Hopewell

So- I've settled down for a bit. Kind of fell into my lap really. I had booked one night at Hopewell Eco-lodge (which was way to short I knew going in, but they didn't have any more nights open) which is in the Marlborough Sounds (on the north shore of the south island). I arrived in hopes of snagging a few more nights and got offered a job for a week. I re-rearranged things with the WWOOFing situation I had planned on for THIS week (on the farm) and will head there NEXT week instead.
Hopewell (http://www.hopewell.co.nz/) is an amazing place which I'm recommending that you get booked NOW into your travel plans as they fill up quickly. They have won best backpacker in all of NZ for years on end now and I do know why....
I've been enjoying hiking, kayaking, eating huge green mussels, collecting and cooking my own oysters, sitting in the spa pool (hot tub for most of you chaps), lounging, reading, eating, knitting... and surely more to come. The couple who runs this show is great- and they even know people in Gardner MT (who I'm sure know friends of mine)- oh how small the world is indeed.
The work entails cleaning and prepping the rooms, but isn't half bad for free room and food and some chill out time. The kitchen here is amazing... all stainless steel, huge and bright.
The area in itself has a NW feel (in fact it is raining as I write this... but it's only my 2nd day of rain on my trip- so not bad as far as slashes go).
This computer is dial up, so I won't be downloading any pics just yet, but they have been taken- so stay tuned.
Friday I will head to Nelson area to start on the farm and then will have to squeak in a bit of the tourist track before I have to fly out.
I pale in comparison to most people I meet who are "only in NZ for 6-7 months"...
Until next time... don't forget to laugh a little.
besos--

Christchurch to Kaikoura

Yes Folks... This is me!! This is just to prove that it hasn't been all latte's and internet cafes thus far...

So the flight down to Christchurch worked out, met a new friend I might hook up with later in the game if the timing works out. As luck would have it there was a major cricket tournament going on the day I arrived (no wonder it was so hard booking a place) and I think the majority of the fans were celebrating in the bar below my hostel. As tired as I was, I snuggled in and drifted off the drones, screams and pounding bass of both the winners and the losers.
The next day I took a nice hike up under the gondola (think Snow King) and over the other side of the hill into a small town called Lyttleton- who happened to be having a street fair that day. Complete with good eats, games, stilts and refreshing gelato. (I guess Italy is never to far from anywhere..)

Can I just tell you- the buses are fantastic. How does a country figure out how to be environmentally sound, have relaxed laidback drivers who don't mind explaining what the hell is going on to a lost tourist AND still manage to be prompt as all get out? Well, it happens here. I made it to Kaikoura last night and tested out my surfer legs this afternoon. I did get up a few times (kind of... ) and instructor Dave assures me once I hit the sandy bottoms of California I'll be set! He also tells me in the winter season one can hit the ski hill in the morning and the waves in the afternoon. I'll have to get that report out to a few boarders I know...
It truly is amazingly beautiful here. And I'm not even in those "amazingly beautiful areas" yet. WOW!

I've realized that a lot of the blog time is going to be a running commentary of the on-goings and workings of my inner dialogue. I apologize and congratulate you for sticking this out (is anyone is still here?).
Just some thoughts I've had along the way:
- oh yeah, the elevator is called a LIFT.. you weren't just telling me to go to the LEFT!
- Yes Katie.. the untrimmed, mohawk/mullet/tail hairstyle DOES seem to be very popular here.
- And how cute is a 2 yo speaking to her daddy with a kiwi accent? Doesn't get much better.

So- yes, to answer your questions.. So far I am getting along with myself just fine. Not too much strife & we pretty much have the same ideas of what we'd like to do. Though the trip is still young; I'll keep you posted on any further developments.
This is a fantastically easy country to get along in. Quite possibly the easiest place I've ever traveled.
So- on that note: I'm officially recommending that you all go book your tickets...
Til next time...
Cheerio!

Just some thoughts..

So- in just over 24 hrs from stepping off the plane, I've been asked twice for directions (and gave an accurate reply.. I'm pretty sure) and been mistaken for a German at least once. (Well, it's better than getting a punch in the face for being an American!)
So, it's been raining buckets today and hence it's allowed plenty of time to roam the streets and check out the museums. In doing so, I begin to wonder... if you're in a country that drives on the left side of the street and you're walking towards on-coming pedestrians, do you walk to the right or to the left? Food for thought... I still haven't figured this one out yet. If you have some insight, please let me know.
On other notes: They have some really great intersections that allow you not only to walk across the street crosswise, but diagonally as well- pure people crossing in every which way. LOVE IT!
So, I've been madly posting blogs (which I'm sure is pleasing some) but I'm off to catch my flight in a bit to Christchurch and hopefully get this holiday rolling. Not sure how much more socked in internet time will be available.
Until next time...
Keep on rockin'

Thoughts... Good ones.

Oh- and if any of you out there have a spare minute in your day, please send good thoughts to Sarasota, Fl. Not only so that all the locals get their parking spot at the beach as Spring Break season approaches, but also so my cute as a button 92 yo Gma's hip heals in good time.
She fell and broke it the other day and had it pinned together the day I flew out. I spoke with her before I got on my plane- and as usual she was in good spirits. I'm sure she's wondering why she can't order a glass of white wine with an ice cube in it off the hospital menu. In any case, here's hoping for a speedy recovery!
Love you grams!

Greetings from the Future...

Well- I made it! I arrived to Auckland, NZ this morning (Friday- 22nd of February)- tomorrow for most of you reading this. I was a little skeptical leaving SF last night. Not only was it a Full Lunar eclipse at 7:01pm (one minute after my departure time), but I had also heard word of the US military's plan to shoot down the falling satellite that was to hit earth. Supposedly they had a 10 second window to shoot it down in "the area west of Hawaii" around 10pm. From my approximate calculations I was to be in that area around that time. I thought at best I'd see loads of flying satellite debris falling in front of a lunar eclipse backdrop- at worst... I'd be PART of that shrapnel. Alas... nothing so exciting happened.
How does one pass the time on a 12+ hr flight across the Pacific?? Well- it's not as bad as it originally seems. There is something about the flight attendants all having cute kiwi accents that makes one forget about the cramped coach seat they are sitting in- and sends their mind adrift to a tranquil spa- or something of that nature. Though the guy in front of you slamming his seat into the reclined position jolts you quickly back to your current situation. There are fine meals as well as endless choices of movies, music and TV programs to keep you occupied (when you aren't bobbing your head to the inevitable airline sleeping sensation, of course). All in all- it was doable.
So- I found myself an overloaded hostel, of which I'm probably 8+ yrs older than most of the people staying here- and quite a minority as far has my nationality goes, but should work for one night.
I will hopefully hop over to an island tomorrow, before I catch a quick flight to Christchurch tomorrow evening- to begin my journey back northward.
Until next time...
Take care of yourselves... and if anyone wants to let me know how Feb. 21st was, I'd be delighted to hear. I've missed out on that day this year, but as my little brother says-- it's a leap year, so it should all even out in the end. Let's hope so!

And She's Off....

So I've hit the road.
I made it to Lander today- after a fun filled/ stressful week of everything one must do to ultimately smash all worldly possessions into a Subaru wagon.
There is still a bit of organizing and most likely floundering to be done in the next few days, but one BIG chunk of this process is behind me.
I want to send my love and sincere gratitude to all my friends and helpers in Jackson who kept me focused (and slightly intoxicated) this week- and shoved me out the door with so many hugs and kisses that it will be hard not to return someday.
You will all be carried with me in my heart... wherever this winding road takes me.
And on that note...
LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!!

The Slight Freak Out is Happening...

As my days are filled with: getting one more ski in, finishing up knitting projects, researching farms to stay at and places to go in NZ, meeting friends for dinners, parties, coffees and chats... oh yeah, packing up my room and loading up everything to head to Lander, finishing up my work commitments... as more keep coming, packing up my desk/office and squeezing in one more cocktail with my coworkers...
... the panic is starting to fill my head and heart- but only slightly. I'm still taking it (surprisingly) one day at a time, one moment as they come. In a week- one chapter will close and another will begin, but I still feel very connected to this book of life I'm leading and I'm never dreaming of permanently closing any doors. There are no (solid) plans to come back to Jackson, but the feeling is there. Opportunities present themselves. We will just have to see what lies in wait.
Until then... a new adventure is on the cusp of beginning and I'm ready (well, mostly...) to dive in... full bore.
Saturday I will drive to Lander, for a quick turnaround to spend a few days in SLC with the crew. Feb. 20th I fly out (time warp style) to the other side of the world- landing in Auckland, NZ ... 14 hours (or.. 2 days???) later ... on the 22nd.
So- please continue to stay tuned.