Rosewood Court Christchurch

... dando botes por la superficie, parece que tengamos
que salir volando. El parque es una maravilla: bosques primitivos que
bajan hasta tocar el agua y playas desiertas de arena dorada. Solo de
bajar del barco y empezar el camino tenemos que cruzar un riachuelo. No
es nada profundo, o sea que me descalzo y empiezo a cruzar, pero al tercer
paso la arena se hunde bajo mi pie y me mojo hasta mas ...

... the coast were stunning. We then spent a night at Greymouth where a few of us made our own bone carving necklaces. It was really fun and ours looked far better than the ones you see in the shops. Next was one of the things I’d been looking forward to the most - Franz Josef glacier hike. It was an 8 hour hike and, unfortunately for us, in the pouring rain. It was pretty tough starting off as it was steep but we slowly made our way up the steps ...

... her. She gave me a look that said “Have you no self respect?” and I responded with a look that replied “Is it not fully apparent that I do not?”. That seemed to do it.

The passport control at Christchurch airport was, by far, the most thorough I have experienced to date. The control officer stared at the picture in my passport and then at me. I gave her the idiotic smile I cannot stop myself from doing under these circumstances. She then asked ...

Day 70

Today I got up early to try and get lots of activities done. I went over to the Canterbury Museum, which was brilliant, there was a vast array of exhibits on display. There was a native NZ birds section, the body in Action section (a really cool interactive exhibit about how the body works e.g. you are able to test your sprint speed, lung capacity and balance). Other interesting exhibits ...

... for the shuttle bus. We got a private shuttle operator who dropped us to the door of our hostel for $20 total which isn't a bad thing after such an early start to the day. Our hostel catered for both the backpacker and the more comfort orientated guest with a variety of rooms. Ours was a 4 bed dorm which was clean and spacious enough but we had possibly the loudest snorer in the world and even Fran's earplugs couldn't save her a night with her head buried under the pillow! The kitchen ...

... the hot air balloon leaving a white streak behind it. It was spectacular. Next, there were fiery lines on the top of a cloud where I could tell that the sun was about to come out, and I enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. It was one of the most spectacular mornings ever, and I feel like the Lord confirmed that He will take me higher and deeper in Him. His love for us is so amazing! And to think He would plan a morning like that for me and lead me up there.

... On hienoja puistoja, kirkkoja, jokia ja paljon koulupukuisia koululaisia tallailemassa pitkin katuja. Tämä on aikoinaan joksikin Anglikaaniseksi unelmayhteisöksi perustettu kaupunki, mutta sittemmin tänne on ehkä eksynyt jokunen vääräuskoinen ja muutama muukin häirikkö sekaan. Hotelliksi varasin jälleen "TravellerHans Special yllärimegatarjousmestan" ja nyt olikin hyvin mielenkiintoinen tapaus! WAU! Nimittäin todella hieno ...

... and I was relieved when it was finally his turn to be sheared. Shrek got knicked a couple of times, and I could not tell at the end of it all if he was happy to be rid of his coat or not. After Shrek got sheared, I thought I heard my name on the loudspeaker and figured out that I must have won something in the raffle. We rushed off to the office, and found out I had won 12 jars of honey! I don't even eat honey. The guy was saying the silliest things about us over the loudspeaker ...

... YHA we went to tour the place - and ended up sat on stools in a pub carpark chatting the day away with a pint of raddlers. The Magic Bus picked us up the next day - so yet anoher early one. Today we were headed to Franz Josef to see the glaciers. It was quite a long journey but luckily the bus stops quite often in little out of the way villages or sightseeing places for a half hour or so. On this trip it was to see how jade was made (although we got talking about souvenier ...

... br>The past week has been an absolute whirlwind of catching
up with friends before I leave and just getting the stuff that needs to
be done, actually done.

It's been a bit sad to say goodbye to
friends this last couple of days. Not to mention clothes, shoes and my
other pretty things. My oh my!
But I'm looking forward to being on
the road and getting to see old friends. I'm looking forward to new
Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand akeakekiakaha