Weekend trip to Auckland

So I ended up booking flights for the wrong day...what do you? Shrug it off and make the most of it. Luckierly I had a few friends in Auckland that same weekend, so we ending up eating some great food and a few very nice drinks.

I've made a quick mashup of the trip for you all to enjoy!

Don't forget to ask any questions you may have. I'll try my best to answer them :)

Take care people! 

Absence

Hey guys!!

So sorry for the lack of posts! I even forgot to post the final segment of my trip to India. It's abit late to post now, but I promise not to let it happen again.

Having returned from India, I have been busy making money (yes, traveling can be expensive). I now have full time work, and have plans to travel again.

I have also invested in some very cool toys to help me with my blog.

Keep your eyes peeled for updates! :)

Post-weddings Shenanigans

After a some what uneventful overnight train ride we arrived in Delhi with the grooms (Chand) party to welcome him. We didn't have to rush with the unloading of all the bags as we were getting off at the last stop. All the bags were loaded into two large jeeps and we were off to our house for the next few nights.

We arrived at a house in a fairly new area of Greater Noida called NRI City. The house was named Athithi House. On arrival we dropped our bags off, had lunch and we were ALL off to the beauty salon. Some of the girls got facials, body massages and their hair washed and styled for the cocktail night. While this was happening the boys had a fresh shave, a quick tidy up and we were off to explorer. Nearby there was a small supermarket where we stocked up on drinks, chips and lollies. We also discovered Kinder Surprise, but not just any old kinder surprise! These were much different to the ones you may be used to. The egg is divided into two with one side having the usual toy, and the other with two little crispy Ferraro Rocher balls in a chocolate and white chocolate cream. It is truely heaven in an egg. I'll try to bring some back to NZ so be sure to get at me if you want one.

After the salon we all got ready for the cocktail party. The party was held in the bottom floor of the house we were staying in so there was no transport issues. Chand and his family arrive with Priyanka and we had an epic night. The finger food was really nice, there was an open bar, and we danced the night away. Under the influence of the alcohol I befriended the crazy nephews of Chand, which I would later regret. Another highlight was all the elder aunties dancing to Gangnam Style with the horse riding actions and all.

After the cocktail party died down and the elders headed off, there was a Bon fire awaiting us on the roof top balcony. This is where my night starts to blur but from what I remember and what I was told it was an epic night.

The next morning all the girls got up early for a day of shopping and whatever else girls do. The boys and Priyanka decided wisely to sleep in. We got up around midday and headed out to get my treats to nurse the mild hangover. We couldn't find a bat or ball to entertain ourselves for the afternoon so in true Kiwi ingenuity I found a polystyrene block and a pipe with which we made a cricket bat and used a empty Cadbury Gems container as the ball. We played for a solid half an hour before the guy who worked in the house noticed our plight and found as a real bat and ball to use. The game then moved out onto the balcony and kept us entertained until the ladies arrived. It was then time for a well due nap while the girls started organising their Reception outfits. After a solid nana nap the boys showered, pressed their suits, pants and shirts, polished up their formal shoes and waited about an hour for the girls to glam up! It was differently worth the wait though! The boys looked stunning as did the girls.
We arrived at Awadh Greens Function Hall where a crew of drummers and a man with a snake charmers flute (called a Shanai), who led us down a red carpet into the Reception. Food was eaten, dance floor was ripped apart and plenty of photos were taken. After the reception we headed back to Athithi house for another early night.

The next morning we were awaken at 5am by a very fitting alarm song. Guess it! The "kids" quickly got ready and headed out to Agra around 6am in a pre-booked jeep. It took about 2 and a bit hours for us to get to the Taj Mahal. The queue was very short and thanks to our forward planning we got into the main gates by 9! I have seen the Taj Mahal before when I was much younger but I think that this time I got to really understand the story and the beauty of the Taj Mahal. For those that don't really the story, do a quick and wiki search! It definitely is a better love story than Twlight. The next stop was the Red Fort. I'll post a story of the Red Fort on FB as soon as I can! After those two main attractions we headed to the streets to buy some mementos and bargain crazy prices of miniature Taj Mahals from 600 to 150. So if you do go, be sure not to get ripped off.

That night we arrived home, and the house felt empty. This was because the elders from the bridal party had departed for Surat or Mandvi. That night we gave the house workers a break and got takeout. Pizza Hutt to be precise. Special thanks goes to Ronak, Lucy, Hannah and Dinesh for going out and picking up the pizzas. Oh and if you ever do come here to India, try the Pizza Hutt.

The next day we got to sleep in and took our time getting ready in the morning. The breakfast consisted of Masala Chai and cold pizza! We played some street cricket, before our mini-bus arrived again. We packed our bags for a 5 day trip. The best part of our trip has been the mystery of how and when things are taking place. This meant we were all pleasantly surprised to hear that our mini-bus was taking us to Dehli Domestic Airport!

After checking into the airport nice and early we had a chance to have lunch (KFC) and some Indian ice creams before boarding our flight to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. On arrive, we quickly realised why we had been told to pack warm clothing. It was significantly colder in the northernmost state of India. We loaded ourselves into two jeeps again and headed 2 hours out of Jammu to a small town called Katra. The road on the way to Katra were still in the process of being built so I assume these travel times will improve over the next few years. The best part of the drive was as we got closer to Katra, we got to see more and more monkeys just casually roaming the mountains and streets.

In Katra we discovered our hotel, if it can even be called that, was quite grubby. So the nights sleep wasn't too great and we woke up at 5am freezing! Why 5am you ask? Well Chand's dad had arranged for us to hike up a mountain to visit the holy shrine of the Indian Mother Goddess named Vishnodevi. The shrine is 12kms up a mountain at an altitude of 5200 feet. We began our hike around 6:30am and reach the main shrine at 12.30. We did stop at around 7kms at the midway point called AdhKawari, where we had lunch and a short break. On arrival at the top, The Bhavan, we checked into a short term hotel room where we all changed and prepared to visit the shrine. There are certain rules, some obvious and some not so obvious. But the main things to remember is that you cannot wear shoes, you cannot take photos, and you cannot have anything made of leather on you. This includes wallets, belts etc.

The shrine is at the end of a marble tunnel, where you get all of 2-5 seconds to pay your respects and get pushed aside by the security. After this there is another temple, the Bhairon Mandir, a further 3kms up the mountain however most people skip this one because the climb is slightly steeper. We had come this far so we choose to continue on. We didn't walk to it though. We got up on horse back! After pay our respects at the temple, we headed down the mountain on the same horse we were just on! As fun as it was, I don't think I'll be doing a 2-3hour horse back ride downhill any time soon! My back and gluteus maximus muscles were very sore. Before returning we bought some shawls and blankets to help us get through one more night. I'm also pretty sure these will be re-gifted back home! That night despite being tired from the hike and horse riding, we managed to squeeze in some hotel-room cricket.

The next morning we left Katra and headed back to Jammu. In Jammu we checked into a considerably better hotel, where we stayed 2 nights. Over the 2 days, we shopped, ate tons of street food and played/watched tons of cricket. For the first time during this trip, it felt if we were finally relaxing without a worry or agenda to complete at all. After checking out, we headed to Jammu Domestic Airport to return to Delhi.

Having returned to Dehli, after one last day out shopping, it was time again to bid farewell to two more member of the crew. That night, Luzy and Hannah departed to return to their families in NZ so they could attend their own family's Xmas celebrations. Both of them will definitely be missed. Not only were they the only two foreigners left to share the not so normal sights and smells of India with, but we genuinely all got along really well and shared some really good times together.

The next day was relaxed as we packed a day bag for a trip the day after. As usual the boys were done early in the day, so we spent most the afternoon playing cricket in a massive field. The highlight for everyone (excluding me) was the moment when Kabir (an eight year old random kid we invited to play cricket with us) bowled a ball which hit me square in the testicles... I was definitely not impressed and thus started a friendly yet quite aggressive rivalry with this kid. There was abit of name calling and intense sledging but after the game it was left on the filet and we were buddies again. The night we slept early and awoke at 5am for a 5hr road-trip to Jaipur.

In Jaipur we arrive around midday, and spent some time freshening up before we had lunch at the hotel we were to stay at. After lunch we heading to an outdoor market beside a lake. In the middle of the lake is a hotel called "The Taj". It's a very impressive looking hotel, and hopefully one day will get to stay there. We tried some of the street food, and drank coconut water straight from the source! We also bought a few presents here from the lake side stalls. Once again if you do get a chance to come here, make sure you try to bargain a good price on any purchases to avoid getting ripped off. The next day we visit an old palace called Amber. It was a huge place with its own restaurant. The restaurant was very flash and we all ate like kings and queens. Be on the look out for pictures of this place!

Well there we have it! This will, I promise, be the longest post you will ever have to read from me! After Jaipur is a return to Delhi, then New Years in Goa, and then back home. There will be a few Navsari visits in between. Hopefully I get to see so,e more NZ, or even Brazilian, friend there. So until then, I see you all I'm the new year. So until then, Happy New Year!

Take care, but have tons of fun!

Best wishes,
Mitz

Week One in Incredible India

We have arrived!! After customs and all that jazz we walked out of Mumbai airport at around 12.30am. We were greeted by Priyanka, her mum and dad, her cousin Sunny, and a friend of hers from NZ; Lucy. We still had to wait for one more person at the airport. Priyanka's friend Hannah was coming from NZ via Hong Kong but her flight had been delayed. So we had to wait a couple of hours before we all packed into a mini-bus. We were off to Navsari! This is the city in Gujarat where my parents are from! I havn't been here since 2002! It took about 5 hours to get there.

Having freshened up after reaching Navsari, I called my uncle who had come home to the village just for me from Jamshedpur (a town about an hour west of Kolkata). Within a flash he came to pick me up with his motorbike! I was off to our village; Matwad. For those that know abit about being here, our village is roughly halfway between Dandi beach and Navsari. When I arrived my Grandma (Dad's mum) and Aunty (Dad's sister) were eagerly awaiting my arrival. They had made me a traditional Gujarati meal! After a quick munch I was back on the bike to Dandi where I got to meet my cousin, Rina, and her newborn baby boy; Justin. I'll be seeing them again so I'll be sure to get photos of the ball of cuteness. We went and visited nearly everyone I could think off and then headed to town.

After the visiting my Uncle help me get everything that I wanted to get done. My plan was to get a few tailored shirts and pants made so this was the first thing we headed to do. Just as I was finalising my measurements for the shirts, in walks Ronak, Dinesh and the rest of the bridal party! They had come to buy some Indian suits called a Shalwar Kameez. They are basically loose pajama-type pants (shalwar) and a long shirt usually with a bling-ed out collar. I will upload plenty of photos of them when we crank them at the various wedding associated days, so be on the look out for them on my Instagram.

After the shopping my Uncle sorted out a SIM card for me, bought a brand new TV and made calls to ensure that the cable TV could be hooked up within the hour just so I could watch a cricket game that was scheduled for that evening. On the way home we went to an outdoor BBQ restaurant just so that I could have chicken!! We got home in the village and the TV was already up and running! That night I ate and watched cricket like a king and I slept like a baby!

The next morning I spent with my Uncle and Grandma just chillaxing. Me and the Unc headed out to buy me some formal shoes and then I was reunited with the bridal crew. At midday we pack a day bag and headed to Madvhi. This is the small town from which Ronak's Mum is from. Enroute we got to see massive herds of cows, goats, donkeys and even a few monkey. As we entered the town we were given small glimpses into the childhood of Ronak and Priyanka.

That night after meeting the immediate family, we went out to see the sights that Madvhi had to offer. While there was still sunlight we headed to an old bridge that had been broken by a flooded Tapti River years ago. While there we got to witness a very surreal and beautiful sunset. There was still a bit of light out so we heading further north of the bridge to an area called Rameshwar. We got to dip our feet into the river or what was left of the once flowing river.

After the sightseeing we went visiting and met some of Ronak aunties and uncles. It was great to see how close knit his family are as most Indian families are. We also saw the hospital where both him and his sister were born

That night there was an epic non-veg meal made for us back at Ronak's mum's house. Accompanied with some very smooth 8% beers, it was a really great end to an epic day. This night there was a small event where all the ladies gathered and with Priyanka sitting in the middle, they sang wedding songs till late.

The next morning (Saturday 6th) was not one to remember yet I have a feeling I will be remembering it for awhile to come. Me, Dinesh, and Priyanka got hit with the infamous "Delhi-belly". It was the worst timing as it was just three day before the main wedding ceremony. We left, ASAP, to see The family's local GP whom has been practicing for over 35 years. Three simple question directed at Ronak (who just pretending to be sick), and we were all diagnosed and sent off to the pharmacy to pick up some magic antibiotic pills. After loading up on the pills we headed to Navsari.

Next on the agenda was some last minute shopping in Navsari, for the girls. Me and Dinesh headed out to catch up with one of our Wellington buddies; Sarita! It was awesome to see a familiar face so far from home. We went to famous drink store to get Falado's (a rose syrup favourable milk shake) and Masala soda's.

We stayed one more night in Navsari and when we awoke we were greeted by two more of Priyanka's friends: Pritiksha and Sapna. Around midday we packed into the mini-bus once more and headed to Surat.

In Surat, we headed to a massive house for the Mendhi night. All the girls got the palms of their hands decorated with heena/mendhi. Being the girl that I am, even I got a small design done on my arm. The most impressive design was that of Priyanka's, of course. She had both her hands and arms up to her elbows and even her feet up to just below her knees. It took well over four hours but for those that have seen the pictures will agree that it was well worth the wait. The next morning was the Haldi ceremony. We then packed all our gear and headed to the Lords Plaza Hotel, where we caught up with some seriously needed zzz's. A few hours later we were dressed and ready to dance our socks off at the Garba/Dandiya/Bhangra night. This was super fun and a great workout. I went abit too hardout (thanks to some secret well timed tequila shots) and ended up with a hole in my Kameez. Oh well...you know....#yolo. I was well and truely tired so I slept well this night.

The next morning there was a Pooja (prayer) in which Priyanka, Ronak and their parents partake in. For those that are familiar with what the name of this Pooja may be, please feel free to let us know in the comment section.

After this Pooja there was few hours for us to rest up before getting ready for the main wedding ceremony. Needless to say, I had a very flash Kameez for this event. We got ready and heading to The Grand Bhagwati (TGB). This is where the wedding was held. All the guests, Chand and Priyanka looked amazing! Despite being only feeling 80% stomach-wise, I ate most of the food (the was ALOT of food to pick from) and found it amazing.

We spent one more night in Surat at the massive house. The next day (Thursday 12th) we went a checked out a couple of the malls in Surat. I found 150 rupees ($3NZD) Jockey's, so we loaded up on them. Not sure how real they are, but they feel good. We also found me a Manchester United backpack which I would need later that day as we were heading to Delhi. That night we all packed our bags and headed to the train station. The train was at 9pm-ish from Surat and will arrive in Delhi at 10am.

Hope ya'll enjoyed that update. The next time you guys will hear from me will most likely be after the Delhi sightseeing.

Until then, aavjo,

Mitz

P.s There has been so much happening the last few days so this post might overlook some of the finer details that you awesome followers may have gotten accustomed to. I do apologise for this, however make sure you Google or YouTube search some of the things I mentioned that may have intrigued ya'll.

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Guess whose back, back again!

I am back where I was back in the late February (2013); Auckland City. And I am about to embark on yet another journey. At the time of writing I am currently on a Singapore airlines flight (SQ286 for those that like the finer details) on my way to Singapore from where I'll be connecting to another flight to Mumbai 

I guess I should start by filling you guys in what I have been up to since I last wrote. I got back from Brazil, graduated and then nothing, nada, zilch. Having already committed to this trip I'm on now , it was quite tough finding work. I ain't complaining though! It just points to the fact I wasn't made for the everyday life...something big is planned for me or so I like to hope. Back to the details of my break! During this time I spent most of it working with my parents in their dairy and when time allowed getting up to no good with my friends in Wellington. It has been a very refreshing break from the the hustle and bustle of the uni life and also from the hectic Brazil life of educating young minds, partying, chasing dreams etc. 

So now I'm off to India! Why? Well I have a very pretty friend by the name of Ronak (my lady followers/stalkers will be very familiar with this name), he also has a pretty sister, Priyanka. She is getting married to an awesome dude by the name of Chand. Having attend their very colourful and memorable engagement party (and after party), I was invited to their Wedding which is to be held in India. And thus concludes my very enticing opportunity to travel to India.

For once I am travelling with my good mates (Mr. Colgate & Mr. #Stuntwala) so there will be less of the usual family visiting and boring sari shopping trips and more of an epic trip like Brazil was. One can only hope it will be filled with good times and of coure new friends made along the way. I'll try to the best of my ability to paint you guys a picture, and if I can say so, one of the best pieces of art, which is INDIA! So join me (or not) as I take you on a virtual journey with me.

Cheers to the fans, 

A.K.A

P.s Those looking forward to seeing me make more vlog posts will have to endure a slight wait as due to bandwidth issues I will be forced to revert to the old but gold written posts. Never fear the vlogs will return as promised, unfortunately not on this adventure. 

P.s.s I'm back to using Instagram as my portal for delivering you guys with my snaps so keep your eyes peeled for them. 

P.s.s.s (dunno if people do that, but I do so  :p ) I will be again hoping for feedback from you guys so I know what you want to know abut the trip. #HelpMeHelpYou

Want to do an AIESEC exchange?

Ola! So you've seen how much fun I had, and want to do it yourself . However, no doubt you have some questions and might need that extra push?

Well here is all you need! Watch the following video...

..inspired? Get in touch with your local AIESEC committee and JUST DO IT!

Travel Vlog #5 (Finale)

The last Vlog and Blog from Brasil!

Well this is it, the last ever Vlog and Blog post from Brasil. It is definitely not the last in the TravelsOfMiTz series, but unfortunately the last from Brasil. Stay tuned for more travel blogs (I hope) and also a new Vlog series which is in the works. 

If you are reading this then you already know! I've been living in Juiz de Fora (Brasil) of the past two and a half month, teaching English classes at a NGO that helps to empower youth and young adults and promote the different cultures from around the world. It is part of AIESEC's Global Communities Development Programme, where students from around the world can travel basically anywhere and make their own impact on the world. 

Teaching my students has been unbelievably awesome. Words alone are very hard to explain this feeling but just simply seeing them progress and start to use english to communicate has been mind blowing. Helping these kids and teenagers see what is out there in the world for them and giving them a small but significant sense of hope has been truly awesome. Even though I didn't have much time to teach the adults (due to their busy work lives), they also have made great strides! I wish all my students the very best in their future endeavours. I hope to see you all again soon!  

While here, I have been living with an extraordinary host family. Working for only three days a week, meant that there was a lot of down time in which I have made so many friends. Whether it be hanging out with Lucas and his buddies, Alice and her amigos, Luzia and her friends, our neighbours at Shoe.hasgu's, my AIESEC family, or even my host parents; OG (Luiz) and Super-Mae (Claudia)! It's been amazing getting to know all you people. Thank you so much for all the good times. You have really made me really feel like I belong here. Thank you so much!

I will miss you all a lot but it is time for me to move on to my next chapter. Before arriving here, I had no idea what I would be doing next. I had a feeling something here would give me a sense of where to go next, but it never happen. However thanks to some very special people, in the last few weeks, I now have figured out what I am doing! For the billionth but far from least time, THANK YOU! This is not a goodbye, but this is a see you later!

Until next time… 

Para todo fim, um recomeço,

MiTz