Flag Inn Ambassador Hamilton

The day started early as James had to get up at 6 to get to CTC while I stayed in his room watching the New Zealand version of BBC Breakfast. The stories are essentially the same as the British one with a few bits of NZ news thrown in for good measure but even here, I can’t get away from swine flu (apparently it’s “almost” a pandemic!!!! RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN). I finally arrived at CTC at 10 where I was given a grand tour of the facilities ...

... but annoying. Seriously, this boy.. he was downright cherubic (and I don't toss that word around... brings up too many Anne Rice references). A six foot angel who chain smokes and can down a bottle of wine in an hour. And he took an extreme interest in me (*flattered*) ... Sorta. Really, I think we just enjoyed making fun of each other, mostly over how I couldn't pronounce his name or any German name correctly, and over how bad his English sucked. Me: "How old ...

... east of Hamilton and Auckland. Going to check out the sites and may start WOOFing at a place at the end of next week. We shall see. This may shock some of you, but I don't have too much of a plan past next week!! General plan is to head to the South Island for the summer and either pick up some fruit picking or other casual work, but that's about it. Things are great and I'm really happy and enjoying this experience. Can't wait for what lies ahead. take care, Nora

... the right place; walking from the bus stop to my accommodation. 3. I found a supermarket and did some shopping to supplement the milk, bread, nanas and tea bags that were waiting for me on my arrival. So I'm not living in a totally food-free environment anymore. 4. I managed to book a coach ticket to Auckland for Thursday morning. 5. I bought a phone card, postcards and stamps for England. Now I've just got to work out a ...

I woke up this morning and helped save a life. Instead of feeling relieved and happy, I feel helpless, sad and - worst of all...and I am horrified to admit this... - disappointed. I thought I knew what the words 'conflicting emotions' meant but it wasn't until today that I really understood those two words. I'm conflicted. And I'm certainly emotional. Note: This is somewhat morbid and contraversial - but it's my journal....freedom of expression blah blah ...

... in two languages without even realizing my mouth was moving. I lingered in the massive cathedrals, marveling at their awe and wealth. The stain glass windows painting pictures of a man so many people worshiped as a god but who was, in the end, just a man. Catholic Church is solemn. It's quiet, sometimes peaceful, sometimes guilt-ridden. If there is singing it is fairly serious hymns full of warning and praise be to God. People dress up in "itchy church pants" and stockings. They ...

... didn't have time to wash and shine him up to the standard of the other cars. On the road, I took a short detour to Bridal Veil Falls, a nice waterfall, situated oddly in the middle of nowhere. I've seen the Bridal Veil Falls at Niagara, Canada, and this had nothing on them, but was still pretty. Apparently you used to be able to swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, but could no ...

... one awake. Well the first morning they all got up early to surf, so I was the last one awake. That was an odd feeling. Anyway back to the hostel. It's got a full kitchen with two sets of everything (except fridges - it's got about five of those) and a TV room and a "living room" and two computers with internet and a laundry facility. I think the hosts just dreamed up what their ideal beach retreat would be like and then built it. There's a shelf full of games in ...

Yesterday we left Hahei to get to our much anticipated stop at Raglan, home of the Raglan surf school. Raglan boasts one of the longest left hand breaks in the world and has been visited by some of the legends of the surf world. Alia has been talking about going surfing ever since we started thinking about this whole trip so we couldn't pass up the chance to finally learn how to do it. We took a 3 hour lesson taught by a pregnant German woman and absolutely loved it. In fact ...