Rugby Haka vs Ireland, Rotorua - June 2010

One more thing to remember!

Rugby Haka vs Ireland, Rotorua - June 2010

One more thing to remember!

The Haka - New Zealand Vs Tonga

Amazing to see Haka, I'm currently not wondering why New Zealander keep waiting to watch the Rugby games especially since the games begin. The Haka show is so powerful and so exciting to watch, including the players, who have the amazing appearances in terms of their physiques, that make the games are attractively fantastic.

The Haka - New Zealand Vs Tonga

Amazing to see Haka, I'm currently not wondering why New Zealander keep waiting to watch the Rugby games especially since the games begin. The Haka show is so powerful and so exciting to watch, including the players, who have the amazing appearances in terms of their physiques, that make the games are attractively fantastic.

TO GET TO KNOW NEW ZEALAND

I understood a little bit more about the differences concerning the life style among Western, American and Asian by living in New Zealand. Probably, New Zealand is not a best reference to talk about this kind of thing but it is one of the UK colonial countries so many of the culture and lifestyle are quite influenced by UK unavoidably, including America by TV programs.  Due to the language, the majority of local people speak English with their own accent, which is difficult to understand, the indigenous Maori even more different and much more difficult! 

In the beginning of living here, I didn't understand much because of their accent. I was really nervous to use English and struggled on phone calls! I couldn't communicate much with local people, who I sometimes met in my apartment building or shops.  I was worried about speaking and listening, even Fab was also confused in the beginning. Anyway, I improve a lot now, I have been taking time to watch TV to help getting familiar.  Food TV and Movie are becoming my favorite programs because the rest are not interesting at all and the cooking is my favorite activity at home.

I mainly stay at home and cook, which I believe that many people would do the same. Related to the weather, in June-August is the winter, the temperature starts decrease dramatically and rain occasionally all day long. The more it gets cold and rain, the more I prefer to stay home. I start enjoy cooking more and more, many menus that I made sometimes are horrible but many of them taste very good too.  Thanks and accredit to Gordon Ramsay's recipes, my favorite chef at all time, whom the recipes taste amazing and his personality is pretty unique!

However, bisides the hamburger, pie, bread and western food, which are the typical food here, 'Fish &Chips' is the most popular dish. Anyway all of them are not my favorite so cooking for myself is the best choice.

One more thing that I completely understand is the reason why 'Farang' are so crazy about sunbathing and bikini when they go to Thailand, they really cannot do it here. It's too cold!!! ~_~'

TO GET TO KNOW NEW ZEALAND

I understood a little bit more about the differences concerning the life style among Western, American and Asian by living in New Zealand. Probably, New Zealand is not a best reference to talk about this kind of thing but it is one of the UK colonial countries so many of the culture and lifestyle are quite influenced by UK unavoidably, including America by TV programs.  Due to the language, the majority of local people speak English with their own accent, which is difficult to understand, the indigenous Maori even more different and much more difficult! 

In the beginning of living here, I didn't understand much because of their accent. I was really nervous to use English and struggled on phone calls! I couldn't communicate much with local people, who I sometimes met in my apartment building or shops.  I was worried about speaking and listening, even Fab was also confused in the beginning. Anyway, I improve a lot now, I have been taking time to watch TV to help getting familiar.  Food TV and Movie are becoming my favorite programs because the rest are not interesting at all and the cooking is my favorite activity at home.

I mainly stay at home and cook, which I believe that many people would do the same. Related to the weather, in June-August is the winter, the temperature starts decrease dramatically and rain occasionally all day long. The more it gets cold and rain, the more I prefer to stay home. I start enjoy cooking more and more, many menus that I made sometimes are horrible but many of them taste very good too.  Thanks and accredit to Gordon Ramsay's recipes, my favorite chef at all time, whom the recipes taste amazing and his personality is pretty unique!

However, bisides the hamburger, pie, bread and western food, which are the typical food here, 'Fish &Chips' is the most popular dish. Anyway all of them are not my favorite so cooking for myself is the best choice.

One more thing that I completely understand is the reason why 'Farang' are so crazy about sunbathing and bikini when they go to Thailand, they really cannot do it here. It's too cold!!! ~_~'

Time to Leave New Zealand

I'm really amazed by the nature here, the sea is stunning, the parks are fabulous, the rainbow after the rain is wonderful!! The weather here even though is so cold, the freshness and clean are unbelievable!  Personally, it will be ashamed to leave Auckland because I'm absolutely falling in love with this place!!!

Surprisingly, time to leave is coming too quick, too soon and unexpectedly. Last few weeks, Fab had made decision to apply a new position, which was recruiting in Fonterra for a 'General Manager, Fonterra Brazil'.  Of course, I supported him as always and we had fully hoped on that but we've never expected to be this soon.  The day that HR manager informed him that he is qualified, we were so happy on the fact that this job is his dream for years, as well as going back home for the dreamed job must fulfill his career and he's definitely deserved it!! Unfortunately, we have to make decision within only 2 days. For sure, I couldn't make this decision for him because I have no idea about Brazil, and he couldn't make this decision alone too, however, I let it into his consideration with fully understand and support. We had two days to think and go back to say 'Yes' to accept or say 'No' to deny this opportunity to HR Manager.

      

Not surprise, he went back to say 'Yes'. Humm, I know him, he will not let this go like just simply pass!! Yes, we are leaving New Zealand and moving to Brazil in the next probably five months. He's going back home and I'm going to learn. Learn his Brazilian culture, his family, Portuguese language and more importantly learn new experience....again!

I'm not as nervous as before compare to when I relocated here, but also not as happy as when I moved here as well.  I still have no idea about Brazil but I will certainly sure that I have to go beside him, to support each other! We have to make our dreams come true, especially when we still have time and energy, we still have hope and chance for chasing.

Time to Leave New Zealand

I'm really amazed by the nature here, the sea is stunning, the parks are fabulous, the rainbow after the rain is wonderful!! The weather here even though is so cold, the freshness and clean are unbelievable!  Personally, it will be ashamed to leave Auckland because I'm absolutely falling in love with this place!!!

Surprisingly, time to leave is coming too quick, too soon and unexpectedly. Last few weeks, Fab had made decision to apply a new position, which was recruiting in Fonterra for a 'General Manager, Fonterra Brazil'.  Of course, I supported him as always and we had fully hoped on that but we've never expected to be this soon.  The day that HR manager informed him that he is qualified, we were so happy on the fact that this job is his dream for years, as well as going back home for the dreamed job must fulfill his career and he's definitely deserved it!! Unfortunately, we have to make decision within only 2 days. For sure, I couldn't make this decision for him because I have no idea about Brazil, and he couldn't make this decision alone too, however, I let it into his consideration with fully understand and support. We had two days to think and go back to say 'Yes' to accept or say 'No' to deny this opportunity to HR Manager.

      

Not surprise, he went back to say 'Yes'. Humm, I know him, he will not let this go like just simply pass!! Yes, we are leaving New Zealand and moving to Brazil in the next probably five months. He's going back home and I'm going to learn. Learn his Brazilian culture, his family, Portuguese language and more importantly learn new experience....again!

I'm not as nervous as before compare to when I relocated here, but also not as happy as when I moved here as well.  I still have no idea about Brazil but I will certainly sure that I have to go beside him, to support each other! We have to make our dreams come true, especially when we still have time and energy, we still have hope and chance for chasing.

BELONG TO AUCKLAND

Today, this morning is the first time after four months that I can feel like I belong here. I took a walk to the Warehouse, which is my favorite store. Even though, my life has dramatically changed lately from a working and shopaholic women to be a housewife, amazingly I'm not in shocked anymore, especially today I feel really enjoy! Not many places that I can go unless the store where the housewares are available, and yes, it quite makes sense!? Warehouse in Auckland and Tesco Lotus in Thailand are quite similar, I can go often and spend a few! After walking around, then time for lunch, nearby I found my favorite dish 'Pad Thai' New Zealand style. I'm not a stranger anymore, as I feel quite comfortable! :-D

It's 13 degrees approximately, I'm still not getting use to this cold as it's quite cold for Thai people like me. However, I prefer this weather to extremely hot as the (always) summer in Thailand, at least my hair not get wet and I can spoil myself with the lotion and perfume. Absolutely, I still miss Thailand but less than before, because I start to feel enjoying here with the atmosphere, environment especially now 'On Sale Season', which is starting due to the winter. Wow...many stores start on sale their summer products and absolutely I won't miss this season! 'Cotton on' is becoming my favorite shop, with 50% discount! ;-D Last week, I spent for many shirts, honestly, without job I felt like becoming a girl again. To spend a little money, I already feel guilty! It made me laugh at myself to try to be a good girl.

Albert Park

Part of Albert Park

Moreover, my 4 weeks of English class participation is also amazing. It helps me a lot to get to know this place. 'Languages International' school in Auckland, located on Princes St., surrounded by beautiful green scenery, opposite to the University of Auckland and only 10 minutes walk from my apartment, is where I enroll the English Advanced Program.  The morning class program starts with English for Business, 8:30am-10:30am followed by the Grammar class in the afternoon at 12:50pm-3:00pm. Everyone will have some free time during the gap of both classes, we mostly spend the time enjoyable in the Learning Center, where the school provides many good equipments and stuffs for their students to practice English, such as Internet, computers, TV, Video, library with several English books and lessons, as well as some games and magazines for a little entertainment. After the afternoon class, it's my sight seeing time for Auckland City. I walked back home via Albert park to Queen St., enjoy clean air, green scenery and cool weather, until arrive my apartment at Albert St., may be stop by a bit for a little shopping.  Good life, isn't it? No job, No stress!

The School

Anyway I started the program without any expectation, but rather than spending my free time and the English Advanced Certificate that I've got, I also meet many nice foreign friends and good experiences with them. More importantly, my life perspective is also changed, I enjoy very much Auckland now.

The University of Auckland

BELONG TO AUCKLAND

Today, this morning is the first time after four months that I can feel like I belong here. I took a walk to the Warehouse, which is my favorite store. Even though, my life has dramatically changed lately from a working and shopaholic women to be a housewife, amazingly I'm not in shocked anymore, especially today I feel really enjoy! Not many places that I can go unless the store where the housewares are available, and yes, it quite makes sense!? Warehouse in Auckland and Tesco Lotus in Thailand are quite similar, I can go often and spend a few! After walking around, then time for lunch, nearby I found my favorite dish 'Pad Thai' New Zealand style. I'm not a stranger anymore, as I feel quite comfortable! :-D

It's 13 degrees approximately, I'm still not getting use to this cold as it's quite cold for Thai people like me. However, I prefer this weather to extremely hot as the (always) summer in Thailand, at least my hair not get wet and I can spoil myself with the lotion and perfume. Absolutely, I still miss Thailand but less than before, because I start to feel enjoying here with the atmosphere, environment especially now 'On Sale Season', which is starting due to the winter. Wow...many stores start on sale their summer products and absolutely I won't miss this season! 'Cotton on' is becoming my favorite shop, with 50% discount! ;-D Last week, I spent for many shirts, honestly, without job I felt like becoming a girl again. To spend a little money, I already feel guilty! It made me laugh at myself to try to be a good girl.

Albert Park

Part of Albert Park

Moreover, my 4 weeks of English class participation is also amazing. It helps me a lot to get to know this place. 'Languages International' school in Auckland, located on Princes St., surrounded by beautiful green scenery, opposite to the University of Auckland and only 10 minutes walk from my apartment, is where I enroll the English Advanced Program.  The morning class program starts with English for Business, 8:30am-10:30am followed by the Grammar class in the afternoon at 12:50pm-3:00pm. Everyone will have some free time during the gap of both classes, we mostly spend the time enjoyable in the Learning Center, where the school provides many good equipments and stuffs for their students to practice English, such as Internet, computers, TV, Video, library with several English books and lessons, as well as some games and magazines for a little entertainment. After the afternoon class, it's my sight seeing time for Auckland City. I walked back home via Albert park to Queen St., enjoy clean air, green scenery and cool weather, until arrive my apartment at Albert St., may be stop by a bit for a little shopping.  Good life, isn't it? No job, No stress!

The School

Anyway I started the program without any expectation, but rather than spending my free time and the English Advanced Certificate that I've got, I also meet many nice foreign friends and good experiences with them. More importantly, my life perspective is also changed, I enjoy very much Auckland now.

The University of Auckland

LIFE IN KIWI PLACE

OMG Auckland is such a beautiful city! Even though it's not the capital as Wellington, the business of this city seems influenced to Auckland dramatically to be the busiest city in New Zealand, even more than the capital. North Island of New Zealand is where this city is located and surrounded by the stunning sea view and  nicknamed as a 'City of Sails', lovely, isn't?

My apartment is on 22nd Fl. of Stanford Residence, on Albert steet, which parallel with the Queen street, where it is the business area and shopping plaza area. Seriously, it's the best apartment ever!! I wake up every morning with a panorama sea view, sailing and mountain....OMG....that's stunning! But if you ask me how busy this city is, I can just tell you that...don't compare with Silom Rd. in Bangkok as it's much less!! People here have very simple life styles, working, staying at home, cooking and party with friends at home are the most common activities for typical New Zealander! Mostly they hang out on Friday night such like Bangkokian, otherwise going out for a trip somewhere such as mountains or beaches during weekend and led to Queen St. becomes extremely quiet during the weekend and holidays. I saw most of the shops around the city were closed for example the Anzac Day(national holiday of remembrance World War II) or Queen's birthday(England Queen), it's completely quiet around the town, even the supermarkets were also closed and I was amazed because it will never happen in Bangkok!

Many imported brand-name shops around the zone are seemingly less attractive for the tourists, such as Louis Vuiton, Gucci...., than the  local brands.  I notice that the local people are rarely use them, as much as I see, they are so simple on dressing sophisticated or spending extravagantly on this sort of things, which is actually good! There are many local brands and shops that owned by the local designers,.  Clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry are mostly designed by the designers or the owners of the shops and seem quite popular around the Chancery Plaza and the shopping zone nearby along the Queen St.













'Chancery' is one of the most popular shopping and eatery zone, located off high street of Auckland center. It looks completely different from the typical shopping malls or the shopping malls that we've ever seen because the shops are on the blocks along the small streets, simply say it more look like a fashion street, which is included beauty, cuisine, bars, cafes, etc. I was recommended one of the popular pizzarias name 'That's Amore', which the pizza is made originally by an Italian chef, crispy and delicious! I also found one of my favorite coffee shops name 'Chancery Corner Cafe', where I'm inspired to own one like this. A small coffee shop, selling 2 or 3 simple delicious lunch-dishes and some choices of breads and burgers for the reasonable price breakfast and brunch. It's owned and served by a Chinese or Singaporean couple (I'm not sure because they speak Kiwi accent fluently).

Now, my dream is brighten! :-)

LIFE IN KIWI PLACE

OMG Auckland is such a beautiful city! Even though it's not the capital as Wellington, the business of this city seems influenced to Auckland dramatically to be the busiest city in New Zealand, even more than the capital. North Island of New Zealand is where this city is located and surrounded by the stunning sea view and  nicknamed as a 'City of Sails', lovely, isn't?

My apartment is on 22nd Fl. of Stanford Residence, on Albert steet, which parallel with the Queen street, where it is the business area and shopping plaza area. Seriously, it's the best apartment ever!! I wake up every morning with a panorama sea view, sailing and mountain....OMG....that's stunning! But if you ask me how busy this city is, I can just tell you that...don't compare with Silom Rd. in Bangkok as it's much less!! People here have very simple life styles, working, staying at home, cooking and party with friends at home are the most common activities for typical New Zealander! Mostly they hang out on Friday night such like Bangkokian, otherwise going out for a trip somewhere such as mountains or beaches during weekend and led to Queen St. becomes extremely quiet during the weekend and holidays. I saw most of the shops around the city were closed for example the Anzac Day(national holiday of remembrance World War II) or Queen's birthday(England Queen), it's completely quiet around the town, even the supermarkets were also closed and I was amazed because it will never happen in Bangkok!

Many imported brand-name shops around the zone are seemingly less attractive for the tourists, such as Louis Vuiton, Gucci...., than the  local brands.  I notice that the local people are rarely use them, as much as I see, they are so simple on dressing sophisticated or spending extravagantly on this sort of things, which is actually good! There are many local brands and shops that owned by the local designers,.  Clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry are mostly designed by the designers or the owners of the shops and seem quite popular around the Chancery Plaza and the shopping zone nearby along the Queen St.













'Chancery' is one of the most popular shopping and eatery zone, located off high street of Auckland center. It looks completely different from the typical shopping malls or the shopping malls that we've ever seen because the shops are on the blocks along the small streets, simply say it more look like a fashion street, which is included beauty, cuisine, bars, cafes, etc. I was recommended one of the popular pizzarias name 'That's Amore', which the pizza is made originally by an Italian chef, crispy and delicious! I also found one of my favorite coffee shops name 'Chancery Corner Cafe', where I'm inspired to own one like this. A small coffee shop, selling 2 or 3 simple delicious lunch-dishes and some choices of breads and burgers for the reasonable price breakfast and brunch. It's owned and served by a Chinese or Singaporean couple (I'm not sure because they speak Kiwi accent fluently).

Now, my dream is brighten! :-)

LIFE NEW EPISODE

Since 6 March 2010, I lonely sit on the plane and had been thinking all night flight from Bangkok to Auckland. I was scared to cry as tears could make  things worse! I was confused and really uncertain of the decision I've made. At the moment of walking away from my parents, sisters and friends at the gate, I realized deeply that without them I would be really depressed.

However, it's already four months ever since, my new life is adjusted to Auckland City gradually. After a while that I had sometimes homesickness, crying like a baby and sometimes with no reasons, I just cried when seeing my friends faces appearing on Facebook or even my sisters sent message to just say Hello! It was a tough time to keep thinking about my life in Thailand. Every morning, I start the day by thinking about what I would do, if I was in Bangkok! Before going to bed, always struggle with the same thoughtfulness. Days after days, nights after nights, much likely that it would never be able to stop this cycle!!

However, only 'Time' that I can take to absorb new things in reality and enjoy them as much as possible, since no more 'hello' from friends, family continues their own lives, also, I have to start to explore. Now and then, sooner or later, everything will become just like memories. And for me, have no return, just  have to move on.............