overview

Where shall I start?

I've missed my own comfy bed so much for the past 3 weeks, but had some pretty incredible memories doing random activities and just catching up with May and Janice, and of course touring around with Becky hehe.

Spots on the art gallery is supposedly to promote an ongoing exhibition at the time. I still like Welly despite the crazy wind meh. Not too fond of the head colds from the wind, though.

and of course, no trip is complete without good food.

Introducing Wholly Bagels- yummy bagels with different fillings of choice. They should open a franchise here!

Went on a Kapiti Coast tour and had fun posing with odd/interesting cars at the transport museum

May couldn't join us to Auckland as she's too busy with her research :(

Anyway, we took a 2-day trip down to Rotorua then to Taupo. Weather was sooooo warm then. Rotorua DOES smell of rotten eggs due to sulphur everywhere. Gosh. But it does get better with time

Went to one of the geothermal 'wonderland's- funky colours and smells

 And Janice zorb-ed! So much fun from just watching her do it. The people working there are just so crazy and fun-loving haha! That's next on my to-do-list the next time I visit Rotorua.

We also pampered ourselves at the Polynesian Spa & hot spring pools at Rotorua. BLISS

Took a 1 hour bus ride down to Lake Taupo, and went to the Huka prawn farm to catch some prawns! Random, I know. Becky was the only one who managed to catch any (3), which were then cooked at the restaurant. Wished we had more time there though, never thought prawn-fishing could be this challenging and fun!

Auckland- the city of sails and where I bought my Karen Walker top *teehee*

Met up with Tao and William at Auckland, had dinner at the famous KK Malaysian restaurant at Epsom. The kangkong belacan is to die for. I'm definitely going back for more next time.

Then they drove us to the lookout at Devonport for beautiful views and lots of phototaking ;) A group pic (bless that person who invented self-timers) for remembrance

Also, we attended Michelle and Davina's graduation ceremony yesterday afternoon. Oh, Sarah and Yan who did pharmacy had their ceremony as well. Beautiful day for graduation; even better when we stumbled upon this great secret place to take photos- they look like they've been taken in the studio!

My personal favourite: Xander (about 6 weeks old) drooled while this photo was taken hehe. He has gotten so much bigger since I last saw him: heard that he's already outgrown many of his Ralph Lauren and Gap baby clothes :P He's sooooooooo cute it's impossible not to coo and make baby noises at him. Also, yesterday was the first time I had held a baby ever- feels really good actually :)

So apart from still recovering from the 3-week holiday, I'm getting ready to be back at the lab tomorrow :( Been busy the last few days planning the itinerary for a South Island tour that's happening in a few days. Can't wait for mum and dad to arrive in 10 days! :D

What's more, my own graduation in 12 days! eeks. It feels surreal. And not having a dress yet is a dreadful feeling. The desperate hunt shall begin very soon. Also, time is running out in finding a place to live for next year. I'm not even thinking about packing all my things yet.

But all in all, I'm grateful :) For a safe and awesome trip, for first class honours WOOHOO (who would have thought?! well, I didn't), for parents coming over to see me graduate soon yay, for having the whole flat to myself (just kidding, Sharon hurry come back home!), and for the tv series GLEE :D

Will Schuester is the cutest when he sings/dances *sigh*