Hey guys, I just came back from a short holiday and I feel like I need another break. So my Husband was sent to Auckland a few months back for work and he said New Zealand is so gorgeous and promised to bring me the next round. And lucky enough, he was asked to go again and so Iman and I followed. Before the trip, I was so excited to check out the city and I also wanted to spend some alone time thinking of new ideas on how I can improve our products and services here at Lully Selb. I packed my notebooks, sketchbooks, pens and even some receipts to settle my finances. I was so focused on me-time that I didn’t care so much about packing clothes and Iman’s things. Didn’t even plan properly for the long flight which was a nightmare.
We left on a Sunday night, thinking that Iman could sleep on the plane. Well she did but because the other babies kept crying, she couldn’t sleep for long. This photo didn't last for too long, unfortunately.
The 10 hour flight was just crazy. Why didn’t I think of that before I booked the flight. So we got through the flight and arrived Auckland on a Monday afternoon, and the weather was so lovely. Headed straight to our air bnb and went out again. My Husband had a work meeting and so Iman and I stared on our little adventure.
So basically this was how we spent the week at New Zealand.
Day 1 - Explore city
Day 2 - Ponsonby
The "Haji Lane" of Auckland with cute cafes and arty shops.
Day 3 - Museums, Rose garden
We went to the Auckland Art Gallery and was so inspired by the local art scene. Especially this one here, a collective art done by the public.
Day 4 - Victoria Park
Day 5 - Wiheke island, Ambury farm
Day 6 - Hobitton, Rotorua
Day 7 - Gloworm cave and Waterfall
*No photos allowed in the gloworm cave but you can check it out here.
Day 8 - Back to SG
Well my don't be fooled by all my pretty pictures. I'm gonna be real honest with you that some parts of the trip, I was like - I wanna go home!! So here's my little sharing on pros and cons of travelling with a baby.
Pros
1) hmmmmm
2) hnmmmm
3) ok lets be real, travelling with a baby is not a holiday especially when you are alone. So for me the first 4 days was quite a nightmare. Of course I had fun with the walks and all, but generally there are more cons.
Cons
1) When babies are jet lagged, its really tough to adjust to the new timing and environment. For the first 4 nights, Iman slept at 3am, which is 10pm Singapore time. So in the day, she wakes up close to noon time, and we only went out in the afternoon. Whole morning wasted.
2) PLS DO GET WIFI or DATA. So I didn't have and ended up having to plan my route before going out. I had to make sure there's food during out pit stops and toilets that has the diaper changing room etc.
3) Auckland is very hilly so pushing the pram was quite tiring. Thank god the weather was good, so I could walk all day and wasn't sweating at all.
4) The day trip to Rotorua could have been more fun coz there's alot of adventurous things to do, but with a baby - say goodbye to all those.
5) During the guided tour at the Gloworm cave, we had to make sure Iman didnt cry. It was dark and we had to keep our voices low or the worms wouldnt glow according to the tour guide. Another parent was asked to abort the tour coz the little boy was crying.
Now that I'm writing and reading this, I do miss the trip especially the weather and the food. Lots of dairy free options for my Iman and I definitely love the ice cream and this Burger Fuel!
And of course the Air Bnb was so lovely!
Ending off the blog with my favourite moment, witnessing her joy on her first swing ride!
Love,
Selb
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