But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessoriesbrand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
HCMC to be the next shopping paradise?
Lately, it has been amazing to see the increasing number of familiar brand names in the prime shopping district along Dong Khoi St, Le Loi St, Nguyen Hue St etc. Louis Vuitton was here 2 years ago, Marc Jacobs at the new extension of Rex Hotel, Gucci, D&G at Sheraton Hotel...along with mid range brands like Mango, Aldo, Mphosis...the rich and tourists here are simply spoilt for choice!
But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessories
brand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessoriesbrand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
La Fenetre Soleil...a hidden gem...literally
I have read a lot about the La Fenetre Soleil cafe from blogs & travel sites. It is said to be popular with Japanese tourists. Was there recently to find out what the hype is all about.
After confirming the address a few times before leaving my apartment, I thought the cafe has shut down after the taxi pulled over outside a terribly run down shop house, surrounded by construction boards. "What do we do?"...."Shall we just get off the cab and look around?". Was not just gonna give up as a blogger has recently visited this cafe...it can't possibly shut down in just matter of days?!
A few locals sitting nearby immediately recognized puzzled looks on our faces, pointed to the right and rambled something in Vietnamese. I looked up the shop house in dismay, wondering what has happened to the cafe & saw its signboards with arrows pointing to the right. You will not believe how difficult it was to locate this cafe! This better be worth it!
The long entry through few flights of old & dark stairs & reaching a long, dark corridor making us wonder if we have illegally stepped into an abandoned building. Alas we found another narrow corridor leading us to the entrance of the cafe after spotting beams of dim yellow lights.
The cafe has a rather nice ambience, with a mix of east & west furnishings. Less than half the crowd was Vietnamese while the rest were mainly Caucasian & Japanese.
I was in for more disappointment. We came after having a good Korean lunch, with expectations of savouring their famous Vietnamese coffee flavored French Toast and Earl Grey muffins. After asking different servers, it was confirmed that they are not fixed items on the menu and they just happened not to make them that day!
Oh well, it was just not fated. Perhaps, we might come back again one day.
After confirming the address a few times before leaving my apartment, I thought the cafe has shut down after the taxi pulled over outside a terribly run down shop house, surrounded by construction boards. "What do we do?"...."Shall we just get off the cab and look around?". Was not just gonna give up as a blogger has recently visited this cafe...it can't possibly shut down in just matter of days?!
A few locals sitting nearby immediately recognized puzzled looks on our faces, pointed to the right and rambled something in Vietnamese. I looked up the shop house in dismay, wondering what has happened to the cafe & saw its signboards with arrows pointing to the right. You will not believe how difficult it was to locate this cafe! This better be worth it!
The long entry through few flights of old & dark stairs & reaching a long, dark corridor making us wonder if we have illegally stepped into an abandoned building. Alas we found another narrow corridor leading us to the entrance of the cafe after spotting beams of dim yellow lights.
The cafe has a rather nice ambience, with a mix of east & west furnishings. Less than half the crowd was Vietnamese while the rest were mainly Caucasian & Japanese.
I was in for more disappointment. We came after having a good Korean lunch, with expectations of savouring their famous Vietnamese coffee flavored French Toast and Earl Grey muffins. After asking different servers, it was confirmed that they are not fixed items on the menu and they just happened not to make them that day!
Oh well, it was just not fated. Perhaps, we might come back again one day.
Very old & run down shop house. Look up for their signboards for directions.
The entry point to a few flight of old & dark stairs before reaching the cafe
Greeted by this long & dark corridor upon reaching the top of the stair
Top of the stair outside the cafe
Another dark corridor leading to the entrance of the cafe
Old but nice furnishings
Pretty good ambienceTraffic standstill
Was caught in the middle of a traffic standstill recently. Massive traffic jams are daily affairs in almost every part of HCMC where there are schools, learning centres, office buildings, theatres etc. In a city where the narrow streets were only designed for motorbikes but were never improved to cater to the current increasing number of cars, it is a nightmare to travel during peak hours.
A typical class dismissal like this literally brings traffic to a standstill with throngs of anxious parents (looking out for their child walking out of the building) on their motorbikes, scattering from the entrance of the building, to the middle of the road, oblivious to any on-coming traffic.
A typical class dismissal like this literally brings traffic to a standstill with throngs of anxious parents (looking out for their child walking out of the building) on their motorbikes, scattering from the entrance of the building, to the middle of the road, oblivious to any on-coming traffic.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Mid Autumn Festival
"Thinking of You"
When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky.
I don't know what season it would be, in the heavens on this night.
I'd like to ride the wind to fly home, yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions are much too high and cold for me.
Dancing with my moon-lit shadow, it does not seem like the human world.
The moon rounds the red mansion, stoops to silk-pad doors, shines upon the sleepless. Bearing no grudge, why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart?
People may have sorrow or joy, be near or far apart.
The moon may be dim or bright, wax or wane, this has been going on since the beginning of time.
May we all be blessed with longevity.
Though far apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.
Moon cakes in Vietnam
Sighting of another familiar name
MOF - Ministry of Food was established in Singapore a few years ago, well known for its sweets & coffee. Its green tea ice cream and ice blended coffee are some of their popular items.
I've tried it once in Singapore (Bugis Junction branch) and was surprised to see it in HCMC too! It is located along the main road of Le Loi Boulevard, opposite the Saigon Centre but unfortunately, not very visible despite its huge signage.
Its menu is alot smaller than the one I saw in Singapore and its Don Buri is probably the most decent item for a simple meal. Tried the signature green tea ice cream in red bean paste with glutinous balls - it's as good as the one I have tasted in Singapore.
I've tried it once in Singapore (Bugis Junction branch) and was surprised to see it in HCMC too! It is located along the main road of Le Loi Boulevard, opposite the Saigon Centre but unfortunately, not very visible despite its huge signage.
Its menu is alot smaller than the one I saw in Singapore and its Don Buri is probably the most decent item for a simple meal. Tried the signature green tea ice cream in red bean paste with glutinous balls - it's as good as the one I have tasted in Singapore.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Shunji Matsuo hair studio discovered in HCMC
Many ladies in Singapore will be familiar with Shunji Matsuo hair studio. I've been getting my hair done by Qing from the flagship branch in Wellington Building for over a year, ever since my previous hair stylist was murdered about 2 years ago.
While exploring Saigon Paragon, I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted the shop front of what looked like a Shunji Matsuo hair studio and I actually hovered around it for a while to be very sure of my discovery.
This hair studio definitely looks authentic but as for the feel...its too empty, especially if compared to the outlet at Wellington Building. Looking at the price list, a hair cut by a regular hair stylist will cost between USD25 to USD40 while it costs USD55 for a hair cut by Mr Shunji Matsuo himself (he actually comes to HCMC!). I wonder if I should give them a try, after being disappointed twice with the standards of the local hair saloons.
While exploring Saigon Paragon, I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted the shop front of what looked like a Shunji Matsuo hair studio and I actually hovered around it for a while to be very sure of my discovery.
This hair studio definitely looks authentic but as for the feel...its too empty, especially if compared to the outlet at Wellington Building. Looking at the price list, a hair cut by a regular hair stylist will cost between USD25 to USD40 while it costs USD55 for a hair cut by Mr Shunji Matsuo himself (he actually comes to HCMC!). I wonder if I should give them a try, after being disappointed twice with the standards of the local hair saloons.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Paragon...Saigon, Siam or Singapore?
After several delays, Saigon Paragon (a collobration between the prestigious Khai Silk Corp and Thuy Loc Corp) has finally open its doors a couple of months ago, promising luxurious brand names and upper class eateries - a totally whole new swanky shopping experience.
Stratigically located near the trendy Phu My Hung residences in District 7 & standing next to the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, its target market seems to be the middle & upper class residents (especially the expats) within the area and visitors to the exhibitions/conventions next door.
I was there one Sat afternoon and it was almost ghastly empty with less than 40 patrons in the building - not a good sign, just after 3 months into its opening.
Having gone to different 'Paragons' in HCMC, Bangkok and Singapore, they are vastly different with only one distinct similarity - plush & posh.
Can Saigon Paragon sustain? Only time will tell.
Stratigically located near the trendy Phu My Hung residences in District 7 & standing next to the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, its target market seems to be the middle & upper class residents (especially the expats) within the area and visitors to the exhibitions/conventions next door.
I was there one Sat afternoon and it was almost ghastly empty with less than 40 patrons in the building - not a good sign, just after 3 months into its opening.
Having gone to different 'Paragons' in HCMC, Bangkok and Singapore, they are vastly different with only one distinct similarity - plush & posh.
Can Saigon Paragon sustain? Only time will tell.
Artists impression on their official website, looking very magnificent
Saigon Exhibition & Convention CenterMonday, August 24, 2009
Finally...some decent Cheesecakes, Mud pies & Elephanccinos!
With the rapid developement in HCMC, I'm begining to see familiar Singapore based names emerging within the F&B scene here. To name a few: Crystal Jade, Thai Express, Sakae Sushi and N.Y.D.C., a successful dessert cafe chain, is probably the latest kid on the block.
Since coming to HCMC 2 years ago, I was terribly disappointed to learn that I may never find decent cheese cakes around until the arrival of N.Y.D.C. (Nevermind if Starbuck never comes!)
Efforts were made to maintian the same look and feel inside the cafe. The menu and food quality (including their cheesecakes), I must say is up to its original standard too.
Since coming to HCMC 2 years ago, I was terribly disappointed to learn that I may never find decent cheese cakes around until the arrival of N.Y.D.C. (Nevermind if Starbuck never comes!)
Efforts were made to maintian the same look and feel inside the cafe. The menu and food quality (including their cheesecakes), I must say is up to its original standard too.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Yogurt craze in Saigon?
Yogurt shops are seen springing up in some parts of HCMC and eating yogurt is possibly an upcoming craze among the youngsters. At least this yogurt shop (Yogen Fruz) near my apartment has been experiencing booming business since its opening day.
Yogen Fruz was first founded by 2 Canadians in the late 80s with their first outlet in Canada. Currently, they have several franchises around the world.
I have visited this shop twice and I must say I'm pretty impressed by their enthusiast & ability to serve (with reasonable level of spoken English), good customer service and the shop front attracting attention with its modern decor & bright lights. Strategically situated next to a coffee joint that's popular with the young and trendy, this yogurt shop is almost full house on weekends & weekdays.
When it comes to the yogurt itself, the quality is there.
As much as the Southern Vietnamese love sweet food, the Bubble Tea shops and Donut joints here did not take off as wildly as they have in many other Asian countries. With the increasing spending power among the Vietnamese youngsters, yogurt shops like this could really take off well and last a long time.
Yogen Fruz located next to Gloria Jean's Coffee joint
Yogen Fruz was first founded by 2 Canadians in the late 80s with their first outlet in Canada. Currently, they have several franchises around the world.
I have visited this shop twice and I must say I'm pretty impressed by their enthusiast & ability to serve (with reasonable level of spoken English), good customer service and the shop front attracting attention with its modern decor & bright lights. Strategically situated next to a coffee joint that's popular with the young and trendy, this yogurt shop is almost full house on weekends & weekdays.
When it comes to the yogurt itself, the quality is there.
As much as the Southern Vietnamese love sweet food, the Bubble Tea shops and Donut joints here did not take off as wildly as they have in many other Asian countries. With the increasing spending power among the Vietnamese youngsters, yogurt shops like this could really take off well and last a long time.
Yogen Fruz located next to Gloria Jean's Coffee joint
Any time you need a face mask...
Roads in HCMC are always dusty. The ladies on motorbikes here are often seen with face masks more than the men. But just in case it gets really dusty, this may be one good way to improvise a face mask on an adhoc basis?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Leap of faith
I had always wanted to do Skydiving and Bungy Jumping since 10 years ago but never really had the opportunity to do so until my recent trip to New Zealand in June. I knew I had to do it this time before I become too old for these thrilling stunts.
When doing Skydiving in NZ, it has to be in Queenstown where it has the most beautiful view of snow capped mountains and lakes. And when doing Bungy Jumping, nothing beats the world's first bungy site on the Kawarau Bridge hanging above ground level at 43 meters.
Now, having finally done both, I truly understand the meaning of 'Leap of faith'.
View of the world below - stunning & breath taking
View of the Kawarau Bridge before the leap
Took a ferry trip out from Paihia to do whale watching and to see 'Hole in the rock'
Hole in the rock
View of the Bay Of Islands
A tiny house and a light-house spotted on the mountain among the islands
A church and a seafood restaurant on Paihia, lovely looking buildings
And passing by several farms during the drive
Checking into the Scenic Circle Bay of Island Hotel in Paihia
Very comfortable & cosy and great breakfast too - highly recommended
Balcony leading to a small garden outside the room
On our way to Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga
Famous lighthouse on Cape Reinga
It is also the most Northern point of the country
Fish & Chips from the famous Fish Shop at Mangonui
Reaching Auckland
Auckland skyline
View of Auckland Tower from hotel room
Newmarket, Auckland's shopping district
Took a ferry from Auckland to Devoport on the North Shore
Skyline of Auckland at night
Approaching Rotorua (welcomed by the smell of sulphur), a place where geysers,
mud pits, boiling ponds and thermal pools are found (steam arising from the ground)
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel was where we stayed
Restaurants around the hotel
Checking into the hotel
Huge and comfortable room
Sumptuous breakfast at the Fat Dog Cafe & Bar in Rotorua
Lady Knox Geyser at Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua
Agrodome Sheep Show in Rotorua
Sheep sheering
Cow milking
Sheep dogs performing
Never knew there were so many species of sheeps.
Amused to see all of them eager to pose for the camera!
On the way to Taupo
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo
Feeding the ducks and swans at the lake
Dixie Brown's was the most decent restaurant around Taupo where we had dinner & breakfast
Stayed at the Colonial Lodge Motel at Taupo
Huka Falls
Water flowing from Huka Falls forming the Aratiatia Rapids down to the Waikato River
On the way to Wellington
Checked into Holiday Inn Hotel in Wellington
Breakfast at the hotel
Modern and stylish looking room with kitchen facilities
Had breakfast at the Floridita Cafe & Restaurant. The Pacific Rose Apple Juice
from Camla Farm (not found in supermarkets) is one of the best thing I had ever drank.
Scramble eggs best done this way
Shopping district near Cuba Street
Old and traditional houses along Ascot Street, the oldest street in Wellington
Breath taking view from the top of Mount Victoria
Drove into the Interislander Cruise, which ferried us from
Wellington to Picton (from the Northern to the Southern Island)
Cruising through the beautiful Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds
Reaching the port of Picton
Lunch at LeCafe, on the waterfront, along London Quay in Picton
Delicious fish soup
Very tasty huge green lip mussels
On the way to Christchurch
Checked into Holiday Inn City Center in Christchurch
Christchurch
Avon River by the Botanic Gardens with beautiful Autumn leaves
Had lunch at the beautiful restaurant in Mona Vale.
View from inside the restaurant.
A walk in Mona Vale, admiring the houses by the river
Few flowers left in the rose garden
Canterbury Museum, Art Center & Art Gallery
Spotted some interesting buildings opposite
Cathedral Square in Christchurch
American dinner at the Lone Star Cafe
Reached Oamaru (Otago) where the highlight is its Habourside and Tyne Historic Precint
Many old historic buildings (more than a century old), previously
government buildings, banks, aution houses etc. have been preserved and
now turned into art galleries, museums, libraries etc.
A seamstress workshop
Had one of the best pumpkin soup and moist carrot cake at this Malt Whisky Company
Moeraki Buolders where stone formations like these are swept onto the shore
On the way to Dunedin. Now, this is what I really call 'moving house'
Checked into the lovely Blue Stone on George Executive Motel. It has to be one of the best motel I've ever stayed! Its even better than commercialised 5-star hotels. The owners had put in tremendous efforts in carving out all necessities and niceties to address every single possible needs & wants of their guests. Like how the bathroom floor tiles and towel racks are electronically heated in winter and full kitchen and washer/dryer facilities inside each room. Two thumbs up for this motel and highly recommended!
Very cosy sitting area
Nice interior decoration and fittings at the check in counter
A table at a corner with note books for guest to write their comments about the motel
and also reviews of restaurants they've visited in Dunedin - that's really thoughtful!
Even the lift looks high-tech and one of a kind
Rather spacious room. Indeed luxurious for a motel
And the bath towels are the fluffiest I've seen!
Very huge patio with staircase leading down to our car
Dunedin railway station
Seafood platter for dinner at one of the best seafood restaurant along George street
Baldwin Street - World's steepest street
Took a chocolate factory tour at Cadbury World
(unfortunately, no photography was allowed inside the factory)
Larnach Castle built by a very rich man for his wives
Fantastic views from the castle grounds
Took a walk within the 'Octagon' (inner city heritage walks)
Italian dinner at the Zucchini Bros restaurant
On the way to Southland. Chances are, you will meet more sheeps than people in NZ.
NZ's population is only at 4 million compared to 16 million sheeps in the country.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Nugget Points
Reaching Bluff, the most southern point of NZ
Had lunch at 'Land's End NZ' restaurant and the
Bluff Oysters here are one of th best I've ever eaten
Lake Monowai
On the way to Te Anau. Clouds forming around the snow capped mountains
Lake Te Anau
Checked into Crown Plaza Queenstown Hotel, one of the best looking hotel in Queenstown
View of the Remarkables from the hotel room balcony
View from the hotel lift lobby
Took the Skyline Gondola up to the complex to take
in the sights of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
A bungy jumper being recoiled back up
Scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
The beginning of the Milford Sound day tour, starting the journey on the Milford Sound Road
Catching the sunrise
Mirror lake
Took a Real Journey cruise out to see Milford Sound
Another cruise attempting to get near the water fall
Our cruise was next
On the way to the Fox Glaciers
Lake Matheson near the Fox Glacier. This should be one of the best 'Mirror Lake' around.
View of the Fox Glaciers from far
Took a 4 hour guided hike to scale up the glaciers
Finally reaching the glaciers after 2 hours and almost 900 upward steps
It was so beautiful, the strenuous hike was worth it
Pancake Rocks
When doing Skydiving in NZ, it has to be in Queenstown where it has the most beautiful view of snow capped mountains and lakes. And when doing Bungy Jumping, nothing beats the world's first bungy site on the Kawarau Bridge hanging above ground level at 43 meters.
Now, having finally done both, I truly understand the meaning of 'Leap of faith'.
View of the world below - stunning & breath taking
View of the Kawarau Bridge before the leap
Took a 20-day road trip in both Northern & Southern islands
of New Zealand during the cold as we approached winter in June.
of New Zealand during the cold as we approached winter in June.
Took a ferry trip out from Paihia to do whale watching and to see 'Hole in the rock'
Hole in the rock
View of the Bay Of Islands
A tiny house and a light-house spotted on the mountain among the islands
A church and a seafood restaurant on Paihia, lovely looking buildings
Enjoyed the road trip tremendously, driving on good condition roads & neat rows of trees
And passing by several farms during the drive
Checking into the Scenic Circle Bay of Island Hotel in Paihia
Very comfortable & cosy and great breakfast too - highly recommended
Balcony leading to a small garden outside the room
On our way to Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga
Famous lighthouse on Cape Reinga
It is also the most Northern point of the country
Fish & Chips from the famous Fish Shop at Mangonui
Reaching Auckland
Auckland skyline
View of Auckland Tower from hotel room
Newmarket, Auckland's shopping district
Took a ferry from Auckland to Devoport on the North Shore
Skyline of Auckland at night
Approaching Rotorua (welcomed by the smell of sulphur), a place where geysers,mud pits, boiling ponds and thermal pools are found (steam arising from the ground)
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel was where we stayed
Restaurants around the hotel
Checking into the hotel
Huge and comfortable room
Sumptuous breakfast at the Fat Dog Cafe & Bar in Rotorua
Lady Knox Geyser at Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua
Agrodome Sheep Show in Rotorua
Sheep sheering
Cow milking
Sheep dogs performing
Never knew there were so many species of sheeps.Amused to see all of them eager to pose for the camera!
On the way to Taupo
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo
Feeding the ducks and swans at the lake
Dixie Brown's was the most decent restaurant around Taupo where we had dinner & breakfast
Stayed at the Colonial Lodge Motel at Taupo
Huka Falls
Water flowing from Huka Falls forming the Aratiatia Rapids down to the Waikato River
On the way to Wellington
Checked into Holiday Inn Hotel in Wellington
Breakfast at the hotel
Modern and stylish looking room with kitchen facilities
Had breakfast at the Floridita Cafe & Restaurant. The Pacific Rose Apple Juicefrom Camla Farm (not found in supermarkets) is one of the best thing I had ever drank.
Scramble eggs best done this way
Shopping district near Cuba Street
Old and traditional houses along Ascot Street, the oldest street in Wellington
Breath taking view from the top of Mount Victoria
Drove into the Interislander Cruise, which ferried us fromWellington to Picton (from the Northern to the Southern Island)
Cruising through the beautiful Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds
Reaching the port of Picton
Lunch at LeCafe, on the waterfront, along London Quay in Picton
Delicious fish soup
Very tasty huge green lip mussels
On the way to Christchurch
Checked into Holiday Inn City Center in Christchurch
Christchurch
Avon River by the Botanic Gardens with beautiful Autumn leaves
Had lunch at the beautiful restaurant in Mona Vale.
View from inside the restaurant.
A walk in Mona Vale, admiring the houses by the river
Few flowers left in the rose garden
Canterbury Museum, Art Center & Art Gallery
Spotted some interesting buildings opposite
Cathedral Square in Christchurch
American dinner at the Lone Star Cafe
Reached Oamaru (Otago) where the highlight is its Habourside and Tyne Historic Precint
Many old historic buildings (more than a century old), previouslygovernment buildings, banks, aution houses etc. have been preserved and
now turned into art galleries, museums, libraries etc.
A seamstress workshop
Had one of the best pumpkin soup and moist carrot cake at this Malt Whisky Company
Moeraki Buolders where stone formations like these are swept onto the shore
On the way to Dunedin. Now, this is what I really call 'moving house'
Checked into the lovely Blue Stone on George Executive Motel. It has to be one of the best motel I've ever stayed! Its even better than commercialised 5-star hotels. The owners had put in tremendous efforts in carving out all necessities and niceties to address every single possible needs & wants of their guests. Like how the bathroom floor tiles and towel racks are electronically heated in winter and full kitchen and washer/dryer facilities inside each room. Two thumbs up for this motel and highly recommended!
Very cosy sitting area
Nice interior decoration and fittings at the check in counter
A table at a corner with note books for guest to write their comments about the moteland also reviews of restaurants they've visited in Dunedin - that's really thoughtful!
Even the lift looks high-tech and one of a kind
Rather spacious room. Indeed luxurious for a motel
And the bath towels are the fluffiest I've seen!
Very huge patio with staircase leading down to our car
Dunedin railway station
Seafood platter for dinner at one of the best seafood restaurant along George street
Baldwin Street - World's steepest street
Took a chocolate factory tour at Cadbury World(unfortunately, no photography was allowed inside the factory)
Larnach Castle built by a very rich man for his wives
Fantastic views from the castle grounds
Took a walk within the 'Octagon' (inner city heritage walks)
Italian dinner at the Zucchini Bros restaurant
On the way to Southland. Chances are, you will meet more sheeps than people in NZ.NZ's population is only at 4 million compared to 16 million sheeps in the country.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Nugget Points
Reaching Bluff, the most southern point of NZ
Had lunch at 'Land's End NZ' restaurant and theBluff Oysters here are one of th best I've ever eaten
Lake Monowai
On the way to Te Anau. Clouds forming around the snow capped mountains
Lake Te Anau
Checked into Crown Plaza Queenstown Hotel, one of the best looking hotel in Queenstown
View of the Remarkables from the hotel room balcony
View from the hotel lift lobby
Took the Skyline Gondola up to the complex to takein the sights of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
A bungy jumper being recoiled back up
Scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy
The beginning of the Milford Sound day tour, starting the journey on the Milford Sound Road
Catching the sunrise
Mirror lake
Took a Real Journey cruise out to see Milford Sound
Another cruise attempting to get near the water fall
Our cruise was next
On the way to the Fox Glaciers
Lake Matheson near the Fox Glacier. This should be one of the best 'Mirror Lake' around.
View of the Fox Glaciers from far
Took a 4 hour guided hike to scale up the glaciers
Finally reaching the glaciers after 2 hours and almost 900 upward steps
It was so beautiful, the strenuous hike was worth it
Pancake Rocks
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