Day one in Florence -

Wow such a beautiful place, amazing buidings, history, and of course shopping.  Seeing and experiencing these amazing sights is a must, photos, tv just doesnt compare!  Another day of walking miles, went to Giardino Di Boboli, amazing panaramic view of Florence.  The Dunomo is incredible, sorry can't post any pics as we are currently in an internet cafe, may try later this evening from our hotel.  Lots of markets selling lots of leather goods etc, good prices.  Amasing sculptures.  Have just filled my 4G SD card from my camera and have only been away 6 days!  Must go rest my weary feet, hope all our family and friends are well,  chow for now xo

Day 2 in Venezia

Another busy day in Venice, over heard people saying that they are presenty having a heat wave. It is very humid and hot. 

Went out to Murano and Burano islands to see where they make and sell Venican glass and lace.  Gorgeous displays with lots of shops selling their items.  Went into a couple of Churches, no photos nor short skirts, nor strapless or sleeve less tops allowed allowed, unfortunately that meant Sharlene was unable to enter. Fantastic artwork and sculptures of Mary, Jesus, last supper etc.

Taken lots of photos of buildings and canals. 

This evening we were asked to leave a restaurant because we would not order enough food. Italians are into eating lots of courses.  In the end we tried a restaurant right by our hotel and they were fab, delicious seafood dishes and the service fantastico. Eating out is expensive.

One last look around the streets of Venice and up early tomorrow morning to catch a train to Florence.

Hope all our family and friends are well. 

Ciao

Arrh Venice

Joanne was going to typing this one, but she crashed about 3 hours ago, so i thought i would type something ... also sorry sis but your not on security watch tonight, as i have made heaps of noise, left the room and came back again and you have not moved ... he he.

We had a 12.5 hour flight from Hong Kong to Munich and then transferred to Venice, so got here about 9am after a short bus ride from the Airport to Venice island.

There are heaps of tourist around here and it most probably does not help that there are 2 or 3 large Cruise ships in town at the same time.

We grabbed a boat taxis (like a subway system, but just on a boat on the water) and we got to see around the outskirts of Venice's island.

It was interesting to see in the famous San Marco Square (you know where all the pigeons hang out for a free feed) will when I was here last - about 5 or so years ago we did not see any water coming up through the tiles and yet today right outside one of the most famous building water was coming through the cobblestones at the front of the entrance and i noticed different canals we walked over the water level has risen and a lot of the buildings are sitting well down in the water line, at least 20 to 30 cm's.

I am currently unable to upload any of Joanne's awesome photos as the interweb is not letting me do this due to technical problems, sorry folks.

Our feet are sore from our walk about and long flight, so we had a lovely meals near our hostel, had some lovely Italian kai ... but i ate too much - he he he.

I went for a walk tonight by myself to get some water,  it was just lovely, less people around and the temperature was nice.

We have out train tickets sort for Florence and the Naples for later in the week.

I better go and get some sleep myself

Ciao from Winnie 2 (Shazza)

Day 2 in Hong Kong

 Another full on day being right tourist on the wonderful Hong Kong hop on hop off bus. We took the Green line out to south part of Hong Kong Island, first stop: Aberdeen and took the Sampan boat ride around the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant, then back on the bus pasting through the beautiful Ocean Park Bay area (Chester you would love this beach, saw lots of Surf Skis and OC1's), then stopped off at Stanley and had a look around the Stanley Street market and had lunch on the waterfront.

 Since it was Saturday, everyone was out and about, so the bus trip back was slow due to traffic, but was ok as it was great to see the different suburbs of Hong Kong Island. We then took the Tram up to the peak look out as it was reasonably clear today ... man that is one steep hill, makes the Wellington Cable Car trip seem rather mild.

We also past a bar in Sheung Wan where we saw a big screen TV showing the first All Black game  ... fingers crossed the AB's won!

We then took the night tour of the hop on hop off bus over to Kowloon, which is slightly different to Hong Kong Island ... lots of bright lights, heaps more people and lots of traffic.

We then ended up back on the waterfront in time to watch the wonderful Symphony of Lights show ... wow!

Finally we took the ferry back to Hong Kong island and made our way back to one of AJ's favourite restaurant, the Chilli Club ... great tip AJ the food was awesome, but we ate too much!

Hong Kong is a pretty clean city for the number of people who live here, it is also very safe and the MTR or subway system is just brilliant ... but gosh they love their designer labels.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is our last day in Hong Kong and our check out time is not until 12 noon, we have a few things to see tomorrow, but will pace ourselves as we have a 12.5 hour flight overnight to Munich and then another 1 hour 10 minute flight to Venice ... arrh Italy, here we come!

We hope all is well with you all back in NZ and that it is warming up.

Day 1 - Hong Kong ... end of summer!

What a day ... we had an awesome farewell from the extended whanau, thanks again to cousin Cherrell for organising Mum, Aunties,Uncle and Kerry.

We had a long trip about 11.5 hours flight from Auckland to Hong Kong, only having about 3 hours sleep if that. 

It is rather hot and humid ... so had to change into our summer clothing at the airport, before heading into the city via the wonderful Airport Express System.

We then changed lines on the MTR - these guys have got it sorted ... with the ability to transport 7 million people around this city so easily and even in the crowds of people transferring between MTR stations, it just all flows beautifully.
Joanne loves the travelators.

We found our cute wee hotel so just dropped our luggage and then headed back to Tung Chung to take the cable car trip up to see the Big Buddha ... wow that was amazing.  We decided to take a 2 hour tour which included seeing: Tai O Fishing Village, Po Lin Monastery and finally walk up 260 steps to the top, so you are right in front of the big buddha. 

Did a spot of shopping at the Citygate Outlet stores, our selections back home are great.

We are off to bed soon, as our feet are sore from all the walking and lack of sleep over the last 24 hours.

Travel check list ...

Passport - check

Air tickets - check

Travel buddy - hmmm i can't remember! arrh that's right i'm going with Joanne - he he he

Only 2 more sleeps and then we are off ... can't wait to see Joanne's excitment of experiencing her first big trip away to other end of the world!

So that means I only have 2 days left of work and so much to do and so little time.

Cheers Sharlene

20 days to go and who's counting - from Joanne

Yes me (Joanne)!!  Well this morning I truly became aware that this big overseas trip is starting to register, up until now it has been a lot of planning for something that doesn’t feel real!

I awoke this morning dreaming of my sister and I having to sing “Pa mai” to the local Italians before we entered their country, while having a picnic at their boarder entrance.  Lucky I know the words as I just phoned my sister who said “OMG I only know some of the words!” LOLOLOL.  I was also trying to find my passport and luggage, which I suppose is the normal anxiety starting to show with the lead up to this trip.     

So here you are Winnie 1, here are the words and translation.   

(All) Pä mai tö reo aroha Ki te pä o Ngatokowaru E ngä iwi o Aotearoa Haere mai, haere mai. Titiro ki nga hoia kua wehi nei Aue! te aroha me te mamae (Women) E nga iwi o Aotearoa... (Men) Tahi miti toru e Tae te marumaru Whare tapu teitei Te ao korowhiti (All) ...Kia kaha! kia manawanui!

(All) Your voice of love reaches our Marae Ngatokowaru (All you) tribes of new Zealand Come hither, come hither. Look at the soldiers departing from us Alas! the love and the pain. (Women) To the people of New Zealand... (Men) First one then later three weapons as a protection for the lofty sacred house known throughout the world (All) ...Be strong! be patient!

Sounds a bit grim really, given that this was a song about encouragement to all tirbes to enlist the services of their sons for war :-((

So here is a happier one!

1.  Ha-ere Mai!                                   Ev'ry-thing is ka pai!  You're here at last,  You're really here at last.  Bridge. You're welcome as the sunshine,      You're welcome as a king!  Pai kare! This is one time  We'll really have a fling!  Coda. Ha-ere Mai!  We're proud of you, that's why.  Ha-ere Mai!  Ha-ere Mai!

2. He-ere Mai! Not a cloud in the sky, To coin a phrase, This is the “days of days”. 3. Ha-ere Mai! Ev’rything is ka pai!    Throughout the land, We want to shake your hand,

So sis get practicing those “doodly-doo, doodly-doo," LOLOL   

Love from Winnie 2