braggy's Travel Blog

Back To Christchurch - Christchurch, New Zealand

 This place was Great visited Jun 27, 2004

After a whrilwind 10 days in Queenstown hiking, skiing and plenty of beer, the 10 hour bus trip back to queenstown was spent mainly in blissful slumber. Once in Christchurch Ben and I had a few hours in which to kill which I did by thoroughly enjoying the use of the hotels sauna and spa.

Over all New Zealand is a beautiful country in the winter and even more spectacular in summer. Definately a city to visit for all those wanting adventurous activities above and beyond those of the average tourist.

This entry is part of the trip itinerary Australia - New Zealand - Australia

posted Mar 8, 2006 | Comments (0)

The start of my european sojourn - Brisbane, Australia

 This place was Amazing visited Mar 8, 2006

From This....

Well today i suppose the preparation for my life altering adventure is about to begin. My passport arrived today after a phone call confirmation from the British High Commision in Canberra Australia. Hats Off to the guys and girls working there, fantastic service.

Today i moved out and welcomed Hanna from Germany into my former share-house.

Anyway as the departure date for my european sojourn grows closer i find myself feeling excited and sad at the same time. I don't know where this journey will take me and i don't know where on this wide earth i'll finally end up calling home. But my friends, i'll miss each and every one of you and carry a piece of you with me always.

Most of you i'll see along the way, maybe in a coffee shop in Italy, a beer in the shade of the great pyramid or perhaps a glass of wine in france. But i do know that without your support and friendship i would not be in the position i am today. Each of you have enriched my life and for that i'll thank you. So for those that want a postcard from your favorite city or simply a quick email from abroad. Write Me! and i'll write back.

Thank you Brisbane and thank you friends. I'm sure i'll see most of you before i go but for those i don't!

Goodbye and goodluck and may the next few years be memorable ones!

As Always

Carpe Diem!

Ralph

This entry is part of the trip itinerary European Sojoun

posted Mar 8, 2006 | Comments (2)

Skiing Adventure - Queenstown, New Zealand

 This place was Amazing visited Jun 17, 2004

What a blast. The bus trip to queenstown was excellent. New Zealand is a positively stunning country. For someone who hasn't seen snow before and never tried on a set of skies what an rush.

Nothing on earth (Except maybe skydiving) that compares to down hill flat out on a pair of skies. Of course it took 2 days to get confident enough to do that but impressive stacks and a slight concussion wasn't enough to perturb me.

Queenstown night life is fantastic! friendly people relatively cheap beer and a good time to be had by all.

This entry is part of the trip itinerary Australia - New Zealand - Australia

posted Feb 26, 2006 | Comments (0)

Arrive In New Zealand - Christchurch, New Zealand

 This place was Great visited Jun 16, 2004

After a rather entertaining landing into christchurch (I think the Pacific Blue pilot had all of about 10 hours to his name) we arrived in New Zealand.

I know i'm going to anger a lot of kiwi's when i say this but it really didn't feel much different from home.

Customs was a breeze, waltzing through the Australian / New Zealand citizens line we walked out into, a tropical thunderstorm. Ahh perfect weather for skiing... water skiing.

The drive to the hotel took us a no more than 15 minutes which was great! And an exhausted Ben and Ralph collapsed into bed.

The following morning we caught a bus into Christchurch proper, and what a beautiful city it was to travel through. Very early morning, sun just peeking over the horizon, white fog covering everything made the entire trip feel like something out of a dream.

The wide streets, huge parklands and manicured lawns all contributed to make Christchurch one of the most beautiful cities i have ever seen.

This entry is part of the trip itinerary Australia - New Zealand - Australia

posted Feb 26, 2006 | Comments (0)

Home Base - Brisbane, Australia

 This place was Great visited Jun 15, 2004

This was the start of what was promising to be 2 weeks fun.

Ben Peters and myself travelled met at the Brisbane International Airport at 2pm barely 12 hours after finishing our end of semester examinations.

This entry is part of the trip itinerary Australia - New Zealand - Australia

posted Feb 26, 2006 | Comments (0)