World Map of Power Plugs and Sockets

Just in case you're curious. I ordered an adaptor a few moments ago from Amazon, and this was really useful:

From http://www.eurocom.com/support/plugs.htm

Bye!

The Weather - Lisbon vs Christchurch

Hello!

Today we're going to explore the weather differences between Lisbon and Christchurch.

Both places are similar in terms of temperature amplitude -- 21ºC. The difference is that Christchurch is a bit cooler, varying between 1ºC and 22ºC on average. Lisbon varies between 8ºC and 29ºC, also on average.

Lisbon (light blue) vs Christchurch

Comparing time spent in different temperature bands:

Lisbon

Christchurch

Guess I have to pack warm clothes!

The lowest minimum temperatures on Christchurch almost reach the freezing point, and rarely go below -3ºC. Lisbon rarely goes below 4ºC.

In Lisbon it doesn't snow. Only in very rare occasions it has happened. In Christchurch it's a different story, it snows in the winter time:

Halswell Domain, Christchurch

It's also a lot cloudier than in Lisbon, but that's expected. Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe:

Lisbon

Christchurch

Of course that if it's cooler and cloudier it also rains a lot more in Christchurch. New Zealand is in the middle of the ocean, so I guess it's normal that they have a lot more rain. Comparing both cities again:

Lisbon

Christchurch

I think there's no point in exploring sun light and dominant winds, they're not so different.

I hope this gives you an idea on what it's like in Christchurch, I'll try to decide what clothes I should include in my baggage based on this information.

All this info was taken from Weatherspark.com, none of it belongs to me.

See you next time.

Visitor Visa AU

Hello again,

done! It took 45 min to get a visitor visa for Australia. Talk about efficiency!

I think this is the best option, it allows me to enter and exit Australia as many times as I like for the next 12 months, and stay there for periods up to 3 months at a time.

See ya next time =)

Student Visa NZ

Hello.

Another piece of the puzzle completed =)

My student visa has arrived today:

It arrived much sooner than expected. They don't give you a lot of information regarding processing times, just that around 97% of student visas are processed within 25 days (see processing times).

I was hoping it would be quick, because in my case it's very straightforward - no police records, no medical certificates, no bank statements, etc... But still, it only took 7 days. I must say I'm impressed.

I have changed my mind about the transit visa for Australia. Instead I'll apply for a multiple entry visitor visa valid for 12 months (see eVisitor 651). This way I'll be able to visit Australia if I have the chance.

More news next time.

Study Plan and possible timetable

Kia ora!
(What's that?)

My proposed Study Plan (see Choices) has been accepted by my home University:

Now I'm waiting for confirmation from Canterbury that I am allowed to enrol in these courses.

If everything goes according to plan, I already have my timetable prepared for the semester, take a look:

Timetable 2014 S2

Not bad eh? Lots of free time to explore the place, unless it's all super demanding...

Another thing, I believe my Visa for NZ has been approved and it's on its way to me now.

See ya.

Update - Accommodation, Visa, Christchurch Tramping Club

Hello everyone!
Just to let you know how things are.

UC Accommodation has confirmed a room for me, in one of the Ilam Apartments, I'm just waiting to know which room it is.

Ilam Apartments

Take a look at the gardens in front of the residence:

Ilam Gardens

Ilam Gardens

My passport and Visa application have arrived in London, now it's just a matter of time.


Today I found that Christchurch has a tramping club (CTC), and it seems really nice and organized. Take a look at the places they visit:

Whale Hill and Lake Letitia

Mt. Murchison

Just a sample, I'll post my own pics later =)

Bye