Faces of Christchurch

Sun, 27th August 2006: Sydney, Australia to Christchurch, New Zealand

I woke up really early and at once when the alarm rang. But I guess I was already ready to wake up even in my dreams. I was staying at Brad’s place, which was reasonably close to the Airport. So, I decided to take the taxi from there instead of looking for buses (because I had to take two!)

Taxi was there on time. It was a Chilean man who was driving – who looked very much like a Pakistani. He was the first Chilean I ever met in my life. I arrived in-time for the flight to Christchurch (Chch is the shortform) Check-in was smooth then I went straight up to the POST Counter and sent my parcels to Europe and Pakistan and thanked God that I got rid of them before damaging them. I was tired of carrying them because of their odd size (larger than normal large :P)

Sydney airport is nothing special to talk about. Nice and Clean I would say…. Security clearance line was a bit longer than what I expected. Immigration out of Australia was easy. The female immigration officer was friendly. Qantas flight was on-time. Plane was Boeing 767 2-3-2 configuration. I was having a window seat with no one sitting next to me. It was the same music on board which I have been listening in last three Qantas flights so now I was bored of it :P There was no personal video screen but there were screens for every ten rows. I had a continental breakfast with cereal and coffee. The other option was impossible for me as it was Egg with Bacon : ( I took a short nap and then …
God! I am suddenly excited when I saw the travel route map on the screen in the aircraft that we will soon be flying over the south island of New Zealand. Wow! I am finally in a lovely country hidden far away from all the rest of the world. I saw some brilliant views of the Southern NZ Alps. Wow! Can’t wait to be down there among them! Weather looks beautiful on both western as well as eastern coast of South Island.

Christchurch airport is just-an-airport with minimum requirements fulfilled. Immigration officer – a young girl – was friendly but was asking me lots of questions and I gave detailed answers. Then quarantine check was easy (special customs control which is only in Australia & New Zealand to my knowledge) Then came another Immigration/Police check and she also asked me similar questions and a few were really interrogative – such as you must be having a good salary working with Swiss Railways that u managed to do this Round the World tour : ) anyways, I was happy and excited to talk to them and all went fine. I came out of the terminal and Sophie – My couch surfing host was waiting for me in the car. Greetings exchanged! Photos of the airport taken ;-) and we were soon on the highway to the beach because Sophie wanted to collect some stones/pebbles to be precise – to make a special gift for her sister on her birthday. The views from the beach towards the Antarctic Ocean were great and on the other side the green hills hugging the small lake were equally stunning. We soon left for Sumner – the suburbs of Christchurch where Sophie left but I was damn hungry so we made a short stopover in a Blue Duck café. The scenic route from there via Governors bay & Lyttelton to Sumner was lovely.

Sophie lives in a big house, which she shares with another 3 students. The house is big n clean and right 10-15 meters from the beach – The Great Pacific Ocean, which I am going to cross InshAllah on 13th September 2006. I had a little chat before I made my daypack ready to leave and explore the city center of Chch. She was kind enough to bring me back to the Bus terminal in Sumner. The bus ride was mere 20 mins and then I was right in the city Center of Chch.
It was a Sunday and 99% of the shops were closed. Moreover, it was late afternoon so the remaining few would have been off as well. I roamed around aimlessly before having my dinner at a lavish restaurant and let my daily budget get busted.

My Route Map

Where have i travelled till now?
10.08.06: Singapore to Darwin, AUSTRALIA
13.08.06: Darwin to Alice Springs
14.08.06: Alice Springs to Ayer's Rock/Uluru and Back
15.08.06: Alice Springs to Melbourne
18.08.06: Melbourne to Great Ocean Road and Back
20.08.06: Melbourne to Sydney
27.08.06: Sydney to Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND

Sexy SYDNEY & Memories from Australian Adventure!

Fawad & I having fun in the city center

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Lovely!

Sydney's Most Famous - The Opera

20th – 27th August 2006: Sydney, Australia

Sydney – The largest city of Australia where the Europeans landed on the Australian soil and made the first settlement.

Sydney is sexy, Sydney is strange, Sydney is submissive and Sydney is sublime. I would classify it as a very unique city. You can’t just put it among other big cities around the world like NYC, London, Paris or Istanbul.

The most beautiful which I saw in Sydney, which was also a ‘hair raiser’, was the twilight to night views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge & The Opera house. It is so enigmatic that it could be the soul reason of visiting Sydney. But that’s not it, the boat cruise between different places in the city, the beaches, the nightlife and last but not the least the people – They all are so nice that it makes a city altogether really a place to live.

I was for a week staying in Sydney with my Pakistani friend Fawad who’s living here since last 6 yrs. He was a real friend who made me feel at home all the time while I was his guest. He picked & dropped me to the airport, showed me around, went out partying with me, stood beside me & ALWAYS listened to me whenever I wanted to share my stupid emotional stories or theories J hehe… We had so much fun together that I didn’t get time to even write my journal. When I was with him, it was 24/7 Fun – Fun & more Fun! From the first sentence in the morning to the last yawn in the bed, our silly jokes (which most of the times only we understood J) were endless & senseless. The time passed so quickly as it always does when you are happy. But now I have hundred of little good moments sitting in my heart & mind. Thank you Fawad! You’re a great guy and I am glad we are friends!

At the moment I am in Qantas flight to Christchurch, New Zealand as I changed my travel route because of Fijian Visa problem and scrapped the plans of going there for a couple of days. By the way, they were so mean that without even applying for my Fijian visa they refused to give back my 100 Australian Dollars Visa fees! I am really disappointed by their behaviour but I guess I have already learnt something about Fiji so I do not have to really go there and make my experience :P

The good thing is that I am soon InshAllah going to land on New Zealand territory, which will become my 55th Sovereign country visited and I will be having enough time to explore it!

My Initial Travel Plan is following:
Christchurch – Hokitika – Fox Glacier – Franz Joseph – Milford Sound - Queenstown – Wellington – Lake Taupo – Hamilton – Auckland.

Time: 27th August till 13th September (17 Days – Same as in Australia & in Brazil!)


Summery of Australian Adventure

1. Best Place:
Northern Territory – NT, there is so much to see and explore that it fascinates me a lot and I would love to come back and see more.

2. Best View:
Sunset at Uluru, Ayer’s Rock, Northern Territory.
Sydney Opera & Harbour Bridge at night, New South Wales.
Sunset at Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria.
Watching Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, Victoria.
Melbourne’s Skyline

3. Best People:
Victorians – especially from Melbourne

4. Best City:
Melbourne at day & Sydney at night :)

5. MustTry this in Australia:

Shark n Chips, Kangaroo or Crocodile Steak :)

Disappointing Fijian Administration!

As i told you guys about my Fijian Visa issue and the latest is following:

I went there yesterday in person and explained everything to the highest available person in charge that this is totally uncomprehendable that whenever i call there is a new person in visa section and i am told new visa regulations and till now my case has not been sent through to Fiji and even more documents are required in order to send my case to Fiji for approval. So, i kindly requested him to give back my documents and i withdraw my case. He listened to me carefully and told me that the 'real' visa officer in-charge is not here today and neither will she be there tomorrow but he will call her tomorrow and ask her permission if she allows him to give me back my documents and the fees.

I just called him again and he told me that the Visa fees is NON-REFUNDABLE and i should better talk to her directly tomorrow when she's in the office herself.

I think i have already made my EXPERIENCE with Fijians and i am much better off leaving them alone and getting a new ticket directly to New Zealand and spend some more time there instead.

Its about Mid-day time here at the moment in Australia and soon i would go to first QANTAS office to try if anything else work with my Round the world ticket otherwise i would pay 250 AD/ 240 Swiss Francs/ 225 USD and buy a new ticket!

I will update you guys soon. Keep sending me your smiles, comments and emails. They motivate me to keep writing and updating this blog.

Love,
Umer.

Marvellous MELBOURNE!

Melbourne – The Cultural Capital of Australia will surprise you in many ways. The more you explore it, the more you’re going to like it, the greater the chances are of your falling in love with this city! Its ‘balance’ touched me, nowadays when modern cities become so modern that in their commercial district they demolish all the old single storey buildings because they want to build –another- skyscraper but in Melbourne you will see a 40+ storey most modern skyscraper next to a little Victorian style café/bar/restaurant. I enjoyed the old in the city center a lot. This city can be photographer’s paradise with its lovely views over the ocean as well as across the Yarra river.

People of Melbourne are the very helpful and welcoming. Generosity and kindness is their virtue. At least 80%+ people I know were very good humans. They were warm hearted, courteous, down to earth & loving souls.

The city's transport system is not too bad except, that on Sunday's the transport resumes really late so if u r flying from Melbourne early morning, like i did, and you do not live at the walking distance from Southern Cross station, then you must get a min. 35 AU$ taxi to the airport which sucks :P

Right now i am in Sydney and i have come to the conclusion that Melbourne in DAY & Sydney at NIGHT are at their best !

Through this Blog, i would like to say special thanks to all the people from Melbourne who helped me in any way to make my trip better. My heart is full of the good memories from your city.

Photos from Melbourne & around

- One of the most beautiful Sunset's View in the World at 'Twelve Apostle's' on TGOR.
- The stunning Loch Arch Gorge on The Great Ocean Road (TGOR)
- Entering famous & one of the most scenic place in Australia - 'The Great Ocean Road'
- The View of Melbourne's Docklands & Skyline

How to write a blog when u r angry ?

Answer: Like i will be writing it now!

1st of all thank you guys for your email replies and comments. Yes i do check my emails everyday but unfortunately i do not have much time to reply to everyone. Reasons ? Many....

1. My WLan is not working so that i cannot upload my blogs which i often write on my laptop.
2. Busy sight seeing and hanging out in SYDNEY with my best friend Fawad from Lahore.
3. Internet is usually 5 A$ per hour ;-)

Latest about me is following:
I left Melbourne on the Sunday morning (20th August 2006) i took (very expensive) taxi from my good friend David's Mum's place. It was f**king 7.15 hrs but i was intime. Check-in was a 30 sec joke as i used the check-in machines and luckily i got a window seat - hurray! the flight was short and -just- ok (except that there was a big FAT actually to be precise -HUGE african women sitting on my left) My buddy Fawad picked my up from Sydney's Kingsford airport. I think i liked Melbourne's airport Terminal more. Then after coming to his place in North Sydney, we went out to the beach. It was nice warm and sunny. From beach we went for the lunch & picked another friend, went out partying and i came back home/his place the NEXT evening ;-) what happened in the middle ? ask me per email :P

Talk to you later guys as i am very angry on Fijian consulate here in Sydney and now i am going to fuck them up. I called them several times, they always tell me different visa requirements and i thought that they have already sent my case to Fiji for approval as it take 10 days to get the approval but it seems to be that they've not!!! so now i am going their to get my 100$ visa fees and docs back and will try to fly directly to New Zealand on this Sunday/Monday.

Comments about Melbourne ? YES :) they will follow next...

Kisses,
Umer.

13th August 2006: Darwin to Alice Springs, Australia

Right now I am in my Qantas 725 from Darwin to Alice Springs. I woke up at 12 noon and got ready to leave. Koos was very kind to drop me at the airport. There was a f++king long Que at the check-in but Darwin airport is small so it was quick. The interesting thing is that in Australia you can come just an hour before your domestic flight and its OK! I met the same Irish girl who was in my tour group to Litchfield National Park in airport because she’s taking the same flight to Alice Springs with me. Now I have to switch off the PC as we are soon inshAllah landing in Alice Springs. I feel like the time is running quicker than I thought It will. I’m not only in Austrlia but a week or more has passed since I left Zürich! J Thank God its going better than I imagined. Thank you Allah – You are great! I love you.

My flight landed after a few minutes and I enjoyed the view of the Red Outback Australian territory very much. The airport of Alice Springs is much nicer than the one at Darwin. I was a little surprised to see that there were direct flights from Japan by JAL to Alice Springs! The airport is all carpeted and decorated with lovely aboriginal paintings hanging around. Me & Michelle were waiting for our back packs while someone appeared from my back calling me Umer. I said yes its me, he introduced himself as Pen. It was the guy from Hospitality Club whom I wrote to for free stay at his place. I was not expecting him to show up. It was a wonderful surprise for me. At that moment I didn’t wish anything else more than a free stay because I knew that I will be taking a very expensive tour to Uluru – Ayer’s Rock and I must save!

Pen is 6 ft. 2” tall and a very athletic built middle aged fit Australian bloke. He’s working from last 11 yrs in Alice Springs but he hails from South Australia – Adelaide. On the way to his place from the airport, I was impressed by the nice views of Outback. The quietness here reminds me of Iranian & Turkish dessert cities. I can finally feel that I am in the southern hemisphere because its mid of August and today It’s the first day that I feel the ‘winter’. Pen, who’s real name is John, took me on his round to show me some places before arriving at his place. He drove up to a hill in Alice where there is a War monument and great views of the whole city. Then he was kind enough to take me to the market from where I bought a Australian electricity converter. I was happy to get it because there were so many electric devices that needed charging.

Pen’s house is big flat house with a touch of coziness to it. He’s growing vegetable in his back yards along with orange trees. Oranges were really nice sweet & juicy! Pen allowed me to use Internet at his place. While I was busy there he prepared meal for us and booked my trip tomorrow with Emu Run Tours to Uluru for 199 A$ incl. 3 meals & park’s entrance fees. We had a nice conversation over there dinner before I went to bed at around 11 pm.

It was a nice simple relaxing day.



Q&A:

What did I learn today?
How to make a kirsch (spelling!) eggs, cheese, milk, flour, small cut vegetables, salt n spices, meat optional – put them in layers and bake them in oven!

What did I see today?
Alice Spring’s Airport, Flying Doctors place just from outside, The hill with the views of Alice Springs.

I was surprised by?
-The cameleers were brought to Australian in later 1800’s from western parts of Pakistan!
-There are international flights to Alice Springs!

The golden moment of the day?
While driven from Alice’s airport through the ‘Gap’ in the mountains to the city there was a typical Australian yellow sign showing Kangaroo to make the drivers aware that the Kangaroo’s can be crossing the road. It made me really excited! I felt that now I am really in the Outback!!! My dream come true M.A!

What did I teach today?
Muslims back home are getting modernized and more tolerant.

Did I help anyone?
Yes I washed the dishes after the meal at night.

Did I eat something new?
Kirch – but I am not sure may be I had a similar thing in Europe before.

What did I do for the first time in my life today?
--

To how many people I introduced Pakistan?
John (Aussie) Total= 1

Overall rating or the day?
Nice.

My 1st Day in AUSTRALIA

Thu, 10th August 2006: Palmerston, Australia

The day started somewhere sometime when I was airborne my Qantas flight from Singapore to Darwin, Australia. It was the first time that I flew with Qantas. The experience was ok. Except that it was and international flight but the airhostesses were at least 35 yrs old. Moreover, there was no personal entertainment system. But I would still Qantas in my Top 10.

The flight arrived on-time in Darwin. Before landing I became excited when I looked out and saw the lights of the Darwin city center and the imagined the sleeping city. The touch down was memorable as I landed on the 5th Continent of this world and my 54th Country.

After landing the pilot announced that all passengers must carry their passports in their hands for immediate inspection but asap I came out of the plane, there was no check until the passport control which followed immediately after the tunnel. There were huge poster in that hall stating the forbidden items to bring into Australia and if u do so which penalties are put on you etc. etc. I bought some cashew nut sweets from Singapore (made in Malaysia) for my host Konrad in Darwin but now I was not sure if I should dispose them off or should I declare them and go to the Quarantine section of customs & immigration. Finally my turn came at the immigration. I was asked the regular questions, where am I coming from, how many days am I staying and were, whats the purpose of my visit etc. etc. as soon as I got off from this immigration officer another lady officer which seemed to be the head of these immigration officers came to me. She was white Australian wearing head scraf in Islamic way and also modest clothes underneath. She asked me in details the same questions but as I was use to answering them so it was not difficult to satisfy her. Then the big moment arrived, my face was bright and there was a huge smile on my face which entering Australia. As soon as I stepped on the Australian territory outside the sliding door of customs I couldn’t stop myself from expressing the sheer joy by jumping in air and say Yuhuuuu…. J there were some guys and a girl sitting right infront of the arrival door and they saw me so happy and the girl immediately wished me: welcome back home! I replied with thank you. Home? No… yes no! for a travelers like me… any country I go is my home so yes! These wishes apply to me too. Then I stopped for a moment and looked around as a sleepy head getting awake and getting more aware of the unknown surroundings. After a few minutes I saw Visitors Center so I went there for further information about Darwin. Then I repacked my bags and withdrew some cash – Australian dollars from the ATM. Hey! I must say that I like the Bills of Australian dollars. They are lovely! I was curious to explore a bit more as I had time because my friend Konrad was suppose to pick me up at 6am local time and I had a couple of hours up my sleeve so I went to Qantas country and left the broachers on the floor as I wanted to discuss about my Fiji ticket issue. The lady on the counter, Samantha Bennette was extremely helpful but when I turned around I found out that my broachers have been picked up by the clearners. I thought that I some country the must lay on the floor for atleast a day or two before they are picker but there these people are over efficitent about cleanliness. Anyways, I got them again before Konrad came to pick me up. He’s a nice guy and I am glad he accepted my offer to be his guest. He drove to the Darwin harbour and we watched my first sun rise in Australia Together – Absolutely stunning!

Then we went to the sleepy town of Darwin early morning around 8am for a coffee and a muffin. I learnt that It is not common to tip the waiters in Australia so I didn’t! The first impression of Darwin was a laid-back town where the life has its own pace. Its very relaxed and sunny with bright blue sky – lovely!

My friend – my host Konrad who is basically from Sydney but he has been living in Northern Territory for about 3 yrs. Actually he doesn’t live not in Darwin but in another small town 15 km in the south-east called Palmerston. He drove back there and showed me around places of interest before we arrived back home where his two flat mates were waiting for the car. The other two are originally from Darwin. I relaxed a bit and arranged my stuff before I laid down and took a little nap for about a couple of hours. Konrad woke me up as he was hungry so we drove to the Night Cliff region where I ate famous Barramundi fish for the first time in my life. It was tasty!

We came back home and I went outside by walking to explore Palmerston and use internet to arrange my issue with Fijian Trip (visa). I walked into the main shopping center and to the Flight Center shop where the travel agent girl, Sam was so helpful that she gave me a 20 A$ calling card for free so that I can call Sydney for free. Soooo nice and helpful cheerful people! Lovely!

On my way to the telephone booth I saw the library so I decided to the emails. Then I went to the Palmerston Bus station from where I made a suffessful phone call to Fijian High Commission and got Visa Information but they told me some basic requirements so in order to fulfill the requirements I went to the guy at the bus information counter who was very friendly and helpful. Then I went to National bank of Australia but asap I turned the corner I saw a few dirty old aboriginals. I was a bit scared as I wasn’t expecting them like that just right infront of me after the turn. Anyways, I got a few things done and came back home where Konrad cooked delicious fish which was caught by his house mates. His friend Mark, appeared to have a drink with us. We talked about Pakistan and Switzerland. Had a nice talk and now I am here on the laptop. I can’t imagine that I arrived today. God! The life is so slow here and this is what Konrad and his friends told me.

OK let me get some real night sleep. Bye… Umer.

Q&A:

1. What did I learn today?
Say 6 times Silk and then ask the person what does the cow drink ? He/She’ll say Milk!

2. What did I see today?
Darwin Airport, Darwin Harbour/Wharf, Nightcliff & its beach, Darwin City center, Saw the breathtaking sunrise from the Darwin harbour, WWII Australian memorial with a canon, Palmerston town center, Aboriginals – was so sorry to see the real Australians in such a terrible conditions like beggers in their own country.

3. I was surprised by?
How friendly and helpful are the people here! I wasn’t expecting them to be that friendly to be honest.

4. The golden moment of the day?
Coming out of the immigration & customs door and entering the main hall of Darwin airport – I jumped and said yuuuhuuu! J unforgettable !!! A dream come true !!!

5. What did I teach today?
The handfuls of bad Pakistanis are ruining the reputation of all 145 Million Pakistanis back home.

6. Did I help anyone?
I wanted to help Konrad cook the food.

7. Did I eat something new?
Famous fish from Darwin, ‘Barramundi’ – Delicious!!! Tried Australian version or Smirnoff, called Cruiser Ice J its better!

8. What did I do for the first time in my life today?
Landed on the 5th Continent of the world called Australia, entered 54th country Australia.

9. To how many people I introduced myself/my country?
Two Australian Immigration officer, one customs officer, one lady at the Qantas ticket desk, Konrad (Australian), his 2 house mates (Australian), Mark (Konrad’s friend - Australian), Sam (the flight center travel agent girl - Australian), Fijian Consulate Visa Officer (Fiji)
Total= 10

Overall rating or the day? Good !

The Story of Uluru & the lonely tree - Ayer's Rock, Australia

Uluru, which was formly known as Ayer'c rock is a symbol we see every now and then on the guide books to Australia. It's known as World Largest SINGLE Stone/Rock. It is in the middle of no where so its not very easy to get there unless you opt to fly to Ayer's rock resort.

On Pakistan's 60th Independence day, 14th August 2006 - this pakistaniguy made it to Ayer's Rock. Initially i was a bit skeptical that if its worth going there but when i saw this giant - Huge - ENORMOUS piece of stone change its colour from muddy to orange and then to red before falling into the lap of darness - it was worth all the money and effort to come here in the Outback Australia! I LOVED IT!!! (more comments and photos to follow in a few days....)

I am sorry guys that i am unable to write longer here as i am experiencing problems to get online with my laptop. I am heading today/tomorrow to Melbourne and i hope i will get the problem fixed there. Till then please bear with me.

Till then stay tuned for more from this great country called Australia!

and hey... yes i saw the Kangroos running and jumping along side our road yesterday on the way to and back from Uluru :-)

Love,
Umer.

Singapore - The Shopping Mall Country

Hello Friends!

Yes i have safely arrived in Singapore. At the moment i am in 'World's Best Airport of the year 2005 & 2006' Singapore' Changi Airport.

The first impression was this airport was WOW. Clean, airy, filled with green plants in every corner buty in short: i would define this airport more like a huge lavish shopping mall then anything else. But the good thing is that its not a typical airport where you feel that there are TOO many shops and you do not feel relaxed or comfortable but here its entirely here. The whole airport is carpeted, airconditioning is excellent, smell is good. Free internet everywhere, cafe's and bars for chilling out. Indeed its better than Dubai's airport and 90% or airports i have ever flown to/From.

My flight from London Heathrow to Changi, S'pore with British Airways was disappointing. Though the cabin crew was friendly, efficient and generous but the aircraft Boeing 747-400 with double deck was old and weary. I would say that PIA (Pakistan Intl. Airline's) same aircrafts are kept in a much better state. Starting from the outlook of the aircraft to the toilets and the seats, everything looked a bit weary and old fashioned. The paint outside the aircraft was no more white and the 'patch' work was clearly visible. The take and landing produced some scary jerks with noises but anyhow, it arrived punctually in Singapore.

I slept (or atleast tried to sleep!) most of the time (about 9hrs out of 12 hrs 30 mins). I got a seat in the middle row with 4 seats. On my right hnd side was an old man with indian origin and on his right was an middle aged italian man. On my left was a 20 yrs old singaporean girl, 'Shanti' with indian origin. She was the only relief for me in this long boring journey. She was coming from the US and was an interesting friendly being.

So, here i am in Singapore airport waiting for my next flight to Darwin, Australia. Now am going to explore this airport before i go to gate C16 for my flight to Darwin.

Hey, do not cruse me for my spelling errors :P and wish me good luck!!!

Cheers,
Umer.

United Kingdom - The Queens State

God save the 'Queen' is something everyone is familier with. UK is one of the few countries in the world where there is Monarchy.

Its not my first time here in London so i won't add it to my 'countries visited list'. London is great! its its 24-hrs fun packed expensive life style, bars, cafes, restuarants, clubs, cinemas, theatres.... this is 'a place to be' for people like me. I am seriously considering to move to London from 2007.

My dearest Aunt Mrs.Hassan lives here with her family. She's much more than just-an-aunt to me. Her son, the only child she has, is more elder brother to me than anyone in the whole world. So, coming to London from Zurich was move kind of coming from one home to another or in other words, my last chance to re-think & repack before i am off for a few months on the road where i do not know good or bad people, moments, situations are waiting for me!

hey, btw, i had a very exciting(?), last day in Zurich - Full of happening things... I woke up fresh in the morning, saw my things ready to be packed in the bag - couldnt make the first move to really pack them so i asked Chris's help while in return i prepared breakfast for us. His organizational skills sometimes are really helpful so he packed my bags within an hours or so 'absolutely perfectly' - Thank you Chris! then after checking the regular mail boxes and managing last minute things in the rooms, i was a bit tired so i decided to take a nap in the afternoon. So the drama starts from here... i woke up 30 mins late which means i had just another 30 mins to get up, take a shower, shave and run to the Oerlikon Station in order to catch my train to the Zurich Main station from where my Intercity Train to Geneva Airport was departing at 18.04 hrs. I JUSTTTT made it! I was in the train and the doors got locked :) I said to myself - Hey Umer! good start to your world trip and virtually gave a pat on my back. If it continued like this then it'll be A lot of STRESS but a lot of Adventure - i hope i always catch my trains or planes :P hehe
.... but this was not end of the exciting day. My train arrived perfectly on-time as 99% of the Swiss train. I easily checked myself in at the Easy Jet check-in kiosk/Machine at Geneva airport. The airport was absolutely desserted! shops and airlines coounters shut, no sercurity guards or cleaners and to my utmost surprise, when i said good evening while opening my passport he didnt even bother to turn his head around or have a look even at my photo but he just nodded and thanks -merci-. So, that was easy but what was coming up was not at all easy. My flight was suppose to fly at 22.30 hrs and i was there around 21.45 hrs and guess when did it fly ? at 00.15 -f**k!!! because the plane arrived late so it flew late. I waited 2 1/2 hrs at the boring airport gate 42 for my flight. I was so tired that as soon as the plane was airbourne i fell asleep and only woke up when the two little naughty boys sitting next to me were making considerably loud noise :0 Finally, the plane landed at Stansted at 00.30 UK timei rushed through the long walk ways until the immgration and i couldnt stop myself from my eyes bulging out when i saw the LONGEST EVER Que at an airport terminal in Europe in my entire life - around 10 rows filled with minimum 20-25 people each with just 2 immgration counters operating !!! This was the last thing i expected especially at time!!! there was no other way out so i stood in the Que for 45 mins and .... YES! I finally arrived in Queen's State in the early wee hours of 6th August 2006.

Today is my first Intercontinental flight of this RTW trip (to Singapore) at 20.25 GMT arriving in Singapore on 9th Augusut at 17.40 Singapore Time (09.40 GMT) Then in Singapore i have approx. 4 hrs before flying to next continent - Yes i wrote CONTINENT instead of a country :) Austalia will InshAllah (= I.A) be my 5th continent after Asia, Africa, Europe & North America and i am very excited to go there!

So, that's all from UK & Europe for the moment. Now i am going to have m lunch, shower & shave <(no afternoon this time!!! ;)> before i leave for the airport.

Next Stop: SINGAPORE!!!

Bye bye all in Europe... Catch you guys in October I.A!!! xxx

Be happy - whatsoever!
Umer.

Last day at home before RTW Trip

Hello Friends!

It is 00.29 hrs on August 2, 2006 - It is my last day back home before i am able to call anything 'home'.

31st of July was one hell of a day - It started with a bad news when i accidently checked latest Visa Regulations for Pakistani to enter FIJI and was shocked to see that i need a visa for Fiji. I called up the nearest High Commission in London and they confirmed this. Now i need to get my Fiji Visa from Australia before i can go there OR i have to find next flight out of Fiji to either Samoa or New Zealand. Then later that day i was looking at my passport and found out that my Brazillian visa expires on 24th September 2006 - exactly the day i am arriving in Brazil. I called up the Brazillian Consulate here in Zürich too clarify what does 90 Days period means (do they count by 3 months or day by day) because if they count by 3 months then i still have 2 more days to enter Brazil whereas if they count day by day then i need another (f**king) VISA! They confirmed that i need a new visa - Shitttt! so as i was leaving for work, i immediately sent my friend to go to them and get something done. Anysays, everything went well and hopefully i will be getting a new visa tomorrow morning. Third thing: I was happy that it is my last day at work but then my boss called me up and said that i must work tomorrow (1st August - Swiss National Day) and on my request he gave me just 4 hrs job to do. So, finally now i am free and doing my last remaning packing.

My packing is going fine. Yesterday i reorganised my room before i leave for 3 months or more. Packed my medical kit, Camera, Cash, Credit Cards, Address book, selected Clothes, Toiletteries Kit, Laptop and soon. Tomorrowi am planning to shortlist the items which i think i can leave because i want to make sure that my backpack is under 10 K so that i can easy wear it, travel with it and even carry it in my hand as a hand lugguge to the plane!!!

Btw, i do have a good news: I have been able to find FREE Accomodation both in DARWIN & ALICE SPRINGS, Australia (which are my first two stops where i am staying 3 days each!). Moreover, my host in Darwin (from Hospitality Club) is also ready to pick me from Darwin Airport at 3.30 am! I am absolutely delighted and looking forward to it...

Today in the day i have a long list of thigns to do starting from 9am till 9pm.

OK guys... i gotta hit the bed now... I'm uploading a couple of pics from my poor room's condition yesterday so that if any of you are planning to visit me should have expected this before ;-)

Bye bye Zürich - Next stop LONDON, UK!!!

G'nite...
Umer.