Looking Left

Greetings,
I hope to write in greater detail later, but for now I  wanted to update that I am in Nelson, NZ and headed into Abel Tasman National Park.  I will update on Wanaka, Mt. Cook and Christchurch soon! For now, off the radar and into the sea (via kayak!)

Peace,
O

Kiwi love

I am just popping in to say that I am in Queenstown and enjoying this beautiful mountain encompassed beach town. Jeannette and I have had a very full four days from Wellington to here. We visited Milford Sound via bus and boat and enjoyed some mince pies. Yesterdfay made for a 22 hour day after our travels, we joined some other hostelers out on the town last night. Today, we glady slept in and then decided to get from crip, fresh air by hiking up the Tiki Trail. Instead of spending $25 on the gondola ride we walked it instead, which reminded me of how much hiking I hope to do during my stint here. After enjoying the view of the Remarkables ( the mountain range) we enjoyed a short black (more coffee.) Tomorrow we are headed off to Wanka for more gorgeous scenery and then off to glacier climbing and by the end of the week, Christchurch. I will try to post pictures (on facebook) soon, but internet cost$ money. :)
In other news, I misplaced my wallet at the Wellington airport and it was recovered after 24 hours with EVERYTHING in tact! This astounds me, as I cannot imagine still having my credit cards and $200 cash  if this had happened in about a million other international airports around the world. First impressions: Kiwi people are amazing, kind, laid back and adventure lovers. So far so good!

The Layover

My long journey to New Zealand began with a little R&R near LA with my friend Rio and catching up with a few other friends in the area. I had a bit of a layover in Brisbane, Australia (~8 hours.) With this time and ~$50 I accomplished the following things for my day in Australia: tired of airports and planes, I took a bus to and from the city center. I began my day with my first short white (coffee in this part of the world.) It is very hot in Australia so I immediately went to the south bend area where there is a man made beach off of the Brisbane River. No bathing suit? No problem! I just went with what I had on (under my clothes.) Spontaneity embraced. After realizing I needed SPF do my laying out, I went for a walk about and found myself crossing the Goodwill Bridge to go to the free city Botanical Gardens. The new flora made for great experimenting with my camera. Then I completed the day with a delish. lamb gyro and inaugural travel ice cream at a beach side cafe! My general first impression of Australia was that it is hot and expensive. However, the city of Brisbane is beautiful, green and clean. They also claim fame for having the largest IMAX theater in the world and the first koala preservation. I also met a nice kiwi girl who had been studying abroad at UNC, proving that tarheels really are everywhere. All in all it was a great day and a great break. Lastly, Virgin Australia was an amazing airline, given the billion hour ride.
Next up.... arrival in Wellington and beyond.

Adios!

I successfully packed for three months in my large hiking back pack and this tiny day pack (above.)  If you know me, you know this is a miracle of minimalism! So off I go on another adventure of a life time.
LAX- Brisbane, Australia- Wellington, New Zealand tomorrow.  I can't believe it's FINALLY here.
Thanks to everyone for all the support and help getting me to this point (with all kinds of new gear too!)
Kia Ora- (HELLO) New Zealand! Ready or not, here I come!