After a horrible night in a filthy hostel (I had my first asthma attack in almost 20 years because it was so dirty and because the resident cat must have slept in our bed before) we moved into spotless clean Kiwi’s Nest where owner Gloria gave us a warm welcome to her much-appreciated refuge. We had an early lunch at Circadian Rhythm café to provide enough energy to last us for the duration of the tour of the Otago peninsula we’d booked for the afternoon. Continue reading Alicioustravels: Otago peninsula
Alicioustravels: It doesn’t matter whether they’re yellow or blue
The very relaxed drive towards Oamaru led us through Omarama (which led me to add “rama lama ding dong” each time someone mentioned the place – hilarious, I know) and past Maori rock paintings before we arrived at beautiful Old Bones Lodge, where we were welcomed by the lovely owners and their dog that did look a lot like a sheep. Continue reading Alicioustravels: It doesn’t matter whether they’re yellow or blue
Alicioustravels: Mount Cook village
Another scenic drive took us along Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook village, a quaint little settlement in the Southern Alps, flanked on three sides by mountains and gateway to a wide array of walks of all difficulties. Continue reading Alicioustravels: Mount Cook village
Alicioustravels: Going Alps
After an informative (and literally cool) morning spent at the
International Antarctic Center* we made our way south, then
inland towards Lake Tekapo. Continue reading Alicioustravels: Going Alps
Alicioustravels: Having a whale of a time
There are few things I find more mesmerising than watching marine mammals in the water. Mr A got his first glimpse of a dolphin in Santorini, saw his first whale in Madeira and was immediately hooked to the grace and elegance of these big animals. Continue reading Alicioustravels: Having a whale of a time
Alicioustravels: New Zealand – Christchurch revisited
The last time I had been in Christchurch was in October 2006 and I was curious to see how the city had changed after the earthquake in 2011. Long story short, it had. Tremendously. Continue reading Alicioustravels: New Zealand – Christchurch revisited
Alicioustravels: New Zealand – First impressions
Incredibly but true, what seemed like a neverending journey from Vienna, Austria, to Christchurch, New Zealand finally came to an end after just over 29 hours of travelling.
Despite our arduous trip we weren’t too tired. None of the flights had been extra-long (the lengthiest leg being Bangkok – Sydney), we’d chosen our seats wisely and had always had good (and mostly unobtrusive) company – from Sydney to Christchurch we’d been literally surrounded by the team of Canterbury Crusaders (one of New Zealand’s rugby teams). Continue reading Alicioustravels: New Zealand – First impressions
Alicioustravels: Preparations
We had discussed our holiday for a good year. First with each other, then with our bosses, who generously agreed to our 5-weeks-leave.
On 24 December we received confirmation of our flight tickets.
For the last month and a half we’d had a time tracker on the white board next to the front door of our apartment. We were feeling like children on the days before Christmas. Continue reading Alicioustravels: Preparations
Aliciousquotes: Explore. Dream. Discover.
This quote from Mark Twain is something I truly live by. No matter how much it hurt momentarily, in hindsight I was always glad I’d pursued those dreams that didn’t work out for me in reality – because having not even tried would have been so much worse.
Moreoften, however, they do work out, which is really quite awesome.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain