New Zealand, North Island

I'm back in New Zealand for a couple of weeks. My friend Tina is living on the south island while she is going to school. I'm currently on the north island for 2 days (or what's left of them). We are going on a road trip around the south island starting on April 1... no fooling (hahahahahaha)

This morning I did the skyjump, www.skyjump.co.nz , and got a second jump free because they weren't busy. So I was thinking that was a pretty good deal. I was going to head to the zoo and maybe to the beach and do some surfing or perhaps go kayaking again. Hasn't really worked out yet. Tomorrow I'm going to go on a quading expedition and then to the zoo in the afternoon.

I have to be back at the airport for 2:30 to make my flight to the south island. Meh, it's all good. Figure I'll rent a car and figure it out. The "Explorer Bus" is $35 for the whole day pass, but a car is just as cheap and I wouldn't be bound to the schedule of others. So I'll go that way.

I've been trying to keep the slang straight so I could blog about it, but I'm getting so used to it, it's hard to remember what's here and what's home. Meh, here goes.

Thongs (Australia)- also know as Jandals(New Zealand) and Flip Flops
Cuppa - Tea/coffee... very important not to get between someone and afore mentioned beverage in the morning
Roos - kangaroo, known as a pest but cute and soft. I got to hand feed one at the Alma Park Zoo (and cuddle a Koala)
Possum - these are very different to the ones you find in north america. They are actually cute and very soft and fluffy. There is on that lives at the DZ in Toogoolawah with it's baby. Apparently they love apples, and come right up to the table if they think they can sneak one. Also known as a pest.
Caravan - A camper or fifth wheel trailer.

My mom tells me that I'm picking up an accent. The locals used to tell me I have an accent, but not as much anymore. One person thought I was local. I don't hear it, but apparently I'm picking up the Aussie. More so around the fire in the evening, or when I'm talking one on one. I still here all the normal chatter of the place and then my own voice is like the braying of a mule. Startling to hear something so different than what you are surrounded by.

Well that's it for now, I'm starting to get hungry, so I'll go pick up some take away. Maybe I'll eat in. I'm sure I'll find something if I tramp about long enough. Cheers

Lisa Freitag
Aukland, New Zealand, North Island.

posting

don't have a lot of time, so here's a quick post. Back in Toogoolawah and living at the DZ. Have a trip back into Brisbane on Monday. Will post more then.

Weekend

Spent the weekend in Brisbane. I was supposed to be living here, but it didn't work out. Actually I was supposed to be living on Kangaroo Point and that's where I have spent most of my weekend.

Yesterday I went kayaking and to a museum, I was supposed to go rock climbing but got rained out. Today I went to Alma Park Zoo, hand fed some roos, ostrich, got a pic with a koala, all that good stuff. Was to go rock climbing this afternoon when I got back, but managed to get every part of my public transport there and back wrong. Took several hours each way when it should have taken half the time.

Frustrating but didn't ruin the day. I have a gift certificate for when I get back down here to get my rock climbing in.

Lisa Freitag
Brisbane Australia

Kangaroos in the front yard, Spiders under the bed

And I mean that literally. In fact when you are coming in for a landing you have to make sure that you are not going to crash into a kanga. You would think the fluttering of the parachute and the movement would scare them off the landing area, but no such luck. They apparently are used to such things and sunset load (I've heard as I've only done one jump so far) they are under foot... literally. So I've gotten some good footage of the the local pod and they are something else.

As for the spiders. Not so crazy about them. And they are EVERYWHERE!!!! I know we are supposed to be enlightned and non violent... but when it comes to hundreds of spiders in the bunk house... sorry but they gota go. I'm not spending anymore nights with one eye open to keep them from getting me. YUCK!

I've been staying at the DZ pretty much full time. Still no internet, so have come back into town today to keep up. I'll be making a day, possibly weekend trip into Brisbane on Friday. Looking forward to that.

I drove for the first time today. You have no idea how wierd that is. I've been having nothing but trouble trying to get into the proper side of a vehicle as the passenger side is opposite to home. Now I drove into Toogoolawah and had to keep reminding myself that oncoming traffic from the right side was normal and not to lose my mind. It goes completely against the grain for everything I have ever learned of driving, but I'm getting the hang of it. Still one of the strangest experiences yet.

but that's it for now.

Blue skys

Lisa Freitag

Silent River Kung Fu, Toogoolawah, Queensland, Australia

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Here I am in an internet cafe in Ipswich (just outside Brisbane). I'm waiting for my bus to Toogoolawah which leaves at 17:10 hrs. It's currently 12:13 hrs. I've been in town since just after 10:00 hrs. There is about a 3.5 hour change from here to Dunedin, so once again I'm dealing with getting my system fooled into not being hungary, sleepy, and just plain confused.

I can't even begin to describe the feelings I had when we flew in over the coast and I caught my first glimps of the mainland. As if for the first time I was truly home. I was in a place my soul screams to be, and the sudden peace of arriving was almost overwhelming. I admit I fought back the tears.

As long as I can remember I have dreamed of being in Australia, visiting Uluru, surfing the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring the outback. Though until today I have never set foot on this contenent, I have always had a very deep connection, desire to be here. I have studdied this place of wonders my whole life; a place unique in every way. Animals that exist no where else in creation call this place home. It is a harsh land and a demanding mistress, but the beauty that survives her expectations are truly remarkable. I am in awe.

I can't explain it any better than that, so I will move onto something I can.

I took the train from the airport in Brisbane, and as mentioned before am waiting for the bus. Just killing time really. Couple of neat things and points of reference from here to there as I'll probably be using the Aussie/Kiwi terminology right quick.

Tramping - this is our term for walking or short day hiking. tramping about town is like going for a walk to get groceries, liesure, what ever

Hiking - this is used only for multiple day hiking excursions that include sleeping in tents and such (the west coast trail is a perfect example of hiking) Hard core outdoors types hike. Everyone else tramps.

The Chemest's - This is a pharmacy. (Australia) New Zealand uses pharmacy also.

Judder Stripps - theses are speed bumps

Jandals - we call them flip flops, however in New Zealand they are known as Japaniese Sandals and there fore Jandals

Sneans - Sneakers worn with Jeans... also a major fashion no no. So I'm not in style... there are worse things.

Cheers - very universal, most often used for thank you and good bye.

Way out - obviously exit and on the signs

Give way - again means yeald, and is on the street signs.

I guess that's it for now. Tonight I'll get to Toogoolawah, tramp out to the Drop Zone, and get settled into the bunk house. I'll figure out something more perminant living wise as the week progresses, but for $10 a night, I might just live out there. The bus is a bit of a round about, but it's transport and I'll figure it out as I go. I'll have to use it even if I'm right in town to get to the beach and of course to the DZ.

meh no worries.

Lisa Freitag

Silent River Kung Fu, Ipswich/Toogoolawah, North Queens Land, Australia.

(booh yah!)

posting

I've been in Dunedin for a couple of days now, and it's great, loving every minute of it. The internet is a little dodgy where I'm staying and I can't sign in with my computer. I'm using my friends to log on right now. She's in class and dosen't need it. I'm trying to make a video diary and hopefully will have it up on my computer and linked here to keep in touch. I'm here for a couple more days, then I fly to Brisbane. The life dream is becoming reality. Even though I'm here it's still a bit unbelievable. In a few short weeks I'll be standing at Uluru. A spiritual journey. I'm so excited. There are no words. But there will be video!

Lisa Freitag
Dunedin, New Zealand (South Island)

Walk About

So this is my last blog entry from Canadian soil. I've dedicated the better part of 20 years to SRKF and it's time to start living the dreams I've always put on hold. Life's too short, and there are certain things that will never happen if I don't make them.

They say don't let anything stop you save fear and common sense. I say why let those things stop you. Here's to old fashioned having more guts than brains.

See ya

Lisa Freitag
Silent River Kung Fu, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada.... well for a couple of hours at least ;)