The Journey Flying Edinburgh to New Zealand

Turns out travelling to the other side of the world takes a really long time....

We started in Amsterdam my favourite city in the world (well so far anyway). Amsterdam as always was incredible. We met a French guy called Maurice he was nice but spoke no English, turns out I speak about five words of French the conversation took about an hour and I now know his name and where he is from ha ha. I need to get better at languages !!!

We arrived on Thursday night and on Friday took in the sights of the city walking round canals, a few coffee shops and got myself one of the best milk shakes in town from Barney's. No matter how many times I go I have a knack for taking wrong turns it means I see lots of the city but it takes me ages to get anywhere there is no better city to be lost.

Then a 12 hour flight to Taiwan I spent the first 9 hours trying so hard to sleep and discovered there are two types of people in this world, the lucky ones who sleep from the minute we take off and the rest of us cranky sick of pork rice (we flew with China Air and got pork rice every 2 hours it got old fast) travelers who would sell there granny for just a few minutes sleep. I think you can tell which camp I fell into! I did meet cool people though a lady from Peru who like us checked in too late to sit with her travel partner and Kate who was our new friend over the next few days.

We arrived in Taiwan tired and excited. Taiwan is confusing and busy so we scrapped our plans for the Zoo and took a half day bus tour of the city instead with our new found friend Kate. We saw all the highlights the 101 building, shrines, an amazing temple with chanting and 100's of people for Chinese New Year. Just now in Taiwan there are lots of political protests around independence and also pensions so we saw some demonstrations all peaceful but interesting to hear about. Pics to follow - we have no free WiFi in the hostel so need to upload the photos soon.

When we got back to the airport we discovered we were delayed so with left over dollars off to the bar we went ....We were the happiest travelers on the plane when we did eventually take off - well until the pork rice came round again.

Then off to Brisbane another 8 hour flight the unexpected stop on our journey no one told us this would happen but everyone seemed to know this was on route except us - first time travelers we are so daft.  Brisbane is hot really really hot we had to stay around the airport but keen to see it on the trip back.

I must say though China Air apart from the same food for 3 days were great free drink very attentive and lovely staff after being awake for 3 days you need some looking after and they sorted me out.

And finally Auckland a short 4 hour flight - we arrived in customs with a scary looking form stating that we had to declare ALL food - this seemed extreme but we went along with it and declared our Haribo - The customers officer laughed again first time daft travelers.


So Kia Ora and Welcome to New Zealand we made it and had lots of fun along the way ill upload the photos and tell you all about Auckland soon ...