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  Dunedin, New Zealand
Tuesday, July 1, 2008

hi guys.

it's been a little while since my last post, so i figured i'd give you all a quick update.

still living and working at Penny's Backpackers-- and staying for free, so that is helping. i'm finally settling into a regular sort of life here. getting used to the daily grind here in Dunedin (for those of you that may be joining us, it's pronounced DUN-eee-din). the job i have as a waitress in 'The Cellar Wine Bar' (in the basement of the building the hostel is in) has finally picked up. i worked a salsa party there this past weekend and i have officially been upgraded to bartender! it was a little intimidating at first, but by the end of the night i was having fun. black russians and mint mojitos were popular, as well as some kiwi favorites such as lemon lime bitters and vodka lemonade raspberry

CHEEEESE!

. the owner has just opened up another bar (in the same building, just above the other one actually) called Penny's Bar (so original) which is more casual in atmosphere and has new slot machines and a cool cd jukebox. as of this past weekend, i am also bartending here and i have been busy learning how the slot machines work so i can be responsible for them when i behind the bar. they're currently putting together some food specials to attract the backpackers down for some lunch specials like a toasted sandwich and a soda for $6 (way cheap by nz standards) or soup and a roll for $4. got my first paycheck today from them! yay! jackie (my boss and the owner's stepdaughter) says she will be trying to give me 4-5 days a week, which would be awesome.

i've been doing some thinking--and planning--about my immediate future and what exactly i want to do and where i want to go. as of right now, i think i'm going to stay in Dunedin until september or october just working and saving as much as i possibly can. come springtime, i'll probably head up to the north island, check out Rotorua (the maori capital), do some skydiving in Taupo and check out northland, finally making my way out to the most northerly point in NZ--Cape Reinga. i promised myself i wouldn't leave the country until i got there. i've talked to some friends that i've met here and they all say it's a do-not-miss. i'll make my way back down to Auckland and most likely fly to Cairns. i am looking into working and living in Port Douglas for a few months. Port Douglas is an absolutely beautiful resort town about 60 mins north of cairns, and is often called the gateway to the great barrier reef. there is a major rainforest--the Daintree Rainforest--just an hour north of P.D. and i'm looking into possible job opportunities working out on the reef, or if need be, in hospitality, now that i will have the experience

yes, i love my new hat.

. i was looking at flight prices the other day, just out of curiousity, and a one-way ticket from Auckland to Cairns is running about $350, which is extremely reasonable. i will have to research aussie work visas, but it's a definite possibilty. i haven't ruled out going to a pacific island either. my top choices at the moment are Palau (amazing diving!!), Micronesia (tons of good diving), and Tonga (good diving and whale watching). i may go to one of these for a month if i can swing it. of course i would like to go to all three, but life ain't quite that sweet. of course, this could all change in two months. :o)

for a better idea on where all these islands are, check out the link on my travelblog homepage under MAP OF OCEANIA. or just go here:  http://www.map-zone.net/continent/oceania/

for more info on PORT DOUGLAS, try these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Douglas%2C_Queensland

http://www.portdouglas.com.au/portdouglas.php

http://www.pddt.com.au/Port_Douglas_Daintree_Region_Maps_Port_Douglas.htm


so that's about it. i seem to have caught a cold recently...it was just a matter of time i guess, living with all these people. it IS winter afterall. i will try to keep you guys updated as my plans develop.

love you and miss you across the miles,
*kate 

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

another night at the Craic, with Vincent and Rike

I named him Phillip.

on our way to the octagon for some drinks!

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