Explore // Japan: Sky Tree + DisneySea

I wish I could post everyday but truth is I'm having too much to even think about blogging about my trip, but I'm trying to post my highlights through photos. (Ps I am blogging from my phone so I have no idea what these posts look like on the computer - apologies! 

Finally made it up the SkyTree in Tokyo. We went there at night and the view was amazing! I could really define where the other Ferris wheels and the rainbow bridge was. On the way down we found Cold Stone Ice Cream parlour! It's a glorified ice cream shop with an option where you can have waffle bowl. Since it was our first time there, the girls there were kind enough to sing to us, I have the video up on my Instagram @divinelimits. 

A few friends had told us how much they loved DisneySea and wanted to spend more time there. From that advice, we decided that we were going to only go to DisneySea. Which probably was the best idea. DisneySea is perfect for those who want more exciting rides. 

We left 'home' about 8am... Which meant an interesting experience with rush hour train traffic. Had a bit of a laugh watching 3 train guards pulling the doors open to while another 2 pushing people into a carriage... I had heard about rush hour, but seeing it was another experience. It's exactly what you think! Think trying to squeeze your luggage into a small suitcase... Busting at the seams. 

Everything about the Disney experience was amazing. To the Micky mouse shaped windows in the tram, to the each area themed immaculatly from the rides, gift shop, lavatories and food.... 

My favourite ride was the Indiana Jones Ride ((see above ride photo) which we waited patiently for 90mins I might add), and the Journey to the Centre of the Earth ride (with a fast pass). No regrets on my Disney souvenirs, my mini mouse ears and Mr Potato Head popcorn bucket. 

While I'm on popcorn, each area has its own flavour popcorn - our favourite was the White Chocolate and Strawberry flavours (don't knock it till you try it!)

Lunch was in the Aztec area which meant taco set for ¥1200 - 2 wraps, a drink and sponge log (which is LEGIT!) I have to note that the Japanese have a thing with filling up cups half with ice. So if you prefer drinks with a little bit of ice - ask. 

This was my favourite day so far, 9am - 8.30pm. A long day, but ended on a high with a premier fireworks show. 

Explore // Japan: Harajuku

Day 2 in Japan, we trained out to Harajuku for a spot of shopping. 

Sooooo many cool little places down alleys. Seemed very high street / Ponsonby-esqur down certain side streets, but basically - it's craaaaaazy cool. The styles are what you would expect - some are crazy colourful, while others are immaculatly dressed in knits and layered textures. Here there are subcultures within subcultures (if that makes sence). 

I really admire that they wear what they want to wear and you don't get strange looks or laughs like what you get in NZ. And they rock it!

It's Halloween here so a lot of the retail workers were dressed to theme. And they're all so friendly. 

There's a store called ABC Mart... I would describe it like footlocker, at No1 shoe warehouse prices! Purchased my first pair of nikes and a pair for my brother. 

Unfortunately, they often don't have women's sizes after 6, so it can be a mission to find myself a pair. However, most sneakers can be unisex, so shopping via men's sizes ain't much of a hassle. 

There was a man with a pram full of (dead-but-drugged-up-cats) which was a concern. Took Chelsea prodding them to get them to even stir. But how gorgeous is this cat though? Plus saw pizza and carbonara flavour sorbet. Pass haha. 

 

Explore // Japan: Blue skies

Landed in GC after a 3 flight from Auckland. Overall wasn't too bad. (Note that I flew with JetStar and I made it here on time!) Got an aisle set so I could stretch out a bit more compared to the poor guy in the middle. 

Once your in the air, I love the moment you breach the clouds and it's piercing blue skies, no matter the weather. Just gives you those good vibes of summer. 

My best friend at the moment is my gold polka dotted travel pillow that I purchased from Typo. I totally recommend getting one of your travelling this season... But here's a tip. Instead of wearing it around the back of your neck, place the pillow around the front and it keeps your head from dropping down and keeps you wedged between the seat. (Top tip from Drew Maama). 

I'm currently waiting in the furtherest corner of the GC airport trying to get wifi and charge my battery. 

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The flight to Japan... 9hours. I would never wish that upon anyone. Plan of action was to sleep majority of the flight, but only mangaged to get in 4 winks... Contemplating sleeping pills for the return. The sunset was beautiful though. Blues, purples and oranges. 

Flying over Japan was surreal. All your could see was city lights for miles. 

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Currently day 2, I'll try remember to post about the train system. Efficient but crazy hard to first get your head around. 

Explore // Detour!

You know that feeling in your gut when you know something is going to happen?
Well I had that feeling this morning as we were traveling to the airport.

Turns out that you need your passport valid for at least 6 months prior to leaving. And if you hadn't guessed already… I had less than 6 months.

So here I am. Wallowing in pity that I wasn't able to make the flight that everyone else was on.
I feel so stupid that I let something like this slip from my mind - I remember checking my passport's expiry date several times, but never did it occur to me that there was a minimum amount of time.

The good news is that I am in the process of getting an emergency passport and re-booked to fly this Thursday and from there will meet up with the team on the other side.

Before my flattie left, she said to me "There will be a good reason why you missed this flight", and I like to believe so. Today has been a major test for me, in patience and faith. Fingers crossed that Thursday will be more positive.

Explore // Konnichiwa

Never would of thought when I woke up last week, that I would be travelling with a bunch of my closest and dearest friends to Japan!

My initial thoughts once we booked our tickets was ' what the heck are we going to do now?!' There's 10 of us going, some for a week, the rest for two weeks - and we have no idea what we're going to do! Having to plan around 10 people can be quite a mission. The plus side is that though, we tend to get large group discounts. Can I get a holla!

What I do know, however, is that I want to go to Disneyland / Disneysea, Tokyo tower, visit an owl cafe, Shibuya crossing, Kyoto to see temples and geishas, watch a Sumo match, Harry Potter world (Universal Studios) and do a whole lot of shopping! But of course, you can fit a lot of stuff in just 2 weeks!

If you have any recommendations of what we can do and visit, leave a comment or tweet me @divinelimits! I really would love to hear them!

#wonderlust

Explore // Rolling with Dory

Thursday was Waitangi Day so Drew, myself and a few friends took the opportunity to hit the road and spend the day in Tauranga… yes, again. Me and Megan headed down on Wednesday to stay with my Granparents for the night to reduce the driving times, and we caught the sunset just as we were driving over the Kaimais. 

Meet Dory; and yes, she was named after my favorite blue fish on Finding Nemo. She was my Christmas present to myself last year - and I've been itching to take her on the open road. She's only a 1.3L, so it was a pretty cheap trip, which is always a good thing!

Keeping up with my #356daysovermiles challenge, Megan and I tackled Mauao and gosh, what a challenge it was! Sweating up at storm, covering 3kms (1.86411miles - kinda disheartening once it converts it to miles :( weeeeh), elevation 232m. But was a killer! It was a bit windy so didn't get to spend to much at the beach, so after meeting up with the boys we hit the salt water hot pools, (which for the record - is super salty!) and indulged my muscles in the spas, and man - so gooooood!


 






























I was actually born in Tauranga and went to school in Welcome Bay, so of course did the old tour guide gig - showing the team where I lived and my old primary school and where you can get walnuts and my dentist and yadda yadda yadda… haha. Well I actually did Waka Ama as a youngin' for Hoe Aroha *cough At one point the youngest midget gold medalist cough* so it was cool to see the same wakes (boats/canoes) that I use to paddle in! #Throwback #MemoryLane

Hopefully the weather stays good so I can do a bit more traveling this Summer! Constantly hear about how beautiful our country is, and most of the time they've seen way more that me.
So another of my resolutions this year to is to try and see more of my own country… before traveling to see the rest of the world! I'm keen to hear what you think some good spots to visit are! I'm ready for a new adventure!

Explore // Papamoa + Mount Maunganui

A huge part of my life, is my youth group.

Over the long weekend of Auckland Anniversary - to celebrate the start of the year we headed down to Tauranga to hear what we have planned for us as a movement for the year.

The weather was absolutely amazing! Got my fair share of tanning done.. now i'm a little too dark where i have to go and buy new foundation… first world problems right?!
And of course I took the opportunity to get my miles in with my friend Megan! (With obligatory 'half-way' selflies). 

Stopped off at McLarens Falls. Was slightly chilly as the weather decided to pack it in on the last day, but still an amazing weekend away with The Movement Youth.

{Watch this space}
I'll probably be posting a lot more about these kool katz ;P

Explore // Musick Point

Another New Years goal was to explore my own city more.

One of my friends took us to a 'secret beach' down at Musick Point, that you can only get to at low tide.