So if you have been following this blog you might have realized I lack a certain level of blogging prowess, like adding pictures. I also lack any real dedication to this blog well because I am lazy and I think other people can do it better. So I decided to share those blogs with you, the ones of my friends who I follow better than I write my own. Enjoy!..
My dearest Emma Holmes is studying in Leiden for the semester and her blog is here: http://travelsbyemmag.blogspot.com
Julie T Ives is studying in Cork Ireland and is enjoying lots and lots of greenery from the place where my ancestors hail read here: http://greenhillsandguinness.blogspot.com
Nellybelly Koch is in studying in Denmark, where she's seeing some really cool stuff as a architecture major: http://gotmytowel.blogspot.com
Tricky Trevor Crawford, a fellow Saint Michaelian is studying in Otago with me and has been on most of my adventures his blog is pretty cool: http://trevgoesunder.blogspot.com
And ofcourse there is my best friend and big brother figure, Dane Weister, whose blog is what mine would look like if I actually was able to use any type of technology without it going poorly: http://daneweister.blogspot.com
Enjoy!!
PS Just copy and paste, I couldn't get the hyperlink to work. Weird.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Girl's Week!
Okay, so Olivia and I have decided to live life to the fullest and live everyday like it’s our last. While last week that entailed a tattoo for Olivia and Bungy jumping for me, this week it has meant something quite different.
Girl’s Week.
That’s right, the boys have rented a camper van (hence forth known as Bertha, the man beast that she is and all) for two weeks to travel the West Coast, and in response we shall skip our last week of class and travel the East side of the South Island.
Enter Wilma, our two door, white, miniature car. She only has four gears and she has no CD player. We were worried when we got her. But she proved herself as an Amazonian woman by taking hills like a trooper and with the quick purchase of a Ipod connecter we were set.
Now, the boys needed to be in Christchurch on Tuesday by 4 to pick up Bertha. Obviously they could not arrange their own transport so they hopped into the back of Wilma. After waiting two hours for Davis, he and Michael sat in the back chanting “overtake” and comment on Liv’s driving. It was generally stressful for all. After some southern charm from Davis, he extended the pickup til 5, and we eventually got them there. They were under appreciative. Boys if you are reading this, time to buy us dinner (not Fish and Chips).
Moving on, after we kicked them out of the car, the fun actually began. Cue Olivia being de-stressed and relaxing music, which Michael gets credit for. Drove from Christchurch to Akaroa to spend the night and see some beautiful sunsets.
Wake up in Akaroa, liv’s made breakfast and has collected about 200 leaflets. She is the perfect wife, we are now basically a married couple. Onto to information center (a most handy place featured in almost all New Zealand major towns) to book a dolphin cruise. Arrive to the dolphin cruise, we are the youngest people there by atleast 40 years. Annoying older Americans to be had by all. Came to the realization I am now a Kiwi because I hate American tourists. Actually I hate all tourists, but still America, socks and sandals needs to stop. Now.
Moving on, sea birds, penguins (old news by now) and a 90 foot cave. Then we got to the good stuff, we saw Hector’s dolphins, lots of them! For those who haven’t been on this tour or ever even heard of Hector’s dolphins, they are the world’s smallest ocean dolphin and are the cutest things around. Their dorsal fin is shaped like mickey mouse’s ear. They hung around the boat, it was sunny, the Irish captain said it was the best encounter he had had in months. You are welcome America tourists.
After docking we had a lovely meal of bread for lunch in a seaside café, we then decided to skip the giant’s museum because it was intimidating ie up a hill, we get enough of that in Dunedin thank you. Especially since the sculptures were probably twice the size of Liv and I. Onto Okain’s Bay for the Maori and colonial museum. Yup.
Then we hopped into Wilma, put on some of John’s CDs (the boys only payment for us bringing them to Christchurch) and went onward.
We ended up driving through Christchurch again, and onto Kaikora. Stayed overnight in Kaikora in an adorable hostel with some real uncomfortable beds. Kaikora is a place where whale watching and seal swimming can be had. We however skipped that since it was cloudy and swimming with wild animals is sort of intimidating.
Since we ended up leaving Kaikora around nine, we had a full day of opportunities ahead of us. We of course drove until we hit the Marlborough region and stopped at the first winery we saw. We ended up hitting a total of 8. Which are the following: Montana, Lawson’s Dry Hills, Wither Hills, Highfield, Mahi, Seresin Estate, Huia, and No. 1 Family Estate. Do the Marlborough Wine Tour. Go to Lawson’s Dry Hills and ask for Sue, drink the Guertz and the Dessert Riesiling. We had Wither Hills for lunch, which was reasonable but Highfield had a better menu. When at Highfield climb the tower and look at 360 degree view. Finish it off with No.1 Family Estate, who only does sparkling wine then go directly to the chocolate factory which gives free samples. Happiness will be found.
After our extensive wine tour, we drove onward to Picton. After experiencing some questionable public toilets we then decided the ferry to Wellington was exceptionally overpriced we also decided Picton was a pointless place, so we got coffee and left. Onward to the Queen Charlotte Drive, a most beautiful, scenic route to Havelock which eventually gets us to Nelson. We got sidetracked and ended up driving around the Sounds and saw some beautiful water, hills, tress, and cow combinations. After realizing it was getting late we drove onward and hit Havelock. Found a hostel and crashed after a quick meal of pasta and of course, some organic, Marlborough wine newly purchased.
Woke up bright and early again for some toast sans butter and chocolate milk for breakfast. After a productive morning of driving and pulling over at green sings, put there to mark cool things by the Department of Conservation we headed onward to Nelson. Upon arriving we went to a camera shop and learned yes, Olivia’s camera the only one with us for the week was unfix-able and that black dot would be in all pictures. Awesome, but we would not be stopped. Got a delicious lunch, decided to forgo the mask parade and headed on.
Our next stop was yet another green DOC sign, this time for Kaiteriteri Beach. BEST STOP EVER. We sat on the beach and appreciated the beauty the world had to offer. Pictures to follow! After that we made the decision to skip the boat to Abel Tasmen, with the stipulation we would come back and kayak it soon. Plus it was a solid 200 dollars. Yeah no thanks.
Moving on to yet another green sign as we drove as north as humanly possible on the coast of the South Island we hit Pupu Springs. Beautiful. Again pictures were taken as well as timed photographs, sort of awkward.
After which we had a fabulous night at the Innlet, which has a compost toilet as well as ‘the Web’ which is this net trampoline thing above a stream. Liv and I started early. It’s Saturday at this point, by the way, since I know I had definitely lost track of time. We drove even more north with our eventual goal being Farewell Spit, the northern most point of the South Island and a really BIG sand-dune. However on the way we got very sidetracked by Wharariki Beach. Pictures do more justice than I can, but we walked over some green hills, saw baby seals swimming in a river and hit the coolest beach ever!
After that we ventured to Farewell spit, which is very impressive in pictures and guided tours but not so much when you can’t actually get into the nature reserve. But we had great scones and can technically say we have been to the northern tip of the South Island so that is pretty cool!
After that it was just one long drive downward. We retraced our steps all the back to past Kaiteriteri beach until we could turn off and drive inward instead of along the coast. We then drove for a solid six hours (in which I fell asleep in the car for the first and only time during the trip). Eventually we made it to our last destination, Hamner Springs.
After rolling into town and basically collapsing out of the car, we went to the Springs, which are natural sulfur pools and REALLY hot, and booked massages and an unlimited pass for the next day. After accomplishing this very important task, we went out for a lovely dinner and befriended some “hen” parties.
The next morning we awoke, got a lovely breakfast and soaked all day long. After a few hours we got amazing massages that were definitely the very best way to end our girls week. We then returned to trusty Wilma and returned to Dunedin. As soon as we got home it started raining. Clearly we should have stayed on Girl’s week!
Girl’s Week.
That’s right, the boys have rented a camper van (hence forth known as Bertha, the man beast that she is and all) for two weeks to travel the West Coast, and in response we shall skip our last week of class and travel the East side of the South Island.
Enter Wilma, our two door, white, miniature car. She only has four gears and she has no CD player. We were worried when we got her. But she proved herself as an Amazonian woman by taking hills like a trooper and with the quick purchase of a Ipod connecter we were set.
Now, the boys needed to be in Christchurch on Tuesday by 4 to pick up Bertha. Obviously they could not arrange their own transport so they hopped into the back of Wilma. After waiting two hours for Davis, he and Michael sat in the back chanting “overtake” and comment on Liv’s driving. It was generally stressful for all. After some southern charm from Davis, he extended the pickup til 5, and we eventually got them there. They were under appreciative. Boys if you are reading this, time to buy us dinner (not Fish and Chips).
Moving on, after we kicked them out of the car, the fun actually began. Cue Olivia being de-stressed and relaxing music, which Michael gets credit for. Drove from Christchurch to Akaroa to spend the night and see some beautiful sunsets.
Wake up in Akaroa, liv’s made breakfast and has collected about 200 leaflets. She is the perfect wife, we are now basically a married couple. Onto to information center (a most handy place featured in almost all New Zealand major towns) to book a dolphin cruise. Arrive to the dolphin cruise, we are the youngest people there by atleast 40 years. Annoying older Americans to be had by all. Came to the realization I am now a Kiwi because I hate American tourists. Actually I hate all tourists, but still America, socks and sandals needs to stop. Now.
Moving on, sea birds, penguins (old news by now) and a 90 foot cave. Then we got to the good stuff, we saw Hector’s dolphins, lots of them! For those who haven’t been on this tour or ever even heard of Hector’s dolphins, they are the world’s smallest ocean dolphin and are the cutest things around. Their dorsal fin is shaped like mickey mouse’s ear. They hung around the boat, it was sunny, the Irish captain said it was the best encounter he had had in months. You are welcome America tourists.
After docking we had a lovely meal of bread for lunch in a seaside café, we then decided to skip the giant’s museum because it was intimidating ie up a hill, we get enough of that in Dunedin thank you. Especially since the sculptures were probably twice the size of Liv and I. Onto Okain’s Bay for the Maori and colonial museum. Yup.
Then we hopped into Wilma, put on some of John’s CDs (the boys only payment for us bringing them to Christchurch) and went onward.
We ended up driving through Christchurch again, and onto Kaikora. Stayed overnight in Kaikora in an adorable hostel with some real uncomfortable beds. Kaikora is a place where whale watching and seal swimming can be had. We however skipped that since it was cloudy and swimming with wild animals is sort of intimidating.
Since we ended up leaving Kaikora around nine, we had a full day of opportunities ahead of us. We of course drove until we hit the Marlborough region and stopped at the first winery we saw. We ended up hitting a total of 8. Which are the following: Montana, Lawson’s Dry Hills, Wither Hills, Highfield, Mahi, Seresin Estate, Huia, and No. 1 Family Estate. Do the Marlborough Wine Tour. Go to Lawson’s Dry Hills and ask for Sue, drink the Guertz and the Dessert Riesiling. We had Wither Hills for lunch, which was reasonable but Highfield had a better menu. When at Highfield climb the tower and look at 360 degree view. Finish it off with No.1 Family Estate, who only does sparkling wine then go directly to the chocolate factory which gives free samples. Happiness will be found.
After our extensive wine tour, we drove onward to Picton. After experiencing some questionable public toilets we then decided the ferry to Wellington was exceptionally overpriced we also decided Picton was a pointless place, so we got coffee and left. Onward to the Queen Charlotte Drive, a most beautiful, scenic route to Havelock which eventually gets us to Nelson. We got sidetracked and ended up driving around the Sounds and saw some beautiful water, hills, tress, and cow combinations. After realizing it was getting late we drove onward and hit Havelock. Found a hostel and crashed after a quick meal of pasta and of course, some organic, Marlborough wine newly purchased.
Woke up bright and early again for some toast sans butter and chocolate milk for breakfast. After a productive morning of driving and pulling over at green sings, put there to mark cool things by the Department of Conservation we headed onward to Nelson. Upon arriving we went to a camera shop and learned yes, Olivia’s camera the only one with us for the week was unfix-able and that black dot would be in all pictures. Awesome, but we would not be stopped. Got a delicious lunch, decided to forgo the mask parade and headed on.
Our next stop was yet another green DOC sign, this time for Kaiteriteri Beach. BEST STOP EVER. We sat on the beach and appreciated the beauty the world had to offer. Pictures to follow! After that we made the decision to skip the boat to Abel Tasmen, with the stipulation we would come back and kayak it soon. Plus it was a solid 200 dollars. Yeah no thanks.
Moving on to yet another green sign as we drove as north as humanly possible on the coast of the South Island we hit Pupu Springs. Beautiful. Again pictures were taken as well as timed photographs, sort of awkward.
After which we had a fabulous night at the Innlet, which has a compost toilet as well as ‘the Web’ which is this net trampoline thing above a stream. Liv and I started early. It’s Saturday at this point, by the way, since I know I had definitely lost track of time. We drove even more north with our eventual goal being Farewell Spit, the northern most point of the South Island and a really BIG sand-dune. However on the way we got very sidetracked by Wharariki Beach. Pictures do more justice than I can, but we walked over some green hills, saw baby seals swimming in a river and hit the coolest beach ever!
After that we ventured to Farewell spit, which is very impressive in pictures and guided tours but not so much when you can’t actually get into the nature reserve. But we had great scones and can technically say we have been to the northern tip of the South Island so that is pretty cool!
After that it was just one long drive downward. We retraced our steps all the back to past Kaiteriteri beach until we could turn off and drive inward instead of along the coast. We then drove for a solid six hours (in which I fell asleep in the car for the first and only time during the trip). Eventually we made it to our last destination, Hamner Springs.
After rolling into town and basically collapsing out of the car, we went to the Springs, which are natural sulfur pools and REALLY hot, and booked massages and an unlimited pass for the next day. After accomplishing this very important task, we went out for a lovely dinner and befriended some “hen” parties.
The next morning we awoke, got a lovely breakfast and soaked all day long. After a few hours we got amazing massages that were definitely the very best way to end our girls week. We then returned to trusty Wilma and returned to Dunedin. As soon as we got home it started raining. Clearly we should have stayed on Girl’s week!
The big jump!
October 9th - 10th
Ah, Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. While New Zealand is of course cited as the adventure capital of the world. So Queenstown must be great right? Yeah. IT’S EXACTLY RIGHT.
Sometimes you just have nothing planned for the weekend and you and your friends think well what do we want to do that we have yet to accomplish. Dane, Meg, Michelle and I asked ourselves this question on Friday and came up with one answer, the Nevis. Which entailed one thing a trip to Queenstown.
After finagling the boys into action on Saturday morning for the farmer’s market Dane, John, Meg and I traveled to the car rental place with discount voucher in hand to rent a car. After dealing with a slightly inept sales guy we got a brand new Toyota, that went very fast for 68 dollars for the weekend. Sweet as.
Caravan time! Boy’s car = Trevor, Dane, JBo and Greg. Girl’s car = Megan, Louise, Michelle and I. We had the newer car, we passed them/made them eat our dust while mooning them at every possible location. Yes. Moving on since no one likes a bragger.
Arrive in Queenstown, book bungying for the next day? Completed in the first 5 minutes, the bank account was not happy. Next on the list, find a hostel, XBase with an adjoining bar and a 8 person room? Perfect. Dinner? The famous Ferg Burger, along with some Speight’s to wash it down. Again perfect. Not going to weigh in on the Velvet Burger (of Dunedin) vs. the Ferg debate but I have one comment. Velvet, look into toasting your buns, all jokes aside. After dinner, the 8 of us had a lovely night exploring Queenstown and all it had to offer. Queenstown night life is definitely a must-do.
Next morning, wake up to… rain. Awesome, I’m about to jump 134 meters and it’s raining. Also being told I would fall faster than the rain drops did not make the situation any less stressful. Walked to AJ Hackett Bungy and watched the video of people doing the Nevis. Again not something to calm my fears. After boarding a bus and a 45 minute ride we arrived, at the top of a gorge. I am now no longer speaking I am so nervous. On the bright side it has stopped raining. After that it was a harness on, a weigh in, strapped onto a gondola and a ride over to a hanging platform that separated me from certain death, aka a bungy jump. Dane goes, loves it. Meg goes, screams but loves it. Michelle goes, almost falls off but goes for it. My turn. It is now of course beautifully sunny.
Scariest moment of my entire life. I almost have no other words for it, I have definitely never been truly scared until that moment. I’ll let the video do the rest of the explaining, but know that yes I was actually asking what I was supposed to hold onto, while bungy jumping. Yet another Brittany New Zealand moment that proves my infinite genius.
Needless to say, I do indeed survive. Since you know AJ Hackett has a 100% success rate and all I really should have been worried. Moving on. Dane, Meg and Michelle do it again, I watch. Once in a lifetime is enough for me.
After getting the video, pictures and t-shirt it is back on the bus and back to Queenstown. After a lovely meal of enchiladas and margaritas, at the ONLY Mexican restaurant in New Zealand, it’s back into the car and back to Dunedin. I sleep the entire way. The entire time I have dreams of jumping off random objects, imagine that!
Ps, I jumped on 10/10/10 pretty cool!
Ah, Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. While New Zealand is of course cited as the adventure capital of the world. So Queenstown must be great right? Yeah. IT’S EXACTLY RIGHT.
Sometimes you just have nothing planned for the weekend and you and your friends think well what do we want to do that we have yet to accomplish. Dane, Meg, Michelle and I asked ourselves this question on Friday and came up with one answer, the Nevis. Which entailed one thing a trip to Queenstown.
After finagling the boys into action on Saturday morning for the farmer’s market Dane, John, Meg and I traveled to the car rental place with discount voucher in hand to rent a car. After dealing with a slightly inept sales guy we got a brand new Toyota, that went very fast for 68 dollars for the weekend. Sweet as.
Caravan time! Boy’s car = Trevor, Dane, JBo and Greg. Girl’s car = Megan, Louise, Michelle and I. We had the newer car, we passed them/made them eat our dust while mooning them at every possible location. Yes. Moving on since no one likes a bragger.
Arrive in Queenstown, book bungying for the next day? Completed in the first 5 minutes, the bank account was not happy. Next on the list, find a hostel, XBase with an adjoining bar and a 8 person room? Perfect. Dinner? The famous Ferg Burger, along with some Speight’s to wash it down. Again perfect. Not going to weigh in on the Velvet Burger (of Dunedin) vs. the Ferg debate but I have one comment. Velvet, look into toasting your buns, all jokes aside. After dinner, the 8 of us had a lovely night exploring Queenstown and all it had to offer. Queenstown night life is definitely a must-do.
Next morning, wake up to… rain. Awesome, I’m about to jump 134 meters and it’s raining. Also being told I would fall faster than the rain drops did not make the situation any less stressful. Walked to AJ Hackett Bungy and watched the video of people doing the Nevis. Again not something to calm my fears. After boarding a bus and a 45 minute ride we arrived, at the top of a gorge. I am now no longer speaking I am so nervous. On the bright side it has stopped raining. After that it was a harness on, a weigh in, strapped onto a gondola and a ride over to a hanging platform that separated me from certain death, aka a bungy jump. Dane goes, loves it. Meg goes, screams but loves it. Michelle goes, almost falls off but goes for it. My turn. It is now of course beautifully sunny.
Scariest moment of my entire life. I almost have no other words for it, I have definitely never been truly scared until that moment. I’ll let the video do the rest of the explaining, but know that yes I was actually asking what I was supposed to hold onto, while bungy jumping. Yet another Brittany New Zealand moment that proves my infinite genius.
Needless to say, I do indeed survive. Since you know AJ Hackett has a 100% success rate and all I really should have been worried. Moving on. Dane, Meg and Michelle do it again, I watch. Once in a lifetime is enough for me.
After getting the video, pictures and t-shirt it is back on the bus and back to Queenstown. After a lovely meal of enchiladas and margaritas, at the ONLY Mexican restaurant in New Zealand, it’s back into the car and back to Dunedin. I sleep the entire way. The entire time I have dreams of jumping off random objects, imagine that!
Ps, I jumped on 10/10/10 pretty cool!
Mt. Cook!
October 1st to 3rd!
Sometimes in life (meaning my life in New Zealand) I have found it is just necessary to have a good wander. We decided last weekend was a good time for that type of wander. Wander entails renting a car, driving somewhere, camping, cooking, drinking, fire, exploring and general tramping through life.
And that’s basically what we did. Gabe aka Chief rented a car, and Sesno, Allie, Michael, John, Dane, Meg and I piled in it. We left Dunedin on Friday with basically no plan but eventually to make it to Mount Cook. Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand.
So drive we did, up the east coast, hitting a very interestingly entitled Shag Point and thru the middle over some farmlands (so rare in New Zealand) and onward to the west coast. After some quick stops for stretching, chili ingredients, beer and the all important toilet, we eventually made it to our destination. Lake Tekaepo (take – a – poo) I wish I could pretend that’s not what the boys called it all weekend. After deciding we were not paying 15 dollars a person to camp in a campsite we drove until no one was around. Parked the car and set up camp. Dinner was, chili, it barely fit into the big pot we had, it was delicious! John and Chief braved the elements and slept outside while the other 6 of us got nice and cozy in a 4 person tent.
In the morning we awoke to something even more beautiful than we were expecting. I got to watch the sun rise over the mountains behind us while being able to turn in the opposite direction to look over Lake Takepo framed by more mountains behind it. There are no words to describe how beautiful and at peace with the world I felt in that moment.
After everyone else woke up we rallied, and headed off to Mt. Cook. After stopping along the way for a forging of a river and beer for breakfast we got to the Sir. Edmund Hilary visitor center. Sir Edmund wasn’t there, although he did train for Everest by climbing Mt. Cook, a lot. As expected Mt. Cook is covered in snow during this part of the year so we opted to take the track that just has some great views of Mt. Cook instead.
That track also has a never-ending giant staircase and snow as well. As we traveled up it every time we were just about to stop we hit a beautiful view or an awesome cliff face and just had to take it all in. As we continued to go up we casually lost people along the way. Basically we would find an awesome place to just sit and be and someone would stay there. We lost John first, then Michael, then me. Allie, Sesno, Dane, Meg and Gabe apparently climbed trough some awesome snow banks but didn’t make it to the end of the track. Oh well, t’was beautiful regardless.
After climbing down and picking up people along the way, it was time to walk back. After facing the dilemma of where to sleep again we decided the same campsite as the night before was the place to be. This time, we added a campfire and the world was infinitely better, although dinner was slightly less impressive (being cold pasta and veggies and all). This time we ALL piled into the 4 person tent and got really, REALLY cozy. Michael snores, hilarity ensued.
Wake up, drive back, weekend ended. But not before some icing and hilarious sing-a-longs in the car. New Zealand is beautiful place and sometimes when you awake from a car nap it just hits you like never before. Peace, love and everything in between <3
Sometimes in life (meaning my life in New Zealand) I have found it is just necessary to have a good wander. We decided last weekend was a good time for that type of wander. Wander entails renting a car, driving somewhere, camping, cooking, drinking, fire, exploring and general tramping through life.
And that’s basically what we did. Gabe aka Chief rented a car, and Sesno, Allie, Michael, John, Dane, Meg and I piled in it. We left Dunedin on Friday with basically no plan but eventually to make it to Mount Cook. Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand.
So drive we did, up the east coast, hitting a very interestingly entitled Shag Point and thru the middle over some farmlands (so rare in New Zealand) and onward to the west coast. After some quick stops for stretching, chili ingredients, beer and the all important toilet, we eventually made it to our destination. Lake Tekaepo (take – a – poo) I wish I could pretend that’s not what the boys called it all weekend. After deciding we were not paying 15 dollars a person to camp in a campsite we drove until no one was around. Parked the car and set up camp. Dinner was, chili, it barely fit into the big pot we had, it was delicious! John and Chief braved the elements and slept outside while the other 6 of us got nice and cozy in a 4 person tent.
In the morning we awoke to something even more beautiful than we were expecting. I got to watch the sun rise over the mountains behind us while being able to turn in the opposite direction to look over Lake Takepo framed by more mountains behind it. There are no words to describe how beautiful and at peace with the world I felt in that moment.
After everyone else woke up we rallied, and headed off to Mt. Cook. After stopping along the way for a forging of a river and beer for breakfast we got to the Sir. Edmund Hilary visitor center. Sir Edmund wasn’t there, although he did train for Everest by climbing Mt. Cook, a lot. As expected Mt. Cook is covered in snow during this part of the year so we opted to take the track that just has some great views of Mt. Cook instead.
That track also has a never-ending giant staircase and snow as well. As we traveled up it every time we were just about to stop we hit a beautiful view or an awesome cliff face and just had to take it all in. As we continued to go up we casually lost people along the way. Basically we would find an awesome place to just sit and be and someone would stay there. We lost John first, then Michael, then me. Allie, Sesno, Dane, Meg and Gabe apparently climbed trough some awesome snow banks but didn’t make it to the end of the track. Oh well, t’was beautiful regardless.
After climbing down and picking up people along the way, it was time to walk back. After facing the dilemma of where to sleep again we decided the same campsite as the night before was the place to be. This time, we added a campfire and the world was infinitely better, although dinner was slightly less impressive (being cold pasta and veggies and all). This time we ALL piled into the 4 person tent and got really, REALLY cozy. Michael snores, hilarity ensued.
Wake up, drive back, weekend ended. But not before some icing and hilarious sing-a-longs in the car. New Zealand is beautiful place and sometimes when you awake from a car nap it just hits you like never before. Peace, love and everything in between <3
Friday, August 13, 2010
Updates!
I have been the absolute worst at updating this thing lately. Unlike Dane who is completely and totally on top of everything with his blogging as well as pictures. I solemnly swear to be better.
Lots has been accomplished in the distant lands south of Oz (Australia). After a hard night of karaoke last night the karaoke machine as proved victorious and I have lost my voice. I sound like a munchkin from the literal land of Oz. Oh well.
Because we are in New Zealand and all the flatmates and I decided it was time to watch all three Lord of a Rings, in the span of three days. It was awesome, the entire complex came and snuggled in the living room. Lots of popcorn and ice cream were consumed.
Still waiting for the recipes from Kevin that I have asked for a thousand times, not like he procrastinates or anything. He's lucky I miss him or I would be a little more angry.
I'm going to go back and finish all the blogs I have started aka titled right now, so take a gander at what has come before.
<3
Lots has been accomplished in the distant lands south of Oz (Australia). After a hard night of karaoke last night the karaoke machine as proved victorious and I have lost my voice. I sound like a munchkin from the literal land of Oz. Oh well.
Because we are in New Zealand and all the flatmates and I decided it was time to watch all three Lord of a Rings, in the span of three days. It was awesome, the entire complex came and snuggled in the living room. Lots of popcorn and ice cream were consumed.
Still waiting for the recipes from Kevin that I have asked for a thousand times, not like he procrastinates or anything. He's lucky I miss him or I would be a little more angry.
I'm going to go back and finish all the blogs I have started aka titled right now, so take a gander at what has come before.
<3
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Christchurch
Okay, so although my adventures thus far have taken me outside Dunedin, I have never entered another city since orientation and Auckland. So since we are trying to be true Kiwis and support the only true sport (rugby) we decided to travel to Christchurch for the All Black's vs. Wallabies (AUS).
Getting to Christchurch saw the usual friday pattern of travel. Pack quickly, rally the troops, run to the bus stop and get going. But this time it was just Megan and I, since most other people had rented cars and such. So we board the bus. Megan was asleep before we got outside the city limits. I however was not as lucky and got to experience almost a full 6 hours of music of the bus drivers choice. Which was trashy 80's and 90's. Such as "who let the dogs out" and "let's get it started". Just going to throw it out there, these musical creations have a time and place, but that does not include a 6 hour bus ride.
So we arrived in Christchurch and it was then time to hunt down some food and our friends. Found Hannah, Adrian, Anti and Andrew at an amazing Indian restuarant and totally splurged for some DELICIOUS food. Then we found Danekins and hopped in the car to visit our fellow Saint Mike's kids living in Christchurch and attending Canterbury University for the semester, Peter and Alessandra. Fun fact, Canterbury is a solid 20 minute drive out of town. Found them, hung out, jumped another bus then hit the town. Hilarity ensued.
Got to the hostel late, woke up to find out the other kids in our room were actually Otago students and friends of friends. Small world! Spent the day exploring Christchurch, found a great second hand shop that was HUGE, then hunted down our tickets at the stadium to avoid doing it later. After returning to the hostel and collecting all our friends in the kitchen, tailgating began and we bundled up and tattooed up for the All Black's game.
After walking to the stadium, we found our seats and experienced our first real New Zealand sporting event. The All Black's dominated and after a low scoring but highly defensive game we found our way back to the city center for more exploring. After another night like the shenanigans of before we found more Otago kids, and took over the city.
Come 8AM and Meg and I needed to be on our bus home. One word, painful. Luckily though we did not have the crazy bus driver again although we did still have our All Black ferns on our faces. Six hours later and a weekend was gone, although we did have face tattoos to wash off and a whole new aspect of New Zealand culture absorbed!
Getting to Christchurch saw the usual friday pattern of travel. Pack quickly, rally the troops, run to the bus stop and get going. But this time it was just Megan and I, since most other people had rented cars and such. So we board the bus. Megan was asleep before we got outside the city limits. I however was not as lucky and got to experience almost a full 6 hours of music of the bus drivers choice. Which was trashy 80's and 90's. Such as "who let the dogs out" and "let's get it started". Just going to throw it out there, these musical creations have a time and place, but that does not include a 6 hour bus ride.
So we arrived in Christchurch and it was then time to hunt down some food and our friends. Found Hannah, Adrian, Anti and Andrew at an amazing Indian restuarant and totally splurged for some DELICIOUS food. Then we found Danekins and hopped in the car to visit our fellow Saint Mike's kids living in Christchurch and attending Canterbury University for the semester, Peter and Alessandra. Fun fact, Canterbury is a solid 20 minute drive out of town. Found them, hung out, jumped another bus then hit the town. Hilarity ensued.
Got to the hostel late, woke up to find out the other kids in our room were actually Otago students and friends of friends. Small world! Spent the day exploring Christchurch, found a great second hand shop that was HUGE, then hunted down our tickets at the stadium to avoid doing it later. After returning to the hostel and collecting all our friends in the kitchen, tailgating began and we bundled up and tattooed up for the All Black's game.
After walking to the stadium, we found our seats and experienced our first real New Zealand sporting event. The All Black's dominated and after a low scoring but highly defensive game we found our way back to the city center for more exploring. After another night like the shenanigans of before we found more Otago kids, and took over the city.
Come 8AM and Meg and I needed to be on our bus home. One word, painful. Luckily though we did not have the crazy bus driver again although we did still have our All Black ferns on our faces. Six hours later and a weekend was gone, although we did have face tattoos to wash off and a whole new aspect of New Zealand culture absorbed!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Catlins
So this weekend saw the first of many a camping trip in New Zeeeeeland. On a bright and sunny Friday afternoon we piled twenty five people into two 5 seater cars and a 10 people van. I sat on the floor, it wasn't exactly "safe" but it was fun!
We arrived at our camp site on Purakaunui Bay around 630ish so it was already going dark. While some of us set up the tents, the "men" went and did manly thing. Aka collected branches and made fire. They felt very "manly" aka I'm surprised no one caught on fire.
Hot dogs, rice and veggies, and cookies were consumed. Olivia saw her first shooting star, she was VERY excited. We watched the moon rise all the way from beneath the water to high in the sky. Walked the beach in the dark. Sat around the camp fire, bonded and made new friends. Passed out with a small animal crawling on the other side of the tent. Thank god I realized Olivia left the tent flap open before it was too late.
Woke in the morning to John's wolf blanket and Michael's cranky face. It was raining. People were unhappy. It stopped raining, the sun shined and a rope swing was found. People were happy again. Explored the bay, met some sea lions, forged a river. After sufficient exploring Jethro aka the alpha-male/only kiwi on the trip/tour guide rounded up the troops and we started our trip to explore the peninsula.
Waterfalls were found
beautifully reflective lakes seen
more waterfalls were found, waterfalls were swam
rare penguins and petrified trees were spotted
3 Hour car ride home, John's second time on the "right" side of the road. Scary. But we survived, and headed to pizza hut for dinner.
Cannot wait for more of this type of adventures.
We arrived at our camp site on Purakaunui Bay around 630ish so it was already going dark. While some of us set up the tents, the "men" went and did manly thing. Aka collected branches and made fire. They felt very "manly" aka I'm surprised no one caught on fire.
Hot dogs, rice and veggies, and cookies were consumed. Olivia saw her first shooting star, she was VERY excited. We watched the moon rise all the way from beneath the water to high in the sky. Walked the beach in the dark. Sat around the camp fire, bonded and made new friends. Passed out with a small animal crawling on the other side of the tent. Thank god I realized Olivia left the tent flap open before it was too late.
Woke in the morning to John's wolf blanket and Michael's cranky face. It was raining. People were unhappy. It stopped raining, the sun shined and a rope swing was found. People were happy again. Explored the bay, met some sea lions, forged a river. After sufficient exploring Jethro aka the alpha-male/only kiwi on the trip/tour guide rounded up the troops and we started our trip to explore the peninsula.
Waterfalls were found
beautifully reflective lakes seen
more waterfalls were found, waterfalls were swam
rare penguins and petrified trees were spotted
3 Hour car ride home, John's second time on the "right" side of the road. Scary. But we survived, and headed to pizza hut for dinner.
Cannot wait for more of this type of adventures.
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