Last stop-Tauranga

So these are my last few hours before heading back to civilization. A few things I won't miss: mullets, hot and cold water coming out of different faucets, and unclear road signs. Things I will miss: dramatic mountain landscapes, the smell of the ocean, driving through a canyon and attempting to eat greasy fish and chips, the somewhat annoying kiwi accent, the choice between a full or half flush, kiwi radio, drinkable yogurt, cheese, licorice, and living out of a car. I enjoyed another day at Taupo-they had a bike race so it was a very busy place to be. I also tried to reach Elvor several times (friend from Skagway 6 years ago) but after a few hours of not being able to, I gave up. If something takes too much effort I just don't see the point after a while! She's had a lot of doctor's appointments making it difficult to find a good time to meet up. I think she was offended, but I tried to explain my end of it. My time has been short and I feel happy with what I have done and seen. I've heard from everyone that I have seen New Zealand so fast, but to me it's been perfect. Next time I'll remember to bring my own personal photographer so I can sometimes be in the photos.

Rotorua stinks!

It's not that I don't like it here, there's just a strong smell of sulfur in the air!

I just visited a Maori village and enjoyed watching the dances and songs. They have these all over the city-usually with thermal pools and souvenir shops. I think when I get back I'll have to learn the war dance from the All Blacks-the New Zealand rugby team. Don't know how I'll spend the rest of the day, but my time is so limited I feel a little pressured to cram things in.

Dog kennels and catteries

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm trying not to feel like I'm missing out on something, but I am! Not really, I only have a few days left here and it's been great. I've made the choice the last couple nights to stay at hostels that are right in the city center and magically above bars. So those have been a little rowdy. I have come to the realization that I think I look like a really nice person and that's why I get all the weird guys after me. Maybe it's time to change my look? I spent yesterday in Taupo soaking up the sun by the lake. Very nice. Today I'm off to Rotorua to meet up with a friend and hopefully to catch a fun, touristy show. I'll come back and do the haka (war dance) for all of you! That's it for now!

Napier-home to Americans and Asians

I couldn't believe how many Americans were in this town today-and I didn't even have to hear them speak, you could just tell! Didn't really put it all together until I saw a sign in a store welcoming everyone from the cruise ship "Millenium" Made me miss a windy town up north. Actually, the last 2 nights with 60 mph winds has made me miss it more. I've had to move my car every 2 hours because I won't pay for parking. After doing this the first time I noticed my back tire was flat. And guess what?! The rental company won't pay for damage to tires! Thinking I'd have to pay hundreds of dollars, I drove the car (yes, I know that's bad) to a Firestone place and they said they'd "have a look." In less than 20 minutes they had patched up the tire, filled all the other ones, checked my fluids, and even cleaned my "windscreen"! And it was FREE! No wonder I keep coming back to this place-it's amazing! What tire place does that or am I just clueless? I may stay here another day because I won't be able to meet up with a friend from Skagway, then head to Rotorua for some real culture, then Mt. Maunganui to see Elvor. That should wrap things up!

Kaikoura take two

I'm back in this little town and I'm pretty exhausted. I drove all the way from Queenstown, even stopping to grab a picture of Mt. Cook. It's warmer than it was last week, but the sun is still hesitant to come out. I'm hoping I can soak up a little during one of my stops before I have to leave in a week. I wanted to stay at a different hostel-this one is really cozy and the owners are super friendly. I did end up driving a monster truck! I stopped in and chatted with the 2 guys running the company-Ian is a stunt driver and just finished doing a couple commercials-one is for the new mini cooper which should be on in the states soon. The other is for a Red Bull competitor called "V". He told me all sorts of stories and got me excited to drive a purple Taurus (it's a Chevy)-an experience I couldn't do anywhere else. He's quite the talker and persuaded me to go for it. It was a lot of fun, but I have to admit that the jumpsuit really made the experience worth it. I'll post pictures, don't worry! Looks like I could be taking the ferry back to the north island tomorrow or Wednesday. I just have to be sure I get to see a couple more people and maybe stop in a few towns that I really liked. Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving-save me some pie!

Last week in Paradise

It's been a few days. I was able to cram in another day in Queenstown and met some very young Aussie boys. We had a good time dancing that night. I headed to Milford Sound the next day-it was gorgeous. Decided to do a little cruise and saw my first penguin. (Pictures above.) I am now in Wanaka, which is also very beautiful and a bit smaller than Queenstown. I think I need to start heading north again and make my way back so I will be able to see Elvor. She finally emailed back-I was wondering if she had died. It should be good to see her, although I don't think she's doing well. I think I'll squeeze in a show to see the haka (native dancing) and just might go ride around in some monster trucks.

Good on ya!

I decided to hang out a little longer in Q-town. It's gorgeous here, even reminds me a little of Skagway. I did a little hike once I arrived yesterday, walked around town, then found

a hostel close to town. I did a very brave thing and went out to a bar all by myself! There was live music and a pretty good crowd. I ended up chatting with a bunch of Irish guys and made sure to sneak out once it got creepy. Today I enjoyed a really nice hike to Mt. Crichton. I've noticed that they'll have a sign showing how much time the hike should take. So I make sure to beat it every time! I think this one said 2-4 hours and I made it in 1 1/2. I was pretty proud of that! It's a gorgeous sunny day, although a little chilly. It's tempting to buy a nice winter coat when they're on sale now, so I'll be thinking about that. The weather might not be too bad for Milford Sound, so I may head that way tomorrow.

I slept in the mountains last night with the sheep. It was nice to wake up and eat a bagel with stinky New Zealand cheese and watch the lambs play. I was a little claustrophobic in Akoroa when I got there yesterday, so I kept driving. Nothing really excited me in Christchurch, so I kept going. Same things for another place-decided to get to Queenstown. Right now I'm in Cromwell, which is a cute town by the water. I'm hoping to explore a little once I get to Q-town and really hope to do some more hiking. I'm about 4 days ahead of schedule, so I'm thinking I can kick back here for a few days if I want or add some other cool places that I wasn't planning on. Pictures are coming!

Sheep shearing show, anyone?

I made it to Kaikoura today-beautiful backdrop of mountains. I slept in my car by the water, like other camper vans, but didn't sleep well because the wind picked up so much it was rocking the car. There's a seal colony here, so I drove out and watched the seals a little bit. I won't be doing much walking or hiking today because my feet are so sore. That's what 6 hours of hiking will do! That trail (Abel Tasman Track) was gorgeous and if I had more time, I'd do the whole 51 kilometers! Got some great pictures, but I'll have to post later. Seems anywhere I tend to stay doesn't have good USB ports. Looks like it will be kind of a lazy day today, maybe a drive in the mountains. I may get to Christchurch tomorrow-we'll see how much I like it here.

Ready to hike!

Today I spent a little too much time with Gunnar (I was close!). We drove to Nelson and immediately went to WOW-World of WearableArts (and car museum). I told him he didn't have to go but he insisted-it ended up not really being his thing. I knew it! I loved it-(Katherine, you should have been there!!!) my favorite was the Bizarre Bra Collection. The had one called "Busted" and on one side there was a pistol and the other a large sheriff badge. So great! Or another with 2 faucets called "She runs hot and cold" I'll check out the website, but it was by far the best museum I've seen this trip, which sadly, isn't that hard to beat. Gunnar then took me to Hell-a pizza place in town. I ordered the greed pizza-double cheese, pineapple and ham (of course). I could have left him then but his friends were at work. We went back into the city and wandered. There was a cathedral-not very unique but there was a wedding finishing up and the organist was practicing, so that was cool. Went on a little walk by the beach, then finally dropped him off. I forgot how exhausting it is to be with someone with such a strong accent-you really have to listen to what they're saying, almost like translating. Made me miss little Eva Fiedler! I decided to head closer to a trail I'll hike tomorrow. Didn't realize the road ends and you have to hike in. I'm hoping I won't have to hike in and out, but be able to take a catamaran out or something. I'm staying at the most expensive hostel yet and have to sleep on the top bunk. Hoping for an early morning!

In the hostel I stayed at last night, I met a German guy. We hit the town last night-for a Friday night it was sure quiet, but there was a live band and I was determined to get some people dancing. What could do it better than Bonnie Raitt-"Something to Talk About" or the Police "Roxanne"? I think my dancing can either encourage or intimidate and I accomplished both! It was fun. German guy (maybe Gunther?) and I are driving to Nelson-I'm excited to see the Museum of Wearable Arts and to do some hiking. Hopefully I can post some pictures there.

Finally in the South

I bought a ticket Thursday and took the 3 hour ferry today. It's really nice and quiet here-I think I'll wander around town and see if I can find a hike. I got to do a little shopping yesterday in Napier, which may have helped me be in such a good mood. Katherine would have loved this fun jewelry store-they had some one-of-a-kind pieces from New York. I don't feel so pressed to get somewhere as I have been feeling, but I tend to get bored when I relax too much. I can't even enjoy a vacation-what's wrong with me?

Back in Napier

I was so frustrated that I left. I'm back in this cute little town enjoying the sun. I don't think I'll stay long, but I'll either buy a ferry ticket or change my plane ticket. So exciting! Who knows what will happen?

Stuck in Wellington

I don't know if I've made it clear, but I don't like big cities. I hate them. I can't find my way around, especially if I have no idea what direction I'm going. I'm trying to take the ferry to the south island, but I'm having a hard time arranging it and I'm feeling so frustrated that I want to drop everything altogether! I guess if I wanted to go against everything I believe in, I could join in with some of the activities this city is known for like bungy jumping or paragliding. Now that would be memorable for everyone! Just as long as the instructor knows they'll have to push me, I'll be fine.

Update will be coming soon.

Losing my tan in New Zealand

I made it here Saturday night-delayed by about 1 1/2 hours. I've never been on a plane with an upstairs before! Definitely better to fly Air New Zealand back-a meal and everything! I got my car rental which is a huge step down from the one in Australia. It's a '98 Nissan Sunny-basically Sentra and there's no cruise control or aux plug for me to listen to my iPod. Huge! I took someone's advice and headed north out of Auckland first to the Bay of Islands. Once I got there, it was pretty, but not really what I expected, so I left. Yesterday I basically drove the whole day to get to a cute little beach called Hahei. There was a nice hike to a cave and now I'm headed back south towards Rotorua. I may get the chance to see Elvor in Mt. Manganui if I'm able to contact her. I think I'll be more excited about the scenery in the south island-if there weren't tropical trees around, I'd think I was in Ireland with all the rolling green hills and sheep.

I'll be driving as much as possible and stopping when something is really interesting. I want to get as much out of my crappy car as I can and I only have it until next week. I suppose if I get to see everything I came for, I could be back at the end of the month! We'll see how it all turns out.

Yay Obama!!

I tuned in about an hour after the results. Don't know if many of you reading this are celebrating, but from overseas there was a big sigh of relief! I'm still in Byron Bay-decided to stick around to see if the weather cleared up and it did! I booked a flight back to New Zealand this Saturday. I think it will be more quiet, which will be nice, and a little different. The sun is too much-no wonder half the people here have skin cancer! I'm finally camping for the first time tonight. Who knows what I'll do tomorrow or where I'll stay. The massage was a little intense yesterday, but I think it helped with my back. Sleeping in the car has been interesting! I was next to a park last night and woke up to a little market going on next to me! Amazing! I was driving around last night and saw a huge mass of birds flying overhead and was so relieved they weren't bats. Then I realized they were bats!! Some of them about 2 feet across! Yikes, get me out of here!

Can't put up the pic of the wombat, but here's me and the koala.

Byron Bay

Today I'm in Byron Bay-a little surfer town that's not as intimidating or as dirty as Surfer's Paradise. I had a rough night in a loud, obnoxious hostel and trying to decide what to do next. I've had a few things happen along the way I've been worried about-broken eardrum from one of my flights and today I've had some really bad lower back pain. I scheduled a massage and after wandering around town realized I booked the most expensive in town. Awesome! I'm hoping it will help. The last concern is money-it's hard to keep track of what I'm actually spending.

I forgot to mention that yesterday was the Melbourne Cup. It's a major horse race that the entire country stops everything for. Basically everyone dresses up and goes out and for maybe 10 minutes they get to watch a horse race. It was funny because right when it started I was wandering the empty streets in Surfer's Paradise trying to find internet. Everyone was crowded around TVs and I couldn't care less-they thought I was crazy. I also decided I'd try to read some classics that I missed in high school-the smallest I could find was "Wuthering Heights" and I'm almost done. Kind of depressing, but that should be expected for the classics I guess!

I'm having a hard time posting pictures-I'll try later so everyone can see what a wombat looks like. I'm off to figure out what's next!

A day at the zoo

I spent Monday at the Steve Irwin Zoo. It was really fun to be able to pet the kangaroos and koalas-I never knew how big wombats were! I got a picture with a koala-I'll have to post that another day. I met up with Mandy Dunne, daughter of a guy I met in Skagway over the summer. They were really nice to put me up for the night and she showed me around a little this morning before I left. Right now I'm in Surfer's Paradise-a trashy touristy place. Not sure if I'll be here for the night or head further south. I find myself restless and not easily entertained! I doubt I'll last the full two months-we'll see how it goes!

Halloween in Bundaberg

So I met up with Andrew on Friday-there was a Halloween party a bunch of people from church were having. It ended up being very good-I was really impressed with the haunted house they did in their backyard and the costumes. I think I saw 2 little girls dressed up the whole day, so I was surprised to see anyone getting into the holiday.

Yesterday, we spent the day in the water. Everyone went swimming in the river while I watched. Then we went to the beach where I waded up to my knees. Then went to another beach for snorkeling-which I actually tried for the first time. This was a little tricky and I think I panicked about not getting enough air, so I didn't stay under long enough to see anything. The problem was trying to get out-there were some waves and I kept getting smashed against the rocks. Very graceful-I got cut up a bit but at least I tried it out!

I'm trying to contact a few friends I met in Alaska and see them today. Otherwise, I'm heading to Byron Bay to enjoy the beach. To be honest, I'm really enjoying the rain today-it's a nice break from the hot sun!

Sailing

Lesson learned-if there's something you really want to do, don't settle. I ended up going sailing today with a big group of people, the beach was crowded, but it was gorgeous and I burned my sunburn from yesterday. The crew was awesome-but working in the tourism industry myself, I was sick of the chatting after about an hour. What I wanted to do-take a catamaran to a different island and camp overnight. Oh well!

I'm heading south-hope to stop by Bundaberg again and this time see Andrew Young. Then I'll hopefully get to the zoo. I'm looking forward to Surfer's Paradise and Byron Bay next week.

To sail or not to sail?

So I just realized this morning that if I wanted to book a sailing trip, it would have been a good idea to do it the day before. Because that's how you do it! So I'm trying not to worry about time or money and just do it because who knows when I'll be back here again!

Once again, I forgot my camera plug, so no pictures yet.

Most of the people I'm meeting in the hostels have been here a few months, from other countries, and working. I relate to none of them! Oh and I really stand out with my Alaskan tan-hello!!

Soaking up the sun in Airlie Beach

So I finally made it!! Things are going much better than they began in Auckland-I made it to the north part of Australia-so this should be the hottest! It's actually really nice, windy, and I even get chilled sometimes. I guess I forgot it was about 10 degrees hotter in Centigrade in Reunion-but we're talking in February, so this isn't bad at all. It's been really nice to have a car-although put me ina big city and I'm in big trouble! As long as I stay to the main road, I seem to be ok.

I drove most of the day yesterday and managed to see several Koala signs-I think I even saw a few gray butts!! It was a great moment and it made me cry. I also saw my first living 'roo today-most of the ones I've seen so far have been dead on the side of the road. I'm really looking forward to going to the Steve Irwin Zoo this weekend (I hope) where I can finally hold a koala!

The biggest stress, besides the airport, has been to find out that my adapter I bought only works for hairdryers!!! What the?! So, I was thinking I'd have to have one sent to me. Without one, I wouldn't be able to charge my camera battery and I'd have to use disposable cameras the whole time! Thankfully, this country is amazing and I was able to buy one this morning. Phew-I'll actually get some good pictures after all! And I'll be able to listen to my iPod again!

I'm hoping to go sailing tomorrow-we'll see what kind of price I can get. I'm in Airlie Beach, by the Whitsunday Islands. It's a tropical paradise-the islands they sail to are gorgeous! I'll head back down towards Brisbane-maybe get to see Andrew Young if he cares, then go to the zoo and maybe another island (Fraser) that is the largest sand-only island in the world. Hopefully by the weekend I can meet up with a girl-I met her dad traveling through Skagway and they've been so great!