Christchurch and Queenstown...the beggining of New Zealand

It's always a thrill flying into a new country, a new time zone, almost a new time in life.

Flying into Christchurch however, was much like flying back home. There's the mountains, there the square patches of land...except, whats all those little white things running around? Oooh sheep, yup definitely NOT Alberta.

Alright, not really much to say about Christchurch except, rainy, cold...YIPEEE I BOUGHT A WINTER COAT and pretty cool old school trollies. On one hand it was good to start getting used to the cold, but really, not too much around.

Therefore off on a gallant trip to a place that, no matter who you talk to, they always recommend it. QUEENSTOWN.



The landscape here is so diverse. Not only do they have mountains the likes of which are read about in novels, but the enormous lakes and windy roads, take you into different parts of New Zealand that are completely untouched.




Finally, when you're able to make the journey into this small town, on the crescend end of New Zealands South Islands largest lake you are bound to be dazled. Surrounding the town are enormous mountains towering over the land below. Reflecting off the waters are these snow caped beauties that you must just stand for minutes and just stare...oh remember to whip the drool away.



The first few days here were mostly spent hiking and exploring the country side. Yes I will admit it, I made sure that I found the locations to where Lord Of the Rings was filmed and took pictures. Hey, call me a nerd, but it just seems soo cool to look at a movie and go.."well lookie here, I have that exact picture, right there...la dee da," and then you stick out your tongue. Well, only if you want to.



I ventured into an enormous forrest which interestingly enough keeps the same moderate temperature year in and out, because of its dense forestation and unique shrubbery. (oh ps, this was also used as a filming area for the forest location for Treebeard...just so you know)



Then I hoped on a tour which took me into Paradise...literally.



Here the land is in the protective custody of the New Zealand governemnt. It's making sure that no one can build on this site and is kept as is. This makes for astounding views, numerous animal sightings, but luckily...no human sightings.

I was able to explore the south island and see how unique, yet similar it is to home. Also how vast the country side is. Queenstown and the surrounding area are something I'm going to want to visit again. Next time however, I'll probably rent my own camper or do hitch hicking. I hear New Zealand is the safest place in the world to do this.

Melbourne...brrrr

As quickly as I left Sydney I arrive in Melbourne...or so I thought. I step out of the terminal, take one quick look around and soon realize I'm in the middle of nowhere. Where in the world is Melbourne? Someone points out I need to take a bus which is purchased inside...yeah another $20. I pass out on the bus wake up an hour later...now I'm in Melbourne.

I step outside...a crisp cool breeze quickly engulfs me. I shiver...well warm little body, looks like were not in Kansas anymore. I proceed to do my regular checks of the area, get a map and make my way to the hostel, fighting this unbelievable cold. I look up and read the temperature...18 degrees...yeah right, you're kidding me and its this cold, what gives?



I think to what I'd be doing if it was 18 degrees back home...jumping around in shorts and a flowered shirt comes to mind, then another freezing gust of coldly death swoops over me...I zip my hoodie up a little tighter and begin the walk.

Through my travels the majority of Australians I've met have been from Melbourne, so there was numerous planning to be had in meeting up with them all. Unfortunately, because of some magical talent I have at arriving, I wasn't able to crash at anyone's place for free. Still, the hostel I stayed at I ended up running into a few acquaintances as well. One of these acquaintances was a guy I had met in Rome, it was such a coincidence and great to meet up with an old friend.



For a few days I was shown around the great city of Melbourne. Lead into the bowels of the city to explore areas that are off most tourists beaten paths. I dined at some great restaurants and had drinks over looking the harbour. Majority of the places to visit in the city were quite expensive, so I stuck with the free stuff. Like a small place called ACDC Lane. Named after the famous Australia rock group. During the day not much was going on, but I've been told its a pretty exciting place during the night.



A unique place was Melbournes tallest tower which showed exquisite views of the sprawling city. I did it at night just because I did a similar type tower in Surfers Paradise, plus, it just seems so much cooler and eery at night.



There was an Australian girl I met numerous months back at a camp I attended. She mentioned about living in the area that I was currently at, so I made sure to contact her. Luckily we were able to meet up, and the best part. She was going to drive me down the Great Ocean Road.

I had to make my way over to meet her, but it was well worth the journey as the Great Ocean Road was something else.



A road that weaves its way around the ocean, viewing an enormous panoramic of sand, surf and sky. This is one of those things where you just stop, breath in deeply, can't believe you're here...then continue driving.

The entire four hours were just candy for the eyes. Not only did I get to see the ocean, but three Kuala's as well. I hadn't seen any up until now, especially in the wild so I was very grateful.



Since I was driving with someone from the area, she showed me numerous spots that people generally miss. Such as small beach inlets, great view points and an awesome fish and chips place...mmmm.



The major thing I wanted to see was one of the worlds greatest natural wonders...the 12 appostles. Even though there's only nine now because they are made of sandstone and are slowly deteriating, they were awesome. I did have to fight away numerous Asian tourists...but eh...it was definitely worth it.

This road is definitely one of the top things I've done throughout traveling. It's something I'd probably do every week or so if I lived in the area. Especially if I drove a convertible, had a fast set of wheels and race car driver instincts.



Finally, on the return to Melbourne, I met up with a few more friends that I hadn't yet seen, and enjoyed my last few days. That was until...Jetstar, the airline company with who I was flying with the next day, texted me to say my flight was canceled. Now I wouldn't normally be bothered by this, but it was at MIDNIGHT. Good thing I was still up, otherwise...OH OH.

Still traveling has taught me not to worry to much about the things you can't control, so I calmly phoned up the airline. Waited on the phone for an hour and a half, and easily switched my flight to later the next day. Easy as pie.

It actually turned out for the better as the next day I was able to spend with one more of my traveling compadres. He showed me around the Italian district, took me to some nice bakeries/cafes and just had a great time strolling around Melbourne.



Finally, it came time to get everything and head to my flight. Now I remembered asking the bus driver on arrival how many hours before my flight I needed to catch the bus. He told me two hours before. Not sure if you all remember, but the airport on which I fly out from...is 64km outside of Melbourne, so this bus is just...kind of important.

Being one that likes to be on time I show up "EXACTLY" two hours before my flight is due to depart. As I arrive to buy my ticket, the ticket guy tells me...oh, the bus just left. It actually left five minutes early. Um...excuse me. Five minutes early? Oh well no worries I think, there's going to be another bus soon. So I ask the guy when the next bus is arriving. 6:30. *takes in breath* Yeah, my plane leaves at 7:15 soooo. The ticket guy tells me I could take a cab, which would cost about $100. Hmmm good deal I think...NOT. Luckily I don't get upset with the ticket guy because well, it's not his fault, and thus calmly ask for another alternative. He directs me to the trains and how easy that would be. Nice, simple.



I get my train ticket, board the train, and its announced that the train will have a slight delay. Hmmm, no panic, still have time. I talk to the conductor that walks between cars and tell him my situation. He says not to worry and asks me if I have a number for a cab once I arrive. Ohhh yeah, noooooo. Luckily he helps me out and gives me a few numbers.

Once arrived at the station I realize...there's no cab. I call again, this time a little more frazzled as well...I have 40 minutes until my plane leaves. They inform me that he's on his way, and soon enough...there he is.

Everything works out, I get into the airport with 30 minutes to spare and am thankful for that. Then its announced on the intercom once I arrive, that the plane will be delayed by 45 minutes. Hmmmm, isn't that juuuust great.

Still I was able to meet up for dinner with my friends like I originally planed and everything worked out. See, no reason to stress :D