save the fling

oh i slept like a rock
end the tour having a fever
sleep from dusk till dawn
toss over till the sun was high

after 10 wonderful days in new zealand
time to fly home sweet home
leaving Nuha for another week
before she will be leaving for good as well
save the flings with your friends
you might not see them again
in New Zealand like the days you shared
oh i hate good byes

Nuha send us to Palmerston airport
small but modern
another airflight to Auckland
In Auckland we were on our own
it was drizzling when we arrived
from the domestic arrival
to the international departure
we have to face the rain and the wind
aah! Auckland called City of  Sails

Auckland, an urban environment
where everyone lives within half an hour of beuatiful beaches
hiking trails and a dozen of enchanted holiday islands
the city stretches from one side of the country to the other
from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean
meaning you are never far from the water!

Nuha was on her way back to welly
reunited with friends for a farewell
we have to bade farewell to NZ as well
the custom checkup and waiting
and the postphoned flights
can't wait to be home

nuha's north palmy

Palmy a quiet, sleepy town. no wonder...

Nuha commute back to Wellington

for a weekend retreat with friends

The trip back is just like a therapy

to a weary and lonely intern

Luckily Nuha has a foster family here

where she came home for company

Laila's family of  5 welcome us for lunch

the customs are typical m'sians

though they have migrated from home

to start their life here amongst many immigrants

that's something challenging!

Both husband and wife are lecturers

their teenage children are Nuha's pals.

their home was decorated English style

she was keen collectors of  vantage porcelain

and they had been living in uk for years

the garden was neat and cottage-like

heard azan from nearby surau

the neighboorhood are mostly migrants from somalia

and they have islamic community here

Nuha showed us her bedsitter

next to the hospital compound

stopped at the groceries for stuff

Nuha's favorite spot is somewhere serene

can hear the chirping of birds and the rustles of leaves

the sound of water trickled alongside us

the leaping salmon brought ripples to the surface

making soothing, splashing sounds in the river

the sun shone through the leaves of dominant oak

sprinkling  light on our faces like gold dust

the park  just like my favorite in Northampton

check-in at a motel and refreshed

The last place to see was the windfarm

they call it windmill in Holland

a drive to small village in the woods

bring us uphill to a winding road

At the top we were amazed

to see 55  modern windmills along the range

to hear the turbines rotate furiously in the wind

A windfarm no wonder; its huge and many

At the lookout a stunning view

feeling on top of the world

Standing beneath one of the mighty wind turbine

the sheer size and height real amaze you

on this clear day we can see far and wide 

towards the horizon along the Ruahine ranges

day 9- Lindale farm

another glorious day

what a shame; we have to pack

last place to see; Nuha's niche

in Nuha's old Ford

leaving uptown to the cottage charm

we started the day to Weta Cave

a studio where LOTR props were designed

inspiring to know how it started from simple craft workshop 

transformed to a mega star project overnight

hobbies plus creativity can make you rich

no souveniers or snaps this time 

as everything in the studio were expensive

and camera's not allowed 

i'm not LOTR fan anyway

we enjoyed the drive down the narrow cliff road

leaving Wellington to North Palmerston

a place where she practice her internship
the rising sun warms our faces and moods

we have to stop for ice cream at Lindale farm
a popular spot  for honey and folk art
i should learn to paint the landscape
a dash of blue sky, an island and waves
another skill that can make money

spoilt for choices over honey to buy
rewarewa the flavour of honeysuckle,
nectar collected from manuka
also pohukutawa plant
nicknamed the  NZ christmas tree
for its rich flowering in December
the most recognized plant in North Island
it is amazingly adaptable to the sea drenched cliffs
in the distance is a shimmering smudge of red
as we get closer the smudge blossoms into crimson

from here we viewed Kapiti Island
a spot for nature and bird lovers
if only we have many more days to stay
we can sail on a dinghy to the island
but we have to move on along the coastline
the scenery spills over around us
in rich green flourishing tumbles of nature
the neat flat road winds through the landscape
another perfect day to travel in NZ
Kia Ora!

day 8 - a day too many

good food but little rest, make me feeling queasy
but not to spoil the trip around Wellington
up to the botanical garden
down to the Parliment building
around 4 storey museum
that's too many km  in one day

briskly walk to the cable car station

a short ride up the hill we saw Lambton Quay below

was misty in the early morning

the ride is more like the funicular train in Penang

At the top it start to rain

so we look around the train museum

and bought more souveniers

as the rain turn to drizzle

we follow the periwinkle trail

admiring the beauty of the woods

also rock garden of Australia

stop at visitor's centre at the treehouse

the rainy spells spoil my mood to explore more
even to swing in the playground
and i'm down with flu
still we walk  leisurely
 to the Lady Norwood rose garden
and another stop for picnic
we waited till sun is out
was entertained by the chatters
from the school children field trip

walk downhill was easy
the path was meandearing and pass by the graveyard
large tombstone of the early settlers was among the bushes
odd enough the kiwis jog uphill  without noticing their ancestors
the poor souls were just history

glad to be in Parliament as its warm and cosy
and secured as we were escorted by the guard
rest our legs while watching video on their history
close my eyes during parliament hearing
we were allowed to watch it from the balcony above
The Beehive is the office for the members of parliament
at the foyer all the flags of the immigrant are gathered
including malaysia and they are aplenty
the guide and  staff were  friendly
tour to the Parliament library was bored with history

Outside the three buildings were outstanding
the Edwardian neo-classic Parliament building
with the spectacular steps and  the modern Beehives
the Victorian Gothic style Parliament Library
the lawn were huge but its a wet day
so we avoid trodding on it
wellington-well worth a capital

my legs ache but there's another attraction
we ride a bus to Te Papa Tongerawa museum
the centre of Art and Maori's culture in NZ
was captivated by the size and unique exhibits
museum experience not to be missed
fantastic display and lots of hands-on stuff

this is the place i want to come again
couldn't get enough for half a day
a couple of days will be fascinating
level 1 - unique wildlife of NZ, level 2 -the Maori's folklore
level 3 -the immigrants stories, level 4 - modern NZ
the national museum that is bold , innovative and interactive

can explore leisurely  at your pace
 a souvenier shop and cafe welcome at the entrance
each floor has restroom and lounge
can have a break or doze off on the soft sofa
but no food is allowed , might spoil the carpet
worth touring but  i'm down with flu ....

4th city- wellington = cardiff in Wales

sightseeing the South Island end at the car rental
got to catch a flight to Wellington by midday

the bird's eye view of Cook Strait was clear
the strong waves below are rough for ships
the long and  narrow strait caused  blowy wind
Wellington is at the latitude of roaring forties
the topsy turvy waves can upset the sediments
at the floorbeds and caused the sea to change colour
taking a ferry is slow and can arouse sea sick
so we just admire the steep cliff  from the air
the straits are said to be among the deepest
and not save for small boats.

we took a taxi ride to hub of Wellington
were welcomed by Nuha's mates at a cosy apartment
nice lofty place above the Chinese restaurant below
the smell of Asean delicacies remind us of home
after lunch we have a stroll in the city

neither hexagon  nor pentagon
wellington own a civic square
tiled with yellow terracota brick
with underground library!
sculpted leaves of several ferns endermic to NZ
suspended 14 metre above its centre

along city-to-sea pedestrian bridge
were several modern art sculptures
use of wood from the ship make it rustic
real artistic with rhyme of poems
beautifully carved here and there

people jogged, walked their dogs
and we strolled to the waterfront
watching the boats bobbled in the quay
just enjoying the evening crispy air
homeward bound the streets were busy
people in black rushing after work
why can't they appreciate other colours?
true to their rugby team-all blacks

Nuha showed her favorite places in town
where she survived for the past 3 years
its second home for her
similar to Cardiff her birthplace
bustling streets near the waterfront
and the Welsh rugby grounds

in Cardiff we live in Riverside
across the river is the stadium
we even  hear the shouts from the fans
during rugby seasons though here all the year round
there was a castle in the park,
here the  historic parliment  building
downhill from the botanical garden

finally we saw Nuha's apartment
next to a hill in the heart of the city
designed  like any Asean building
lost in Willis Street near Flagstaff Hill
arrived to the smell of curry
oh! its been a long day
and dinner is just sumptuous
thank you Meme, Dene, Jeni & Farah
making Nuha and us feel at home

seaside sojourns - day 7

new brighton beach

facing the vast Pacific Ocean beyond horizon

flocks of gulls welcoming us

the breeze was cool and refreshing

appreciating blue...sky and sea

a sense of escapism from all the stress

the mind was so peaceful....

since childhood seaside was a therapy

beaches along South China Sea

were our holiday retreats with family

we built sand castles under the sun

listening to the radio and strumming the guitar

swimming, picnic then swam again till dark

collecting shells and skipping the waves

abroad in UK,  I still went sea holiday

collecting more shells, even sand during field trip

beachcombing along English Channel

Brighton Pier, Plymouth and beaches in Cornwall,

from Swansea we went coastal trip holidays

along Wales facing the North Atlantic Sea

all the seasides are soothing and similar

sun, sea, sky, sand, seashells  and no surf yet

never miss the seaside during my Europe Tour

ferry-ride across The English Channel

from Pisa-Goa-Marseilles along Mediteranean Sea

passing through many tunnels along the motorway

a night stroll by the sea  in Nice was another experience
up on  the cliff in Monaco
i watched the pristine beauty of the sea

staying in Terengganu, i still love the beaches

this time my children play kites

find good angles for their photography

as there was no more shells to collect

but sitting on the beach feeling the gust of cool air

will discharge all the hard day's stress

watching the clouds  drifting  majestically  is breathtaking
 wondering at  their fluffy changing  shapes  

once we saw rain  gather  from the sea

now the seaside is a place to share with my love ones

i cherished the holiday in Pulau Perhentian

we bathed in the sea at secluded spot of the island

and there was snorkelling to do

and collecting corals for keepsake

i always dream of a cottage by the sea

but i'm afraid of strong gales or worst still tsunamis

but in a library by the sea is so rewarding

i can stay for hours and compose poems

or i can learn to draw the landscape of the sea

wish i can bring my parents here

and just laze here after retirement

the man can go fishing or even canoeing

i miss my family

wish to spend more holidays

with them by the sea
Gold Coast or Sydney or Melbourne ?

where they can surf, jet ski  and 

have fun in the sun
wish for the rainbow to appear

while i just sit and cherished 

all the blessings.

christchurch oh chch

the long day enable us  sightseeing around  christchurch again

we went on a guided tram ride stopping at 7 stations

along the Hagley Park;  the last station is Armagh Street

the city was a mixture of modern and historic architechture

wearing all blacks complete with sunnies

we joined other tourist strolled in the city

window shopping and stopping for memorabilia

the tram was decorated with red  X'mas trimmings

we spotted one tram with Air Asia banner

my heart jolted and wished to be here again on Air Asia

along the streets were baskers showing their talents

we heard foreign languanges bargaining in the market square

it is  a  popular destination for tourists all over the world

noral is a big rugby fan,  proudly posing for 2011 rugby promotion

rugby here is unique full with tradition and their most popular sport 

even Air New Zealand invite the players to make a video

showing the airplane insructions and promote rugby at the same time

the video were witty showing young and old admiring the stars

the green areas were preserved as a garden city

At the Victoria Park we watched idyllic punting in River Avon

the weeping willow align the river bank was romantic

a nice and peaceful place for honeymooners

next to the flower bed of colourful blooms 

we enjoyed our pack sandwiches on the garden benches

while exchanging  historical views of British Empire

the statue of  Queen Victoria was the attraction here

the Kiwi treated  the royal family as their monarch

Our lodging was  the same Abalone  in Bealey Avenue

the landlord was so nice giving us two apartments though we paid for one

a gift for coming again and to counter shortcomings of  former apartment

the avenue were aligned with trees as it is part of the  Hagley Park

The atmosphere was so pleasant and healthy

nice place for nature lovers to get inspiration

The city  lies in pacific ring of fire where the tectonic plates

below the sea can slide and cause earthquakes or tsunamis

we saw the aftermath of last earthquake in September

the church  spires that toppled and still under constructions

this year (2011) alone  they were 2 more quakes

in February where rockfalls damaged  Lylleton

and the pride of the city cathedral  collapsed

and last December airports has to be evacuated 

The already frazzle city face another rattles

the nerves of the Canteburians were shattered

and some of them  flee to safer place

they are afraid that the city is tremor plague

The city is so peaceful yet unlucky

more towns to discover around Canterbury Plains

before it diminished under the volcanic belts

if not it will be like the lost city of  atlantis

bye dunny - day 6

time to say bye-bye to this cosy lodge
399B Leith Street, an apartment with 2 bedrooms.
dhuha's the cosy one and another larger room
rent by Yani who was not here but noral and I slept on her bed
under electric blankets, the nights were warm
Amin and Nuha lay parked in the lounge supplied with heater
good meals at this generous kitchen
our laundry were  complete with dryer
it was a wonderful stay, thanks to dhuha
as lovely as all the roses in her garden

we could not please every whim when travel in group
Amin was upset that we did not understand
his interests to capture more wildlife photos
one is the  royal albatross at Portobello
so we let him enjoyed the way up north
by stopping at any interesting spot
so he can gather his photo collections

i also love nature so might as well joined the fun
the panoramic view along the coastal drive
bring back all the memories of my adventure
in Cornwall with my dear sister Bibi
small town by the sea like Clacton-on-sea,
Exeter near Exmouth, St Ives, St Austell, Torquay
Newquay, Redruth ,Camborne,Truro,
Falmouth, Penzance  and The Lizard

Dhuha can't bear being alone in Dunedin so we brought her along
and showed her Moeracki Boulders caused by sea erosion
the beautiful sunrise during early morning was graceful
looking for the lighthouse somewhere in St Andrews
watch the waves washed the shores at Hampden Beach

Oamaru meaning a place of Maru after the early Maori settlers
where streets were name after rivers in England
like Thames street, the Severn, the Tyne
and the buildings are white washed limestones
Unlucky again we could not catch even a glimpse
neither little blue penguin as the smallest penguin
nor the endangered yellow- eyed penguin

Timaru a city port  and the central railway
that connect it to other eastern cities
and the buildings are made of bluestones
tragic history of the founder were engraved
beside the statue at the centre of  the park
Timaru in Maori meaning a place of shelter
is a whaling station and sheep station
Caroline Bay is an open space by the sea
where live perfomances  and carnival were held
as celebrations during boxing day till new year

we watched the clouds moving majestically
at the beach the sky was stunningly clear
this is the land of the long white clouds
as the Maori called it Aeatorua
though it was safe to swim no one was interested

rock garden by the sea was a great attraction
sand dunes were kept well with the slogan
'no dunes no plants' so we treaded on planks
arranged as boardwalks to the sea
the pingao roots grasp the sand and
the coastline was conserved from erosion

we got to move on and be in Christchurch
to go punting on Avon River
and ride the tram around the city
we munched on cookies as we were super hungry
at the end of the day we treated ourselves with Nandos
been a week and we were missing M'sian food already

day 5 - graduation,congratulation and jubilation

The day we have been waiting
nearly 10 years Nuha was away to study
umi and abah had always been praying for her success
all the hurdles had been overcome
and it's graduation day, alhamdullillah
though abah missed the special day
but he will always be proud of Nuha

Just like Hari Raya, another meaningful day
cheerfully getting Nuha  ready with her make-up
put on her new dress, specially for the ocassion
borrowed Melor's court shoes, Yani's matching shawl
loyal to her old handbag and blue puau shell pendant
so something new and blue, old and borrowed
lucks  that's going to kickstart her future
serving the patients in hospital at home

She attended the oath ceremony with peer group
then a small party with their  lecturers
so we were left with our chores
went shopping at Briscoes and Spotlight
stores for home improvements like IKEA

picked up roses from Dhuha's garden
and walla! our flower bouquet for Nuha
After lunch we met Nuha at the Dentistry Department
where the processions will start
Met a few Malaysians and congratulations were exchanged
Nuha and friends were beaming and congratulations 
were in the air, loud and proud

thanks from Nuha to
umi, abah and families for the motivation
friends and lecturers for the inspiration
friends who shares all the hardships
and become part of family who cheer up
the loneliness and  the challenging life
credit goes for her strength and determination
while doing her internship as the only Malay
learning their skills in a foreign hospital

the day was at its glorious and grandeur

the band with typical scottish kilt

lead the parade along the streets

the music from the bagpipes so nostalgic

the crowds cheered all the graduates

the families happily joined the parade 

we felt honoured as much as the graduates

the ceremony went smoothly ocassinally interrupted by the Maoris 

who performed hakka dance  when their family received the scroll

The dean's speech was welcoming 

at the same time emotional like a farewell 

All the long hours, the struggle and the tears

diminished and become history

were synonym to the life of undergraduates

At this moment Nuha cried out, recalling her ups and downs

Being honoured by the university and the presence of family

was comforting and gave solace to her sacrifices

the ocassion was a jubilation for the priceless efforts

the mayor invited everyone for tea and biscuits

was looking for Nuha amidst the people of many races

before it gets dark we have to snap graduation pose

walked back to the campus and found  the spot

that will remind Nuha of those days in Otago Uni

the scene of graduates walking in their robes

around the city that day was like a  local event

so that every citizens can join the pride of the city