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!