Back in New Zealand

So goodbye, Sydney, hello Christchurch. 15 degrees cooler and can't see the sun for the rain - but it's still good to be back. Spent some time organising myself for the next three months, phone, food and a trip to the cinema (start as you mean to go on I say!). Booked the bus and then off to Nelson to catch up with friends.

Nelson 001

The journey was long, but at the end of it, an ice-cream from Penguinos, a beer at the Vic Rose, sitting out in the sun (phew, the temperature had risen into double figures at least) and it all seemed worth it. Met up with Daryn (an old friend from the orchard where I worked on my last trip) and headed back to his place to meet Eve, his wife, and their gorgeous baby boy James. Had a lovely few days with them and got to practice in my new car - very kindly donated to the travelling cause by Daryn. Have to confess though, I tried to start it a number of times and it just kept dying on me. I knew I wasn't going to go back into the house and say I couldn't get the car to work, then fortunately, spotted the choke. Lo and behold it started first time - and kept on going! Never driven a car with a choke before - what amazing new experiences you have whilst on your travels! Caught up with Megan (also worked with her on the orchard) and had a great time just hanging around the apple trees having a gossip.

Nelson 002

We all went to the Nelson market on Saturday morning and then I left them to have their weekend in peace and headed off to the beach. Very windy, but it was fun watching the frisbee games. Football with a frisbee basically! Goal posts, teams in matching t-shirts, it was great. Stayed with John that evening, a host from a previous visit, who cooked the most amazing prawn curry and had a good old chinwag.

Then, having called whilst she was still in transit and played phone tag for a few days, I met up with Teresa, a colleague and friend from York. We went out with her hosts to the Nuedorf winery to visit their open day - lots of craft, food and markety type stalls - where I could have spent an absolute fortune. Fortunately, I am determined to keep my rucksack zipped up and not start filling separate bags, so I resisted the temptation. Did keep trying all the foody bits though! We then spent a lovely afternoon walking down Tahunanui beach (one of my very favourites) and then had a fantastic fish and chip supper (Teresa had been looking forward to this for AGES).

Nelson 003

Having spent a lovely evening back with her hosts, I headed off to the hostel. Unfortunately, at 10pm on a Sunday night, none of them were open. I momentarily thought about sleeping in the car, but sense took over very quickly and I booked myself into a motel. Huge bed, tv with movie channel and ensuite. Wondered why I had thought this wasn't a good idea!!!

Anyway, that was a lovely way to finish the week. Great to catch up with friends and spend some time in Nelson. Next stop Picton and then heading all the way south.

Will update photos when USB port available! Next update will follow shortly - and sorry to all of you that said they don't want to read this on a Monday morning.