Today mark the last day of us in North Island before we head our journey to South Island on our own. After all the driving tips (apparently, they have this weird ‘give way’ rule that normally will get you killed in Malaysia) and how to use ATM debit card in NZ, it’s time to say goodbye to our stay in Hamilton.
Translated International Driving License – checked
Han Ling’s debit card – checked
Car booking – checked
Flight ticket - checked
Local mobile line - checked
Bottles of Manuka honey – checked
We took the domestic airline, Air New Zealand to kick start our south island trip. Han Ching and I had been to quite a few budget airlines and watched numerous safety videos on how to fasten your seat belt, wear a safety vest and et cetera. But this safety demonstration in the form of video really caught our attention.
We all knew that New Zealand is famous for rugby. Even their local rugby league is being watched in a full stadium. Their country rugby team, All Blacks is so famous in international scene. Their pre-match Haka dance used to spice up the atmosphere is so celebrated that most of the rugby lovers know how to chant it even though they don’t understand a single meaning of it. Now, never had I thought a safety video can be shown in a typical Kiwi style like this:
Their air stewardesses though are neither sexy nor pretty but they are a very cheerful and friendly bunch indeed. So cheerful and friendly that they start and end their sentence with either “thank you”, “you’re welcomed”, “good”, and “lovely”. Being with them, makes you feel that you are flying with nuns and the world is filled with abundance with hope. Because to them, everything is beautiful.
ANZ stewardess: Rubbish to dispose, this lovely lady and gentlemen?
Han Ching: Oh yeah (throwing the cup inside the plastic bag).
ANZ stewardess: Good. Thank you, ma’am. And you sir?
Au Yong: Here (throwing my sweet wrapper). Thanks.
ANZ stewardess: You’re welcomed. Ahh, what a lovely rubbish. Thank you…
Au Yong & Han Ching: …
Upon touched down at Christchurch airport, our first priority is to get out from Christchurch as fast as possible. We headed straight to our car rental office which is a stone throw away. After we inspected the car, an old version of Nissan Sentra, we were off the road with GPS as our blind walking stick.
Our first stopover was Springfield. Springfield reminds me of “The Simpson” show.
The reason we booked here was due to the fact that it’s the nearest yet a safe distance away from Christchurch, we guessed. Secondly, we do not wish to go further as the next stop, Arthur’s Pass which is our original destination is a distant away. And it might be a bit risky to drive at night too. The motel we stayed is being run by a Japanese lady.
It’s actually a house being converted to motel. We stayed at the attic. Just exactly like what I stayed in UK. Just that this time, I have the whole apex while the UK one, I had to share with another room. Half-half. Though we had to share the washroom facility which is the only downside here, but the stay here was absolutely lovely (shoot, Air New Zealand stewardess syndrome!).
I was flipping one of their guestbook, when I came across this witty remark by a guest who wrote this:
“.. .this place is so peaceful and serene that when I woke in the morning on my bed, I thought I was dead and went up to heaven…”
For the first time, we had our first meal on our own at a cafe nearby after being well-fed by Han Ching’s sister these few days. Frankly speaking, I think this is the most sumptuous meal we had during our whole trip (ahem.. apart from Han Ching’s cooking at all the hostel kitchen we stayed). Most of the dishes served that evening were wind breaking food. Peas, potato, cabbage and cheese. Lots of protein and carbohydrate.
Springfield is a stop that was not original in our plan but I guessed the thrill of unplanned trip at non-famous tourist attraction can sometimes spring one or two surprises to you. After all, who would have thought a simple tire in a playing field can unfold an untold story of Springfield. It is located next to the café and a closer look at the plate placed at the bottom of the tire uncovered this sad story of a baby donut looking for its mom.
This Baby Donut was found inside the “MOTHER DONUT” when she was taken away for major surgery after being set on fire.
The father is unknown but it has been reported that a PIE was seen lurking in the shadows during the hours of darkness.
It is known if it was a pie from the Sheffield Pie Shop or one from the locale Cafes.
It is also reported that the “Ohakune Carrot” had been seen heading south on the Cook Straight Ferry recently.
Never the less, Springfield has adopted the BABY (yet unnamed) and so it will remain until the return of the
“MOTHER DONUT”
So, if you were to visit Big Apple or Dunkin Donut next time, please tell the guy serving the counter that a missing baby donut is looking for its mother donut.
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