West Coast NZ

Kessy and I have been driving up the west coast of the south island in new zealand for the past few days. She bought a van (whom we named SYD for Syd Barrett) with a bed in the back (which we have decked out in zebra print)....so we've been driving and driving, seeing the sights, and at night, finding ideal camping spots, usually next to a lake or some sort of body of water, and mountains surrounding us...and the best bit: on a clear night, when there are NO clouds in the sky, and no lights from cities..you can see the endless amount of stars glimmering above you. It is the most breath taking sight you will ever see...more than glaciers millions of years old, more than towering mountains covering in snow, more than ice blue lakes...to realize how small we all really are. yet not insignificant..only small; but, as said in lord of the rings: "well, you are very small...perhaps you're right"

Right! well..an update: KEssy and I stayed in Queenstown for a little less than one week. IT's a cute little ski town that realized its summer potential. It is situated on a lake, surrounded by mountains...and simply beautiful . And the people!? Can I even mention the people there? It still amazes me how NICE and genuine everybody is here...I keep on thinking a trick is being played on me. But alas..this is not the case. There is kindness in the world when you look hard enough. After kessy bought her van (and I agreeing to be navigator and gas payer in return to hitch a ride with her)..we began our journey north. We passed Wanaka (the clear night with a million stars), Haast (cannot remember much about it) Fox and Franz Josef glacier (Fox was spectacular but we were unable to visit Franz due to the ongoing rainstorm..that is STILL going on!!!) , then we stopped by Shantytown, a gold mining and logging town fromt he 1800s that still holds in old charm...and buildings. Kessy and I panned for gold, dressed up in old dresses and took old photos (with a gun and cocktail..typical)...
Now, as the rain continues to pour we are in Greymouth, and hope to quickly move upwards towards Nelson, where we will stay a few days before I head up to Raglan again for some surfing!!! :)
PS...if you can find it...check out the current issue of Kiwi Surf Magazine..apparently I'm in it :) SWEET AS

PPS.did i mention i jumped out of a plane at 12000 ft?!?! YUP and it was AMAZING! could most definitely indulge in such a sport more than simply once :)

Caving and Obama

I've left Raglan :( It's like a cooler San Diego. Quiet surfer town...small cafes, beaches, nice (and good looking) folks...just an all around awesome place. I have a feeling i'll be back.

Kessy (my German friend I'm traveling around with) and I went to Waitomo Caves the other day. We both slept in my one person tent, which was a bit cozy, considering I put the tent on a hill and she kept on rolling on top of mE!! But, it was beautiful there (yet a bit on the boring side)...but we were there for one reason and one reason alone...to go CAVING! So the next morning, we wake up VERY early to head on over to Waitomo Adventures for a 10 am blast off. The adventure we partook in was called Haggas Honking Holes...why? I have NO idea...i think some guy by the name of Haggas discovered the cave. Anywho...for four long and cold hours we abseiled down three waterfalls, going further and further underground. Then we turned off our headlamps and looked up to see a spectacular array of glowworms right above our heads. To get back up and out of the cave, we had to rock climb up up up. My specialty!

After our little adventure, we took a bus to Taupo. Unfortunately, this is the moment where Kessy and I fall sick; she a sore throat, I a bad headcold...but this will not deter us!!!! It was quiet fortunate for us that today is election day in the US, because we needed our rest. So, with the wonderful view of Taupo lake resting in front of us, we watched the election unfold, and to our unending happiness, discover OBAMA IS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!!! ahhhh what a day...What...a...day...