Saturday, October 18
Tuesday, September 16
Busy days :/
I've been away over the lat couple of days for a very good reason, to write my final report.
It's taking far more time than I predicted because I want to do well as I did in New Zealand at HQ.
Unfortunately, and even though I got the 3 weeks extension, I am running out of time as I am leaving Thursday to Bratislava [SK], from there to Kosice [SK], and then to Prague [CZ] for the Univ of Missouri-St Louis Annual Meeting. Finally I will head to Paris [FR] and start working the day after [slavery is about to start!]..
Hence, I MUST end the 1st version of this report before leaving Portugal, but I am far from reaching half way due to the literature review!
Anyway, better or worse I WILL FINISH IT BY TOMORROW!!
I am in need of VACATIONS (and a tan, but it is getting too late for that..).
Btw, I bought myself (actually it was my father who paid for them :) two suits today. I only had one before since I only used it for presentations and interviews.
It's taking far more time than I predicted because I want to do well as I did in New Zealand at HQ.
Unfortunately, and even though I got the 3 weeks extension, I am running out of time as I am leaving Thursday to Bratislava [SK], from there to Kosice [SK], and then to Prague [CZ] for the Univ of Missouri-St Louis Annual Meeting. Finally I will head to Paris [FR] and start working the day after [slavery is about to start!]..
Hence, I MUST end the 1st version of this report before leaving Portugal, but I am far from reaching half way due to the literature review!
Anyway, better or worse I WILL FINISH IT BY TOMORROW!!
I am in need of VACATIONS (and a tan, but it is getting too late for that..).
Btw, I bought myself (actually it was my father who paid for them :) two suits today. I only had one before since I only used it for presentations and interviews.
Saturday, September 13
Arrivederci Coventry
For the first time I won't be missing a place where I lived!
I will miss people I met there, friends only.. not a place, buildings and architecture, a situation, certainly not the weather, nor food or even going out.
It's sad but true, Coventry was not a nice place to live, and it gave me a bad image of England.
I will try to change that image by travelling around whenever I can throw the nicest cities and places next year as my gf will be studying at Univ of B'ham..
One thing I liked from England was the countryside landscape but I find the cities ugly and too "shopping oriented". I think British are losing their culture and education amongst the new generations! I was expecting to find British as I knew from TV series but I found out that TV series rule British nowadays...
You may think I am being too dramatic but recall speaking with older generation British and they were the 1st to criticise, I even remember one saying "rubbish people" commenting on younger Brits. I woudn't go that far but you better do something about it asap!
Anyway, I arrived today to Portugal and my days off are over and 8am tomorrow I'll be typing the rest of my report.
I will miss people I met there, friends only.. not a place, buildings and architecture, a situation, certainly not the weather, nor food or even going out.
It's sad but true, Coventry was not a nice place to live, and it gave me a bad image of England.
I will try to change that image by travelling around whenever I can throw the nicest cities and places next year as my gf will be studying at Univ of B'ham..
One thing I liked from England was the countryside landscape but I find the cities ugly and too "shopping oriented". I think British are losing their culture and education amongst the new generations! I was expecting to find British as I knew from TV series but I found out that TV series rule British nowadays...
You may think I am being too dramatic but recall speaking with older generation British and they were the 1st to criticise, I even remember one saying "rubbish people" commenting on younger Brits. I woudn't go that far but you better do something about it asap!
Anyway, I arrived today to Portugal and my days off are over and 8am tomorrow I'll be typing the rest of my report.
Thursday, September 11
Musée d'Orsay et Musée du Louvre
Museums in Paris are free on the 1st Sunday of each month... What a coincidence :]
Montmartre-Paris picnic dinner...
...avec ma cherrie
Couscous, bacon rolls with cheese, olives and wine.To Kill a Chevy..
EuroTunnel train crossing Calais [FR] - Folkstone [UK], and the poor destiny of the crap Chevy Matiz. I was trying a rehabilitation programme but it died in my hands!!
My last days in Kiwiland
Instead of bothering you with lot's of reading I'll just leave the pics to speak for themselves...
Dunedin...
University of Otago campus, Otago Boy's School, and a typical neighbourhood of Univ students accommodations.
On the way back...
The strenuous return from sea level to about 350m high [on gravel] to end up with the fabulous view you can see from the lower right picture.
Animals!
One is a cycling animal [me], the others my favourite bird from NZ [much nicer than the Kiwi]. I really like their long legs and big feet [they're swamp birds], they are also very intelligent birds..
6 of the 40Million
Going to NZ and not having pics of sheep is not going to NZ!
Makes me remind the tasty dinner Pauline cooked the last Saturday before I left... Nhamm... They're not only cute but tasty too! EHEHEHEH
New Home
I just got to know yesterday my new address in Paris :]
Even though it is not as close as I wished to work and just outside the "Périphérique" [Ring Road], based on the fact that it is provided by BNP Paribas I am not in a position to complain.
For the first months I'll be living in Nanterre next to La Defense in a studio.
To those willing to come visit me and Paris, you better book in advance as reservations and interest is high and space scarce! :/
I'll do my best to accommodate everyone on my floor [sofa will probably not exist] and bed is already taken :P
Even though it is not as close as I wished to work and just outside the "Périphérique" [Ring Road], based on the fact that it is provided by BNP Paribas I am not in a position to complain.
For the first months I'll be living in Nanterre next to La Defense in a studio.
To those willing to come visit me and Paris, you better book in advance as reservations and interest is high and space scarce! :/
I'll do my best to accommodate everyone on my floor [sofa will probably not exist] and bed is already taken :P
The outcome of a great experience in NZ at HeadQuarters
I was asked to reflect on my Internship experience and add it to my final report [I guess it is the easiest bit of all]. So, here's an excerpt...
"My Master Internship was definitely one of the most challenging individual treks of my life. I embarked in this Internship to push myself to the limits, but I went beyond those. It contributed immensely to increase my knowledge and expertise, and likewise my life experience.
Following a tough selection process the project with HeadQuarters was the perfect match. Capitalising on my MSc Finance I prepared a Business Plan, and simultaneously maximised management information available, automated and improved the reporting enabling accurate monitoring and decision-making.
Obviously it was not always easy living on the opposite side of the World, leaving family, girlfriend and friends behind (even a warm summer), nor absorbing ‘Kiwi’ culture and learn all about a new business in a short period of time. However I was welcomed with open arms and got adventurous exploring this remarkably gorgeous country.
In conclusion, the outcome is the certainty of a right decision… WOW!"
by Luis Vieira
"My Master Internship was definitely one of the most challenging individual treks of my life. I embarked in this Internship to push myself to the limits, but I went beyond those. It contributed immensely to increase my knowledge and expertise, and likewise my life experience.
Following a tough selection process the project with HeadQuarters was the perfect match. Capitalising on my MSc Finance I prepared a Business Plan, and simultaneously maximised management information available, automated and improved the reporting enabling accurate monitoring and decision-making.
Obviously it was not always easy living on the opposite side of the World, leaving family, girlfriend and friends behind (even a warm summer), nor absorbing ‘Kiwi’ culture and learn all about a new business in a short period of time. However I was welcomed with open arms and got adventurous exploring this remarkably gorgeous country.
In conclusion, the outcome is the certainty of a right decision… WOW!"
by Luis Vieira
Looking back...
It wasn't an easy process getting to Kiwiland.
First I had to pass all my modules, not only those from the 1st semester but all to make sure I would not have any frustrations in the end.
Then was the Curriculum Vitae selection. It was easy for me but with some of my friends not really. Make sure you keep only the most relevant info and 'flower' it [it's suppose to be a marketing tool right] but DON'T make up things!
The worst for me was making a presentation on myself [my skills]. As those who know me will recall, when it comes to me I am very introverted but I dedicated probably more time than the others preparing a creative presentation and that gave me more confidence.
When it came to the interview I was already relaxed and simply focused on demonstrating I was keen to use all my knowledge and bring forth only the best.
In the end, I got selected :]
And now, looking back... [as I said to Marie Hardie today] it was the best part of my MSc Finance.
First I had to pass all my modules, not only those from the 1st semester but all to make sure I would not have any frustrations in the end.
Then was the Curriculum Vitae selection. It was easy for me but with some of my friends not really. Make sure you keep only the most relevant info and 'flower' it [it's suppose to be a marketing tool right] but DON'T make up things!
The worst for me was making a presentation on myself [my skills]. As those who know me will recall, when it comes to me I am very introverted but I dedicated probably more time than the others preparing a creative presentation and that gave me more confidence.
When it came to the interview I was already relaxed and simply focused on demonstrating I was keen to use all my knowledge and bring forth only the best.
In the end, I got selected :]
And now, looking back... [as I said to Marie Hardie today] it was the best part of my MSc Finance.
Coventry University - Master Internship
Today I went to say hi and thank you to the people in Coventry Univ. who do their best so people like me can have not only a great internship but also a FANTASTIC experience in Kiwiland.
I was told my blog will be used as a marketing tool to future students.
To these I have only one word:
I was told my blog will be used as a marketing tool to future students.
To these I have only one word:
GO!
Within me a lunatic sings!
The song I cannot stop listening over and over again... can't wait to get the album [all very legal downloading of course :]
Sigur Rós - "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur" [the translation is the title of this post] from the album "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" recently released [Sigur Rós homepage and the video clip on Youtube here]
"Á silfur-á
Lýsir allan heiminn og augun blá
Skera stjörnuhiminn
Ég óska mér og loka nú augunum
Já, gerðu það, nú rætist það
Ó nei
Á stjörnuhraða
Inni í hjarta springur, flugvélarbrak
Ofaní jörðu syngur
Ég óska mér og loka nú augunum
Já, gerðu það, lágfara dans
Allt gleymist í smásmá stund og rætist það
Opna augun
Ó nei
Minn besti vinur hverju sem dynur
Ég kyngi tári og anda hári
Illum látum, í faðmi grátum
Þegar að við hittumst
Þegar að við kyssumst
Varirnar brenndu, höldumst í hendur
Ég sé þig vakinn
Ég sé þig nakinn
Inní mér syngur vitleysingur
Alltaf þið vaða, við hlaupum hraðar
Allt verður smærra
Ég öskra hærra
Er er við aða, í burtu fara
Minn besti vinur hverju sem dynur
Illum látum, í faðmi grátum
Ég kyngi tári og anda hári
Þegar að við hittumst
Þegar að við kyssumst
Varirnar brenndu, höldumst í hendur
Ég sé þig vakinn
Ég sé þig nakinn
Inní mér syngur vitleysingur "
Don't burn your brain trying to decode the above, Sigur Rós are from Iceland :P
Sigur Rós - "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur" [the translation is the title of this post] from the album "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" recently released [Sigur Rós homepage and the video clip on Youtube here]
"Á silfur-á
Lýsir allan heiminn og augun blá
Skera stjörnuhiminn
Ég óska mér og loka nú augunum
Já, gerðu það, nú rætist það
Ó nei
Á stjörnuhraða
Inni í hjarta springur, flugvélarbrak
Ofaní jörðu syngur
Ég óska mér og loka nú augunum
Já, gerðu það, lágfara dans
Allt gleymist í smásmá stund og rætist það
Opna augun
Ó nei
Minn besti vinur hverju sem dynur
Ég kyngi tári og anda hári
Illum látum, í faðmi grátum
Þegar að við hittumst
Þegar að við kyssumst
Varirnar brenndu, höldumst í hendur
Ég sé þig vakinn
Ég sé þig nakinn
Inní mér syngur vitleysingur
Alltaf þið vaða, við hlaupum hraðar
Allt verður smærra
Ég öskra hærra
Er er við aða, í burtu fara
Minn besti vinur hverju sem dynur
Illum látum, í faðmi grátum
Ég kyngi tári og anda hári
Þegar að við hittumst
Þegar að við kyssumst
Varirnar brenndu, höldumst í hendur
Ég sé þig vakinn
Ég sé þig nakinn
Inní mér syngur vitleysingur "
Don't burn your brain trying to decode the above, Sigur Rós are from Iceland :P
Wednesday, September 10
Goodbye Kiwiwonderland..
As you suspect I am no longer in NZ :(
The day after the long cycling tour I went to HQ to say goodbye to everyone and I was faced with a "Goodbye Tea Party" :]
The last Tuesday I was suppose to pack and stay at home, instead I went exploring the campus as I didn't have time for it before. I also went for my last Korean lunch in the near future before I go to see the Chinese Garden in Dunedin [one of the few real ones outside China].
Once back home, I did laundry, went out for dinner with John & Pauline, and finally packed all my stuff just before 2am!
In the morning Pauline drove me to the Airport where I was confronted with a NZ$25 expense I didn't forecast: YOU NEED TO PAY TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY!!
The flights back took over 25h of my life, including the 4h delay in Sydney. At least they provided some refreshments and AU$20 dinner voucher as I was out money. So, I ended up having not 1, nor 2 or even 3 but 4 dinners (including 2 on the flight to Singapore, excluding 2 sandwiches I bought for lunch once I would be in London)!! :D
Once in London, I rented a car I was going to use to drive my things to Paris (the difference of 1 extra day was the same as getting a coach to Coventry!).
This weekend I drove my stuff and 'Gunia' (gf) in a tiny-weak-ugly-smelly-Chevy-Matiz, the worst car I ever drove [surprisingly even worse than the previous Daewoo Matiz, before being bought by Chevy!].
We stayed in Dounia's place at Choisy le Roi, and were welcomed by her family especially her excellent cooker mum :) I tried some tasty typical Marrocco food besides the dellicious Parisien croissants and pan au chocolat.
I left all my junk in her garage until the 28th Sept. when I definitely move to an apart. hotel studio in Nanterre-Paris, close to La Defense [got to know yesterday].
On the way back I tried the EuroTunnel and just before returning the car it broke down, with only around 5000miles I KILLED the bastard! [lets just say it isn't an eco-friendly vehicle] MUHAHAHAH..
I am back in Coventry where Summer is colder and wet than Winter in Dunedin! Fortunately I am leaving Friday to Portugal. Until then I have LOTS of things to do, including my 7000 word report..
PS: Pics and further news will come when I finish my report.
The day after the long cycling tour I went to HQ to say goodbye to everyone and I was faced with a "Goodbye Tea Party" :]
The last Tuesday I was suppose to pack and stay at home, instead I went exploring the campus as I didn't have time for it before. I also went for my last Korean lunch in the near future before I go to see the Chinese Garden in Dunedin [one of the few real ones outside China].
Once back home, I did laundry, went out for dinner with John & Pauline, and finally packed all my stuff just before 2am!
In the morning Pauline drove me to the Airport where I was confronted with a NZ$25 expense I didn't forecast: YOU NEED TO PAY TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY!!
The flights back took over 25h of my life, including the 4h delay in Sydney. At least they provided some refreshments and AU$20 dinner voucher as I was out money. So, I ended up having not 1, nor 2 or even 3 but 4 dinners (including 2 on the flight to Singapore, excluding 2 sandwiches I bought for lunch once I would be in London)!! :D
Once in London, I rented a car I was going to use to drive my things to Paris (the difference of 1 extra day was the same as getting a coach to Coventry!).
This weekend I drove my stuff and 'Gunia' (gf) in a tiny-weak-ugly-smelly-Chevy-Matiz, the worst car I ever drove [surprisingly even worse than the previous Daewoo Matiz, before being bought by Chevy!].
We stayed in Dounia's place at Choisy le Roi, and were welcomed by her family especially her excellent cooker mum :) I tried some tasty typical Marrocco food besides the dellicious Parisien croissants and pan au chocolat.
I left all my junk in her garage until the 28th Sept. when I definitely move to an apart. hotel studio in Nanterre-Paris, close to La Defense [got to know yesterday].
On the way back I tried the EuroTunnel and just before returning the car it broke down, with only around 5000miles I KILLED the bastard! [lets just say it isn't an eco-friendly vehicle] MUHAHAHAH..
I am back in Coventry where Summer is colder and wet than Winter in Dunedin! Fortunately I am leaving Friday to Portugal. Until then I have LOTS of things to do, including my 7000 word report..
PS: Pics and further news will come when I finish my report.
Sunday, August 31
I am a WRECK!!
Early bird [me] woke up around 8.30am today, I wanted take Sunday off to cycle all the way to the far end of the Peninsula, and I did..
To get there takes 35Km from my place and it's mainly flat. Nonetheless, I was stopping quite often for lots of pics and some snacks. I was amazed how fit I am since I got there quite fast [avg >30Km/h, excluding the pit stops].Once there I bought a few more souvenirs and decided to take a different route on the way back.
After about 8-10km I turned left to Wier Rd and crossed to the other side of the Peninsula, the beginning of about 20Km on gravel and half of those uphill!! Everything was fine until I reach Sandymount Rd.. a gravel steep nightmare that links to HighCliff Rd [name says it all].
I confess I thought a couple of times turning back and return the same way, flat Portobello Rd.. but I didn't quit :)
I am glad I didn't because I found amazing view points on the way, and the best one a dead end road behind Lanard Castle.
My long cycling tour around the Peninsula ended up with the usual [this time endless] steep High St to get home 7h and over 80Km later, just on time to have traditional Kiwi Lamb [saw a several on the way but I didn't kidnapped any] dish :)
Now, it's 9.20pm and I am about to crash on my bed.. [pics soon]
Saturday, August 30
Final days... :(
The last couple of weeks I haven't stopped a sec, from 15min lunches to late night work [2am] and wake up before the alarm clock [6.58am].
But guess what, my final report is exactly in the same stage as it was 2weeks ago!! I've done NOTHING..
So, what have I been doing? Mainly extra work for HeadQuarters and meetings, Excel spreadsheets and so on..
Hence, after presenting my work to the company, plus an external financial advisor, a logistic &stock consultant and a strategic advisor [actually it was more like a meeting than a presentation, no time to waste on PPT presentations]; I asked Jo Morshuis [HQ Managing Dir.] to write a letter so I can ask for a up to 3 weeks of extension to write my final report.
I won't be able to get back on it until I reach Her Majesty land back in Coventry. As for now, it's Saturday a lovely sunny day outside and I am here in the Otago Univ. Library working since 10am on two more analysis for HQ.
Tomorrow though.. I am cycling to the peninsula [35Km each way] and enjoy the sun and surroundings since I won't be going to Milford Sound as I wished.
But guess what, my final report is exactly in the same stage as it was 2weeks ago!! I've done NOTHING..
So, what have I been doing? Mainly extra work for HeadQuarters and meetings, Excel spreadsheets and so on..
Hence, after presenting my work to the company, plus an external financial advisor, a logistic &stock consultant and a strategic advisor [actually it was more like a meeting than a presentation, no time to waste on PPT presentations]; I asked Jo Morshuis [HQ Managing Dir.] to write a letter so I can ask for a up to 3 weeks of extension to write my final report.
I won't be able to get back on it until I reach Her Majesty land back in Coventry. As for now, it's Saturday a lovely sunny day outside and I am here in the Otago Univ. Library working since 10am on two more analysis for HQ.
Tomorrow though.. I am cycling to the peninsula [35Km each way] and enjoy the sun and surroundings since I won't be going to Milford Sound as I wished.
Buffet Breakfast
One thing I really appreciated whilst staying in YHA [Youth Hostel Ass.] in NZ is the fact that breakfast is NOT included in the price, besides the free sauna in Franz Joseph Glacier YHA :]
This way people have to buy their own stuff and keep it in the fridges... [You now start to see where I am about to go next right?]
WRONG! I DO NOT STEAL FOOD!!
How dare you think of that... I thought you knew me better.
But, as people come and go, they most times leave stuff behind. What YHA does is ask us to tag our food with our names and check out date. Everyday they check the fridges and place the food left behind in the FREE zone [see... What's the point of stealing now?! :P]
So, once I arrive to the YHA I go to the kitchen pick the best stuff around from the FREE zone, tag it as my own and keep renewing my stock everyday with fresh new things :]
In Christchurch I had cereals, orange juice, bacon/ham, yoghurts, eggs, milk, cheese [3 types], pasta, rice, ...
Obviously, you need to be careful with these things, always check the expiry dates, boil the milk, make sure the eggs don't float on water,... and then EAT ALL :]
I am pretty sure the person who got my bag next morning is eternally grateful to me..
This way people have to buy their own stuff and keep it in the fridges... [You now start to see where I am about to go next right?]
WRONG! I DO NOT STEAL FOOD!!
How dare you think of that... I thought you knew me better.
But, as people come and go, they most times leave stuff behind. What YHA does is ask us to tag our food with our names and check out date. Everyday they check the fridges and place the food left behind in the FREE zone [see... What's the point of stealing now?! :P]
So, once I arrive to the YHA I go to the kitchen pick the best stuff around from the FREE zone, tag it as my own and keep renewing my stock everyday with fresh new things :]
In Christchurch I had cereals, orange juice, bacon/ham, yoghurts, eggs, milk, cheese [3 types], pasta, rice, ...
Obviously, you need to be careful with these things, always check the expiry dates, boil the milk, make sure the eggs don't float on water,... and then EAT ALL :]
I am pretty sure the person who got my bag next morning is eternally grateful to me..
Christchurch
Pic 1: Cathedral
Pic 2: Symmetrical street
Pic 3: !!! Is it for birds or for hanging wet clothes?! Some may call it Art... It does look nice on the pic though
Pic 4: Art Gallery and Museum. Where most of the souvenirs come from.. eheheh
Pic 5: Dyslexic house
Pic 6: Art Gallery [left], Museum and Botanic Garden at the end
Tuesday, August 26
Back from Christchurch
You can expect some pics soon, but I suspect it may take some time as I will be extremely busy at work this last week in Kiwiland :(
Quick overview: 4 days in Chch, 2 days walking around buying souvenirs for everyone [not many though, and my bro was unlucky - even his gf will get something! - .. no cookies for ya!]. Btw, I only buy Made in NZ typical stuff, mainly Maori handicrafted [but afordable for my squeezed budget].
The other day was a brainstorming day closed in a room from 9am~5pm [30min lunch] and then a fine dinner.
I also tried for the 1st time a Kiwi from Kiwiland!! WOW... Well, it tasted similar to the others.. :P
Now, I just arrived from 4h driving E-Class powerful Mercedes under heavy rain or EXTREMELY dense fog!! Once at home, Xena [German Sheppard] was delighted to see me but went running to get her new toy [orange alien which USED TO squeak, not anymore though] before I steal it and make her run after it! John left me a nice big dinner before he went for his play rehersal.
Quick overview: 4 days in Chch, 2 days walking around buying souvenirs for everyone [not many though, and my bro was unlucky - even his gf will get something! - .. no cookies for ya!]. Btw, I only buy Made in NZ typical stuff, mainly Maori handicrafted [but afordable for my squeezed budget].
The other day was a brainstorming day closed in a room from 9am~5pm [30min lunch] and then a fine dinner.
I also tried for the 1st time a Kiwi from Kiwiland!! WOW... Well, it tasted similar to the others.. :P
Now, I just arrived from 4h driving E-Class powerful Mercedes under heavy rain or EXTREMELY dense fog!! Once at home, Xena [German Sheppard] was delighted to see me but went running to get her new toy [orange alien which USED TO squeak, not anymore though] before I steal it and make her run after it! John left me a nice big dinner before he went for his play rehersal.
Friday, August 22
* The Star *
I completely forgot to check the newspaper regarding the interview me and Rong gave some weeks ago. Today I was told that I came out on the newspaper last week!!
I just went to check and there I was...
By the way, those quotations are not really accurate even though they are true.
By the way, those quotations are not really accurate even though they are true.
Long weekend coming up :]
I am glad i am over with the "spreadSHIT" I built [hopefully it won't be that bad].
The company seems to be very happy about it and I even incorporated some extra features so they will use this not only to Forecast the Year-End figures but can also use it to have a better perspective of the Monthly performance split by Business Unit.
Now I will focus on the report and the extra part I wanted to do, the business plan for the next 3 years. Sadly I have just 2 weeks remaining here in NZ! :(
Regarding the Biz Plan, I am heading tomorrow with Jo Morshuis [Managing Director] and Raewin [Marketing Director] to Christchurch. We'll be meeting up with Clint, the Aussie Strategic Advisor for brainstorming weekend, and finish up with a meeting Monday.
Therefore, I will be from Saturday to Tuesday in Christchurch. Nonetheless I need to attend the meetings I still want to have a look around the "Garden City" Christchurch [biggest city in the South Island].
"Curiosity": New Zealanders aka Kiwis from the North Island call the South Island Kiwis "Sheep lovers" [to avoid 'stronger' or pornographic words!!] LOLOL
The company seems to be very happy about it and I even incorporated some extra features so they will use this not only to Forecast the Year-End figures but can also use it to have a better perspective of the Monthly performance split by Business Unit.
Now I will focus on the report and the extra part I wanted to do, the business plan for the next 3 years. Sadly I have just 2 weeks remaining here in NZ! :(
Regarding the Biz Plan, I am heading tomorrow with Jo Morshuis [Managing Director] and Raewin [Marketing Director] to Christchurch. We'll be meeting up with Clint, the Aussie Strategic Advisor for brainstorming weekend, and finish up with a meeting Monday.
Therefore, I will be from Saturday to Tuesday in Christchurch. Nonetheless I need to attend the meetings I still want to have a look around the "Garden City" Christchurch [biggest city in the South Island].
"Curiosity": New Zealanders aka Kiwis from the North Island call the South Island Kiwis "Sheep lovers" [to avoid 'stronger' or pornographic words!!] LOLOL
Finnish - 1st lesson
Finnish people tend to be very straight forward towards creating new words, normally complicated ones!
Marita showed me how to write Happy B'day in Finnish: Hyvää syntymäpäivää :)
Looks nice doesn't it?? Now try saying it! Ehehehh
Come on, it's only 3 words [yes 3!] :P
To make matters MUCH worse, she wrote down a slightly more complex one... I can guarantee you once you know this one you can say you are fluent in Finnish! Here it is...
"Kumarreksituteskenteleentuvaisehollaismaisekkuudell isenneskenteluttelemattomammuuksissansakkaankopahan"
[it is not cut in the middle but I had to otherwise half of the word would get out of the screen!!]
Yes it means something, no idea what though... And it is just a "simple" word, not a sentence nor a compounded word, just 1 word! Crazy Finnish.. LOL
Marita showed me how to write Happy B'day in Finnish: Hyvää syntymäpäivää :)
Looks nice doesn't it?? Now try saying it! Ehehehh
Come on, it's only 3 words [yes 3!] :P
To make matters MUCH worse, she wrote down a slightly more complex one... I can guarantee you once you know this one you can say you are fluent in Finnish! Here it is...
"Kumarreksituteskenteleentuvaisehollaismaisekkuudell isenneskenteluttelemattomammuuksissansakkaankopahan"
[it is not cut in the middle but I had to otherwise half of the word would get out of the screen!!]
Yes it means something, no idea what though... And it is just a "simple" word, not a sentence nor a compounded word, just 1 word! Crazy Finnish.. LOL
Thursday, August 21
The day after..
Bday is over, nothing special, no presents, no family, no gf, no close friends, nothing.. I'm gonna kill myself... Life has been good to me but now it is time to say: Goodbye!
EHEHEHEH... I'm obviously kidding :P
Even though I am very far from home, actually the exact opposite side of the World, I got several emails, sms, mobile calls [attempts, because roaming is too expensive or I was sleeping ..but thanks anyway], Skype, Hi5, postcards, MSN Messenger, Facebook... whatever...
Facebook for instance has posts from people from over 16 different countries.
Unfortunately my old Nokia (Portuguese) mobile went crazy, I lost most of the contact list. Since the mountain bike mud swim, from the time I used to work for Volkswagen, it has never been the same again!
So, yesterday, I brought a big Chocolate cake to work and everyone enjoyed it [desappeard really fast].
EHEHEHEH... I'm obviously kidding :P
Even though I am very far from home, actually the exact opposite side of the World, I got several emails, sms, mobile calls [attempts, because roaming is too expensive or I was sleeping ..but thanks anyway], Skype, Hi5, postcards, MSN Messenger, Facebook... whatever...
Facebook for instance has posts from people from over 16 different countries.
Unfortunately my old Nokia (Portuguese) mobile went crazy, I lost most of the contact list. Since the mountain bike mud swim, from the time I used to work for Volkswagen, it has never been the same again!
So, yesterday, I brought a big Chocolate cake to work and everyone enjoyed it [desappeard really fast].
Wednesday, August 20
21st August
It's the 1st year i am away from family, gf and all my friends for my Bday...
I brought a cake to work and will celebrate here, even though employees normally don't work on their Bday. The alternative would be sitting at home doing nothing or going to the library.
So, I'll be working as normally, my spreadsheet is done, just small details and upgrades to be done. It's time to focus on the report for Coventry, and if I have time I'll build the other spreadsheet i wanted and spend more time on the business plan.
Happy Bday to me :]
I brought a cake to work and will celebrate here, even though employees normally don't work on their Bday. The alternative would be sitting at home doing nothing or going to the library.
So, I'll be working as normally, my spreadsheet is done, just small details and upgrades to be done. It's time to focus on the report for Coventry, and if I have time I'll build the other spreadsheet i wanted and spend more time on the business plan.
Happy Bday to me :]
Monday, August 18
Queenstown - Part II
John got me a free place to stay in a friend of his next to lake Hayes [pic on the left] just outside Queenstown. Very nice place, great view and a fabulous '65 Corvette in the garage. Not everything was good news though!
I arrived to Queenstown around 3pm, after dropping of my stuff at Kevin&Debbie's place, and went straight to Info&Track to see if I could do tandem paragliding but the weather didn't allow that nor most of the good stuff except Bungy Jumping...
Wow! Did he do it? (some of you may think) The answer is no I didn't. Why? The cost/benefit wasn't attractive, 3 or 6sec of adrenaline for almost $200?? Nahh.. "Chicken", most of the same may think and that's what an Adelaide Aussie said to me 2weeks ago [later confessing he could never do it]. I simply realised I can do more things at least as fun as that for less and longer, like ski. I
f this excuse still doesn't satisfy you, just think: I jumped twice from a plane and reached speeds of over 150Km/h for a couple of secs [longer than Bungy for sure] and didn't have any elastic rope, just a big bag attached on my back, so Bungy is nothing special to me [the Aussie just went "Ohhh, crazy stuff.."] :PThus, no Paragliding, no Bungy, only going up the Gondola aka cable car [pic on the left] or shopping left. I went for shopping. Why? Because I became ski addict and will do it as often as possible,
and in that case it worths buying my own gear instead of renting crap gear all the time.After a couple of strawls around the small town I stretched my budget and bought a new pair of ski pants [w/out insulation, so I can use them for other purposes] and [what some may consider as gay/metrosexual] a pair of merino tights [to use w/ ski pants, mountain biking, hiking, etc]. I consider it as an investment and my own Bday present [for those who don't remember, it's next Thursday 21st Aug]. In that store I met a Czech with whom I talked for over 30min sharing experiences from our trips [you can find 'Z' webpage here ].
Afterwards, I got some dinner, went for a quick drink and head home around 10pm as I had to wake up @7am...
Cardrona Ski Resort - Part II
From dawn to setting sun, a whole snow adventure. What a day...
Pic 1: Early bird [7.45am] heads to Cardrona summit.
Pic 2: With a "hand" by two Aussies [car in pic 3] I transformed the Getz into a rally car!
Pic 3: There's a 1st time for everything. In this case was putting chains, driving with chains [sometimes too fast (90Km/h) for the recommended 30Km/h] and driving on snow [including a few slides just for experience (read fun)]
Pic 4: Cardrona starts, a slim twisty road with no side protection starts, all the way up to the Base [1670m]
Pic 5 & 6: The luxurious Shuttle drives the crowd from the car park to the Base
Pic 7 & 8: After 3pm people start leaving the tracks and heading home, me.. I stayed until 5pm :]
Pic 9 & 10: The magnificent view on the way down
I did not take pics on the tracks this time, too much snow fall and low visibility. Instead I fully enjoyed the tracks.
Had a morning lesson with Louise [ski instructor], after meeting with May again. The lesson wasn't very productive for me as [again] I was picking up things pretty fast and had to wait for the other 5. I then decided not to take the afternoon lesson as Louise said I was ready to get the chair lift and try out the big track.
She was right :) I had great fun all afternoon...
The 2 first rides I was wedging [breaking] all the way and improving my turns. On the 2nd I had my first fall, in order to avoid a woman that fell in front of me I wedged harder but not enough so I sat down too! lol
Some would become more careful, I just decided NOT to wedge anymore and felt confident enough to go parallel and begin using the turns to brake as well.
I must have went up and down over a dozen times [takes >15min to come down], one girl from the chair lift even commented "You're getting faster.. I've been seeing you more and more often". Also found Louise teaching the others how to go down, and I also heard from her a "Look at him go.. Nice turns". May was giving a private lesson [easy to recognise her cute way to say "Hands on knees"] and besides some "Hi" or "Hi again", I heard some motivating words "WOW.. Well done, you're picking up fast..".
Those were just a few of the people I met, never met so many people in such short period in my life! :]
Hence, I can finally say I know how to ski, at least enough to have a great time :]
Had a morning lesson with Louise [ski instructor], after meeting with May again. The lesson wasn't very productive for me as [again] I was picking up things pretty fast and had to wait for the other 5. I then decided not to take the afternoon lesson as Louise said I was ready to get the chair lift and try out the big track.
She was right :) I had great fun all afternoon...
The 2 first rides I was wedging [breaking] all the way and improving my turns. On the 2nd I had my first fall, in order to avoid a woman that fell in front of me I wedged harder but not enough so I sat down too! lol
Some would become more careful, I just decided NOT to wedge anymore and felt confident enough to go parallel and begin using the turns to brake as well.
I must have went up and down over a dozen times [takes >15min to come down], one girl from the chair lift even commented "You're getting faster.. I've been seeing you more and more often". Also found Louise teaching the others how to go down, and I also heard from her a "Look at him go.. Nice turns". May was giving a private lesson [easy to recognise her cute way to say "Hands on knees"] and besides some "Hi" or "Hi again", I heard some motivating words "WOW.. Well done, you're picking up fast..".
Those were just a few of the people I met, never met so many people in such short period in my life! :]
Hence, I can finally say I know how to ski, at least enough to have a great time :]
Pic 1: Early bird [7.45am] heads to Cardrona summit.
Pic 2: With a "hand" by two Aussies [car in pic 3] I transformed the Getz into a rally car!
Pic 3: There's a 1st time for everything. In this case was putting chains, driving with chains [sometimes too fast (90Km/h) for the recommended 30Km/h] and driving on snow [including a few slides just for experience (read fun)]
Pic 4: Cardrona starts, a slim twisty road with no side protection starts, all the way up to the Base [1670m]
Pic 5 & 6: The luxurious Shuttle drives the crowd from the car park to the Base
Pic 7 & 8: After 3pm people start leaving the tracks and heading home, me.. I stayed until 5pm :]
Pic 9 & 10: The magnificent view on the way down
Wanaka Lake - part II
On the way back to Dunedin, a pit stop for a meatball pie, 2 bananas, another energetic bar [chocolate and dried fruits], and a Powerade .75l...
About 50Km after leaving Wanaka I was following another car around 110~120km/h [limit is 100Km/h outside towns and 50km/h inside, and the Interstate Highways are mere roads with one lane each way, and it is enough], and it was already dark. Suddenly I hear a massive noise behind me, it was one show off "tuning" guy in his Nissan Bluebird. The road was wet as it was raining most of the way.. He became very annoying after a few Km always trying to overtake but always to scared, until he finally did it. I also got my way free and carried on my way. As the road became twisty with some sharp corners I got myself behind the "tuning" guy! He was extremely slow in the corners and stupidly accelerated like a mad on straights.
I honestly tried to go slower just to avoid the noise but the road didn't help since it became even more twisty [my favourite :]. Therefore, I couldn't help it I glued to the back of his car every corner and he pulled away immediately afterwards, even if I wanted to overtake i didn't have a car but a trawler! I became desperate and couldn't wait for an opportunity... And it came after a long while some SS and then a sharp corner before a straight and back to another corner [I saw there were no lights and i had also visibility enough too]!
[You are now wondering where did I overtook him with the 1.3l Hyundai Getz?!!]
Basically in the SS just before the sharp corner, side by side and in the straight he got pissed and tried to overtake me again but he didn't have time :P
Fortunately for me, the mountain road continued to be twisty and he disappeared from my mirrors... [A taught driving lesson from Portuguese to a Kiwi :P]
About 50Km after leaving Wanaka I was following another car around 110~120km/h [limit is 100Km/h outside towns and 50km/h inside, and the Interstate Highways are mere roads with one lane each way, and it is enough], and it was already dark. Suddenly I hear a massive noise behind me, it was one show off "tuning" guy in his Nissan Bluebird. The road was wet as it was raining most of the way.. He became very annoying after a few Km always trying to overtake but always to scared, until he finally did it. I also got my way free and carried on my way. As the road became twisty with some sharp corners I got myself behind the "tuning" guy! He was extremely slow in the corners and stupidly accelerated like a mad on straights.I honestly tried to go slower just to avoid the noise but the road didn't help since it became even more twisty [my favourite :]. Therefore, I couldn't help it I glued to the back of his car every corner and he pulled away immediately afterwards, even if I wanted to overtake i didn't have a car but a trawler! I became desperate and couldn't wait for an opportunity... And it came after a long while some SS and then a sharp corner before a straight and back to another corner [I saw there were no lights and i had also visibility enough too]!
[You are now wondering where did I overtook him with the 1.3l Hyundai Getz?!!]
Basically in the SS just before the sharp corner, side by side and in the straight he got pissed and tried to overtake me again but he didn't have time :P
Fortunately for me, the mountain road continued to be twisty and he disappeared from my mirrors... [A taught driving lesson from Portuguese to a Kiwi :P]
Sunday, August 17
a GREAT weekend..
I am exhausted and therefore I will tell you all about it in the next few days.. I'll just leave you with 1 of many pics, my 1st real snow flake!
Friday, August 15
Change of plans
It's 11pm here and in all the news they show lots of snow for Saturday and Sunday around Fjordland, meaning that Milford Road has been closed for the past 2 days and I have no way to get there unless jumping out of a plane [wouldn't be the 1st time, or 2nd :] into the snow. They also mentioned it's the heaviest fall in a long time [perfect timing right!, could have gone last weekend].
Therefore, plan B: Drive to Queenstown [rain/snow expected] and get adventurous again :]
Regarding the "spreadshiting", it's not over.. I've been modifying it, which means a lot of work for each modification due to the sheer size of the formulae!
Why so many formulas? Optimise the info to display coming from several reports from ACCPAC/SAGE. In the end, the goal is to make it simple to use, read the info, automatise for error proofing [for now the only thing needed is 30min once a year imputing the Year Targets and the change of the month from a drop down menu! All done on Excel with simple formulas :))
Have a nice weekend~ ^^
Therefore, plan B: Drive to Queenstown [rain/snow expected] and get adventurous again :]
Regarding the "spreadshiting", it's not over.. I've been modifying it, which means a lot of work for each modification due to the sheer size of the formulae!
Why so many formulas? Optimise the info to display coming from several reports from ACCPAC/SAGE. In the end, the goal is to make it simple to use, read the info, automatise for error proofing [for now the only thing needed is 30min once a year imputing the Year Targets and the change of the month from a drop down menu! All done on Excel with simple formulas :))
Have a nice weekend~ ^^
Hoping for less snow!
Last week I was wishing I would get some snow on the way to Milford Sound. Haven't I told you? Tomorrow morning I am heading towards Te Anau, where I'll stay overnight, and leave early in the morning to Milford Sound if the road isn't closed due to harsh snow/ice road conditions.
I rented another car, another powerful machine [all are in my hands! hihihi], a Hyundai Getz. Well, actually all the major rent a car companies were fully booked so I will rent this from "Jackie's".
If, I don't write back to you next week, it can only mean one of two things... Either I am stuck and dying in the middle of nowhere, or I am working hard on my "spreadshitings" [I am doing my best to finish the Forecast one by today].
So, if I don't get to visit Milford Sound I will probably head to Queenstown again and do the tandem paragliding [no money or time for anything else].
Have a nice weekend, see you next week... or not! :P
I rented another car, another powerful machine [all are in my hands! hihihi], a Hyundai Getz. Well, actually all the major rent a car companies were fully booked so I will rent this from "Jackie's".
If, I don't write back to you next week, it can only mean one of two things... Either I am stuck and dying in the middle of nowhere, or I am working hard on my "spreadshitings" [I am doing my best to finish the Forecast one by today].
So, if I don't get to visit Milford Sound I will probably head to Queenstown again and do the tandem paragliding [no money or time for anything else].
Have a nice weekend, see you next week... or not! :P
Tuesday, August 12
Today
Early bird [me] woke up by himself (as I forgot to set the alarm clock) @ 7.50am, but only got out of bed around 8.15am (thinking about spreadsheets layout and info to include.. Workaholic me!).
I extended my breakfast for 30min, since I was playing football/soccer with Xena and her two duckies (the poor dog was about to stay all day at home alone)!!
The weather... Not particularly good, smoggy along with some showers from time to time. Besides that, the max. temperature is 5 degrees.. Reminds me the "song of the day": Maximilian Hecker 'Cold Wind Blowing' [what a powerful song] :)
Once at the Univ. Otago library I realised I came a bit late (it was 9.45am!) and the best seats were already taken.. They've been having massive problems with the Wireless network as it keeps going down all the time and everyone has laptop (too many users), so the seats close to the ethernet plugs were all taken :(
I am finally connected, but for that I came to the 3rd floor and sat down under the antennas (even though they are hidden, eheheh). :]
Work... I am finally at full throtle. I have 3 weeks left to transform all my ideas (too many though) and notes into real tools and an outstanding report (need >70 to end my MSc Finance with Distinction). Quoting the Lemon Jelly - '68 aka Only Time': "...so much to do... if I only had time..."
Speaking of work, my break is over! Back to hard work [especially when I want to go exploring Fjordland - Milford Sound this weekend] :/
I extended my breakfast for 30min, since I was playing football/soccer with Xena and her two duckies (the poor dog was about to stay all day at home alone)!!
The weather... Not particularly good, smoggy along with some showers from time to time. Besides that, the max. temperature is 5 degrees.. Reminds me the "song of the day": Maximilian Hecker 'Cold Wind Blowing' [what a powerful song] :)
Once at the Univ. Otago library I realised I came a bit late (it was 9.45am!) and the best seats were already taken.. They've been having massive problems with the Wireless network as it keeps going down all the time and everyone has laptop (too many users), so the seats close to the ethernet plugs were all taken :(
I am finally connected, but for that I came to the 3rd floor and sat down under the antennas (even though they are hidden, eheheh). :]
Work... I am finally at full throtle. I have 3 weeks left to transform all my ideas (too many though) and notes into real tools and an outstanding report (need >70 to end my MSc Finance with Distinction). Quoting the Lemon Jelly - '68 aka Only Time': "...so much to do... if I only had time..."
Speaking of work, my break is over! Back to hard work [especially when I want to go exploring Fjordland - Milford Sound this weekend] :/
Sunday, August 10
13 Crosby Street, Mornington
Over the past month I've been living at this address here in Dunedin, with John and Paulinne.
John is a RE/MAX agent and Paulinne trains dogs for blind people.
For the past week me and John have been managing quite well in the kitchen showing off our cooking skills since Paulinne is away in Nelson.
Also living with us is Xena, the German Shepard, which always comes after me when I'm having breakfast.. She loves my toasts with spreadable cheese.
Speaking of food, it's lunch time...
John is a RE/MAX agent and Paulinne trains dogs for blind people.
For the past week me and John have been managing quite well in the kitchen showing off our cooking skills since Paulinne is away in Nelson.
Also living with us is Xena, the German Shepard, which always comes after me when I'm having breakfast.. She loves my toasts with spreadable cheese.
Speaking of food, it's lunch time...
Aeroplanes? No, more like ice skating!!
This morning I decided I needed music on my way down the hill to the Uni. library. It's something I haven't done in 2weeks and I do miss a lot, music...
There I was on my way down in a very frosty/icy but sunny Sunday morning [9.30am!!]. I was listening to "Werewolf" the French Cocorosie's album "The adventures of Ghosthorse & Stillborn" and remembering their fantastic concert in TAGV-Coimbra, PT... I took one of the many shortcut tracks.
As soon as the song finishes another French comes up, Serge Gainsbourg "Aeroplanes" from the remix tribute "I Love Serge: Electronicagainsbourg".
A few seconds later, I was about to suddenly take off and landing on the ground [on my butt and laptop!]. It was the only track I took because it was under sun light, I also avoided some leaves on the floor. What I didn't avoid was ice skating about 3metres on my right foot before I gained balance putting the left one on the floor. But, guess what? I didn't stop, I continued ice skating down for another 3 metres until I realise I wasn't gonna stop, so I started running!!!
Once I reached the normal sidewalk I had to use a lamp post grabbing it and come to a halt. Ufff!
That was only one of the several ice skating experiences on the way, nevertheless I saw people wearing shorts and flip flops close to the Uni.! Crazy dudes..
There I was on my way down in a very frosty/icy but sunny Sunday morning [9.30am!!]. I was listening to "Werewolf" the French Cocorosie's album "The adventures of Ghosthorse & Stillborn" and remembering their fantastic concert in TAGV-Coimbra, PT... I took one of the many shortcut tracks.
As soon as the song finishes another French comes up, Serge Gainsbourg "Aeroplanes" from the remix tribute "I Love Serge: Electronicagainsbourg".
A few seconds later, I was about to suddenly take off and landing on the ground [on my butt and laptop!]. It was the only track I took because it was under sun light, I also avoided some leaves on the floor. What I didn't avoid was ice skating about 3metres on my right foot before I gained balance putting the left one on the floor. But, guess what? I didn't stop, I continued ice skating down for another 3 metres until I realise I wasn't gonna stop, so I started running!!!
Once I reached the normal sidewalk I had to use a lamp post grabbing it and come to a halt. Ufff!
That was only one of the several ice skating experiences on the way, nevertheless I saw people wearing shorts and flip flops close to the Uni.! Crazy dudes..
Thursday, August 7
new look
Today's morning was mainly spent enjoying the fantastic sunny warm Winter day cycling to the beach and a bit of the Peninsula... about 20Km in total [easy flat tarmac].
The afternoon, I spent it in HQ Hairdressing Salon in Centre City Mall.
I wanted to get to know better who they operate there, deal with clients, systems, and so on and so forth... At the end of the day I got my 1st experience in a salon and not a barber shop, 1st time having a woman cutting my hair and styling it, 1st time using colour too!! By now you are wondering how do I look like, if it is still me.. yes, indeed... with some bits of red hair and a new look that probably illustrates my irreverent side. All for free :]
Your turn to judge it... [check below]
I wanted to get to know better who they operate there, deal with clients, systems, and so on and so forth... At the end of the day I got my 1st experience in a salon and not a barber shop, 1st time having a woman cutting my hair and styling it, 1st time using colour too!! By now you are wondering how do I look like, if it is still me.. yes, indeed... with some bits of red hair and a new look that probably illustrates my irreverent side. All for free :]
Your turn to judge it... [check below]
Wednesday, August 6
38°
Baldwin Street - Dunedin, NZ - holds the record for the steepest street in the world. Since me and Rong were thinking in going there Clare drove us instead :)
Pic 1: It looks like the street starts going up in the bottom but that's illusion my friend, it only goes down!
Pic 2: Check the hight of the house on both sides. It evens gets hard to walk at a certain level, it feels like you might slip and roll down!!
Actually a drunk couple thought it'd be "funny" to go down in a container... She died when it crashed!
Pic 3: This would look odd if the street was flat!
Pic 1: It looks like the street starts going up in the bottom but that's illusion my friend, it only goes down!
Pic 2: Check the hight of the house on both sides. It evens gets hard to walk at a certain level, it feels like you might slip and roll down!!
Actually a drunk couple thought it'd be "funny" to go down in a container... She died when it crashed!
Pic 3: This would look odd if the street was flat!
See you soon Clare...
After lunch, time for a last coffee and chat with Clare. She's been great from the very beginning making sure we were getting the maximum support in everything. She's been like a mother to us [me, Rong and Yemi].
A big THANK YOU and see you soon..
Pic: Clare, Rong, me and someone else!
Japanese lunch and Korean Xylitol
Box Set + 5Fresh Salmon sushi + 5Teriaki Chicken sushi = $16 [9Eur or £7.5]Have I told you how much I like Japanese food??! ^^
Not being able to find my usual Smints I got the Korean equivalent: Apple flavoured Xylitol...
Tuesday, August 5
No pain, no fun!
BE JEALOUS, BE VERY JEALOUS! MUAHAHAH...
As you can see below, my weekend was filled with adventure like few.
Now, all becomes memories... And to help me out remembering those marvellous moments I have the gastrocnemius muscles completely destroyed and one blister in each foot, all thanks to a full day of ski and poor quality rented ski boots.
Besides all this I have a broken neck, ribs, arms and.. EHEHEH.. just kidding! Black British humour took over me for a sec :P
In conclusion, I would do all again without thinking twice, and to make you a bit more jealous here's what I hope to do next in Queenstown...
Pic 1: Check out the top left corner... :]
Pic 2: Check out in the middle of the historical bridge [original place of birth of Bungy Jumping] :]
Now, all becomes memories... And to help me out remembering those marvellous moments I have the gastrocnemius muscles completely destroyed and one blister in each foot, all thanks to a full day of ski and poor quality rented ski boots.
Besides all this I have a broken neck, ribs, arms and.. EHEHEH.. just kidding! Black British humour took over me for a sec :P
In conclusion, I would do all again without thinking twice, and to make you a bit more jealous here's what I hope to do next in Queenstown...
Pic 1: Check out the top left corner... :]
Pic 2: Check out in the middle of the historical bridge [original place of birth of Bungy Jumping] :]
Franz Joseph Glacier
Pic 1: The beginning of 5h trekking the glacier
Pic 2: The group heads towards the Glacier. May not seem but it was a 2km walk.
Pic 3: "Who wants to get adventurous?", said the guide... Wanna guess who was the 1st crazy one to lay down on the ice and make his way through?! ME, obviously..
Pic 4: Exploring the glacier and getting used to the spikes adapted to our boots [in my case, the only 1 allowed to take his own, my new Salomon :]
Pic 5: It looks like ice, and it tastes like ice too!
Pic 6: Our extremelly narrow way out of there
Pic 7: mEstrE gUImaS the glacier explorer!!
Pic 8: Being up there gives you the impression things are quite small, they are... when you compare with the massive glacier with more than 10km length. We didn't reach even 1/3 and it took us 5h. It takes about 2 days to get to the top!
Pic 9: It's not only long but also high..
Pic 10: Some of the harzards of getting to the glacier. Now imagine being up there!!
Fox Glacier
Pic 1: Fox Glacier
Pic 2: Driving through the "jungle" to get the best view..
Pic 3: You feel healthy all the way
Wanaka and Hawea Lakes
You don't even feel the Km passing by when you drive between these two lakes.. What a ride.
Pic 1: Lake Wanaka
Pic 2 & 3: Lake Hawea, where we stopped for lunch. Food even tasted better!
Pic 4: After arriving Wanaka we took the mountain twisty road to Queenstown. I rallied all the way down the poor Daihatsu Sirion and pushed it hard on the corners in such way its breaks were barely doing anything, not mentioning the smell!
Pic 1: Lake Wanaka
Pic 2 & 3: Lake Hawea, where we stopped for lunch. Food even tasted better!
Pic 4: After arriving Wanaka we took the mountain twisty road to Queenstown. I rallied all the way down the poor Daihatsu Sirion and pushed it hard on the corners in such way its breaks were barely doing anything, not mentioning the smell!
West Coast, NZ
A great driving experience as you can see :]
Pic 1: It really feels like driving through a Botanical Garden
Pic 2, 3 & 4: Just beautiful...
Pic 1: It really feels like driving through a Botanical Garden
Pic 2, 3 & 4: Just beautiful...
Cardrona Ski Resort
A full day of fun in the snow...
Pic 1 & 2: I almost look like a pro!
Pic 3: A fine fancy meal in a 5* restaurant
Pic 4: May showing Rong a basic breaking technique
Pic 5: The 3 of the 6 beginners remaining at 4pm
Pic 6: Me and May, my cutest ski instructor [sorry Radovan, but you've got beard!]
Shotover Canyon Jet Boating
A real thrill sometimes @85Km/h in a narrow Canyon...
Pic 1: Getting ready for the thrilling ride
Pic 2: The worldwide famous 360 degrees
Pic 3 and 4: Speeding up to avoid the rocks!!
Pic 5: Me and Rong [put your eyes on her, she's old enough to be my mother, but she's braver than many of you :P]
Pic 1: Getting ready for the thrilling ride
Pic 2: The worldwide famous 360 degrees
Pic 3 and 4: Speeding up to avoid the rocks!!
Pic 5: Me and Rong [put your eyes on her, she's old enough to be my mother, but she's braver than many of you :P]
Monday, August 4
What an adventure...
My big fabulous weekend is over unfortunately and I fell exhausted...
. Driving over 1500Km on the left though a huge "botanical garden" in a weak and tiny rent-a-car [curiously it was very easy, except confusing the lights and windscreen wiper switches a couple of times!]
. Hiking a glacier with spikes for 5h [fortunately my new Salomon boots saved me from blisters]
. Driving and enjoying one of best sceneries I ever seen [and those who know me know I've seen many]
. Skiing all day [including 4h classes with a friendly Japanese Instructor, and waking up at 6am for that!]
. Enjoying the rush and adrenaline of 30min of jet boating [4x V6 engines=500HP] in a narrow Canyon
. Driving back to Dunedin and just managing to hand in the car 2min before deadline, after going up to Signal Hill and overlook Dunedin.
Conclusion: Queenstown [adventure city] I will be back soon.. So many things still to do: a tour to Milford Sound [Fiordland], Bungy Jumping, rafting,... as much as money allows.
PS: Pics to die for coming up soon :P
. Driving over 1500Km on the left though a huge "botanical garden" in a weak and tiny rent-a-car [curiously it was very easy, except confusing the lights and windscreen wiper switches a couple of times!]
. Hiking a glacier with spikes for 5h [fortunately my new Salomon boots saved me from blisters]
. Driving and enjoying one of best sceneries I ever seen [and those who know me know I've seen many]
. Skiing all day [including 4h classes with a friendly Japanese Instructor, and waking up at 6am for that!]
. Enjoying the rush and adrenaline of 30min of jet boating [4x V6 engines=500HP] in a narrow Canyon
. Driving back to Dunedin and just managing to hand in the car 2min before deadline, after going up to Signal Hill and overlook Dunedin.
Conclusion: Queenstown [adventure city] I will be back soon.. So many things still to do: a tour to Milford Sound [Fiordland], Bungy Jumping, rafting,... as much as money allows.
PS: Pics to die for coming up soon :P
Wednesday, July 30
Off for a big weekend
Tomorrow, I will entail in a driving adventure on the left side of the road. I thought I'd be doing that in UK but I will end up doing it here :]
Well, I tried once before inside VW plant in Portugal with EOS 2.0TSI [cabrio] reaching 130Km/h behind the PaintShop Bld! HIHIHI
Here in NZ, I will be careful because I might find snow and ice on the way in those twisty mountains roads and they are very strict with speed limits. I don't want to end up getting a speed ticket like in USA! :/
I am staying overnight in Clyde in my boss' house and next day drive and explore the fantastic Glaciers. We'll then return Saturday afternoon to Queenstown and stay until Monday when we'll head back here.
I just hope the storms in the North Island don't come this way and the rain turns into nice sunny days :]
See ya next week :P
Well, I tried once before inside VW plant in Portugal with EOS 2.0TSI [cabrio] reaching 130Km/h behind the PaintShop Bld! HIHIHI
Here in NZ, I will be careful because I might find snow and ice on the way in those twisty mountains roads and they are very strict with speed limits. I don't want to end up getting a speed ticket like in USA! :/
I am staying overnight in Clyde in my boss' house and next day drive and explore the fantastic Glaciers. We'll then return Saturday afternoon to Queenstown and stay until Monday when we'll head back here.
I just hope the storms in the North Island don't come this way and the rain turns into nice sunny days :]
See ya next week :P
Tuesday, July 29
Rotary - Dunedin South
Yesterday an interview, today a presentation...
In a few hours I'll be presenting myself/career path and my country.
Obviously I am focusing more on Portugal rather than me as it will be more interesting for the audience, but also a bit of Coventry Univ. which allow me to come here [thank to Clare as well].
My goal, make them water from their mouths when they see how gorgeous Portugal is... Landscapes, food and wine, friendly and welcoming people, weather and climate, great historical cities, intelligent creative people [the ones that aren't lazy], among various other qualities :]
On the other hand, I will avoid mentioning how bureaucratic and lazy Portuguese are, and that they're never satisfied and complain all the time but do nothing about it and expect things to come to them!
Here's the front cover...
Obviously I am focusing more on Portugal rather than me as it will be more interesting for the audience, but also a bit of Coventry Univ. which allow me to come here [thank to Clare as well].
My goal, make them water from their mouths when they see how gorgeous Portugal is... Landscapes, food and wine, friendly and welcoming people, weather and climate, great historical cities, intelligent creative people [the ones that aren't lazy], among various other qualities :]
On the other hand, I will avoid mentioning how bureaucratic and lazy Portuguese are, and that they're never satisfied and complain all the time but do nothing about it and expect things to come to them!
Here's the front cover...
The Star
Yes, I am a star.. for some people at least [not many though, I guess! eheheh]
Today's morning me and Rong gave an interview to The Star about our life and academic path that led us to NZ...
For more details you can check the local newspaper soon [probably next Thursday or the following], or in their webpage here.
Today's morning me and Rong gave an interview to The Star about our life and academic path that led us to NZ...
For more details you can check the local newspaper soon [probably next Thursday or the following], or in their webpage here.
Sunday, July 27
Asian food
Yesterday delicious Korean food, today a fabulous Japanese lunch.. and just for $10 [<5Eur, 4 pounds] ^^
I admit these 2 of the Top 5 best cuisines in the world for me, together with Thai, Italian and Portuguese [independently of the order or sequence].
I admit these 2 of the Top 5 best cuisines in the world for me, together with Thai, Italian and Portuguese [independently of the order or sequence].
Salomon takes over Gola place..
I definitely needed some new shoes in my life! After the death of my beloved Gola Tempest I've been arduously trying to find a new pair to take their place. Moreover when my Tommy boots are also about to stay behind in NZ as they are also finished.
Today I bought a new pair of shoes, and I was expecting to buy a pair of trekking boots as well, but there weren't available for my size so I need to wait a couple of days for them to arrive.
As you smartly noticed they are both from Salomon, one pair of Summer trainers and the trekking Winter boots.
After paying for my new shoes I was confronted with a financial shortfall in funds!! I am suppose to have more than enough money on my Portuguese account [my parents deposited some a week ago] but for some reason the cash machine/ATM displayed a ruthless "You do not have enough funds to proceed the transaction"!
WHAT?!! Not again.. please..
For those who still remember I faced harsh times in Slovenia a year ago because the debit card got locked [even though my Bank said it wasn't]. I had to live with money I borrowed from people I just met, first an English guy in Ljubljana [Lj], the my dear Irish girls [Norah and Sorcha] in Lake Bled, "pani Guni" in Krakow [this I knew and know well ;) ], and Christophe in Coventry for 3 weeks! It wasn't nice, but I always manage to overcome difficult times, such as losing the last bus Lake Bled-Lj and consequentely missing the night train Lj-Venice and the flight Venice-Krakow, having to get 3 trains and exchange my last 20pounds at Czech border in 10min to buy the train ticket carrying the 2 big bags I took to Coventry, UK! I did get to Krakow with a couple of hours delay and a few worthless Czech Korunas in my pocket. LOL
I love adventure :]
Today I bought a new pair of shoes, and I was expecting to buy a pair of trekking boots as well, but there weren't available for my size so I need to wait a couple of days for them to arrive.
As you smartly noticed they are both from Salomon, one pair of Summer trainers and the trekking Winter boots.
After paying for my new shoes I was confronted with a financial shortfall in funds!! I am suppose to have more than enough money on my Portuguese account [my parents deposited some a week ago] but for some reason the cash machine/ATM displayed a ruthless "You do not have enough funds to proceed the transaction"!
WHAT?!! Not again.. please..
For those who still remember I faced harsh times in Slovenia a year ago because the debit card got locked [even though my Bank said it wasn't]. I had to live with money I borrowed from people I just met, first an English guy in Ljubljana [Lj], the my dear Irish girls [Norah and Sorcha] in Lake Bled, "pani Guni" in Krakow [this I knew and know well ;) ], and Christophe in Coventry for 3 weeks! It wasn't nice, but I always manage to overcome difficult times, such as losing the last bus Lake Bled-Lj and consequentely missing the night train Lj-Venice and the flight Venice-Krakow, having to get 3 trains and exchange my last 20pounds at Czech border in 10min to buy the train ticket carrying the 2 big bags I took to Coventry, UK! I did get to Krakow with a couple of hours delay and a few worthless Czech Korunas in my pocket. LOL
I love adventure :]
Saturday, July 26
The 1st boring day!
Yes, it also happens here.. having boring days! Fortunately it's the 1st in 3 weeks :)
The rain and cold invite you to stay at home, but I would feel even more bored so I decided to go for some Japanese lunch and work in the afternoon in the Uni. library. While checking out the Japanese restaurants I changed my mind for Korean..
I found 3 Korean restaurants and 2 were closed, so it made my choice easier :)
It was damn good, the Kimchii [spicy cabbage, healthiest food in the world] is home made like everything else..
Quite obvious is the fact that I was the only non-Korean there and the waitress asked me in the end if I used to live in Korea! I answered "Almost...", and then I had to explain my ex-gf is from Seoul and I was eating Korean (Japanese and Thai as well) food all the time in US.
So, I think I'll be going there again pretty soon, especially to get a bit more of that Green Tea ice-cream.. NHAMMM ^^
The rain and cold invite you to stay at home, but I would feel even more bored so I decided to go for some Japanese lunch and work in the afternoon in the Uni. library. While checking out the Japanese restaurants I changed my mind for Korean..
I found 3 Korean restaurants and 2 were closed, so it made my choice easier :)
It was damn good, the Kimchii [spicy cabbage, healthiest food in the world] is home made like everything else..
Quite obvious is the fact that I was the only non-Korean there and the waitress asked me in the end if I used to live in Korea! I answered "Almost...", and then I had to explain my ex-gf is from Seoul and I was eating Korean (Japanese and Thai as well) food all the time in US.
So, I think I'll be going there again pretty soon, especially to get a bit more of that Green Tea ice-cream.. NHAMMM ^^
Friday, July 25
Busy week coming up!
. This weekend: Do the layouts for Excel reports and start writing the Master report for Coventry Univ.
. Monday to Friday: Develop Excel spreadsheets for reporting
. Tuesday morning: Interview with Star newspaper [Dunedin] reporter
. Wednesday morning: Meeting with Sage software developer and Craig from Wyatt [HQ financial adviser]
. Wednesday afternoon: my presentation to Rotary - Dunedin South and Star newspaper
. Friday: The warrior goes to Clyde [probably including Cromwell, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown and/or more] to spend his 1st weekend outside Dunedin :))
. Monday to Friday: Develop Excel spreadsheets for reporting
. Tuesday morning: Interview with Star newspaper [Dunedin] reporter
. Wednesday morning: Meeting with Sage software developer and Craig from Wyatt [HQ financial adviser]
. Wednesday afternoon: my presentation to Rotary - Dunedin South and Star newspaper
. Friday: The warrior goes to Clyde [probably including Cromwell, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown and/or more] to spend his 1st weekend outside Dunedin :))
BJJ
The 1st trainning yesterday went very well, even though I feel all my muscles paining especially the leg ones..
Johnny Gui is a good coach from Brazil with an extensive experience, inclusively in MMA [Mixed Martial Arts]. Besides me there was 3 other guys also with barely no experience, from 1 week to 2/3 months.
Fortunately the warm up wasn't so intense otherwise my jam sandwich would have come out!
We learnt 3 variations of projections to the floor [grabbing the neck] and submission.
In the last 10+10min we put those and other techniques into practice with different opponents. I was surprised, and Johnny too, with the fact that I submitted the first one twice, firstly passing his guard with my elbows and go to his side to finish him with a choke, and the second I manage to get him into a triangle :)) With the second guy I caught him with a choke too, then he did the same to me.
Result: I'll be back there next Tuesday evening :]
PS: Most of this stuff is obviously only understandable by one person, you JP aka Roidas!
Johnny Gui is a good coach from Brazil with an extensive experience, inclusively in MMA [Mixed Martial Arts]. Besides me there was 3 other guys also with barely no experience, from 1 week to 2/3 months.
Fortunately the warm up wasn't so intense otherwise my jam sandwich would have come out!
We learnt 3 variations of projections to the floor [grabbing the neck] and submission.
In the last 10+10min we put those and other techniques into practice with different opponents. I was surprised, and Johnny too, with the fact that I submitted the first one twice, firstly passing his guard with my elbows and go to his side to finish him with a choke, and the second I manage to get him into a triangle :)) With the second guy I caught him with a choke too, then he did the same to me.
Result: I'll be back there next Tuesday evening :]
PS: Most of this stuff is obviously only understandable by one person, you JP aka Roidas!
Thursday, July 24
INTRODUCTION TO DANISH FOOD
Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs)
500g minced veal
500g minced pork
1½ tbsp chopped onion
Bread crumbs or rolled oats
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
100 ml sparkling water or milk
1. In a bowl divide the meat into four parts and add the bread crumbs or rolled oats. Pour the other ingredients into the bowl and mix well by hand or with handmixer for about 3 minutes. Let the mix rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes but preferably for a couple of hours.
2. Heat margarine or butter in a frying pan. Use a tablespoon to shape the meatballs. Dip the spoon in the hot margarine and shape the meatballs to a nice round shape about the size of the spoon. Set the meatball directly into the pan. Lower heat when the pan is full. Briefly raise the heat when you turn the meatballs. Cook the meatballs 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Serve with potatoes and gravy or with cold potato salad.
This is the dish I helped to grill last weekend at Clare's place in a family reunion dinner [I was the 'adopted' son! lol]... :)
500g minced veal
500g minced pork
1½ tbsp chopped onion
Bread crumbs or rolled oats
1 egg
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
100 ml sparkling water or milk
1. In a bowl divide the meat into four parts and add the bread crumbs or rolled oats. Pour the other ingredients into the bowl and mix well by hand or with handmixer for about 3 minutes. Let the mix rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes but preferably for a couple of hours.
2. Heat margarine or butter in a frying pan. Use a tablespoon to shape the meatballs. Dip the spoon in the hot margarine and shape the meatballs to a nice round shape about the size of the spoon. Set the meatball directly into the pan. Lower heat when the pan is full. Briefly raise the heat when you turn the meatballs. Cook the meatballs 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Serve with potatoes and gravy or with cold potato salad.
This is the dish I helped to grill last weekend at Clare's place in a family reunion dinner [I was the 'adopted' son! lol]... :)
Wednesday, July 23
Bad weather = No travelling :[
As you probably read before I was planning to go on a small road trip to Queenstown, Mt Cook, Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers...
Unfortunately the weather does not allow to fully enjoy this gorgeous trip and therefore it has been postponed.
No travelling means more time to work on my project for HQ...
Unfortunately the weather does not allow to fully enjoy this gorgeous trip and therefore it has been postponed.
No travelling means more time to work on my project for HQ...
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu [BJJ] vs Grappling
I found an Academy here in Dunedin where I can go back and star again BJJ. Unfortunately I will need to buy a Gi [outfit] for the classes, that I won't be able to take back due to baggage strict weight/size limits. So, I would throw away a 6weeks used $100 Gi! Doesn't make much sense does it?!
So, I went to speak to Johnny (BJJ black belt), my future trainer, if he could lend me a Gi for the time I am training [about 5/6 weeks]. Since it was not possible, I left a suggestion to the girl in the front desk (forgot her name!): "Why not have 1/2 spare Gi's for prospective students or eventualities such as mine?", which she actually liked and was going to mention that to the boss.
Thus, too expensive for BJJ so me and Johnny got to an agreement: Grappling instead of BJJ. I start tomorrow...
If I stop writing for a long time it means someone broke my arm(s)/leg(s) before I tapped out :/
I only needed to get shorts or fitness/gym trousers. The girl suggested me a cheap place: the Warehouse, I guess the name says it all :)
I got not one but 2 pair of shorts for... try guessing?! Nope, much lower... Even more... Not enough... $2.47 for both!! Don't you love bargain sales :)
PS: 1 GBPound=2.5 $NZ, or 1 Eur=2 $NZ
And yes, they look very cheap :]
So, I went to speak to Johnny (BJJ black belt), my future trainer, if he could lend me a Gi for the time I am training [about 5/6 weeks]. Since it was not possible, I left a suggestion to the girl in the front desk (forgot her name!): "Why not have 1/2 spare Gi's for prospective students or eventualities such as mine?", which she actually liked and was going to mention that to the boss.
Thus, too expensive for BJJ so me and Johnny got to an agreement: Grappling instead of BJJ. I start tomorrow...
If I stop writing for a long time it means someone broke my arm(s)/leg(s) before I tapped out :/
I only needed to get shorts or fitness/gym trousers. The girl suggested me a cheap place: the Warehouse, I guess the name says it all :)
I got not one but 2 pair of shorts for... try guessing?! Nope, much lower... Even more... Not enough... $2.47 for both!! Don't you love bargain sales :)
PS: 1 GBPound=2.5 $NZ, or 1 Eur=2 $NZ
And yes, they look very cheap :]
Damn... That was close!
Today I woke up late, very late! It was 8h30 and I only left home almost 1h after...
Why?
Because I was going to work at the Univ Otago Library and I watched a film until almost 1am last night.
As I was riding the bike down High St, where I normally go faster than cars, I got seriously scared and got my heart pumping like crazy!!...
Why?
Today's weather is real Winter weather, lots of rain, cold and wind [2nd time in 3 weeks]. This means you have to go slower and be more careful with the slippery tarmac. And I was! But not enough! About half way down High St in one of the intersections I see a car [normal], he was coming up while I was going down [normal]. But suddenly... Ah! First I need to mention that my hands freeze and my face too besides getting cover in tears from the cold [normal].
Ok, I was creating some suspense :P
Basically, as I cross the intersection (quite fast) [normal] I get blown away from left to right, simply placing me on the opposite lane in front of the car coming up the hill and rapidly taking an evasive sharp turn left barely miss it! Lucky me [normal :P]. Should I remind the Continental Europeans, Asians (except HK and JP) and Americans that Kiwis drive on the opposite side of the road.
PS: I'm taking a ride to work tomorrow :)
Why?
Because I was going to work at the Univ Otago Library and I watched a film until almost 1am last night.
As I was riding the bike down High St, where I normally go faster than cars, I got seriously scared and got my heart pumping like crazy!!...
Why?
Today's weather is real Winter weather, lots of rain, cold and wind [2nd time in 3 weeks]. This means you have to go slower and be more careful with the slippery tarmac. And I was! But not enough! About half way down High St in one of the intersections I see a car [normal], he was coming up while I was going down [normal]. But suddenly... Ah! First I need to mention that my hands freeze and my face too besides getting cover in tears from the cold [normal].
Ok, I was creating some suspense :P
Basically, as I cross the intersection (quite fast) [normal] I get blown away from left to right, simply placing me on the opposite lane in front of the car coming up the hill and rapidly taking an evasive sharp turn left barely miss it! Lucky me [normal :P]. Should I remind the Continental Europeans, Asians (except HK and JP) and Americans that Kiwis drive on the opposite side of the road.
PS: I'm taking a ride to work tomorrow :)
Sunday, July 20
Otago Peninsula
The weather wasn't great but it was warm, not windy and no rain.. that's more than enough :)I had 5h of fantastic sceneries and a few meters from lovely animals, from Royal Albatroz to Hooker Sealions, or Yellow-eyed Penguins to NZ Seals. Unfortunately for you, if you'd like to see them you really have to come down here :P
Saturday, July 19
Sightseeing
I didn't make it today to Mt Cook as I wanted, there was no coach service :(
So, as the day was quite bad [a bit of rain and fog], I just walked around the city centre from 7.30am [yes I woke up @6.15am to be on time for the coach!!], to 2pm.
I was mainly looking to find something unusual for souvenir gifts or for myself, baring in mind my baggage weight and size restrictions.
In the end, I bought myself a hand crafted pair of sleepers, actually they are called "Toasties" made from Sheep [obvious] and leather. They look more like big pair of socks, very warm and comfortable, even the dog likes them as it keeps wanting to bite my feet! lol
As for sightseeing, me and Rong decided to book a trip to Dunedin's peninsula tomorrow, 5h of eco-tourism. I just hope for sun tomorrow...
Regarding Mt Cook, we are planning to take Friday, next weekend and Monday off and drive ourselves to Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, probably Queenstown and Mt Cook, and with a bit of luck I might even go to Milford Sound... Quite a lot for such a short time though! I might have to go again or expand the travelling days :]
All the above places mentioned are simply ...ehhhh... UNBELIEVABLY GORGEOUS :))
I'll post some pics just to leave you all watering from your mouths EHEHEH :P
I was mainly looking to find something unusual for souvenir gifts or for myself, baring in mind my baggage weight and size restrictions.
In the end, I bought myself a hand crafted pair of sleepers, actually they are called "Toasties" made from Sheep [obvious] and leather. They look more like big pair of socks, very warm and comfortable, even the dog likes them as it keeps wanting to bite my feet! lolAs for sightseeing, me and Rong decided to book a trip to Dunedin's peninsula tomorrow, 5h of eco-tourism. I just hope for sun tomorrow...
Regarding Mt Cook, we are planning to take Friday, next weekend and Monday off and drive ourselves to Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, probably Queenstown and Mt Cook, and with a bit of luck I might even go to Milford Sound... Quite a lot for such a short time though! I might have to go again or expand the travelling days :]
All the above places mentioned are simply ...ehhhh... UNBELIEVABLY GORGEOUS :))
I'll post some pics just to leave you all watering from your mouths EHEHEH :P
Tuesday, July 15
Dunedin South Rotary
Tomorrow be present, on the 30th present..
...and who knows get famous around here! lol
...and who knows get famous around here! lolMonday, July 14
History repeting: gas chamber part 2!!!
No, don't worry.. This time I was not about to blow away with the house like in Coventry a couple of months ago (thanks to Dounia :P)...
Last evening I was watching some "CSI type" series on tele, when I realised I was getting a bit of headache. I thought it was coming from the A/C so I didn't mind.
But a bit later my extra sensitive/accurate nose [especially after that incident in CV3] warned me of the smell... It was gas!!
I went to do some tea and noticed the stove was on, even though it was just a tiny bit and it wouldn't be a problem. Well, maybe if it'd have stayed all night long...
Nevertheless when I went to my room I was with the impression I was smelling it everywhere. I guess it was mainly due to the traumatic experience, I opened the windows from my bedroom even though it was freezing outside!
Always good to know I can rely on my senses :)
Last evening I was watching some "CSI type" series on tele, when I realised I was getting a bit of headache. I thought it was coming from the A/C so I didn't mind.
But a bit later my extra sensitive/accurate nose [especially after that incident in CV3] warned me of the smell... It was gas!!
I went to do some tea and noticed the stove was on, even though it was just a tiny bit and it wouldn't be a problem. Well, maybe if it'd have stayed all night long...
Nevertheless when I went to my room I was with the impression I was smelling it everywhere. I guess it was mainly due to the traumatic experience, I opened the windows from my bedroom even though it was freezing outside!
Always good to know I can rely on my senses :)
A lazy Sunday
Yesterday I was thinking riding 35Km to go to Mte Cargill and take some awesome pics of the peninsula, but in the end I felt lazyness overtaking me and decided to explore a bit more of the city centre and go for a coffee with Rong...
Animals & Co
As you probably don't know, I live with a family who has a dog. This weekend we had a hyperactive puppy too. She tried bite my feet and hands, lick my toes, jump and play around we me.. We even enter a fight to see who'd keep the duck to play!
The other day, I was about to jump into my morning shower when suddenly I notice someone got there before I did and was willing to have a shower with me! I found a lovely and friendly fat spider... Even though here is not like in Australia, you can still find one or two from time to time.Botanical Garden
It was nice place, but I am guessing it is simply amazing during the spring, summer...
I went there Saturday morning with Rong just walking around and enjoying the view.
I manage to take one of my best pics ever, also due to having my new digital camera with me..
I manage to take one of my best pics ever, also due to having my new digital camera with me..
Friday, July 11
Carisbrook
Tomorrow, tomorrow is another day... and it's weekend.
So, I guess I'll be going with Rong [Chinese] to the Botanic Garden in the morning and later in the afternoon... EHEHEHEH!!.. a 'free' entrance to the rugby game between the All Blacks and Springboks [South Africa].. la la la :P
So, I guess I'll be going with Rong [Chinese] to the Botanic Garden in the morning and later in the afternoon... EHEHEHEH!!.. a 'free' entrance to the rugby game between the All Blacks and Springboks [South Africa].. la la la :P
Tour de France
For the past 3 days my mean of transportation has been a bike I borrowed.
Normally it would be easy to adapt to it and to the city itself. In the case of Dunedin not really!You see, i live on the top of one of many hills surrounding the city, and every time I want to go to work or the city centre I will have to go up and down, up and down, up and.. To make matters worse, things here are a bit like in US or AU, pretty far! Moreover when I haven't been doing any sports for the past six months...
To have an idea, it took me 45min to go from work to the Univ main library [close to the city centre], and it takes me 40min to return home from there, and 30min from work home! On the other hand, I take less than 10min to get to work and less than 15min from home to the library.. Why? Because it's mainly downhill :)
Some of you might think I am overreacting with this steep hills and that I am not fit enough to go up the hills... I can argue saying that you are slightly right as the times I mention already show a 5min decrease from the 1st attempts. But, imagine going up for over 1km nonstop in a VERY steep hill.. Still hard to believe? Then check the pic below.. and for your information Dunedin is the remaining of a Volcano which split in half, and the steepest street in the world is in... Baldwin St, Dunedin, NZ
It's been a week already!
Time does fly! I guess it must be because I am enjoying both New Zealand and the project I am developing.
Nothing really special happened during the week, just work, and yesterday afternoon and today all day I spent it in the University of Otago's library making use of their resources even though I cannot use internet there! :(
I tried today speaking with a responsible, and she told me she normally doesn't allow anything but she'll allow me to bring some books home. I just need to wait for the card until next week.
Meanwhile, I can use it at home and at work, and eventually I will convince a kiwi student to be generous and log me in [not that i want to steal his password but perhaps he/she won't mind if I set it automatically LOL]
Nothing really special happened during the week, just work, and yesterday afternoon and today all day I spent it in the University of Otago's library making use of their resources even though I cannot use internet there! :(
I tried today speaking with a responsible, and she told me she normally doesn't allow anything but she'll allow me to bring some books home. I just need to wait for the card until next week.
Meanwhile, I can use it at home and at work, and eventually I will convince a kiwi student to be generous and log me in [not that i want to steal his password but perhaps he/she won't mind if I set it automatically LOL]
Tuesday, July 8
Career developments: Paris in September :)
I finally got the confirmation from Paris, and it seems like I'll be starting off this late September.
That will mean that the plan of having 15days in the Slovak Tatras is most likely to be put aside..
Anyway I am surely attending this years' UMissouri-StLouis Annual Meeting in Kosice, Slovakia, probably the biggest ever :)
Btw, Rado, hope you enjoyed the 3weeks trip to Portugal, see you in Kosice.
In conclusion, I will work within the BNP2S for the next 30~36 months after September, mostly in Paris, but perhaps also in Luxembourg or Madrid :)
That will mean that the plan of having 15days in the Slovak Tatras is most likely to be put aside..
Anyway I am surely attending this years' UMissouri-StLouis Annual Meeting in Kosice, Slovakia, probably the biggest ever :)
Btw, Rado, hope you enjoyed the 3weeks trip to Portugal, see you in Kosice.
In conclusion, I will work within the BNP2S for the next 30~36 months after September, mostly in Paris, but perhaps also in Luxembourg or Madrid :)
Ross Creek hike and HQ
Last Sunday I went for a long walk with Clare and her husband around the many hills and great tracks/trails surrounding Dunedin, over 2h long.. Lots of unusual vegetation and birds you don't find anywhere else in the world :P
Yesterday, I started my project here at HeadQuarters Group, met most of the staff and went for a tour around the company's salons, warehouses and Academy. Lots of friendly people and a really nice place to work. I had also a briefing with Jo [CEO] and Sid [responsible for the Finances], and besides the upgrade of the reports used i suggested to be part of the preparation of the business plan for 2008~10 :)
My working hours are very flexible, even though I started at 9.15am and finished around 6pm yesterday. Today I arrived at 8.45am.. so I could get a lift from home.Since I got a borrowed bike I just need to get a locker to start coming by bicycle, as I live 20min walk both from work and the Octagon [no Joao, that's not what you think, it's the city centre roundabout]. I live in Mornington just behind the belt [it's a line of trees that surrouds the city centre] on the top of one of the hills, meaning that cycling around here will bring my fitness back pretty fast..
Pic 2: Clare and her husband, Berry [if I am not mistaken]
Saturday, July 5
Finally in Kiwiland :)
Yes, I finally arrived yesterday to Dunedin in NZ.First impression: it's damn freezing!! brrrrrrr... Today snow and rain, lot's of rain! It's Winter here: 0 degrees as I type..
The city is quite small but nice, the centre is actually bigger than Coventry's :P
In the morning I went to see a Auto show of old cars.
The whole afternoon was spent walking and exploring the city centre.
I realised that the city is pretty empty even though the snow/rain, because the 2nd semester commences this Monday, and this is another University city. I found a couple of nice buildings, such as the University's and the most photographed monument in New Zealand, the Train Station [the weather didn't help much, it's nicer than it looks, Univ too].
Pic 1: Ford GT 40 :)
Pic 2: Me having a cappuccino in front of the University's old bld.
Pic 3: University of Otago - Library
Pic 4: Dunedin - Train Station
Pic 5: A delicious New Zealand dinner :] [not mentioning the dessert :P]
The city is quite small but nice, the centre is actually bigger than Coventry's :P
In the morning I went to see a Auto show of old cars.
The whole afternoon was spent walking and exploring the city centre.
I realised that the city is pretty empty even though the snow/rain, because the 2nd semester commences this Monday, and this is another University city. I found a couple of nice buildings, such as the University's and the most photographed monument in New Zealand, the Train Station [the weather didn't help much, it's nicer than it looks, Univ too].
Pic 1: Ford GT 40 :)
Pic 2: Me having a cappuccino in front of the University's old bld.
Pic 3: University of Otago - Library
Pic 4: Dunedin - Train Station
Pic 5: A delicious New Zealand dinner :] [not mentioning the dessert :P]
Sydney by night
Introducing Bridget, an Aussie...She's a friend I met last Summer in Lake Bled [one of the most beautiful places I ever visited] in Slovenia.
She was too busy with her project and moving out to her new place [even closer to the beach..] to show me around Sydney. Her research project is based on getting some lab rats drunk! LOL
So, at night... it was our turn (after a delicious Thai dinner)...
Sydney, days 1 & 2
Pic 1: They call this winter here, clear sunny sky and 20 degrees.. As soon as I got to the airport on my way to NZ it started raining cats&dogs! :P
Pic 2: Can someone explain me the need for having that pool there?! A 2h straw between Coogee Beach and Bondi Beach.
Pic 3: When I die I want a view like this from 'home' :)
Pic 4: Sydney, view from the harbour
Pic 5: View over Sydney's downtown [walking around with Max, an American]
Pic 6: Opera House by night
Comment: Simply fantastic, this city reminded me San Francisco [best city in US], but it was even better..
New toy..
Some of you probably noticed that some of the pics went WIDE.
Others noticed perhaps that the quality is much better [except those pics that are compressed, like the previous post].
Well, I didn't resist when i was in MongKok electronic market, a paradise for any gadget lover..
I bought myself a new digital camera, the previous Sony P9 is quite old and the quality of the pics is definitely not the best, especially after so many tumbles [only has half of the screws now]. I found a small 3-floor shopping only dedicated to mobiles!!!
I got a Panasonic Lumix TZ-15 [TZ-5 in Europe/US], the evolution of the award winning TZ-3.
It comes with 10x Leica optical zoom, wide [16:9] pics, 9.1Mpixels, besides the 4Gb SD-HD card, a mini tripod, a leather case, an extra battery.
I wanted a camera with great quality pics but not big enough to fit in my pocket, and I can tell you this was the right choice :D
Here's an example: [guess where it was taken? :P]
Well, I didn't resist when i was in MongKok electronic market, a paradise for any gadget lover..
I bought myself a new digital camera, the previous Sony P9 is quite old and the quality of the pics is definitely not the best, especially after so many tumbles [only has half of the screws now]. I found a small 3-floor shopping only dedicated to mobiles!!!
I got a Panasonic Lumix TZ-15 [TZ-5 in Europe/US], the evolution of the award winning TZ-3.
It comes with 10x Leica optical zoom, wide [16:9] pics, 9.1Mpixels, besides the 4Gb SD-HD card, a mini tripod, a leather case, an extra battery.
I wanted a camera with great quality pics but not big enough to fit in my pocket, and I can tell you this was the right choice :D
Here's an example: [guess where it was taken? :P]
HK days 3 & 4
Pic 1: Victoria's Peak [overview over HK with my Chinese friend Mr McDull]
Pic 2: MongKok market [I committed a sin there and bought myself a new toy]
Pic 3: Dinner with Alex, my Chinese flatmate from UK.. nhamm [btw, see those 'tea' glasses next to the beer bottle? Those are not for drinking but to wash the cutlery!! Yes.. exactly what you are thinking - even Chinese do that]
Pic 4: HK Metro, one of the most efficient in the world. So huge I couldn't see neither the beginning nor the end of it!!
Pic 5: Chinese harassment.. Not us to them, but them to us!
Pic 6: Exploited immigrants complaining about sub-human treatment by Chinese employers [mainly Philippines, Indonesians maids]. Again, I couldn't see the beginning nor the end!
Friday, July 4
in New Zealand...
After a great time both in HK and Sydney, I arrived to NZ in the afternoon and I am currently in Dunedin in a very nice friendly house :)
News and pics from previous days to be posted in the next days..
News and pics from previous days to be posted in the next days..
Sunday, June 29
Hong Kong - Day 2
Pic 1: HK Bay
Pic 2: Psychedelic HK
Pic 3: I counted at least 15.. [low manpower cost]
Pic 4: The one and only.. Bruce Lee [a bit bigger though :P]
Tonight's programme: Spain vs Germany
Saturday, June 28
Hong Kong - Day 1
I saw, one fat chinese, one black guy, two indians, one tall chinese and I almost got myself killed many times by umbrellas!!
Why? because it's raining like hell and chinese are much lower than me...
Picture 1[from top right]: the structure used in constructions and bld recoveries! No metal stuff [whatever the name is...].
Picture 2: Me reading the newspaper
Picture 3: Rui my portuguese mate who lives in busy city..
Picture 4: Main attraction, shoppings and more shoppings..
Paris' Interview
It went rather well, and now I just need to wait and see.The 1st of the 3 interviews, was totally unexpected! I was on my way home after Eiffel Tower when I get a phone call from a manager to show up in his office promptly even though I was wearing a t-shirt, all sweaty from the hot weather and Metro's 'sauna',... worse, unshaven!
It was fortunately a nice friendly manager and we had an informal conversation. Next day I had 2 more, one with the HR division and the other with the managers I am supposed to work with.
Here's some pics of my days in Paris. I need to wait longer to some more from Diana, a friend that was there on vacations.
And in the lower pic on the right, the place I want to work [look beyond the evidence]!
Monday, June 23
Paris, je t'aime...
AHHHH.. This is something, another world apart from CV1 [if you could ever compare].
I was surprised to realise I like Paris more than the first time 2years ago..
I arrived in the afternoon, came to drop my bag at Marina's place, even though she's enjoying Barcelona right now... and I am loving Paris.
I walked a LOT, the main strawl was going from Notre Dame to Arc de Triomphe, about 4.5~5Km..
Tomorrow, Tour Eifel, La Defense, Pompidou and Montmartre... more croissants and so on and so forth :P
[pics available soon]
I was surprised to realise I like Paris more than the first time 2years ago..
I arrived in the afternoon, came to drop my bag at Marina's place, even though she's enjoying Barcelona right now... and I am loving Paris.
I walked a LOT, the main strawl was going from Notre Dame to Arc de Triomphe, about 4.5~5Km..
Tomorrow, Tour Eifel, La Defense, Pompidou and Montmartre... more croissants and so on and so forth :P
[pics available soon]
Sunday, June 22
PORTUGAL vs POLAND
Today, in a kitchen close to us... :P
Portuguese Team: Luis and Bruno
Dish: Bacalhau com Natas [Codfish with cream sauce]
Polish Team: Agnieszka and Karolina
Dish: Unknown! main dish and a Polish cake [secret weapon]
Jury: Mathiew [France] and Shufen [China]
Comment: I'm sorry ladies but you don't stand a chance..
Portuguese Team: Luis and Bruno
Dish: Bacalhau com Natas [Codfish with cream sauce]
Polish Team: Agnieszka and Karolina
Dish: Unknown! main dish and a Polish cake [secret weapon]
Jury: Mathiew [France] and Shufen [China]
Comment: I'm sorry ladies but you don't stand a chance..
On the headlines of Coventry Telegraph!! LOL
Just click on the title for the link to read it online..
The bastards didn't even write properly my name, it's Luis VIEIRA! ehehehehh
But the worst is the fact that we was NEVER told about this, as Yemi pointed out: "What if we were trying to keep it in secrecy"!!!
I should SUE the newspaper :D
The bastards didn't even write properly my name, it's Luis VIEIRA! ehehehehh
But the worst is the fact that we was NEVER told about this, as Yemi pointed out: "What if we were trying to keep it in secrecy"!!!
I should SUE the newspaper :D
Saturday, June 21
"I am a dick/cunt"
I am definitely not use to this kind of vocabulary in a workplace! Even though everyone is pretty much informal and very friendly, I was shocked when I heard a co-worker [female] in the Coventry University International Office saying such things.
For those that do not know, I was working in the International Office this week help reaching out rpospective students, in my case from Middle East.
So, going back to our story, she left her car keys inside the car [!] and had to get a cab, go home to get the spare keys and return to pick up the car the previous day. In the end she concluded with a smile: "Yes, I am a dick!" Errhhh.. no comments!
Another example, a co-worker of my gf thought it would be a good way to relax his boss, who was about to give an important presentation, making a "funny" comment on her introductory lines: "Hi, my name is R...l and I am a cunt." Errhhh.. no comments again!
Is it me, or this sounds weird to you too? Am I old fashion? Or getting so old?
For those that do not know, I was working in the International Office this week help reaching out rpospective students, in my case from Middle East.
So, going back to our story, she left her car keys inside the car [!] and had to get a cab, go home to get the spare keys and return to pick up the car the previous day. In the end she concluded with a smile: "Yes, I am a dick!" Errhhh.. no comments!
Another example, a co-worker of my gf thought it would be a good way to relax his boss, who was about to give an important presentation, making a "funny" comment on her introductory lines: "Hi, my name is R...l and I am a cunt." Errhhh.. no comments again!
Is it me, or this sounds weird to you too? Am I old fashion? Or getting so old?
A REAL crazy party at last: "Ce soir on va tiser"
After almost a year spent in Coventry and when I am just about to leave, I had a fantastic time last night at Robin's place. Robin was my French professor for the past 3 weeks, and to celebrate the end of our classes, make use of our French vocabulary he threw a BBQ party which lasted until 5am [not mentioning Nana's (Japan) chicken which is still in the grill after Robin's attempt to restart the BBQ at 3am under the rain! She's gonna have fresh cold chicken with BBQ taste for breakfast.. AHAHAHH] :)
I have to confess I haven't had a party like this in a loooong time... like those from Portugal, Spain, Italy, USA, France (Poitiers)... I got used to have. It was a proper International Barbecue party of Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci students..
There weren't that many pics taken as everyone was more concerned getting fired up on alcohol and enjoy. Here's one taken by Kat, one of the "Bicycle Trio Gang" [Kat (Polska), Alessandra (Italia) and Mao Yamagushi (Japan)].
There weren't that many pics taken as everyone was more concerned getting fired up on alcohol and enjoy. Here's one taken by Kat, one of the "Bicycle Trio Gang" [Kat (Polska), Alessandra (Italia) and Mao Yamagushi (Japan)].
Wednesday, June 18
Ahh... Breath in.. breath out!
Yeah I know it resembles those jokes about blondes... eheheh
No, I finally have all arranged to get my ass in NZ considering the Paris interview next week.
The stopover in Hong Kong and Sydney suffered a bit but the worst was my wallet.. 370 lovely pounds!
So, here's the busy flight schedule:
Birmingham >> Paris >> B'ham [23rd~26th Jun]
London >> Hong Kong [27th Jun~1st Jul]
HK >> Sydney [2nd~4th Jul]
Sydney >> Christchurch [4th Jul~2nd Sep]
Christchurch >> London [3rd~4th Sep]
Then... Hopefully leave some stuff in Paris and go to the Slovak Tatras and Kosice for 2/3weeks, returning only after the biggest UMSL [Univ Missouri-St Louis] reunion so far [Paris 2006, Dublin 2007].
A few [very few :P] might be a bit jealous but let me remind you I am going to work, even though I might have a small break here and there :D
No, I finally have all arranged to get my ass in NZ considering the Paris interview next week.
The stopover in Hong Kong and Sydney suffered a bit but the worst was my wallet.. 370 lovely pounds!
So, here's the busy flight schedule:
Birmingham >> Paris >> B'ham [23rd~26th Jun]
London >> Hong Kong [27th Jun~1st Jul]
HK >> Sydney [2nd~4th Jul]
Sydney >> Christchurch [4th Jul~2nd Sep]
Christchurch >> London [3rd~4th Sep]
Then... Hopefully leave some stuff in Paris and go to the Slovak Tatras and Kosice for 2/3weeks, returning only after the biggest UMSL [Univ Missouri-St Louis] reunion so far [Paris 2006, Dublin 2007].
A few [very few :P] might be a bit jealous but let me remind you I am going to work, even though I might have a small break here and there :D
Tuesday, June 17
PARIS, j'arrive...
Finally my confirmation arrived.
Paris, La Defense, next 25th June...
This means I have to delay my flight to Hong Kong and probably stay a couple of days less there, otherwise if I change all the flights I think I would have to pay a little fortune.
Anyway, I am about to find it out tonight...
Paris, La Defense, next 25th June...
This means I have to delay my flight to Hong Kong and probably stay a couple of days less there, otherwise if I change all the flights I think I would have to pay a little fortune.
Anyway, I am about to find it out tonight...
Saturday, June 14
Meal of the day: Fresh worm with stag steak sauce
AH! After 2 annoying days having to seek for virus, worms and trojan horses, I finally have my 'bixo' [laptop] fully operational and optimised.
This Vundo bastard was particularly hard to eradicate even though I had it surrounded, if it moved it would die, but it kept coming again and again.
A learnt lesson, that I knew before though! Don't just open stuff sent to you even from friends without a quick scan, especially from Messenger.
In the end I got my laptop much faster since I had THOUSANDS of useless registry entries, broken links, and so on...
I changed my anti-virus, no more McAfee, time for AVG Anti-virus, Spyware Terminator, ZoneAlarm Firewall [all free] and much better, at least for me. As support I will also use RegCure, Malwarebytes, and Spybot S&D.
I also updated most of my software, and more important, ALL my passwords were changed! This was a strenuous and boring task, but I had to do it since private info might have been sent out from my laptop!
I'm back :)
This Vundo bastard was particularly hard to eradicate even though I had it surrounded, if it moved it would die, but it kept coming again and again.
A learnt lesson, that I knew before though! Don't just open stuff sent to you even from friends without a quick scan, especially from Messenger.
In the end I got my laptop much faster since I had THOUSANDS of useless registry entries, broken links, and so on...
I changed my anti-virus, no more McAfee, time for AVG Anti-virus, Spyware Terminator, ZoneAlarm Firewall [all free] and much better, at least for me. As support I will also use RegCure, Malwarebytes, and Spybot S&D.
I also updated most of my software, and more important, ALL my passwords were changed! This was a strenuous and boring task, but I had to do it since private info might have been sent out from my laptop!
I'm back :)
Wednesday, June 11
Search & Destroy (On Safe Mode)!
I have spent at least 5h trying to get rid of my latest infection, not me though... but my 'bixo' aka laptop.
Yesterday I realised 1sec too late my huge mistake when allowing to open a "picture" I got through messenger from Jana [Slovakia], I was busy doing something else and didn't think properly!
Now, I can only run XP on Safe Mode as the normal does not allow me to use internet, and all programs are getting severely affected!
So, I spent most of the time trying to figure out the name of the BEAST, Win32.SpyBot_Worm.G, and his friends he brought along, mainly the Trojan.MetaJuan. Besides that, I am currently cleaning my XP Registries so I can chase down those bastards and erase them. First I had to get the correct software, Spybot S&D, FixWareOut, and HiJackThis being the main ones.
Max Registry Cleaner also found 3953 fake, old, empty, useless, bad, malicious, whatever 'not good' registry entries that will be deleted as soon as BitComet finishes his 'service'.
Wish me luck, or I'll be spending all night around this crap!
Yesterday I realised 1sec too late my huge mistake when allowing to open a "picture" I got through messenger from Jana [Slovakia], I was busy doing something else and didn't think properly!
Now, I can only run XP on Safe Mode as the normal does not allow me to use internet, and all programs are getting severely affected!
So, I spent most of the time trying to figure out the name of the BEAST, Win32.SpyBot_Worm.G, and his friends he brought along, mainly the Trojan.MetaJuan. Besides that, I am currently cleaning my XP Registries so I can chase down those bastards and erase them. First I had to get the correct software, Spybot S&D, FixWareOut, and HiJackThis being the main ones.
Max Registry Cleaner also found 3953 fake, old, empty, useless, bad, malicious, whatever 'not good' registry entries that will be deleted as soon as BitComet finishes his 'service'.
Wish me luck, or I'll be spending all night around this crap!
Tuesday, June 10
Combien de temps dois-je attendre plus? Je ne peux pas attendre pour arriver à Paris...
J'ai donc une semaine et demi.. Répondez vite s’il vous plaît!
Pour savoir plus de détails attendre un peu trop.
Pour savoir plus de détails attendre un peu trop.
Monday, June 9
Quantas Airlines it is..
After a long struggle searching for flights in at least 20~30 websites and flight search engines.. I did it.
What a crap!
I wasn't able to get the flight I wished: LGW-DXB-HKG-BKK-SYD-CHC-LGW [airport codes] as the price simply became ridiculously expensive >8K pounds!!!. All because I had to wait almost a week for an int'l money transfer.
Instead I only managed to get for the same price as a direct return flight LON-CHC the following: LHR-HKG-SYD-CHC-LHR.
Basically the same as I wanted without a 3day stop in Dubai to see my good friend Deepak and meet his wife, nor the 15h pit stop for a Thai massage in Bangkok.. Bummer! :(
I'll be flying on the 23th June and arriving to NZ on the 4th July, leaving NZ 2 months later.
What a crap!
I wasn't able to get the flight I wished: LGW-DXB-HKG-BKK-SYD-CHC-LGW [airport codes] as the price simply became ridiculously expensive >8K pounds!!!. All because I had to wait almost a week for an int'l money transfer.
Instead I only managed to get for the same price as a direct return flight LON-CHC the following: LHR-HKG-SYD-CHC-LHR.
Basically the same as I wanted without a 3day stop in Dubai to see my good friend Deepak and meet his wife, nor the 15h pit stop for a Thai massage in Bangkok.. Bummer! :(
I'll be flying on the 23th June and arriving to NZ on the 4th July, leaving NZ 2 months later.
Sunday, June 8
Landmarks
Population: 4,100,000 Humans; 40,000,000 Sheep; 9,000,000 Cattle.
The place with the longest name:Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu, which means: 'The hilltop, where Tamatea with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his koauau to his beloved'.
They have the world's largest flightless parrot [Kakapo]; the worlds oldest reptile [Tuatara]; the biggest earthworms [lovely and tasty!]; the smallest bats [the only native land mammals]; and the heaviest insect are just a few examples of curiosities from NZ.
They invented bumgee jumping [have to try this :))]
The main symbols are the flightless Kiwi [no need to flight if there are no predators], and the silver fern.
This tree fern is normally found as the nations symbol in sport equipments as the rugby team All Blacks.
The place with the longest name:Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu, which means: 'The hilltop, where Tamatea with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his koauau to his beloved'.
They have the world's largest flightless parrot [Kakapo]; the worlds oldest reptile [Tuatara]; the biggest earthworms [lovely and tasty!]; the smallest bats [the only native land mammals]; and the heaviest insect are just a few examples of curiosities from NZ.
They invented bumgee jumping [have to try this :))]
The main symbols are the flightless Kiwi [no need to flight if there are no predators], and the silver fern.
This tree fern is normally found as the nations symbol in sport equipments as the rugby team All Blacks.
Deadly Hedgehog!!
I found out living in New Zealand [NZ] can be much more dangerous than in Australia [AU].AU has tarantulas, alligators, black mambas and so on and so forth, nothing special right?! Whereas NZ has hedgehogs.
Your first thought might be something like: "They aint dangerous, only if you threaten them", and you'd be actually correct.
What you haven't thought about, that New Zealanders have, you can use if as a weapon!!
One guy last February used one of these lovely creatures as a weapon against a teenager. The result was the death of the cute hedgehog [remains unexplained], several injures to the victims legs and a law suit against the aggressor [that's fair, I suggest lifetime in prison].
Now just imagine how can you make use of these creatures for evil purposes?! Try grab one like the lower pic on the right next time.. hehehehehh
Your first thought might be something like: "They aint dangerous, only if you threaten them", and you'd be actually correct.
What you haven't thought about, that New Zealanders have, you can use if as a weapon!!
One guy last February used one of these lovely creatures as a weapon against a teenager. The result was the death of the cute hedgehog [remains unexplained], several injures to the victims legs and a law suit against the aggressor [that's fair, I suggest lifetime in prison].
Now just imagine how can you make use of these creatures for evil purposes?! Try grab one like the lower pic on the right next time.. hehehehehh
F1 is boring! Devil's Ram Racing is so much better...
Since I have some free time these days I decided to introduce you to some features and curiosities from NZ. Here's the first one.
NZ has probably the biggest concentration of sheep per square km.
This can only mean the landscape is fabulous and green, people are friendly, food is delicious and based on the picture below, they are creative and have humour as well. If you do some quick Google search you'll find out all are correct.
NZ has probably the biggest concentration of sheep per square km.
This can only mean the landscape is fabulous and green, people are friendly, food is delicious and based on the picture below, they are creative and have humour as well. If you do some quick Google search you'll find out all are correct.
Saturday, June 7
Go... Not quite yet!
I'm still in Coventry [UK] and will be for another 2 weeks at least.
For now I am waiting for ca$h, which will allow me to entail in this adventure.
I noticed whilst searching for flights that the difference in price between a direct flight London-Christchurch [return ticket] is not so relevant when compared to a multi-stop flight ticket.
Therefore, I am positive I will be visiting some friends on the way, unfortunately they are too many and some will have to wait for another opportunity.
So, the lucky ones will be Deepak&wife in Dubai, Rui, Alex and Weiwei in HongKong, and Bridget in Sydney. If I had money and time I'd certainly visit many more... it just means I'll have to schedule at least 2 other trips to Asia in the future...
For now I am waiting for ca$h, which will allow me to entail in this adventure.
I noticed whilst searching for flights that the difference in price between a direct flight London-Christchurch [return ticket] is not so relevant when compared to a multi-stop flight ticket.
Therefore, I am positive I will be visiting some friends on the way, unfortunately they are too many and some will have to wait for another opportunity.
So, the lucky ones will be Deepak&wife in Dubai, Rui, Alex and Weiwei in HongKong, and Bridget in Sydney. If I had money and time I'd certainly visit many more... it just means I'll have to schedule at least 2 other trips to Asia in the future...
Set,...
I'll be developing a research project/Internship for HeadQuarters in the Dunedin, South Island. So, don't think it'll be all about fun and travelling... I wish!
This project will be conducted for roughly 2 months and will culminate with a presentation to the top managers of HeadQuarters and a 7000word report to hand in in my University here in UK.
This will substitute the 12000word Dissertation I was suppose to write.
Besides that, I had to adjust my experience and project into a case study for my University too.
With a bit of luck something more as well... We'll see.
This project will be conducted for roughly 2 months and will culminate with a presentation to the top managers of HeadQuarters and a 7000word report to hand in in my University here in UK.
This will substitute the 12000word Dissertation I was suppose to write.
Besides that, I had to adjust my experience and project into a case study for my University too.
With a bit of luck something more as well... We'll see.
Ready,...
Hi everyone,
Some of you already are loyal customers of my blogs. To the others, be aware since I have no problems exposing every bit of my life!... Ok, maybe not entirely everything but the most relevant anyway, whether you like it or not.
Please, don't get scared though.. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it, even though not as much I will! Ehehehehh
PS: For previous adventures check the old gUImaS' Kingdom blog...
Some of you already are loyal customers of my blogs. To the others, be aware since I have no problems exposing every bit of my life!... Ok, maybe not entirely everything but the most relevant anyway, whether you like it or not.
Please, don't get scared though.. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it, even though not as much I will! Ehehehehh
PS: For previous adventures check the old gUImaS' Kingdom blog...
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