Next stop New Zealand

I didn't want to come here. I've nothing against New Zealand. I've visited before and liked it. I've heard great things about it. I've got good Kiwi friends. Still, I didn't want to come here.

Coming to New Zealand meant leaving Australia and, as I've mentioned once or twice before, I rather like it there. It's felt like home to me over the past few months. However, I boarded the plane from Sydney to Auckland reluctantly and here I am in the North Island of New Zealand.

Time to eat my words! I've actually really enjoyed my travels here. Everyone told me it would be cold. I had jumpers sent over from the UK in preparation. It's been hot and sunny here every day of my trip. The sun actually feels more intense than in Sydney. That'll be a lack of ozone for you. Still, it makes me happy!

I've been travelling around on the Magic Bus which has been a great way to meet people and see a lot of the country in your own time as you can hop on and off as you please. I'm only here for 10 days, so my pace is pretty fast.

I've been to Auckland, Thames, Rotorua, Waitomo, Taupo, Napier, Tauranga, Mount Mounganui (wasn't he in Karate Kid?), Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga, and we've stopped at various waterfalls, lakes, Lord of the Rings icons and random sights along the way. It really is a beautiful country with green, rolling hills, stunning natural landscapes, loads of sheep, cows and not many people. Maybe that's because all the Kiwis are in London...

Nearly all the people I've met have been British though. Mix in a smattering of Canadians, Irish, Aussies and Germans and you have a typical bus crew. Us Brits had a fun time trying to teach the Kiwi bus driver how to speak 'properly'. He seemed to get his vowels confused! I tried to explain that "Puppa [that's me], try some Noo Zillund fush and chups" just isn't right. Funnily enough, I got some choice Kiwi words in response.

It's been fun, but I have to wave goodbye to the land of the long white cloud and return to Sydney to see what will happen next on my journey. Watch this space...

Hello Hong Kong

This week I have mainly been chilling out in Hong Kong with my lovely cousin Charlotte and her hubby, Martin. It's so different from my last few weeks. Being back in civilisation and relative normality is taking some getting used to. I've been talking to people who don't need to know my background and story as they already know it. I can go into the kitchen and make myself a cup of tea. I can sit on a sofa and watch TV. It's ace!

The first thing that struck me about Hong Kong when I arrived here is that it's so organised compared to my recent destinations. I got a train from the airport into town and it was spotless, efficient and quick. I got a taxi from the station. There was a taxi stand with somebody directing the cabs to passengers. I didn't have to haggle the price, check that the meter was running correctly or fear I was going to be taken to a random shop or hotel. I got in a cab, the fare was set, and the driver took me to my destination. Such a weird concept!

I found myself walking down the street the other day and I had to remind myself that I should be walking on the pavement rather than in the road. In Cambodia and Vietnam, there's rarely room for you to walk on the pavement. The pavement is where people park their motorbikes, cook food, eat on tiny plastic stools, beg, sell, sleep, but rarely just walk. I've got used to walking in the gutter, hoping not to be hit by one of the many motorbikes zooming past me.

I feel like I'm having a week off travelling. I've visited Hong Kong twice before, so I don't have my usual agenda of sightseeing. The temperature is about 10 degrees cooler here too which is a total shocker. I'm really unprepared too as I've only packed for sunshine. A chilblain started to develop on my finger within 36 hours!

We went to the Hong Kong Open golf tournament on Saturday. This trip is all about new experiences, but this wasn't one that I'd anticipated. It was really interesting wandering around the gorgeous course and watching men hit balls with sticks. I have to say that I was more intrigued by their fashion choices than their putting ability, but nevetheless it was another good first for me.

I have a few more days to relax and explore HK before I fly off to Perth, Australia. I'll enjoy the cooler temperature here while I can as Oz will be getting hot and hotter. Phew!

Packing it all in

September 2009: my flat

'I can't do this' is the thought running through my brain. I have a wardrobe and drawers stuffed full of clothes, and only a small rucksack to fill. I've already packed up my entire flat and life into cardboard boxes and transported them to my wonderfully obliging parents. I'm leaving behind my home and everybody that I love to travel. Sounds exciting, but I have a rather sick feeling in my stomach now that the time is drawing near. Six months away sounded like a great idea earlier this year, now I'm not so sure!

After many attempts at packing and repacking, I finally close the rucksack. I really wish I had room for an extra pair of shoes, a few more tops and a couple of dresses though. No heels. No hairdryer. Only a tiny make up bag. Eek!

I shut the door on my flat and try not to think about the state my cream carpet will be in next time I see it. It's going to be somebody else's home for a while.

After tears, hugs and emotional goodbyes, I finally head off on a plane from London Heathrow to Bangkok and then Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Here I go...