The Mutant Cat

Back in October, at the end of it, we went holiday so we sent Only to cattery in Ponsonby. Little did we know that cattery was a DNA testing lab. Secretly mixing animal DNA behind the Vet name. As we got him back home, we were surprised what he has turned into.

Only In the Park

I have been walking my cat for months. It became a usual weekend habit. Only (my cat) when he'll be going- soon as I put the bag out in the room, he'll jump in! Clever cat. Well I think he knows that the bag means fun for him.

Usually I went to the nearest park to home, Western Park but there also time when I feel like hanging out with him in Albert Park. Fair walk from home but along the way he would caught people's attention. Only such a good conversation starter. Sometime in Albert Park he'd swarmed by tourist to take photo with him! Such a self-made celebrity he is.

This week I finally has the "right" time (oh who am I lieing to, I'm lazy all this while) to edit the video. Since I got new MacBook Pro, I got good reason to not doing it. Anyway here's the video of him around Western Park a couple of weeks ago.

Something In the water, DOLPHINS!

I finally got the time to put the video together and has also have the tool- MacBook Pro! LOL. This video was shot around the bay area of Bay of Islands on my day 2 of Labour Weekend. Thanks to GrabOne, I got a very good deals on Explore NZ. 50% discount! Anyway enjoy the clip.

Day 3 of Labour Weekend: Cape Reinga Via 90 Miles Beach Part 2

The time that I wish I had a travel companion is when I had trouble taking self portrait. It’s either my face out of the frame or subject matter gone out of picture. Completely covered by- my big nose! Then a Latino girl came to me, “Excuse me, can you help us with the picture?” she asked.

“Sure” I replied with an ah-ha thought in my head. I snapped twice.

“Can you help me with me mine” I asked. She snapped 3 or 4 with few different background! This is what the Malay said, you give calves but they want thighs. What? Don’t judge me. I don’t come here often. I bet she regretted asking me. Too bad sister.

At about before 1:30pm I went back to the bus. The driver did his usual walk-down-the-aisle-count-the-head. I heard he said two was missing- the two chinese girls sat across me. He went down and searched for the girls.

In my heart, please leave them, please. Teach them a lesson. A hard one so that they know to be on schedule since I learned my lesson few times already. Minutes later I saw him walked alone and started the engine.

YESSSSSS, they miss the bus. It fed the devil in me to be happy for some people’ misfortunes. I could almost the devil in me said, take that bitches. I looked at their seat. Empty. Only jackets sat there. If the weather packing they definitely will be freezing.

For about 8 minutes driving, we stopped at Tapotupotu Bay. I took off my shoes, changed to my shorts and my lunch at the shore while playing the the fine sand in between my toes. The seagulls on my left and behind me were really annoying. The squawk like a shrieking baby in very confine toilet and you in it. Urghh, I felt like slapping them to shut up and give me some much needed peace and quiet.

They actually want my lunch. Go get yourself. Tonnes of fish in the water you lazy bum.

After lunch I wondered off along the beach and guess what I saw. Not seagulls. Not a dugong but the two chinese girls! How on earth did they got there? They don’t show any worry or sad or terrified in their face. They were happy cam-whoring by the beach. When I missed my flight in Sydney I was a mess. And a bitch too.

Then on the bus, on the way to Te Paki Giant Sand Dune, I couldn’t help myself but to ask the girls, “How did you guys got here.”

“Another driver brought us here. Just the two of us”, one of the girls said.

“That’s nice of him”, Translate, you lucky bitch.

Been on the road since morning and just had lunch, I fallen asleep until I heard our bus driver cum tour guide on the speaker above announcing we almost reach the sand dunes and his narration of the local history.

There’s no road on the dunes. the only access is to drive on the Te Paki stream. Shallow river. No rocks just fine sand. Mind you, the stream is also a quick sand. The driver said if he stops on that stream the bus will stuck there. “But don’t worry. I bring 36 shovels with me.” He joked. Us were the shovels!

As I stepped out from the bus, I looked around. On my left were hills with vegetation. to my right were bare sand mountain that look like middle eastern dessert. Not that I’ve been there. Just from film and tv. I’m amazed at how how god created these two different landscape only separated by a not so wide stream. God really has his funny way to make things work.

There were many people climbing up the dunes. Few buses already there. I took my time, s

napping photo here and there and laughing at how people slide down the dunes with boogie board.

From afar, it looks like it was easy to get up to the top but when I set my foot and tried to climb up, god it was bloody hard. My feet buried above the ankle. Our feet were so not meant for the sand. But I didn’t wish to have camel toes (literal and technical!) though.

I finally reach the top after several stops. My heart pounded like a V6 engine and I breathed heavily to pump air into my lungs. It feels like I wasn’t in my prime years anymore but I’m still young. I really need to work on my stamina and do more cardio. The line looked long so I cam-whoring up there. Tonnes of self snap of low angle big nose shots!

Then I realised the people that climbed before me were having their second shots. The driver instructed us to knee on the sand and lay on the board. Hands holding the front of the board and used the foot as a break.

Nervously, I did as per instructed. Oh-my-god, I’m so going to scratch my legs with this sand, I thought. It started slow but soon as it gained momentum it got faster. The drop really feel like in a roller coaster ride. The adrenaline rushed in my tummy. The first I checked at the bottom of the dune- my legs. No scratch. I was just paranoid. The sand was so fine to cause any skin abrasion. My findings made me excited to have a second attempt. Climbed up quickly and push myself down the dunes harder and screamed. Fun. I wanted to have a third one but then I saw some people already heading to the bus. I hate to say this, but i followed the crowd. Clearly I didn’t want to be left behind like the Chinese girls.

Back on the bus I was thinking I wish I could do this all day. Hermm..maybe half day. It was so fun and it was like a sport that everyone can do. The driver continue driving on Te Paki stream until it met Tasman Sea. From there we headed south via 90 miles beach. The story about 90 miles beach, that wasn’t its actual length. Those days, in the 1800s, the traders travelled by ox and bullocks. One day journey was equivalent to 30 miles and it took them three days to cross the beach. Voila, they named it 90 Miles Beach. In actual it was only 64 miles long.

The weather seemed to change to partly cloudy and the sun played peek-a-boo behind them. It changed my mood as well, knowing that we’re heading back to Paihia. Journey almost over. We did a stop on the beach to collect shell fish. I didn’t but the driver cum tourist guide then turned fisherman did caught a few. This man can really wear so many hats.

By the time I reached Paihia, I was so exhausted and a little dizzy. Since middle of this year, my body couldn’t cope with long distance journey anymore. Sign of aging, maybe. Anyway I popped my fourth paracetamol of the day and fast asleep.a

Day 3 of Labour Weekend: Cape Reinga Via 90 Miles Beach Part 1

I set my alarm before I went to bed and I woke up even before it went off. Honest, I hate alarm. I had history of throwing them (clock) on the wall when I was in my teenage years. Annoying to be awaken by a sudden high pitch noise. It ripped my soul out. But as I'm getting older or wiser I should say, my body will automatically turn on at about 6 something. I switched the alarm off before it annoys my other dormmates. Got ready, had breakfast and waited outside.

My bus came right on time at 720 am. The driver made some other stops to pick up more terrorist- tourist I mean.

The first stopover was at the Puketi Kauri Forest . The housed the oldest living Kauri tree in New Zealand (probably in the world too). Some of them were more than 1000 years. None of us were even here. Not even Moari in Aotearoa. Century ago this land was uninhabited. Kiwi birds running free under these Kauri searching food without any worry of predator. If these trees can talk, they could tell a heck of stories and may take hundreds years to be told!

Our driver warned us the temperature in the forest colder than outside. Indeed. Cold like in a fridge. A I came closer to the trees , standing next to its trunk, I realised how small we human on this earth. But a tiny creature like us able to flat a mountain and thin the ozone layer! I read the plaque on the ground, Kauri are the giant of the Pacific. Yes, they are.

I ran to the bus since we only stop for 15 minutes. I don't want to be left behind in this freezing forest. I won't last 4 minutes. I'll die of hypothermia. Thanks to my fatless body! The driver walked down the aisle counting us. I heard him say two missing and someone in the bus pointing the two Chinese tourist cam-whoring at the sign!

We drove another good hour or so further up north abefore stopping at Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Let me tell you about this place- it's a factory with cafe and souvenir shop. But what factory you might ask. Judging by the name you might think they produce by-product of Kauri tree. Well partly true. The tree that they used are the Kauri has been buried in the earth for over 45 000 year! This is not a typo, they have been carbon dated. 45 000 years prior to the unearthing, all those dead Kauri lived for at least 1000 years! It took me awhile for me to digest it, how can this dead trees not rotting or decompose into soil? 45 000 years was a long time. Then I learnt swamp water helped to preserve them.

The Kauri stump turned into furniture, souvenir and some other household products. The price were unimaginable. A 3 seater sofa will cost you a handsome NZD$50,000. If you want a prehistoric thing in you living room.

the centrepiece inside the souvenir shop was a spiral staircase made from a single Kauri stump. Absolutely giant. It took 700 man hours to carve it. I feel like a Smurf when I walked up the steps. Wondered why the owner not building a tree house out of that trunk. Sure it would bring out the child/ Smurf in every of us.

Since there'll be no shop in Cape Reinga and at Te Paki, I bought Tuna sandwich, a cheese scone, yogurt, and hot chocolate and to my surprises they cost me almost 15 bucks. Freaking expensive. I understand this is a tourist spot but 15 dollar for those items were bloody ripped off. Can't complain. I just suck it up else I'll be starving.

We continue the journey driving pass though through vast farmlands, orchards, native bush, through the dark pine forest then hit the seaside town of Houhora. I had the best seat ever- window seat on right aisle . Along the way my view was Pacific ocean. Absolutely stunning.

At About midday we finally arrived Cape Reinga. I can't belief we have been on the road for half a day to reach the tip of North Island. Before we got there, the driver told us this place was very spiritual to the Maori and sacred. It's a holy ground for the departing souls before going to the underworld. He sang something in Maori, a calling to the spirit to join us! Beautifully sang. The melody sound very mystical just like the Javanese chanting. I got goosebump. I could be superstitious at time (I'm a Malay remember). Some moron clapped their hands after he sang it. Idiot.

I took a slow walk to the over-photographed light house. Quite a walk. The vegetation down the gorge were dwarfed. The plaque read, strong wind, the high level of salt made the plant into bonsai size. Oh-no-wonder, I nodded.

Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand, it is here where the Pacific ocean meets the Tasman Sea. Subhanallah, it was amazing. Allah has His way of differentiating the two waters. The Tasman on my left or on the west was almost bluish greenish and the Pacific on my right was almost navy bluish. When these two waters met each other they created waves and swell and you could tell that was the border between them.

I sat there in front of the light house looking at seas in amazement.

Day 2 of Labour Weekend: Something in the Water, Dolphin! Part 2

Later the skipper found the spot where the dolphins were. Seriously I was so nervous. Excited sort of nervous. When I first saw a dolphin from afar I want to jump joy. I can't. I was sitting at the edge of the rail but part of me want to be thrown overboard and be saved by a dolphin.

As we got closer, they weren't many of them. According to the commentary those were teenage Bottlenose dolphins. I know why there weren't many of them. Those dolphins were skipping "school of dolphin". Teenage rebellions. We didn't come too close as the skipper said let them come to us. And they did.

Dolphins were such a curious animal just like cat. Always nosy with new thing coming. I saw one dolphin peeked his head up then float to whole body to the surface and rolled his belly up. Just like Only (my cat) when he is in the affectionate mood. Perhaps the dolphin was in the same mood. I want to rub his belly and tickled him but then again no matter how cute and cuddly and friendly they are, they still a wild animal.

Then we left the spot. Other boat has radioed our skipper there were

sightings of dolphins not far from where we were. This time there was a baby dolphin in the pod. I didn't see it though. One thing that I learn from the commentary, we weren't allow to swim with baby dolphin. Reason number one, the mum might be protective. Reason number two, we human have the same body temperature with dolphin so we don't to confuse the dolphin. Reason number three, baby dolphin suckle its mum every 3 minutes. So I don't want the baby to suck any part of my body thinking I'm its mum!

These school of dolphins were really came close to us. I was lucky enough to be

so quick to get to the bottom front deck since most people climbing up to top deck. Following crowd isn't always good, at least not on this one,. I saw 2 dolphins just inches from the boat. They were huge. Bigger than average human size.

I wonder why people love dolphin. Cute? Gentle? One thing I know, I like the way they swim. Gracefully like a ballerina and very therapeutic. Do you know why most dentist have aquarium? - to calm the patient so that they won't suffer excessive bleeding. Swear to god I'm not kidding. I read it somewhere. Back to the therapeutic effect, yes I do feel calm looking at their antics.

I've taken few minutes of videos but none of the shots reflect the real experience. It's really true what most people said, you have to have to be there to it. My handicam battery almost exhausted yet we have 2 more things to see - Cape Brett's Hole in the Rock and Ohakei Bay.

The sky was so clear, on the top deck I could see as far as the eyes could see. The skipper said in this weather we could see up to 28 nautical miles ahead of us. 52 kilometres! Crazy. From where I stood I could see a volcanic rock formation from the distance. I don't know the name but it looked so familiar from those travel brochures and it was 20 kilometres away! I can't believe I could see that far.

About 20 minutes later we reach the tip of Cape Brett. Rugged rocky shore with a ruin concrete jetty. On top of the hill was a whitewash weatherboard house and hundreds metres further up stood a light house. I saw a guy walking out of the house, topless. Apparently, you rent a bed there for NZD$15 per night. Imagine waking up in that view and just stone throw away to the Hole in the Rock.

The boat sail through the hole. Huge tunnel. The water pretty rough in that hole, made the boat a bit wobbly. We circled the rock to find nature's natural sculpture of a lady face. The Maori belief she is the guardian of the Bay of Islands.

The journey just got better when we did stopover at Urupukapuka Island. I found my paradise there. Well manicured green grass until the edge of the shore and a little stream running at one end of the beach. Across the stream the land was gated and in the middle of it was a bright red shed housing the farming I supposed since there were sheep behind the building. Picture perfect but it's a shame we stopped there less than an hour. Love to come back and stay few night on that island.

On the way back to Paihia, I told myself how lucky I was this time, blessed with a very good weather which is very rare to happen during Labour weekend while looking out at the horizon and thought, if I were to die tomorrow, I'll die a happy man. I've seen such a beautiful place and magnificent animal in my life.

Once I was back at the hostel ,I dozed off. Recharging myself.

Day 2 of Labour Weekend: Something in the Water, Dolphin! Part 1

Woke up early this morning. My body is accustomed to normal working-day hours. I needed no alarm. My eyes will pop wide open with fresh head. Well not so- someone in the dorm snored. Really loud. I can't even hear my dream! But somehow I managed to get back to sleep. Perhaps I was so tired from the bus ride.

It took me awhile to get up. I was just lying idle staring at the ceiling when I started to see light behind the curtain. I went off to shower. Some other people grunted when I tried to open my bag getting my stuff. You know one of those time when you tried to be as quiet as possible but it still loud. I tried to hold my breath and search slowly- it didn't work. Too many plastics in my bag.

As I walked to the town centre, from afar I could see the water. Calm with orange sunrise gleaming on the horizon. Absolutely stunning. I smiled. The sun just make me happy. Here comes the sun do-do-do. You know I have history travelling during bad weather.

God knows how many photos I snapped around the wharf. The orange light seems to make everything looks beautiful. Didn't want to run out of memory (in my camera) when I'm on the boat later.

Breakfast at the end of beautiful Victorian ferry building. Eating Eggs Benedict with orange juice outside, enjoying the sun on my already tan skin. The sound on the wave break on the shore and writing in between mouthful of breakfast. I tell you, I can so can do this everyday. I wished. I wished I was born in a rich family living on the trust fund. or I wished I'm a retiree who could enjoy this everyday of my remaining life. Even though I been here less than 24 hours but something tells me this is paradise on the earth.

Imagine if I come here in bad winter weather. I probably thing this place a hell hole.

At about quarter to 9 , I queued up on the jetty. I was second on the line. Contrast to my previous travel attitude - to be the last. This time I want to be as early as possible so that I could get the best seat on the boat- front row top deck that is. And Indeed early birds get the worm. I secured the best possible port for myself and Graeme.

As the boat moved further out to the open seas, the view is getting better and better. I don't know where to look. Everywhere look so magical in that morning sun with little hint of sea haze. I panned my head left and right just like urban pigeon searching for bread. The first few islands we sailed pass were uninhabited. Not so far in the distance, lots of yachts pulling up their sails. According to the commentary by the skipper, those flocks of yatchs were from Auckland arriving yesterday. They departed at 5pm. Man, I could have hitchhike them to get a ride to Paihia!

Just after we sailed pass Russell, another seaside town across the bay about 20 minutes boat ride but 90 minutes driving! we were called to go to bottom deck for briefing. Urgh, this kills the moment, I said to myself. Probably the word briefing telling something like the do's and the don'ts. Well party yes but it was quiet entertaining actually. The skipper and the rest of the crews sort of joke around and definitely they got me.

Not long after that, they let us go. I resumed what I did previously- appreciating God's creation. Subhanallah, He created New Zealand beautifully. The landscape changed every seconds. I got no words to describe what I saw. Well definitely I saw islands. Some of the island has secluded private beach. Skinny dip!

Then we approached this one island. A private island but hundred years ago the island used to house 600 local Maori. One day in the 18th century , world famous sailor Captain Cook landed there to shelter from bad weather on his way to Gisborne. He brought with him a Tahitian native who could speak English and Maori Te Reo and he was the middle man between the two groups. The Maori provide them shelter until the weather subsided. The provide Captain Cook with fresh vegetable and some other supplies. You see Maori were very accommodative just like the Malays. If any of my relative came to my house, they won't come back with empty boot in their car. Will be full of coconut, banana, bread fruit, etc.

Another islands next to it, connected by sand pit is also privately own. The caretaker of that island has been living there for over 23 years. I would want to work and live there. Who doesn't? It's a paradise. Clear emerald water at your doorstep, frequently visited by dolphins, and owner whom hardly there. He basically got the whole island for himself and his dog. The kid behind me said, "I don't want to live there. No flat screen and PS3! Yes the island has no electricity. If I live there, I'm sure I can entertain myself like talking to a volleyball! But hey, there must be something about the island. Else the caretaker won't last 23 years of his career there.

Day 1 of Labour Weekend: The Journey Begins

As I was finishing my last service order, I got a note from Jay to look at the one I made days before. My boo-boo came back at me. I asked Cherlyn to is she could fix it for me. Thank god she's willing. As usually she always saved my ass. I switched of my computer then headed to the lift. Teuila came came as I check my pocket for loose change.

"Bugga, 20 cent. Looks like I gotta walk downtown." I said. She then generously handed me 50 cent. I think she got my subtle hint.

I thought I was on time when I'm at the bus stop but only to realize I was late when I got a call from Graeme. I supposed to meet him in downtown at 4:15 pm and there I was still at the bus stop. Minutes later the bus came.

the weather look stunning. I don't know how many times I've checked the forecast today . Metservice reported it will partly cloudy but as I jumped out of the bus to another bus stop it was sunny blue sky and I was boiling in my jacket. This sort of weather unpredictability I very much appreciated. What more after many times travelling in bad weather and finally I got some good ones.

Graeme already waited me in front of Dicksmith then we walked to bus.

As expected the traffic was pretty bad. It's Friday plus it's a long weekend, plus lots of traffic going up north at this time of the year. Probably Northland is hotter than Auckland. In New Zealand, the southern you go the colder it gets and vice versa. The congestion started right after we crossed the Harbour bridge. Some sources from Twitter said there was an accident and thank god we took the bus- they got special express lane.

The most northern of part of Auckland I've been was Orewa to celebrate New Year back in 2009. The further I go the better the scenery become. No more city life. No more housing estates. Just green. Compared to drive down to Waikato, I personally think up north is way better. Here I could see pine forest and native bush along the state highway instead of just miles and miles of farmlands, cows and sheep. The landscape here more hilly. In some of the hilly grassland, I could picture Hobbit live in the rabbit hole.

An hour driving we reached Warkworth, a cute little Victorian town surrounded by forest and farms and a river run in the middle of the town. Perfect for a mid day dip in the hot summer sun. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to explore the town. The bus just drop off and picking up passenger. We continued for about half an hour before reaching another town- Wellsford. I've seen this town in Trademe before, while I was browsing for "House to Sell" but I never knew It was this far from CBD. By the way Wellsford and Warkword were in Rodney District one of the many district in Auckland City.

Along the journey, I found so many interesting small towns. If I'm driving I will definitely stop at every town's signboard for photo opp. I can never have enough of pictures. I have over 20,000 photos and most of them I haven't even see. When I finally see them my typical reaction would be, I don't remember take this photo!

At about dusk we reach Whangarei for 15 minutes break. I supposed to overnight in this town for Skydiving trip but the it was fully booked so I have to make another trip in November just to jump off the plane! I started to get motion sickness. I kept burping. I could feel turbulent of wind in my body. An hour later we finally reach Paihia slightly delayed from the schedule by then I was completely exhausted. and dizzy. Almost 9 O'clock, it was passed my dinner time.

I sort of disoriented and loss of direction. Thanks god Graeme found a map and pointed where our hostel were about 5 minutes walk from the Ferry building. I purposely chose accommodation in the town instead of the happening backpackers stretch in Kings Road for this foreseeable unforeseen event! A German girl was also looking for the same hostel. We checked in. The man behind the counter said they were fully booked and most backpackers in town were also the same when he handed us the keys. I made my reservation by the way.

I got to my dorm, popped up some Paracetamol and sleep only to wake up about an hour later when Graeme came back from his night walk searching for milk!

"Everything close after 9!" He said.

"Not even Indian dairy?" I asked. Generalizing, since most diary in Auckland run by Indian or some other Asians.

My eyes feel like sleeping buy my tummy asking to be fed. So I got some 2-minutes rice pack and heat it in microwave. We shared that 1 packet since most of us didn't feel like eating and yet we didn't want to sleep with empty stomach.

Instead of going of bed, I opted for a night walk to the wharf area. Didn't see many people since the receptionist said the beds in town were sold out. Some band were playing near the ferry building but we were not in the mood for noise at that moment. I was just in the mood to admire the town in its night light especially the reflection of lights on the water and continue strolling down the beach while eating hot chips that we got from the food caravan parked on the street.

Long journey, long night. Within seconds when I landed my head on that very thin pillow I dozed off like a baby.

Cherrytaku.com Travel The World : Japan

This week, we're in...(drum roll)...TOKYO, JAPAN. Konnichiwa.

Sometime last week I saw a dear friend of mine, Fendi San, updating his Facebook status he was in Narita then obviously Cherrytaku.com Travel The World Campaign rang the bell in my head. I messaged him and gave him the link about the previous post of this project and voila, the result was absolutely brilliant.

According to him, the first photo was taken in Akihabara- the electronic city and I like what she's wearing. The second one was taken all over Tokyo. From what I can see there, there were on the train (Narita Express), Tokyo Dome and somewhere. I couldn't made it up.

Let me tell you a little bit about Fendi San. He's one of the person that I look up in life. a figure to me. A brother. A friend that I can have fun with and also a friend that can offer me shoulder to cry on. A friend like this hard to find, I will treasure them the most and forever.

So Fendi, arrigato for carrying the mission for me. Guys out there, be careful when you update your profile. I might choose you as one my angels. Ed's Angels.

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When Zirconia Became Swarovski

This is a story about a girl named Krystal.

Once upon a time, a girl named Krystal got tired of touching and cutting and washing people's hair. She put down her scissors and strutted out the salon she's working and heading to Wyndham Street hoping to be a Kelly's Girl. She walk into the office for an interview with her bright hair and the recruitment consultant got her a job because she couldn't stand the glare from Krystal's hair.

The next Monday she started her new job temping at Telecom. Many months later, a cute asian guy from Malaysia joined the company. That's where he first heard the word "heaps", heaps of time from from Krystals who heapsly like to utter "heaps". Then many-many months later after god-knows-of-how-many-hours-of-lovemaking, she delivered her first child, a cute baby boy named Darion. She took a year off maternity leave.

And many-many months later, the cute asian guy from Malaysia return to his home-country. And many-many months later, they both work again in the same company, in the same department-temping (work on temporary contract job). But last Friday, a not-s0-new twist. She left the department to join another department as a permanent staff. A dream job for every temps in the company.

As Asia Veli said, thank you for being you and for everything. I'd say thank you for the help you offered me. Since I called you kazillions of times a day. Krystal can you help me with this one. Krystal this... Krystal that...And make you strut that Shakira's-Hip-Don't-Lie hips of yours from resting on that cushy chair a.k.a I'm helping you too!

Once again thanks and this is my tribute to you.

Ten Ten Ten at Waitomo Caves

So there was I, walking to SkyCity Bus Terminal in crisp cold of Southerlies and realized it was 10th of October '10. I looked at my watch and I definitely way early. The sun wasn't even out yet but signs of orange lining already in the horizon. This time I chose to be early, I missed a flight before and missed the busES (stress on the plurality) so I didn't want this to be my first to miss a tour bus.

Let me tell you what tour I bought. Sometime in August or September I saw good deals on GrabOne (a very good website for everyday deal. Backpacker, this is a must website for you to check out EVERYDAY!)- daytrip to Waitomo Caves with GreatSights. Since I never seen the glowworms (of which Waitomo Caves famous for) then I was like, why not.

I didn't see Christiane despite she texted me she was there. So I went to the toilet. My god, the male toilet smelled like fish and homeless people. I couldn't breath even after I put layers of toilet paper on my noise then I started to wondered where those roles have been. That thought didn't help me fulfill my 'needs' at all. I rushed out and saw Christiane. I grabbed her. Let's go (SkyCity)toilet, I said. She told me she'd been to one. I still dragged her.

As we walked, we saw the bus entered the terminal. After I finished my business we walked back to the terminal and queued up in front of the bus only to be told we needed to check-in at the counter. D-oh. Good thing we got free muffins.

The driver welcome us and started to do commentaries during the journey but we both not even listening to him. We were busy talking. Come on, most stuff that he was talking about either I've heard about it or read about it before. Plus, we both have been living in the country for over 3 years and are we still considered a tourist? We almost locals.

On the way there, the weather looked stunning. Sunny. Totally different from what has been forecasted the night before. Halfway the journey, my bladder started to play up again, Thank god after over 2 hours on the bus, the driver stopped at a cute little small town of Pirongia (it seems like population 5. I barely see locals there) for short break. Perfect. Just what I need. We utilized the break for some photo opp too.

45 minutes later, we reached Waitomo Caves and immediately directed to enter the cave. Our tour guide was a fat lady with really loud voice. Her vocal projection when she welcomed us was full on. She told us the do's and the don'ts and one of it was not to talk in some point of the caves. I was thinking our voice would echo and crack the limestone then the roof collapse then we'd end up like those miners in Chile.

She pointed at the stalagmite and stalactite and asked us to use our imagination to see it more than just rock formation. Mum with baby wrapped in blanket. Small kid. Family Dog. Hardworking dad. Mother in law and the one I loved the most, Kiwi doing bungy jumping! It does really look like a bird tied on the bungy cord. Once started I could stop. My imagination running wild. I wish we could stay longer in the cave and appreciate the rock like a piece of art in gallery.

In the cave there was this area call cathedral, the highest ceiling point in the cave. We looked up and saw hundreds of green lit glowworm. Honestly in my head it looked exactly like Samsung LED! The guide told us this spot is very acoustic and they used to hold singing events there. As expected she asked us to sing a tune. What's a better song to sing that can be sung by tourists from all over the world? -Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

We were then taken to a spot where we could see the glowworm at a closer look. She told us the glowworm has fishing lines (more like tentacles) to catch insect for their dinner. Or lunch. It (the fishing lines) looked absolutely disgusting. It looked slimy. Perhaps

that's how they catch insects with their gluey tentacles.

Once again the guide remind us, we're about to go on the boat ride and I expect you guys to stay quiet.

In my head, oh no please don't collapse!

As we entered another cave, the atmosphere changed. I could see water in that barely lit cave and boats at the end of the plank. Above my head, thousands of glowworm. Lot more of them and its absolutely beautiful.

We got on the boat and it started to drift slowly. It just getting better and better. More and more glowworms on the wall and the ceiling. The water was pretty still and you could see the green reflection. As it entered another cave, I was absolutely blown away. Kazillion of them. Its like billions of emerald stars in the night sky. I could hear water dripping. Sound of running water. It was pretty surreal to me. Its beyond words to describe it but if there's an analogy I would say, I feel like I'm in a scene of Phantom of The Opera.

Then I know why she wanted us to be silent.

I was brought back to reality when the two old Indian tourists whispering. Honestly it was loud. Why can't they enjoy it and hold their thought later outside. They totally ruin my moment. I was picturing myself sleeping in that boat every night of my life.

45 minutes, we reached the end. Not enough. I wanted more. I want to stare on the stalagmite and stalactite for hours. I want to aww, umm, laugh and giggle at what ever picture I had in mind. And when I feel tired I want to sleep in the boat under the millions of glowworms.

The schedule was so tight, we don't even have enough time to look around at the complex and admire the symmetrical almost organic structure and understand the concept. We hopped on another bus to take us back to Auckland. It stopped for 45 minutes at the Big Apple Cafe not far from the caves. Again, I didn't have ample time to explore since the cafe has orchard behind it. I could use some extra time to see how apples, pears, and kiwi trees look like.

Basically I had a good weekend. One thing I learn, I'm not a "tour" person. I prefer to explore myself. Get there myself. Rather than be on schedule and be rushed. I prefer to take my time and absorb the atmosphere and I hate to follow wherever the group go. It made me fee like a sheep. A black one.

Worst part is, I had 3 other scheduled tours in Bay of Islands!

Cost.

GrabOne deal NZd$79

Actual Cost NZD$218

Total Saving NZD$139

Cherrytaku.com Travel The World : Pakistan

Finally I got my first entry for Cherrytaku.com Travel The World Campaign. This first location is at Islamabad, Pakistan. Heaps of thank to Jay, a university mate and now a Malaysian diplomat for willing to participate. You're a spot mate.

I'm still looking for a host to carry the "mission". Help me to change my world as per below.

More of Telecom Talent Time

A hilarious musical performance by Teuila & Jay & friends.

A Very Much Welcomed Unexpected

On the 4th of September, a 7.1 earthquake shook Christchurch city and obviously caused damages to property. Well only 20% of city was affected but NZ media overly reported it. They'll (media practitioner) dig every possible that can fit in prime time news and that includes news of missing pet! Oh well, small country with 4.1 million population any news is better than no news, right?

Anyway Telecom office in Christchurch was affected. I don't know the size of the damages but the only thing I know the operation were shut temporarily and works were transfered to Auckland as part of the business contingency plan. That means, we were doing some job from Christchurch side. Extra workload. I am not whining about the extra job, I just see it as part of our work but what am I talking about now is the wisdom behind all these things.

Just today, I received a thank you letter appreciating the work we've done during the disaster from Telecom CEO- Paul Reynolds. It was personally signed by him. Not a scanned signature as I assumed. I could see behind the paper, the pen mark. Small details like this, by making an effort to sign each letters plus a well worded letter could really made our day, lifted our morale. As I looked around to my colleagues who received the same letter- they were smiling, laughter in the air, joy and I bet they felt their hardwork and effort appreciated. No one has the same face minutes before they got the letter. Except for Cherlyn, she was traveling all over Asia during the earthquake. She got the sun, we got voucher.

Yes. Enclosed with the letter was a voucher. Not a stinky 10 or 20 or 30 but one hundred freaking fifty dollar! I repeat in numerical, 150 dollar! That's more than one day salary for me. We then immediately checked the out net what voucher can we claim. Lots of retailers and the best part was we could choose whichever we want. I could hear everyone saying 'awesome' and 'cool' and 'liqourland' (kidding) all over the floor. New version of iPod Nano screamed in my head.

Personally I found new respect for Paul Reynolds. I'm sure my other colleagues viewed him as a different person now. So Paul, if TVNZ were to produce 'Undercover Boss', I don't think you should do it. First, you way too tall and we all can recognized you within seconds no matter how you disguise yourself and second, we know you appreciate the work we done in the company. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Talk No Shop & Let Your Hair Down Night

I've been asked by several people am I going to participate in this year's Telecom talent time. Without second thought I said no. Back in 2007 I sang a malay song- Melukut ditepi Gantang by my favorite singer Aishah whom back in the late 80's was a vocalist for a Kiwi band knowned as The Fan Club. Apparently me and Aishah has some Kiwi-Malay connection.

Back to my singing, I thought it was disaster and self indulgence. Haha..Even though some people come up to me and complimented me. I'm pretty sure they were so drunk and everything they saw or heard sound awesome. LOL.

This time I told them I just want to be spectator to laugh at them. I did actually. So last Friday at Winchester Bar people from various department within Telecom Wholesale, we let our hair down, talk no shop and enjoy the good company.

Robert Tai emceed the night.

Act #1: Karlo Magno Guadalupe. Man I love to pronounce his last name. I forgot what did he sang but one thing I know it was some oldies song. Had a good laugh seeing him. His expression of love emotion really made the ladies off their chair! And performed twice, special request by Robert Tai after the event was over.

Act #2. Our maori brother Jamed Dawson sang something. Man, why can't I remember what they were singing. What did I drink that night?

Act #3: A musical performance from Voice, Broadband & Billing. It was so hilarious and cleverly done. I almost lost my voice laughing and screaming at them. Teuila & Jay definitely can act. Watch out Shortland St actors!

Act #4: Sorry forgot his name. He played heavy metal kind of guitar. Didn't know the best way to describe it. The crowd loved it. They cheered so much and he came out first.

Act #5: Honestly I never see these guys before. Didn't know which floor they work. The band were good.

Act #6: Just Like A Star by Sisela Latu. She really had mean voice. Not mean as in Cinderella step-sister kind of mean but Corrine Bailey Rae kind of mean. She had a very soothing voice. I could picture her singing for summer tunes. Previously in 2007's talent time she won the first place.

Act #7: The MC introduced this act as The Flower Girls & The Impostor, what a crack up but it suited them well, I think. The three in the group are pacific island descendant and Vicki Chand is an Fiji Indian. Technically, she's still a pacific islander. They performed Hawaiian dance adapted from famous Disney film Lilo & Stitch.

Click here to watch the video.

All acts before judges deliberating the winners.

Me and the Flower Girls & The Impostor. They came out second runner up.

The Adventure of Ed to GigiLand

Early on the week I called a dental clinic to get an appointment but to my surprise the earliest date I could get was on 13th of October! Then I told them to put me on the waiting list as well. In case they got cancellation.

And indeed! Before I finished my shift on Tuesday, I got a call from them asking if I want to turn up for Wednesday 8 O'clock appointment. Instead of switching off my computer, I logged on to Maxx to plan my trip the next day.

Wednesday.

5:40 Alarm went off.

5:50 Finally awaken.

5:51 Boiled jug.

5:52 Turned on laptop and published latest post only to find out the date was wrong. Blogspot picked up the draft date. Have to rectify it immediately if I want to be a successful writer.

6:20 Bloody hell it took longer than I expected. I better go to shower.

6:43 Finally got out from the house.

Halfway down the lift.

Eff, I left my cash on the fridge! Dammit, I had to go down and up again.

6:45 Hermm...the cash look little. No time to count. Grabbed NZD$30. Kiss Only goodbye and out again.

6:47 Nelson Street 1st traffic light

6:47:30 Green man! Crossed the street and decided I better run to reach Britomart before 7am

6:48 Nelson Street 2nd traffic light. I missed the green man by few seconds. Felt forever before the light turned green. RUNNN...

6:49 Nelson Street 3rd traffic light. Red again! Run faster than ever before. Ooouh..I think my legs are long. Arghh...distraction. Run. Run.

6:50 Nelson Street 4th traffic light. Mother Eff, NO, not red! These sequence of lights were so not on my side this morning.

6:51 Gasping and catching my breath. Started to just walk while crossing Victoria Street then decided to just take my chance. More and more 'what if' thought running in my head. What if I didn't go online this morning. What if I didn't take shower.

7:03 Bus just drove pass me! Arghhhh...why? why? That's the only bus. Just when I given up the bus departed late by 3 minutes! God (Allah), do you have to parade it right in front of my nose to say 'ha-ha you missed it' ?

7:10 Got a cab.

7:15 Taxi driver tried to chat with me. I just responded, 'oh yes?', 'is itttt?', 'I know rite!'. Didn't he knows I was trying to say eff off.

7:32 Taxi driver lost! Please not now. For god sake, used the bloody GPS please. Bloody Indian.

7:35 Phewww...Finally here.

Cost of Dental Hygienist NZD$ 79

Cost of Taxi ride NZD$ 56.90!

Emotional cost to get there?

PRICELESS

Why Do I hate Spring So Much?

Across many cultures, Spring is well celebrated- Chinese celebrate the Lantern Festival during this season and in Persia it's the beginning of Nowruz, new calendar year. I know my mum would love this season, if you ever visited my family home it looks like in the middle of nursery! However, I am the only one that I know of hating this season so much and took extra miles to express it. Here are why.

In order for the flower to bloom, they need water. But too much water (rain) for me. 6 days of rain in a week and that one sunny day most likely happen during week days and that left you with weeks of wet weekends. Something that I really not looking forward to after working hard at work- to stuck at home on my only days off.

With sufficient water, the flowers bloom when the flowers bloom they produce pollen and those pollen spread in the air and I happen to be the person that allergy to the high concentration of pollen in the air. Something that I never knew before. Every morning when I walk to work, my eyes start to twitch then watery, my nose start to itch and occasionally sneeze when I'm approaching Myers Park.

It's embarrassing, people that stop at the traffic light on the corner of Greys Ave and Mayoral Drive might think I was crying over something like I just got dumped for example. Clearly I was not. It's the stupid pollen allergic reaction.

Thankfully despite my allergic reaction, I never catch hay fever but people around me are. So many of colleagues fall sick during this season. Coughing and sneezing in my department and across the floor is like an orchestrated symphony! I'm always worry that I might join the orchestra member but cross fingers, hope I'm not.

Living on the 8th floor gave me a clear unobstructed view of the horizon. Usually before I dress up I would looked out the window checking out the sky and see what people are wearing on the street. Most of the time it gave the correct indication like grey sky and saw people in trenchcoat, wearing gloves and their neck wrapped with scarves.

Hence, I follow suit. But halfway to work the sky suddenly clear up (one thing about Auckland weather- it changes unexpectedly) and sun shine super bright. I would boil in my winter jacket.

Just when I thought it's warmer out there, oh yes, do you want to how I know it was hot? I walked out from the shower to my balcony, opened the door and put my leg out. If I felt the chill immediately, that meant I got to put on layers of clothes but If I put my leg out for quite awhile and my hair didn't stand on it own, meant I can put something less padded, less puffy, something light.

As I said, expect the unexpectedness of Auckland weather. In just few seconds the temperature could drop, thank you very much Southernly (wind from South Pole). I was caught in the weather with thin layer of clothing and my only chance to keep warm is to- run! Thank you so much to my skinny body of which couldn't retain the body heat!

Anyway, enough of the whine. If there's no spring there'll be no summer. It's something that you have to live with just like your nagging mother.

Cherrytaku.com Travel The World Campaign

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24 hours with Only The Cat

In early May, the writer saw a cat in a pet shop after a short visit to the post office. Several days later he came back to the shop to claim his love at first sight, a ginger cat. Ed Mat Rasul wrote his Day 1 experience.

It was just yesterday when I took Only from his cattery in Manukau. Yes the name is Only. Like only you but in this case the only cat. I know "Only" wasn't even a name or a noun. But hey, it's Ed, I don't really care about rules. Anyway, halfway home he cried in his crib. When I took him out, he climbed on me thus pulled the thread out of my knit cardigan. What a brilliant idea to calm him at the cost of my beloved cardigan. So I put him back in the crib. Later, he learnt travelling wasn't that bad.

When we got home, he laid low. Like really low. Like Lamborghini kind of low. He sniffed around the house. Everywhere, every corner. To get himself familiar with the newly found 'territory'.

Only The Cat turned up to be a very affectionate cat. He enjoyed company. He will sit next to me then doze off. But one thing he didn't like, waking up seeing no one around. He'd cry like a baby. Then I was like a crazy single mom.

"Only don't cry. Daddy is here."

Then he would run to my voice. Even when I'm in the toilet. He just couldn't leave me alone.

He took his first meal after his nap. He cried again. I thought he was lonely but he was hungry. I brought him to his bowl. He didn't sniff it. But when I took one biscuit and ran it under his nose, he started to nibble it. Then drink. That's good now he knew where the foods were. Wrong! He still didn't know as of this morning. I still have to direct him to the bowl.

Late evening, yesterday, he had his first wee-wee. I was so proud of him but then again I have to direct him there, seeing him scratching, mimicking the sand, I knew sometime wasn't right. And I was right, he needed to wee-wee.

Then about night, I think somewhere in the middle of 'Go Girls', he did his funny scratching again on my bed. I took him to the toilet, and guess what? He ran out as soon as I put him down. Cheeky little bugga.

Minutes later he did the scratching again then I knew this time for real. I locked him in the toilet.

"You can come out once you berak (poo-poo)!".

While I was laughing watching the second season of 'Go Girls', I heard him crying. He cried non stop. Kept calling my name. OK, that's freaky. No he wasn't call my name.

"Ya keep crying."

But it didn't long. I couldn't stand his cry. So I had a look during the commercial break, and voila. He was sitting down poisely with the sad face and guilty-as-charge eyes. He did a massive poo and it was super stink too. I forgot how stingy cat poo could be.

"Good job son."

Perfect. He ate. He played. He slept. He peed and pooed.

Not so perfect. He did the scratching again. But I didn't gave much attention, because I know he already pee and poo. But I was wrong, he marked his territory right on my blanket! S.O.B!

"Why did you do that for? Do you want to sleep in toilet"

Only replied, "That what will happen when you ignore me."

I asked my housemate, "I thought we pee first then poo."

"I don't know" His usual response, everytime!

I felt asleep after that, well no exactly the minutes after the incident. Herm, you know what I mean. I woke up to realise Only slept next to me. I changed my position. I didn't want to squashed him in my sleep. Then after that, I kept waking up checking on him.

One time he cried. I thought he must be hungry so I took him to his bowl. Instead of eating of drinking, he played with my fingers.

"Only, this the weirdest hour to play."

Learning for the territory marking incident, I took him to the toilet. I closed the door and sat on the cold floor waiting for him. He started to sniff the sand, then scratched it, then did the 'big push' with his eyes hardly open. Funny to see but not funny to smell.

"Only this is not good. I shouldn't be here to see you pee or poo every time. You got to learn to do it yourself."

It was a waste of time talking to him. Didn't think it was registered to his head. So I went to bed again and he followed.

I woke up at about 7ish. I felt so tired. And Only seemed to be sleeping soundly. Resting his head on his front foot.

This morning, he had peed, ate, drank, and play. And as I'm writing this, he cried because no one want to play with him and he climbed my foot leaving trails of claws marks since I was wearing shorts.

So in this almost 24 hours I learn that, Only will cry, 1. if he woke up alone, 2. when he wants to play, 3. when he wants to eat or drink, 4 when we ignored (or busy with our things) him. But he won't cry when he wants to pee or poo!