Selection of photos published

Today, a little less than a week since I have returned back home, a set of some (in my opinion) sweet images have been published online. The images can be found on the link below. Enjoy!

Photos.

Back home again

It has been now a couple days since I am back on Dutch ground again,
but still my NZ experience can't find a close in my mind. Although I
am back at work again, and sleeping in my own bed again, it feels
strange to be here. Ah well, that will pass probably.

My trip back home didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped, as the staff
of Malaysian Air at first didn't recognize my bike as being some
sporting equipment, and almost had to pay quite a fee for at least
25kg excess bagage. But after some arguing and phoning, and mentioning
that I wouldn't pay for that other than the fee I also paid at
Schiphol (€80) the staff admitted. Apparently KLM has better
regulations and offers for bikes than MH, but I did book my flight at
KLM so they should honour my arrangements.

Once my luggage was checked in it was time for customs, and of course
I got picked out for an extra check with a hand scanner.

The flight to Kuala Lumpur was fairly smooth, but once in KL the
trouble began. As I had about three hours of transfer time I decided
to get a cup of decent coffee first at Starbucks. Once I left their
comfortable chairs I had a look at the monitors, and it read that my
next flight was delayed up to 3 am (should have left 11:40pm). So
headed to O'Brians for some food ;). They do serve good sandwhiches.
As time went on and the airport nearly closed, and I had seen almost
every bit of the transfer area I headed to the gate.
After a few hours we learned from someone in charge that a bird had
entered the engine at take-off in Jakarta, and the mechanics were
checking it for damage. Though this took a few hours longer than the
guy told us, and food and drinks were not allowed past the security
check. After some questioning from several passengers drinks and
muffins were arranged from the airplane, but only after a long time.
In the end we left KL a out 5:30am for Schiphol, where we landed
around 11:20am.

Won't be flying for a while, had my fair share of flying for now. Next
holiday will be somewhat closer to home ;-).

A next project to keep me occupied will be running a half marathon in
Hengelo in about a month. Should be fun!

Kia ora! And goodbye! Keep watching my other blog, I'll be changing
it... Cya!

My last days in NZ

With this glimpse of the big city Auckland I will make this the last
blogpost from New Zealand, next one will be from Dutch soil.

Yesterday flew in from Christchurch to Auckland, and arranged a place
to sleep at a hostel. The best option was a hostel in the center of
town, according to the people at the airport tourist info. Had already
arranged storage for my bike at the airport, Seal-n-Secure do a good
service! But I will have to tend to the bikebox on sunday, as it was a
little damaged. Nothing two rolls of ducttape can't fix ;).

I have spent a good time in Christchurch, and also day in Akaroa. That
day to Akaroa is one that I will not forget, spending time out in the
harbour on a sailing boat, watching dolphins, and spending the day
with another solo traveller. The other days were spent walking around
Chch, and visiting the Art Gallery. On day of departure the campsite
host brought me, and a couple others, to the airport with the bikebox
just fitting inside the van. What a service from the North & South
campsite!

In the evening after arriving in Auckland, it was time for a meal, and
something to do. Ended up catching an early movie, "Shutter Island",
at the Skycity Metro Cinemas. That is one wicked movie!

Today spent time in Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, hanging around
Mission Bay, and a view from the Sky Tower at 220 metres of the city
and it's surroundings. What a view! Have also tomorrow to explore the
city; probably will visit the museum & do other things.

On sunday the 7th I'm flying west, heading back home. I actually can't
wait to see family & friends again, but I would also love to spend
another few months here or in another part of the world. I think that
another adventure, maybe closer to home, won't be that far off. This
trip, and the people I have met, have given me quite some inspiration
for something new.
See ya!