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Christchurch

Here down South it’s definitely colder than in Wellington – more like proper winter, with temperatures here in Christchurch around 5 degrees. That wouldn’t be bad, but in addition it’s very wet – especially yesterday it felt a bit like the end of the world, it was raining so hard. *shivers*

I ended up going to the beach in New Brighton anyway and got thoroughly soaked. To make up for this, I spent the evening watching a kiwi movie, ‘Second-Hand Wedding’ which was cute and funny. Today my tour to the Lord of the Rings location of Edoras was cancelled, but the weather was a bit better (still cold, though) and I took the Gondola up the mountain in the afternoon, after spending the morning at the Canterbury museum. That was quite interesting, with Antarctica and Leonardo da Vinci exhibits.

I also managed to upload the photos I took so far:

Leaving Wellington Christchurch Christchurch

The rest can be found in my New Zealand album, as usual. Tomorrow I’m off to Dunedin – will catch up with you again there!

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Last night

The evening out with Rathy, Michelle and Jessica was lovely. First yummy Thai food, then incredible dessert at Strawberry Fare (seriously, I almost melted at the first bite of the warm raspberry-drenched chocolate cake) and finally a drink at Jet bar. Have I mentioned that I don’t want to leave? But tomorrow I have to be at the airport by 8am – Rathy’s driving me, the darling girl!

Last night Last night Last night

Next update will indeed be from Christchurch, I just wanted to share the photos. 🙂

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Last day…

Everything’s packed and I gave my keys to Meredith. Not as many boxes as I’d feared, but oh, it was hard! Trying to get excited about going down South tomorrow, but not quite there yet. I’m more thrilled about my Australia trip at the moment:

Staying with a friend in Melbourne, then a three-day tour along the famous Ocean Road to Adelaide. From there I’ll take the Ghan train to Alice Springs and go see Uluru, before taking the train all the way up to Darwin. Then down the west coast to Perth by Greyhound bus. In Perth I’ll again be staying with a friend before flying to Singapore on September 2.

Tonight Rathy, Jessica, Michelle and I will go out to dinner, the last one as official flatmates. Right now I’m watching a DVD while eating a golden kiwi fruit and the last two precious Basler Läckerli.

Last day

Next update will be from Christchurch, probably.

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Photos and packing

Uploaded the photos from last weekend, including a couple Michelle took. You can see them here. (Photos of Denise’s kids aren’t public, though.)

Last trip to New Plymouth Last trip to New Plymouth Last trip to New Plymouth

Other than that I’ve started packing up all my stuff. So far it’s 2 book boxes, 1 big box and my suitcase, but I’m thinking there’ll be another box with the winter clothes I’m taking to the South Island. My room already doesn’t feel like home anymore, with the boxes and no photos and books. Only two more days here…

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Tattoo #4 1/2

Another visit with Roger, and I walked away with my last (well, for the time being at least *g*) tattoo after only a bit over half an hour’s work:

Tattoo #4 1/2

I’m so happy with it, it’s the perfect commemoration of New Zealand. It’s a kirituhi (a Maori-style tattoo, but not a proper moko), a koru, symbolizing “life, growth, strength and peace”. It’s also a feminine symbol and can be seen as a mother and child. Pretty perfect for me, I feel.