling of relief. I was finally back in my comfort zone. 

As we climbed up to Mount Victoria, here is the view of Oriental Bay

Looking down on the harbour

 
After walking back into the city, we went down to the New Zealand's best and biggest museum the Te Papa Museum,which in the Maori language means "container of treasures".
I really wanted to learn about the indigenous of New Zealand and this seemed like the place to go and so we did.

Inside, was a massive, interactive museum with several floors and divisions of native Maori installations, as well as many, many geological exhibits. We walked through the maze of history for hours!

After filling our heads with as much information as humanly possible, we walked back to the hostel where went our separate ways. I never saw Wallie again.

Thanks for reading! 



 

A few things I highly recommend in Wellington, New Zealand:
 
Base Backpackers Hostel 
Te Papa Museum
Masala Indian Restaurant

"Crossing the Ditch" to New Zealand

Getting ready in Brisbane

My Roaming Backpack.. on the move again. And this time in search of one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in the world, 

New Zealand!

I was heading to New Zealand, home to the indigenous Maori people, active volcanoes, the flightless Kiwi bird and millions of sheep...(yes, sheep!)

The Kiwi bird on the NZ 1$ coin

I was "setting sail" for an exciting 8-day adventure in which I hoped to conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, get the dry heat of Australia off me and get to some fresh, cool waters, do some kayaking and hopefully see some new wildlife! 

When people speak of NZ the pure and pristine eco-system is always a highlight and selling point.  I heard that NZ customs could be pretty strict on what kind of used hiking/camping gear they will allow into their country so I asked my Kiwi friend, Julia about it.  
Being on a backpacker's budget and not wanting to buy all new gear (NZ is not cheap either!), I decided to wash my backpack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag and then scrubbed my well broken-in hiking shoes with an old toothbrush. It was unbelievable what came off and out of those shoes. Australia is one dry, dusty country!

When I arrived at the Wellington airport, my gear was carefully eyed-up by a young and might I say, rather good-looking customs officer. Within a few minutes he was kind of doing his job while flirting with me.  It all felt kind of strange when he said he would need me to come into the quarantine room where he would inspect my tent, haha! Once inside he and his partner did inspect MY TENT. Luckily for me, they weren't very serious about much. We talked and laughed while they pointed out that I didn't look like the type to fly to NZ to hike the Tongariro, a 25 km hike through giant gorges and mountainous, active volcanic terrain. I knew it was purely based on my appearance, since I was dressed rather girly that day, but hey! After living in a mobile home in the middle-of-nowhere-Australia grading onions and watermelons, I was a little more than excited to be a girl again. Skirt, make-up, yes please!

After a little while longer, the fun wore off and I realized it was nearly 2 am and I was exhausted. The officer pointed to some seeds and dirt in my tent, so I helped him collect it into the corners of the tent which he then sucked out with a Dirt Devil. I was then released from the quarantine, waved goodbye to them and exited the airport.

 I was in New Zealand! Wooooooo! 


It was late and I wanted to get to bed as soon as possible to make the most of the following day. After haggling with local taxi drivers, I found the shuttle I wanted, which took me to the city in half an hour for 20$. I got dropped off at my hostel, Base X Wellington and snuck into the dorm room quietly. I climbed to the top bunk and sunk into what Im sure was the comfiest pillow and bed in New Zealand.It was starting to rain, and I fell alseep almost instantly.

Brisbane: Through My Eyes

Photo Credit: Brisbanetimes.com.au

I left Chinchilla and  headed 2 hours to the east coast, where I would catch my flight from bustling Brisbane. The city was lively, musical, artsy and in bloom. Unfortunately the hostel I chose called The Tin Pan or something like that was dirty, overcrowded and stifling, with not a window in any room. I made the best of it by spending most of my visit in Brisbane exploring the outdoors and the rad art installations all around the city. 

I headed down to walk along the riverbanks of Brisbane, since the city itself is actually 9 km or so away from the ocean. It was really quite beautiful. It's where the stunning modern architecture of the city meets the natural beauty of earth, air, and water. I was giddy about all the great aarchitecture, and became even more excited about Brisbane after checking out the street buskers.  

One stands out in my memory. A slightly overweight woman with a beautiful face. I remember her like it was yesterday. She had dark hair, dark eyes and plumps lips traced in deep red. She was sitting down, proudly playing this full-bodied, enchanting song on her cello. She was dressed in this crimson red dress made of a light, lingering material, which danced in the light breeze, and draped over her body, down to the ground and across the cobblestone path. She caught my eye and as I passed my face turned to keep watching her. When I looked away I realized everyone was doing the same. She was the fire.  The city seemed to be in perfect balance.

Passing under pergolas of vines and flowers, my friend and I (who had eventually got back onto speaking terms) made our way to the outdoor markets and to the revered Spanish Restaurant, OLE.
  
The food and drinks were very good and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I started to think I should have come to Brisbane sooner. The energy in this city was so different from other Aussie cities I experienced. I had been in Sydney many times, and in honesty, it was nothing spectacular. I skipped over Melbourne, which Ive heard has an amazing nightlife (but not much else, of course depending what your interests are) and  made my way to Adelaide, which was likeable- but Brisbane, now that's my kinda place. 

If you like art, green space, local food and a community feeling in a warm, sunny place, Brisbane just might be for you.

 Fortunately my not wanting to leave was combated by the fact that I was headed for New Zealand (!), one of the greatest destinations in the world. It was looking like my wishlist was starting to come true.  

The next day I caught a direct train to the "Brissy" airport and flew over "the ditch" to Wellington, New Zealand.

Byron Bay, Australia, Hostel Review: The Arts Factory, aka The Coolest Place in the World!

 
How can I say this? 
This is the coolest place on the planet!
 Okay, okay, so I haven't seen the whole planet- but I just don't know how else to convey the sheer awesomeness of this haven! It is by far, hands down, without a doubt the coolest hostel- if you can even call it that. It is a hostel, a.k.a. budget accommodation for backpackers, but- it is so much more!

 The Arts Factory Backpacker Lodge is an eco-friendly, artistically-centered hostel, and was the perfect introduction to Byron Bay! What a true reflection about what this "alternative lifestyles community" is all about; nature, art, healing, love. There is an energy alive here that is hard to quantify with words, that which I have found in few other places. It made me happy to know places like this can exist in today's world. It seems to attract happy, peaceful, artistic individuals and promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and love. Its not "just hippies". 

 

TAKE A TOUR FOR YOURSELF!

 
{History:

"In the 70’s many hippies, local and international artist’s created the ‘Arts Factory Village’! In the 80’s it was an internationally recognized rock and roll venue. The ‘Birthplace’ of much of the fame and spirit of Byron Bay, as a backpackers hostel it still maintains that original spirit today. The Arts Factory Village was also the birthplace of the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival and is now home to a diverse range of businesses offering a unique selection of accommodation, food, entertainment, arts, health & well-being.."-from About the Arts Factory, Byron Bay}

I slept in a gigantic tee-pee for two nights, it was such a cool experience. The Arts Factory also has cabins, garden burees, dorm rooms, private rooms, camp-sites and other funky abodes! When I woke up in the morning, I was in love! The eco-friendly hostel was well-integrated into this "jungle oasis" which had been developing over the last 40 years! Massive, mature native trees all around, and even one huge Boddhi tree (the same tree under which Buddha meditated under and found enlightenment.)

The Arts Factory is spread over several acres of wild land and only a short walk from the town center. Everywhere you walk there is art done by backpackers from all over the world, over the years. They do not condone meaningless graffiti, but they do encourage beautiful art with a positive message. When there, you are surrounded by pictures and words of inspiration, messages of love and understanding, things like; "Be Yourself", " The earth is my church", and "Share your vision".  
 
On top of it all, its so beautiful that someone, somewhere is always playing guitar, the didge, or singing, dancing, or hula-hooping! Creation captivates this place. There is also a in-ground pool, cinema, a restaurant and a brewery on site! The Arts Factory has everything you could ever want, you hardly need to leave! Oh and you cant forget the volleyball courts, ping pong tables, guitars and art supplies available for no fee! This place was sweet!! If youre in the area, check it out, I promise- You will love it!

Some of my favourite things at The Arts Factory were: 

-"Talent Night"( I heard someone play a French jazz version of songs from The Jungle Book, very cool!)
-The painted bus!
-The local produce: jewellery, and natural foods and teas for sale (my fav was the freshly squeezed lemon/ginger/honey tea!)
-Cockatoo Paul (the entertainer, he does live music shows, and does bush-walks with guests to educate them about local plants and animals. He is famous for his pet cockatoo which is always on his shoulder!) 

Homepage

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 Heres my overall review:

Overall Experience: POSITIVE        Stayed: 2 days/nights

Cleanliness        -Teepee, kitchen and lounge areas were all relatively clean
4/5                           

Staff                    -Staff were extremely friendly people who went over and beyond
4.5/5                    for customer service. Reception went beyond, and the fire in the teepee was well-tended.

Location             -Walking distance from town, but far away enough to feel the "oasis' jungle feeling
 5/5                       

Security              -Small lockers under beds in teepee, but dont seem that secure, however it is relatively 4/5                       safe because of the type of people that are drawn to this hostel. 
                            -Huge computerized lockers available, 3$/12 hours
                            -Reception tries to monitor people entering

Facilities            -Kitchen, on top deck, opens onto a patio overlooking the oasis, spacious
5/5                      -Deposit required on cutlery
                           -Large in-ground pool , and small pond (not for swimming)
                           -Several lounge areas, no tv
                           -Restrooms: Spacious, clean 4 toilet stalls, 4 showers
                           -Laundry: did not use 

Environment     -Plenty of backpackers, all ages, many artists, hippies, people leading alternative lifestyles
4.5/5                  -Happy, positive environment

                          -Beds are comfortable
                          -Can be loud late at night, usually guitar or singing
                               

Price                   -25$/night for one bed in big tee pee
4/5                       -4$/hour

Homepage 

Sydney, Australia Hostel Review: Sydney Central YHA

OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Positive  Stayed:  Sept 8-Sept 9, 2012

  Sydney Central YHA was one of the best hostels Ive been to. There was so much to do, the staff was great, and the facilities were clean. I don't have many photos, because I was too wrapped up in the sauna and the lounges! But if you follow this link and click on 'travelers photos' you will see how great it is. 

I would highly recommend this place if you are planning on staying in Sydney, just book in advance- they get full quickly! If you are a YHA Australia member there are some great discounts you can receive too.




 Cleanliness        -Rooms and restroom/showers were very clean

4.5/5                    -Fresh sheets are provided at check-in

Staff                    -Staff were friendly, accomodating and helpful  

4.5/5

Location             -Centrally located, (Surry Hills area) close to all amenities, short train/bus ride to several

4/5                        attractions, although relatively expensive area to dine and shop

Security              -Large lockers in dorm rooms

4/5                      -Every room secured with swipe card

                          

Facilities             -Kitchen: medium-sized, modern, and fully stocked, multiple large fridges
5/5                       -Huge dining areas, and several lounge areas
                            -Cafe on site
                            -Cinema on site
                            -Telephone "nooks" on each floor
                            -Wrap around balcony with great city view
                            -Dry sauna on the top floor, as well as a small shallow pool with glass ceilings
                            -Restrooms: Spacious, clean. 4 toilet stalls, and shower stalls separated from changeroom
                             -Laundry: did not inquire
                             -Other: Computers available, several large tv rooms with great comfy furniture

Environment        -Even amounts of young adults, backpackers and families
4/5                        -Suitable environment for all ages 

                             -Mattresses are very comfortable

Entertainment    -Computers available, large lounge/tv rooms on each floor
5/5                        -Daily activities and movies at the cinema
                               

Price                     -$37/night for single bed in 8 bed dorm.
3/5 
                                               

Wifi                       -High signal wifi, but expensive. 4$/ hour

1/5                          

A= Sydney Central YHA,  11 Rawson Place, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 9218 9000

 Related Articles:
Sydney Australia, Hostel Review: 790 on George
Sydney Australia, Hostel Review: Bounce Sydney
Hostel Advice & Etiquette: Not Just For Backpackers

Destination Byron Bay: 2 Days of Travel, Day 1

After talking to one of my bestfriends from home, Jess, she convinced me to get to Byron Bay as soon as possible. It didnt take much for her to twist my arm, and actually I think her exact words were “I would have been there yesterday”. Jeanie, my friend Scott and I decided to go out for Chinese food and drinks to celebrate. We spent the night discussing religion, sex and politics over a few too many glasses of “celebratory” bubbly.

@ a Truck-stop in the middle of nowhere

I woke up to “Somebody that I used to know” pulsing from the alarm clock at 3:00 a.m. That was my cue to grab My Roaming Backpack and catch the 3:40 a.m. bus from Mildura, Victoria to Cootamundra, New South Wales, aka, the middle of nowhere. To top it all off I had one of the worst migraines Ive had in forever, and a ghastly 9 hour bus ride in my immediate future! Everything hurt; smells, light, sound. Really regretting those last few glasses of wine, I wished I could block the world out and go back to bed, but the train ticket was already paid for. "Buy the ticket, take the ride!"

Fields of Cano

 Instead I blocked out as much as I could using earplugs and sunglasses. Then I popped a super-strong form of Aspirin, and asked Scott to work on my pressure points using a technique he learned in Thailand. All I could do was carry on and hope for the best. It was 5 hours until I was relieved on my agony, but I guess it could have been worse. I could have got stranded in Cootamundra! (Jokes, well, not really)

After reaching Cootamundra and waiting 2 hours for the next train into Sydney, I spent the next 6 hours on a train. It was all so boring its really not worth mentioning. It goes a little something like this: Nothingness, nothingness, canola fields, nothingness, more canola fields, old saloon town, dried up river bed, and so on. After a long day we reached Sydney once again, where we grabbed some greasy pizza and falafel wraps and took advantage of the dry sauna and pool at our hostel. I went to bed early and prepared myself for the next morning. In the cards?: a 12 hour train ride to Byron Bay at the crack of dawn.

Sydney, Australia, Hostel Review: 790 on George

Overall Experience: NEGATIVE         Stayed: August 16th-17th, 2012

I can say from personal experience that my stay here was very short since I was catching a train out of town the very next day. However, if I was not leaving town I would have left immediately the next day anyways, because of the hygienic conditions, (or lack there of) at this hostel. I would not recommend staying here if you plan on staying for an extended period or if you will be spending a lot of time indoors. There are several other clean and safe backpacker hostels in the area, such as Bounce Sydney.

Cleanliness        -Room was visibly clean, but restrooms were filthy
1/5                       -Hall ways reeked of stale cigarette smoke      

Staff                    -Staff were friendly, accommodating and helpful  

4.5/5

Location             -Centrally located, close to all amenities, short train/bus ride to several

4/5                        attractions, although relatively expensive area to dine and shop (Surrey Hills)

Security              -Large lockers equipped with an additional security box inside

2/5                       -Rooms requires a swipecard to enter, however anyone can freely enter foyer & hallways

Facilities            -Kitchen: did not see
2/5                       -Restrooms: Spacious, but dirty, 2 toilet stalls, 2 showers
                            -Laundry: did not use 
                             *Rating based on what I DID experience*

Environment     -Plenty of young adults and backpackers
2/5                      -Rooms are cramped and outdated

                           -Beds are comfortable, however sheets were stained
                               

Price                   -One private room split between 3 people cost 28$ each
4/5                       - Wifi is reasonably priced at 1$/hour 
                                               

                          A=790 On George Hostel, 790 George Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW
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Sydney, Australia Hostel Review: Bounce Sydney

Overall Experience: POSITIVE  Stayed: August 6-11, 2012

Cleanliness         -Rooms and restroom/showers were cleaned daily

4.5/5                    -Fresh sheets and pillow cases are provided at check-in

Staff                    -Staff were friendly, accomodating and helpful  

4.5/5

Location             -Centrally located, close to all amenities, short train/bus ride to several

4/5                        attractions, although relatively expensive area to dine and shop

Security              -Large lockers (with double shelves and outlets- extremely convenient if

5/5                        you want to charge your laptop/phone while you are out and about!)

                            -Also each floor level and room requires a swipecard to enter. 24 hour

                             desk service secures the main level

Facilities             -Kitchen: large, modern, and fully stocked, multiple large fridges
3.5/5                     -Restrooms: Small but clean, 3 toilet stalls, 2 showers
                             -Laundry: Several energy efficient washers and dryers, 4$ each for wash&dry 
                             -Other: Computers available, but 2/5 computers on my level were  out of service
                              Rooftop terrace, barbeque and temporary luggage storage are all a bonus!

Environment      -Plenty of young adults and backpackers, some families
4/5                        -Suitable environment for all ages, although there are many young guests, it is

                              a quiet and peaceful hostel.    
                             -Rooms are brightly painted with modern decor, very comfortable
                             -Beds are very comfortable, but if youre tall be sure to take the top bunk!

Entertainment    -Computers located on each floor, one tv in lounge room on Level 4
3/5                        -Daily activities @ Hostel such as Mexican night & Trivia night
                               

Price                     -$35/night for single bed in 8 bed dorm. Pricey since no wifi/breakfast included
3/5 
                                               

Wifi                       -High signal wifi, but very expensive. 3$/ 1 hour, 7$/3 hours, 10$/5 hours

1/5                          *Note* To clairify, despite ad claims, WIFI @ Bounce Sydney is not free!

A=Bounce Sydney Boutique Hotel, 28 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales

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Hostel Advice & Etiquette: Not Just For Backpackers!

Hostels are simpler and more affordable versions of hotel accomodation. Hostels sell private rooms for a fraction of hotel room prices, but their forte is to sell beds, rather than rooms. 4,6, or 8+ people may sleep together in one room, with their own single bed. This is particularly popular among young adults and backpackers, but I have even seen families and seniors stay in hostels. It is a great way to save money, while meeting other travellers who often become friends, share stories and advice with you. 

There are definitely some gem hostels out there but there can also be some pretty sketchy ones,so just be sure to do your research before booking. You cant always judge something by its price, but price often reflects quality, so dont jump at an extremely cheap room too quickly. Most hostels are very comfortable, clean and safe but if you are unsure, there are several websites which share reviews from previous guests. These references have helped me many times to make an informed decision. I recommend using Hostelworld, TripAdvisor, and checking  @RoamingBackpack, where I plan to share my experiences of hostels as I travel around the world.

If I could offer only a few tips of advice and tips for hostel etiquette, I would say:

1. Be respectful of other people and their belongings, and usually things will go smoothly. For example: if you are an early riser, try to be as quiet as possible since others may still be sleeping. Be sure to be tidy and keep to your own bed area.
2. Be friendly and smile. Sharing a room with 4, 6, or 8 + people is certainly less awkward once you know a bit about someone, plus, it is a great place to make new friends! You may only be staying one night, but take advantage of this great opportunity, and make an attempt to get to know people. Many times I have left hostels with new found friendships and new travel companions.
3. Lock up your valuables. Keep in mind hostels will not take responsibility for lost or damaged items so put your things away at all times!
4. Try to stay healthy. (This is specifically for long-term hostel guests )Sometimes travellers may stay at a particular hostel for weeks on end. If this is true in your case, try to keep healthy for yourself and other guests, by sleeping and eating properly. Not to sound condescending, (because it happens to all of us), but it is best to avoid guests who are ill. If you are in a room with someone who has the flu or a cold, politely ask to be moved to another room or bunk. The last thing you want is to be sick while travelling, its already exhausting enough! 
5. Bring ear plugs, because there is always one snorer! I have learned this through my own personal experience and sometimes ear plugs were the best thing I brought along in the entire trip!

Good luck and Happy Hostelling!


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