Who thinks that the recent blog Jenny's favorite show "Sesame Street" dedicated, is mistaken. Rather, the results of the last exciting week are described. Moreover, in the notes: a few photos of the Tongan underwater world, to be submitted at this point. And off ...
The skin is golden brown, the mood is relaxed and in Schlüpper scraped still the odd grain of sand. No question, the Tonga Tourism and its effects are everywhere. But no sooner arrived back in Auckland, waiting for the next adventure for us. Anya and Andrew, cherished friends from Berlin have announced themselves. The two have been a little over a week with their rented camper-van "Aaron" spent in New Zealand, it has already explored the southern half of North Island. Now the north and the Greater Auckland are discovered. Since both come out no more from the rave about the camp, decide Jenny et moi, to also order a camper. Scarcely 12 hours after this beery idea we are already on the road, heading north. Our van is named "Elmo" and is comfortably furnished (bed, refrigerator, gas stove, sink and all kitchen utensils).
Just a few kilometers outside of Auckland you get the feeling to move into more tropical climes.
this beach is ours alone ... and a few sheep
The beaches are bright sandy, the picturesque beaches invite for swimming and the people make a welcoming feel. If only the weather would play there more. It rains quite often and a stiff breeze makes the Van vary dangerous. The first red cross on the map is an underwater nature reserve. Here you can well from the shore (or borrowed by diving equipment) observed a biodiversity that is indescribable. Well, the diversity is really for us difficult to describe. The diving rental is closed, and from the bank's view is then not so great, probably because of rough seas and strong wind. One can imagine here and there a few fish with blue fins, and a seal is shown. Nevertheless, we focus more on the walk on the beach, the patented shell collecting (and then leave again on the beach - is, after all, a nature reserve ... shit!) And the stunning coastal scenery
.
hach, a shell would have to be: just lying around all day lazing on the beach and listen to the sound of the sea
We forgot a little time. Already in the dark, we arrive at the campground of our choice. The reception is not occupied, by bell, however, the owner agreed. The colleague has probably no longer expected to visit. In any case, his flag makes the guess that he is blowing in our faces (which has not stopped him like this, come by car to the reception. Probably he could not run ...). dazed half a nice place to be visited. While the girls prepare good of the sacrament, André and I shoot a couple of interesting photos on the beach.
The first person who can guess which three symbols are shown here in Berlin, receives from Jenny NEN Lolli ...
particularly old, we are not on this evening, tired, the bed is assembled. Only by sleep is interrupted, since rain and a roof hatch left open not really understand.
The next morning the weather had not improved really, we can not spoil the mood and start the day with a hearty breakfast, with André the one time or another like a monkey in the circus between the two Campervans and forth swings. With a full belly, you go towards the Bay of Islands, but not directly, but via a roundabout way once back in the Pampa and past steep mountains and dangerous gravel trails right on the edge. In between, Andrew had to take the short term the role of a shepherd, because before him had posted a herd of woolly contemporaries. But the thrill was rewarded with a wonderful view at a dream beach.
see here does not look too steep ... but my hands were wet as Hakle
And how could it be otherwise, with gorgeous water in all facets of the blue color spectrum ...! On such a beautiful place you can have one or two hours while away time, just busy watching the Pacific Ocean beyond and to inflate the wind in your hair.
It was the same dangerous-looking dirt road back and really towards Bay of Islands, only interrupted by a photo stop and fast loops down the homemade bread. Our goal was actually Russell, this little town was in the guidebook as an idyllic and perhaps also touted some old-fashioned, in contrast to his very dark past (Russell was a pivotal point for cruises in the 18th and 19th centuries and was visited by robbers, pirates and other scum to durchzuzechen properly the nights). However, we were just a little disappointed with the city, perhaps also because of bad weather, turned around and put the ferry across to Paihia.
Paihia tourism is very modern and looks a little like herring or village like this: lots of small shops, a promenade and a lot of people. But at least now seemed the sun. We purchased a few more information on tomorrow, because we wanted to see dolphins and whales go and then we looked at the next campsite. He was lying next to Haruru Falls, a small waterfall in the dark lit impressed, especially by its extremely friendly and very helpful staff. Again, we were quickly in our bunks, for an exciting and thrilling next day we expected.
almost unreal ... the blue waters of the Bay of Islands
The morning will kick off with the obligatory shower, but in a shower, which was designed for hobbits. If yes somehow clear in the area here, but a shower head is just below chest height for normal people à la Legolas a real challenge, at least if one wants to wash his matted hair. That reminds me that Legolas have always greasy hair in the movies seemed, well ... other ...
With clenched thighs, the short drive started for the port. The previous day's planned itinerary is put into action. Before we know it, we sit in a quite large but fast ship, of course, on the outdoor deck. Already in the shelter of the bay is clear that the trip could be somewhat rough. Finally, there is a storm in the corner of New Zealand for weeks, and even now slim 35 knots are expected to wind, which should pile up a few decent waves. The first (and only) dolphin is not long in coming. Joyously bright, he shows a pose after another, until at last the nerd with a camera came to its cost.
has jemacht ne janz beautiful wave ...
had no fear (perhaps, therefore, the scratches on the back?): The dolphin
The further course of the tour are pretty athletic. We cling to the deck directly over the bow to the railing and enjoying the wild ride. The captain leaves the engine howl and the waves do the rest. The trip by the once highly diverse blue wet now remembers a roller coaster ride. "Good thing we're out in the fresh air," I think to myself, "inside it is not intended as comfortable!". After a few minutes, the magic is over. We go to a quiet bay (laaaaangweilig!). While the rest of the passengers normal to uninvolved impression, makes the adrenaline junkies to cover a wide grin carved into his face. The Highlight of the tour again after a rough ride, but we need to spend on deck (Mist!), then a large hole in a rock (Hole in the Rock). In good weather, this hole is traversed by boat. Today, it is too dangerous. The captain decides to go back half in the cave, so that we can take photos. I wonder today how dangerous this maneuver is to be ... sets ... the Kiwis!
The tree is perhaps not to look so good because we are stupid enough to just before him
the way, after we have solid ground under their feet (The return trip was unspectacular: tour of the island, looking for dolphins, come back), it is in a region which is home to this small nocturnal bird. The landscape is mountainous and secluded. A perfect retreat not only for Kiwis, but also for other living things. Such as the kauri, a mighty giant tree that was felled in the past almost entirely by man. What a shame! The trees are of enormous size and a real eye opener. As the day is well underway, we look for a campsite nearby. This is so remote that do not views of the owners on site. As always there for dinner a true culinary delight. The digestion fatigue and the long day can strum the eyes. André, however, is obsessed with the idea of spotting a kiwi. Each bird song is immediately identified as Kiwiruf. Several times short trips are made with the flashlight (behind the toilet house, behind the kitchen, the meadow by the river), each time without success. Eventually even the amateur ornithologist Andrew is ready to hop into bed. He did, however, is the toilet at night will almost certainly be a Kiwi. My opinion: "Yes, no, is clear!"
The tour group at the Poznan
early bird catches the worm, well, maybe after brushing. And anyway, this morning we had much rather take it easy. We decided then to almost directly to roar again in the direction of Auckland, as we had in terms of kauri trees, the most powerful and impressive things indeed seen already. The west coast of the Tasman Sea, however, promised not to be very big highlight, as the Lonely Planet (travel guide) had just two sides to work that to report to New Zealand. That should not cause for worry, our goal was about an hour before Auckland, the beach of Piha. Who aufmerkt at this point and says that he has read this name might have been here, which is quite right, but we wanted to André and Anja show this wonderful place nor unconditional. (In this area intensively Kumara - sweet potato - attached) After a long drive through a lot of agricultural area, the visit of a fully automated toilet (including romantic music) in Helensville and right across Auckland's afternoon traffic, we finally reached the place of destination. Piha received us with a joyful smile sun. We headed to the beach, hiked in the direction of Camelback, a huge rock with subsequent hole ("the Gap"), by whipping through the water at high tide. On a lookout, we enjoyed the beautiful sunset together due to apple juice.
The last night with Aaron, and Elmo was enjoyed to the full: we cooked one last time Aaron, sat comfortably together one last time in Elmo, enjoying the last supper, followed by bedtime (?) drink and slept for the last time Aaron and Elmo.
evening gymnastics ...
The almost last day of Anja and Andre took us again for varied weather, rain and sunshine to come here almost every minute the door handle. Back in Auckland, Aaron had just so exhausted with the last drop of fuel to the gas station, things were smashed at home and visited the shopping center. However, thousands of Aucklanders had the same idea so the shopping turned out to be very stressful. To escape the anthill, the shopping on the good old Queen Street we were moved around the corner. Since power-shopping makes you hungry, we took the opportunity to both a typical New Zealand food court to show, with its variety of Asian snacks and odors. But when we reached the scoring mile, all shops were closed, although, according to opening times for half an hour was left. It seems that in this area, the clocks are much, much faster than ours. But we were lucky, Basti favorite store had something left in the kitchen.
strengthened and a full stomach we went to the Skytower, where we had you here very lucky because we cheated all of us as students with associated discount by. In 220 meters, we could then, in spite of germ-strength windows, enjoy a magnificent view of the skyline and witnesses have been a firework.
The tip of the red arrow shows our home, where is the light straight out, so we are not there because we are on the Skytower, where this photo was taken .. .
Sunday it was necessary to make even the last shopping and to pack bags, including some of our stuff that we are in the rest of New Zealand residence no longer need. And just as we still wanted to leisurely drink coffee, it struck us like scales from their eyes. The time was changed the night before; actually, the two have been around for almost 30 minutes on the way to the airport. ... argh ... The ordered taxi turned out to be absolute impudence, as the driver was almost three times the normal price. So we grabbed the bags snorting wild, ran towards the bus shuttle and finally has caught a cheap taxi. Everything went well again, Anya and Andrew arrived on time and the aircraft had not an ounce too much! And we enjoyed the memories of an exciting week!
Here, as promised, the underwater photos of Tonga. Even if the quality is outstanding, but one can imagine the beauty of this silent world. But pictures say, finally, more than a thousand words ...
something seems to have scared these colorful little fish ... what can it be?
... Perhaps the most dangerous creatures of the South Seas: Moby Dick, the white whale ...
Or is this strange creature with Ruessel
a fire fish (! Three cheers for our reef shoes)
Almost invisible: this slender fish with the pointy nose (above)
It has been a long time as a Google page rank updated, now used by many Confirmed PR update, Google page-rank-september-2010, thus finally BEGUN! Watch it changes on their side. Last page rank update was done in April 2010 and it is almost 5 months now since the last PR update.
When in Capri red sunsets in the sea ... (the first one who can give me the artist of this classic, get some ice cream on the return)
The arrival
Having spent the last few days more or less in and around the capital of Tonga, which now opens to the time of bathing and relaxing on the west coast of the island. Our hotel "Vakaloa Beach is located directly on the beach, consists of several cozy cottages and is run by a very sympathetic Tongan couple. Upon arrival we schwabbt against a wave of relaxation. You can hear the waves crashing and a little bird chirping somewhere a wonderful melody. Jenny and I agree on that one, let one last time to pay for the week of hectic; Finally, cross the beach afterwards, besieged by us to be. Soon the case will be (what was wrapped up the sweater and long pants again?) Stowed in the cabin, the bikini or the Bermuda dressed, put on his sunglasses and quickly smeared the body with a sun protection factor 30. About 20 meters to the beach are handled quickly, with starting it goes toward the ocean. During the flight phase, the Reefshoes (poisonous animals en masse), together with diving goggles are started. "Finally in the water," we think it is. "What are daft because the Krauts" must think the Tongans. "Have never seen the sea?" The whole thing has from check in to hotel for dipping into the water felt lasted five seconds.
The beach house
The sea:
The west coast of Tonga is landscaped really dominated by rugged rocky shores (see "blow holes" and "Natural Bridge "in Part 1), embark on the murderous waves. Here and there, but corals are natural barriers against the force of the waves created. So here. The result is a coral sand beach, as it appears in the book, to a lagoon for swimming, which is Jacques Cousteau become very hot under his knitted cap would be. Everywhere colorful small fish and sea stars that look just like in the documentary "Finding Nemo" section. That some of these funny characters such as fish or a sea serpent of fire are less healthy than smoking, which makes snorkeling and then to take a little more exciting. The real main attraction is clearly the humpback whales that can be observed from the beach great. I will not even go out on, because the responsibility falls clearly into Jenny. It will surely lose even a few words.
Your blue eyes make me so sentimental! (Who can give me the artist of this song, I get praise and recognition)
of a leg has not too much?
The shells come in various colors and shapes ...
The beach:
Thank you for that nice introduction. Well then I'm going to lose another minute and report on our beach in close proximity to our cabin and was located to the main building of the hotel. Accordingly, we did not have to walk to the beach to spread out our towels, we pop in to the sun and enjoy total relaxation. But even then we very lazy but were not. For one thing, yes Basti in the footsteps of Jacques Cousteau and others, I was busy trying to look for Free Willy lookout. It was not easy, because the sea was far and humpback whales terminate unfortunately not with fanfare but with a fountain, to catch his breath.
Here Jenny walks out the Reefshoes. It also seems very happy (Wal seen?)
When this moment arrived, we were able to observe in most cases one or the other whale here, as he majestically out of the water leaps into the air and us in his white belly shows. But this was rarely the case. Sure showed us the whales but often through the water gliding plane dominant and with its tail fin in the cool waters.
two whales dive
Show see her the fin
But no matter how they showed us a whale up close is a special experience. It's like every time a lucky bomb burst inside, yet comical creatures that radiate from a certain calmness. Fortunately, whales are protected (even if they are hunted in too many countries for scientific purposes), because otherwise I would probably by the family doctor once with-the-whales swim-been prescribed for therapeutic purposes. look
between snorkeling and whale we've moved even a little bit and are walking along the beach. This, however, were very short walks, especially because the tide sometimes blocked his way.
Basti top and Jenny on the ground?
Because Keeping warm
HOTEL:
To stay with the whales, they were our constant companion at breakfast and supper. We were very lucky to have had the terrace of a lovely sea view and was a little increased, so that we have some hours with whale-watching and amateur filming spent there. Despite shaky hand, some spectacular shots are successful, nevertheless it is sometimes better to put the camera aside and just enjoy the moment.
comrades we have also the Tongan cuisine and hospitality. Much has been cooked with fish, logically, when the sea is literally right outside the front door. There was a dinner show called also get to see it, when we witnessed a potpourri of Polynesian dances. The first dance looked Basti and I still amazed, because the dancers were thrown to the Tongan dollar bills with coconut oil is smeared arms. The statement was followed immediately, this was a kind of gratuity and appreciation the dance performance. And as we have been then yet thanked by name to have the "Vakaloah" is selected, we were almost even to climb on stage to give one U.S. dollars tip.
was at the dinner show is sometimes a stormy ...
On the last night we had the pleasure of eating with Hans in luck. Hans was the father of the manager, had come to the birthday and from Germany and Tonga has found his love of life. So we had a real comfortable last evening with delicious food and the right yummy Banana Cake.
evening was always very lauschich ...
We had our choice of hotel, so really lucky: our room was almost as big as our apartment in Auckland, the service and the staff were very, very friendly and attentive (the evening out we were even visited the beach and our order for dinner was included before - almost a bit uncomfortable to make as much as circumstances) and on the morning of our departure, we were even driven by Hans personally to the airport. As a farewell, we made Hans still a very special gift: a salami, which we did not want to sneak across the border.
Kussi, see you soon!
ps: The underwater recordings will be filed later, they are worthwhile because ...
Even at night, always worth a look: The sea
As Jenny notes has to take the moon to Tonga from a different angle than you at ...
The stars shine brighter probably nowhere ...
and again at night ... photographed by the bungalow.
small but perfectly formed, one of the many islands
was
As seen and photographed a lot more, our Tonga adventure is split into two parts. It follows: Part 1
After a night of little sleep due to the unaccustomed heat, squealing pigs and crowing frühmorgendlichem and after a particularly nutritious Continental breakfast (toast, jam and fruit), we walked both going towards downtown of the capital of Tonga. "Broadcast the first time what one can make so decide, then, that was our motto. But spontaneous as we are now times, we summarily decided to make a small tour of the islands that we were in the tourist information virtually to heart. By taxi for less than a handful of dollars we went to the port and from there to a small but fine boat towards the open sea. After ten minutes, the marvel of the ocean, however, had already done, because we had reached our destination. A small island with unpronounceable Pangaimotu.
The islands lie so close to each other, and if you were a stone, you could be over submit to (or alternatively, if you were a cat that could skip across it)
Once on the island, we made our first trip to discover alla Captain Cook: win a trip around the island and a lovely spot in the shade. On the way we discovered the most amazing Things, from small hermit crabs, wandering with their shell on his back through the sand, over water snarling larger shell, which probably had hidden a beautiful pearl inside them, to the blue of the water in all colors (light to dark blue) and facets (blue with shimmer).
Jenny has a shell caught ...
around the island we had dealt with quickly, because too big was not sameness. When we finally a patch of beach were found in which we would not risk to get a coconut on the head, notice we had, unfortunately, that we, like the hairdressers having departed: Forgot snorkel gear and underwater camera, with only one large towel for both of us, nothing to read or play and with nothing to munch. The latter was not essential, because the sun was little appetite for chocolate. But we were satisfied that, cozy to lie on the tiny towel and look on the blue, blue sea.
Casual appearance ...
After lunch in a very comfortable beach club / Kascheme / restaurant we wanted to go swimming. But an inner voice to which we remembered from childhood days back, told us with a wagging finger: "Do not go swimming after eating". Also not on wild, we thought we put ourselves out doze a bit, so we could splash later. From an ample doze nap has become, from which we awoke just in time to get back on the boat in the capital. Once there, the drizzle started already to and made our decision to drive back to the hotel very easy ...
This futuristic skyscraper settlement is actually a coral
Thursday
We slept a little better, even if the pigs are given a Grunzkonzert finest. Encouraged by the "Continental Breakfast" (this time there were boiled eggs), we search the guide by a bad weather alternative - the Weather forecast promised rain and wind. Without further ado, we decide for a guided tour, which includes the major attractions of the island, as it is at least in the car, when the inevitable rains come. So far so spectacular ...
The two protagonists is one of the many beautiful beaches
... the Tour itself then very beautiful, but out is perhaps the wrong word. Learn about the individual attractions, or nothing at all about the island, not us, our tour guide in this respect quite reserved, almost closed. Instead, walk and climb Jenny and I on my own about making diligent Photos and Videos. In general, the tourism is still in its infancy. This is a nice hand, as the attractions and beaches are not crowded and you have the feeling of being the only tourist. On the other hand, are eager to hear a little about the beautiful things that you visited here. Moreover, the infrastructure, say "expandable". Roads are our days of pigs, cattle and dogs and very incomplete. On the way from one attraction to another one has the chance, the settlements to take a close look at the Tongans. Consisting mostly of huts that seem getuckert from all possible building materials together. Plastic sheet as a back door? No problem! Corrugated iron as wall or roof? Yes, please! We have seen here more tin than any polar bears fan. Well, just outside the capital is all a bit "old-school".
As Jenny gets from walking more müffige Mauken, here they are cooled in water. In the background the sea begins to bubble already.
The tour However, we also really beautiful beaches with terraced reef formations. Here and there, leaves the strong surf the spray from all possible loopholes or gaps shoot out (so-called blow holes) - to look very spectacular.
Then it's off to a natural rock bridge (You Do not shut off - very dangerous), cut into a magnificent cliff into it. We enjoy the grand view. The water shines again in all its facets and the visibility is good - we can spot whales is not the same. But we still have time.
not for the faint of heart: "Natural Bridge" completely natural, without a fence ...
The next "tourist attraction" is a stalactite cave, where you can swim. We are led by a barefoot and smiling smugly Islanders in the cave. A tour of silence, broken only here and there of rattling noises. The rattlesnake, which in my opinion, after hiding in the cave to bite tourists in flip-flops, turns out for a flock of breeding birds - so so ... We will then also at the swimming pool of the cave. However, as the sun loungers all are already occupied (yes sure ... J), and the colleague with the miner's lamp still smiles so strange we do without the pleasure. Being back on for days, we make our way to the "Cook's Landing Place". Here is the time Cpt. Cook arrived in Tonga, has rested under a tree and celebrated with the Islanders. The hospitality has it fallen so much that he named the islands "Friendly Islands" was. As it subsequently turned out, the former tribal leader had secretly planned to kill Cook and his ships to hijack. Since, however, he and his followers could not agree on the manner of the killing (so much about kindness) Cook passed the opportunity and escaped unscathed. Phew! Today commemorated by a plaque and a tree that is a descendant of the original tree, past the place.
The Trilithon Maui ("The Last Maui"). Those who wanted to audition hundreds of years before the king, had to make a gift through this gate. Who did not do this, got thrashing ...
Finally, we will then still the "Stonehenge of the Pacific" to see. It consists of three huge coral blocks, each weighing around 40 tons and combined to form a gate were. The reason it was built 800 years ago is not fully clarified. However, astronomical backgrounds are given because some state in the stones carved scoring both the shortest and longest day of the year - very interesting! My theory: The former king wanted to show off but not a mess and has replaced its corrugated iron door through this gate.
Back at the hotel, we look forward to a day full of beautiful discoveries and impressions. The cameras have once again ignited, and a bit of color, we have also caught. Now the next few days will be entirely devoted to lounging, swimming and whale-watching ".
the holidays have begun. Time, therefore, to the really very hard living here return to Auckland in the back and take a look across the pond. If you're thinking: "Uh after Amiland? Spiders? "Has partially right. Quite as much as possible but not yet. We will Tongatapu Island (part of the Kingdom of Tonga) happy with our presence. Which is only surrounded by some small islands in the South Pacific.
This highly functional map shows where lies Tonga (Red Arrow Source: wikipedia)
And there you go:
Tuesday:
The things are packed, made the final arrangements - snorkel gear, Flip flops, suntan lotion, bikinis, fruit and two salamis and cheese were purchased wisely (The prices on the paradise island will probably be demonized high). The road to the Airport encourages us again leave for New Zealand behind. Auckland we passed in the most boring shades of gray. The flight is very pleasant, "Air New Zealand" to recommend in any case. Good legroom, even for people who are a bit larger than ne parking meter, good food and a strong board can program the journey a pleasure to be. On the ground, many passengers do not even sit, the film "A-Team" is chosen. By the way, a good choice of airline, this incorporated into the film program, plunging the hero (Hannibal, Face, BA and Murdock), but several times with NEM helicopter or plane. Well, the flight goes by in any case. I love it when a plan works.
The airfield bustle ...
Unfortunately, it is already dark when we land. From the island is certainly not much to see. The airport gives it the charm of a department store, the architecture reminds hard on it. Only, that even at Saturday morning not long waits at the checkout as here at the counter. In the case control is transferred to the fruit Jenny transport, my salami smuggling goes undetected - phew! To climb the easier a few apples and nectarines, we are the first taxi that drove us about 25 miles to the hotel. The driver is sincerely friendly, very proud of "his" island and technically gifted. He makes art out of wood. Aha ...
arrived at the hotel is still a quick snack served in the restaurant and drank a Willkommens-Bier/Wein. The hotel is very nice, the food delicious and wireless internet included. This is also the reason that we are a first greeting to Can send home. The next few days we will probably explore the first city and surrounding area (perhaps one or two small islands). The lolling on the beach will not be guaranteed at short. After that is held for sharks and whales, from the water. The snorkel was not finally dragged along for fun. The remaining days we will scour the attractions of the island.
Upon completion, we then get to this point again. And keep your ears stiff and closed the crossing jackets. We have the very real tropical temperatures our jackets in some deep, the case - bah!
Aloa
Jenny, the pearl of the Pacific, and Basti, the silence of the ocean
soon ...
ps: I love it when a plan works!
pps: I love it when my toes finally able to get some fresh air and move freely in their flip-flops can!
ppps: I can sniff your toes, too (you say the word "pitch" anything?)
