I have moved around a lot since my last entry. But I am now in Christchurch, the second largest city of NZ! But first my travels thus far.
On February 26th I headed from Whangamata to Wellington, via train. I got to see a lot of the country side which is full of sheep and cows. The train had to stop a lot because all of the signals on the line had malfunctioned so they had to flip all the switches by hand like in the old days. we got to go through a spiral tunnel. Then into National Park where we could see Mt Ruepehu and the train travels around the mountain so you get to see about 3/4 of it. I unfortunately got into Wellington 2 hours behind schedule but Lisa, my friend that I met up in Paihia was waiting for me. We took my stuff up to her place then headed downtown to check things out. She is doing a semester of exchange at the univeristy in wellington. It was very cosy to share her twin bed...
The next day we headed downtown, and to the 'beach' - its a man made beach they trucked in sand. I got a little burnt but it was nice just to relax. Then back to her place to make some dinner. Then we went out to see what was going on downtown. we scored a free drink from some bar. Met some interesting people, including some tennis players when we went into this bar that was hosting a bikini contest....
On the 28th, Lisa had class so I took off to wander around downtown. I went to the City Gallery, which was full of contemporary art right in the heart of the civic centre. It is so great to see a city and publically funded centre that actually appreciates modern art and makes people/tourists confront it and accept it. My dream is to work at this gallery...Then I met up with Lisa and we wander aimlessly until we came across the parliament buildings, we decided to take a tour of it...one side is shaped like a beehive. We also visited Old St. Paul's Cathedral which is made of all wood.
Leap Year Day! Lisa had more classes so I took the bus out to Lower Hutt to the NewDowse Gallery. It was having its paper anniversary and as such commissioned Jum Nakao to recreate one of his paper dresses he exhibited at the brazilian fashion week in 2004. his is of brazilian/japanese decent. As well, the gallery showed two outfits from the Issey Miyaki spring 2008 collection which was in conjunction with Dyson (yes the vacuum cleaner). I am trying to take in as much of the culture and arts that are provided in this country as they seem to be thriving. Next I met up with Lisa in town and then we headed to meet Candice, my favourite american, another of the friends that I met in Paihia. We went out to the stadium to see a rugby game. The Welly Hurricanes vs the Waikato Chiefs which was very fun! We got back and then all dressed up in her clothes and headed out for the night, including going to a heavy metal bar...we were very out of place.
New Month - today was a very chill day and Lisa and I made it home sometime in the afternoon as it was pouring rain. Lisa and I got ready to have dinner again with Candice and as we were walking back down the hill we got a text message from Dave and Todd, two Canadian guys from Paihia that they were waiting in the Railway Station for lisa to pick them up! As they did not know I was in town it was a big reunion! After picking them up we headed to Candice's and then all went out for some good old North American fun!
on March 2nd, Lisa, the boys and I were hoping for some beach time but as we put our toes on the sand the rain came so we decided to head to Te Papa Museum, we wandered there for a while before our stomachs dictated food time. Spent a chill night a Lisa's with a movie.
Today the boys and i headed south...goodbye north island! We took the interislander ferry, the seas were a little rough today but we made it and I didnt even get sick!!! Spent the night in Pickton. Then I travelled by bus to nelson while the boys hitchhiked. and we met up there. Nelson is the centremost city of NZ. I got to visit the public art gallery and the Catchment Gallery. Both very good at promoting local artists. Then I chilled by the pool for the afternoon.
The next day I caught a ride from a guy I met at the backpackers (hostel) to Christchurch. On the ride down we stopped in Blenheim and then Kaikoura. Somewhere inbetween there as we were driving a sheep fell from a cliff above us and landed right in front. Luckily we had time to stop. but the sheep just got up and walked away... I was informed that that doesnt happen everyday although with the number of sheep here I cant see how come it doesnt. I am now settled at Joy's twin sister's place, Fay. For the weekend we travelled to Le Bons Bay, on the Bank's Penninsula where one of her other sisters has a place in a quite little place with only a few bachs (cabins) There we spent the day on the beach, I spent some time in the hammock. The next day at low tide we found tons of mussels and picked them. They were soo fresh and yummy. Joy and Fay also went and found wild mushrooms which were soo good too. Then on the monday morning we left early to meet up with their brother and sister-in-law in Akaroa for breakfast. We visited their house right on the waterfront before heading back to Christchurch for the afternoon. Now you are all up to date. Missing all and Canada as well but I only have a short time left so I am going to make the most of it here!
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