Nathan's Insights

World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas

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  • World Trip 1999-2000: Day 16 – Auckland to Honolulu, USA

    Friday 26 November 1999
    Highlights    : International flight.

    We left Auckland behind as we began our journey to the USA part of of trip for 64 days starting in Honolulu and ending in Los Angeles on Australia Day 26 January 2000.

    The first surprise today was the departure tax. I wonder if I while ever get used to overseas travelling and what to research. The flight took about 9 hours and I watched two movies “What Rats Won’t Do” and “Big Daddy”.

    After arriving at Honolulu Airport around 2 am we had to go back through security to exchange currencies, I’ll have to be more awake next time. Jon was selected for additional security screening and had his bag opened. It was extremely hot and humid 24 tonight and because of a mix up Jon and myself ended up in different non air conditioned rooms.

    We did gained a day after crossing the international dateline meaning we arrived on Friday in the morning after leaving New Zealand on Friday in the afternoon!

    World Trip 1999-2000 Facebook Photos

  • World Trip 1999-2000: Day 15 – Christchurch to Auckland, New Zealand

    Thursday 25 November 1999
    Highlights    : Miscalculating taxi ride resulting in walking 6 kilometres to hostel.

    We got up early at 5.30 am and went to the Christchurch Airport to try and score a standby ticket. We eventually got one but it costs about $195 NZD which was move then then we originally planned. At 10.40 am we were off back to Auckland which we landed around 12.05 pm. One bad aspect was Air New Zealand doesn’t have any in-flight entertainment 😦

    At Auckland airport we made a big mistake and decided to take a taxi. The problem being we didn’t have enough money and about 6 kms from our hostel we had to get out and walk the rest of the way with our very heavily backpacks. At the hostel we watched the movie ‘Son of Sam’.

    I called home and got to speak to Reagan and Andrew. I assured Andrew his mum is okay and will be back home shortly.

    Now for the major USA part of the trip to begin!

    World Trip 1999-2000 Facebook Photos

  • World Trip 1999-2000: Day 14 – Christchurch, New Zealand

    Wednesday 24 November 1999
    Highlights    : Christchurch Museum.

    First up today was a visit to the Christchurch Museum which had good local content and an excellent overseas exhibit on Japan and Antarctica.

    We also signed up for a short walking tour. Christchurch reminds me a little of Melbourne, very green and open. They even have trams, just slower smaller versions.

    We bought Jon dinner, drinks and a cake to officially celebrate his 25th birthday. This is our full day with Kara. Kara has a lot planned for her stay in Christchurch once we leave. It has be interesting having Kara join us for this first part of the trip, I hope she has fun before returning home.

    We also did a big wash to get ready for our upcoming international flight.

    World Trip 1999-2000 Facebook Photos

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  • World Trip 1999-2000: Day 13 – Kaikoura to Christchurch, New Zealand

    Tuesday 23 November 1999
    Highlights    : Scenic train trip.

    Kara lost last nights card game so she got up at 5 am and reported back that the 5.30 am Whale Watching cruise was cancelled. We went down into the city and waited on standby but it was not to be.

    We caught the 4 pm train to Christchurch which once again offer fantastic views on this amazingly beautiful country. In Christchurch we checked into another first class YHA Hostel.

    We then found a pub to have a few pints and have an early celebration for Jon’s birthday.

    World Trip 1999-2000 Facebook Photos

  • World Trip 1999-2000: Day 12 – Kaikoura, New Zealand

    Monday 22 November 1999
    Highlights    : Kaikoura Museum.

    The whale watching was cancelled again today. We have a back up booking for to or row at 5.30 am which should let us easily get back for our train that leaves at 4.08 pm. This is a major disappointment. Kaikoura has almost nothing else to do. We did visit the small local museum which was mildly interesting which includes some bones from whales and sharks.

    We got so bored we even cooked a frozen pizza for tea. Later to ignore will play UNO to determine who gets up at 5 am and finds out if the whale watching is on. Luckily our hostel is pretty good since we are sending so many days here.

    World Trip 1999-2000 Facebook Photos