Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Solo Roadtrip to the West Coast




this is my view right now as I write. pretty, isnt it? But it has its price, Queenswotn is expensive! What I cant understand though is that if I pay such a punishable amount for my hotel, why is parking, internet and a toothbrush/paste not included?

Two nights ago, I went to a French restaurant. The food was ok, but the waiters were not. As you can only expect from French people, they were smug, wearing a fake smile and I, as a single guest was about as welcome as a gay in an evangelical church.

When I wanted an espresso AFTER asking for the bill, the waiter exploded...Upon paying I realised that the only additional thing he needed to do is type "+3.5$" into a calculator.

People may say that Thai smiles are not genuine...but service is a hell of a lot better in Thailand than here!

I sound like a bitter queen now...but all I actually want is some friendliness. Kiwis are quite a friendly bunch and they love to small-talk a bit when you visit their shop or restaurant...Europeans however still have a lot to learn...



Yesterday I went on a trip to the West Coast. It's simply my favourite place on earth. When I come here, I feel the air, the light, the vegetation, everything is different!



I drove 540km yesterday, and about the same the day before...but I drive a hybrid, which uses exactly 5.3L/100km with my style of driving:)

Today, I wont go so far. I need to buy honey for my honey...he wants to give some to his parents in Seoul when he visits. Asian people love New Zealand Manuka honey as it is supposed to give you health benefits.



I must confess that I did something really naughty yesterday. As I was standing on the beach, the setting sun flooding the beach with warm orange light, I felt the urge to do something.

A friend once told me that when he's far away from civilisation, such as in lakes, rivers, forests he likes to enjoy himself.

It feels liberating indeed. I was surprised how quickly I finished...much quicker than when I watch naughty movies :))...I also took a picture of the evidence, but you wont get to see that:)

*blush blush* I shy.

As I stood up to get dressed again, a farang couple walked past not very far, phew...lucky!

Before that though, I wrote mine and the bf's name in the sand and drew a heart around it....sweet or cheesy?



On the way back to Queenstown I stopped by the lake - and took pictures of the sky...click on it, it looks awesome!!!

I only have two nights left in New Zealand, then I'll be back in Bangkok. Yay! Lets see how long I will feel like a tourist in my "home country"(Thailand). The last time it lasted a morning.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

mmm... you're polorising when you should be graduating... get thee back to BKK poste haste
paulo
lol

Anonymous said...

Ask yourself why the waiters did not make you feel welcome...

Asia in Australia said...

paulo: do you mean polarising?

I dont quite understand your post....I can eat at a French restaurant AND eventually graduate, no? I cant write for 3 months on a thesis without eating...

anon2: I have asked myself. And unless "smiling" is an offence in their mind, I cannot find any. Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

That picture of the night sky and mountain range is absolutely beautiful and amazing. And I have always loved that photo in your blog header as well. Thanks for sharing your shots with us.
David in NYC

kawadjan said...

Definitely sweet!

Anonymous said...

were the waiters asians or caucasians?

Asia in Australia said...

they were pround frenchies.

Prkmk said...

Welcome to amazing Thailand, land of smile :D hehehe.
Your naughty act was so HOT! I once had a skin dipping in some island near phuket...but i never left any trails like yours. So, thanks for the inspiration! wink*

Christian said...

Unfriendly waiter? I have a similar story: a long time ago, my parents and I stayed in a posh hotel for a holiday. After dining, it became late (about midnight) and I ordered a second coke. The waiter came with a bottle and poured the coke into the empty glass (from my first coke) standing (the glass, not the waiter) on the table!

Asia in Australia said...

amazing thailand will be smiling at me again from tomorrow.

skinny dipping in new zealand winter is a nono...:P faaaaaaar too cold:)

christian:there are of course tons of them, especially in europe, where service providers still think you are indebted to them even if you are the customer

Anonymous said...

Get back to Asia pronto! Only certain Asians would return your smile. Sometimes life can be a little hard...
I guess your charm will go wasted on charming French waiters. You will definitely fare better in Thai or Chinese restaurants.

Asia in Australia said...

anon: I am back already. and I am looking forward to being smiled at again in bangkok...

this has nothing to do with flirting by the way...I just like to have a good athmosphere between people.

Anonymous said...

ahh... so now, at least geographically, you'll be back to polarising... hope you're still not pissing off the french waiters... it's hard I know, but someone's got to do it
lol
paulo