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 

dhuha's dunedin -day4

Late morning....after two late nights
sorry hubby, you wouldn't allow such menace
with Amin to depend on if misfortune happened
nevertheless we are the carefree holiday makers

we rushed to the Cadbury Factory
established company for more than 100 years
with the consent from HRH the Queen
hence the use of purple the royal color as their theme

the tour was conducted in group of 12

including  americans, aussie, canadians, chinese HK

like school kids we trotted after jenny

she entertained us with tricks  and treats

along the way she pop-up quiz to win a choc bar

everyone was tentative and alert to wow the group

at the end everyone grabbed one giftaway quiz

and were delighted with a mini bag full of goodies

Nuha even won for being pinky, the next color to purple

the tour was educational and interesting

going up to the silo and ended in a confectionery

where the chocolate rolled  from the ceiling

reminded me of  Willy Wonka Fantasy Land

we were spoilt with plenty of choices, mind you it was costly

so purchased what we cannot get at home

Up from the silo we have a breathtaking view

the stunning peninsular and the solitude harbour

Larnach Castle perched on the hill

the only castle in NZ built by a scottish landlord

reflection of  Edinburgh Castle on Carlton Hill

as far as the eyes can see the NZ landscape

clear blue sky, green craggy hills and blue calm sea

just like Land's End in United Kingdom

this is the southern most city in NZ

The city is the treasure trove of Victorian and Edwardian architecture

the second most photographed building is the  Dunedin Railway Station

the first is Sydney Opera House in Australia

The tiles and staircase at the railway station was so antique

the most popular destination is Taeri River Gorge

that is the highest railway across the gorge

there was an art gallery  on the first floor

whereby we browse their paintings

appreciated the art but mind you it's costly again

we had a stroll in the city and awed the town planning
the octagon was at the centre of the town
all the buildings around the octagon were historical
the cathedral, art gallery, the town hall and I-site
fancied more paintings at the market square
souveniers for keepsake and window shopping
the city was in merry xmas mood
decorations were adorned a huge xmas tree

my legs ached on the way home,  been walking for hours
Noral cooked kurma chicken and we enjoyed the meal
stayed cosy , upload photos and  online with families at home
that night we even skyped with Alin in Volgovograd

a small town name Alice

The tittle is from a film back in the 70s

It was a small town in Australia during world war II

it was so desolete in the Australian desert

and the casualties were trasferred by choppers

there was no hospital there or here, so i fret again

it's a no man's land, waiting for pioneer to develop

dream on noral, we can start a community here..

Subhanallah we were granted the chance to observe

such beauty creations  from ALLAH

this place is majestically the last and loveliest place

yet it can be the loneliest place on earth after Antartica

i never dream of seeing such spectacular beauty

other wonders are  Mount Cook, highest peak on the Remarkables

and stunning Fiordland at  Milford Sound

its the  must-see attractions in New Zealand

homeward bound trip should be fast

to avoid the night safari drive we moved on at 6 pm

Nuha wanted to see puzzling world

at a small town name Wanaka 

but that will be another 2 hours late

She should have booked a lodge there

eventually she  had to forget  and wish to come again

volcanic eruption long time ago

produce fertile land when lava flowed down the valleys 

so there were scattered oasis of vineyards and fruit orchard 

the Kiwinese called it vinery and fruitery

and chessery for the  dairy  farmyard

there must be a  ribena farm somewhere here

At a small town name Cromwell 

we stopped for fruits and honey

varieties of berries, grapes and  cherries so sweet

pear and apples, nectarine and peach, plums and apricot

we bought a few of each...juicy and fruity-licious

at a small town name Alexandra 

we stopped for petrol and solat

it was a one street town with only one gas station

but there was an I-site next to the central stories

it look like a hall -library-museum-church

we noticed a clock set high on the mountain

sun rays from the west illuminate the engraved clock, brilliant! 

The wc in NZ were so clean and facilitate for the disabled

In the disabled unit, it was spacious with a sink  enclose

so practical to the muslims for taharah as well as wudhu'

then  we performed jama' and qasr solat at the balcony

the cold wind when the sun was out chilled the town

no wonder no one is outside, all scurried inside

to the warmth of the heater. we better be going as well..

At a small town name Roxburgh

finally the sun set and we were racing home

the shadows of the poplar  and beech trees

can still be seen  outlined the dark mountains

the poor sheeps are still hanging around

don't they run back to their shed?

llama and horses were already in the barn

At a small town name Lawrence

we saw lights  and X'mas trees from houses

there was spotlight from the school nearby

relieved! as there was no street lights

butterflies in my stomach stop fluttering 

i don't feel like sleeping, the rest was in dreamland

i kept talking to Nuha to keep her awake

ocasionally there were cars from opposite direction

our car is the only one heading south

It was pitch black  in the pine woods 

as we were going down the mountain

at a small town  name Milton

we stopped again as Dhuha need to solat

Noral and I took turn to accompanied her

she prayed on the pavement by the toilet

with the coat as the sejadah.

its a peaceful and lonely one street town

not even a drunkard or punk wander about

after Waihola Lake, i took a deep breathe

there were street lights and road workers  in action

alhamdulillah  we finally reached Dunedin by 12 pm

queenstown - day 3

Nuha in-charge today as she planned the trip and a picnic

she cooked nasi goreng  and noisily woke everyone up

aided with map and GPS, Amin  was the co-driver

we won't get lost... it's a tour friendly country

first leg of the trip we were excited

the farm getting smaller, scarce and deserted

there were more sheeps and hardly any farmer

so halfway the journey we fall asleep

poor Nuha she found herself in a lost world

she took the wrong turn at Mosgiel

she suspected  it was the the wrong route

but never mention it until we reached Alexandra

woke up somewhere in Ida Valley

the place where Lord of the Rings were filmed

all around us  was rocky mountains

remote outback with one or two sheep stations

Allahu Akbar the mountains were so huge

there's still snow gleaming at the top ridges

though it was summer, bright  and shiny

wild buttercups thrive the hardy condition

when the  signboard  showed Alexandra

Nuha enlightened us with  her last summer 

nearby Alexander she went fruit picking

she revealed that  she was fretful all the way 

anyway we arrived by one hour late

the sun was bright as a smile

we  joined the picnickers at the Pioneer Park

most of them are old folks

the young ones had fled to big cities

but the town was so peaceful

Noral and I had a go on the swings

enjoying the true summer

the air was pollution free

the town  surrounded by mountains

once was the gold rush mine

moving on, we stopped at the highest spot

at Clyde Dam overlooking   Lake Dunstan

the lake was  as blue as the opal

the slopes were covered with thymes

no wonder  the smell reminded me of pizza

From Kavarau Gorge  we drove downhill

to a deep valley where a stream roared

we  walked gingerly  to the look out

down below the roaring meg flowed 

to the hydropower station 

scenic Queenstown is renowned as the country's adventure  capital

get your adrenalin rush  at sky diving , masya Allah

feel the thrill   jetboating down spectacular canyons of  Shotover River

or  white water   rafting  over rapids of Dart River

Do you dare doing the bungy jump here?

AJ  Bucket  Club served  for those interested

up from the bridge , gather your guts  and jump down the Waikiri   Creek

a shame we were not daredevils  and  missed the adventure 

this four -season alpine resort  has something for everyone

skiing in winter,  cruising in the lake during autumn

flightseeing in summer and  skyline gondola in spring 

all were expensive activities for the  rich tourists

so with no choice we shopped till we dropped

the souvenier shops have everything for everyone

Queenstown is not a city because there was no cathedral

it was founded by gold rush merchants who hiked on horseback

lake resorts or lodges and mall on the hills

overlooking the esplanade by  Lake Wakatipu

the picturesque is more like european tourist spot in switzerland

tourists enjoyed skating, playing guitar, singing and sun bathing

group of hippies bubbled with laughters with their fun loving stints 

chinese were owners of the souvenier shops

exchange salams with few Malaysians also scouting for souveniers 

we ate kebab laced with cappucino at Turkish cafe

pubs and nightclubs are  the local's business

we met a family from Brunei feeding the Muschovy ducks

there were no black or white swan  around if not it will be a little romantic