Home from home

Hi,

I am now back in Queenstown for a second time, after exploring the "Deep South". After Wanaka we headed to Queenstown for a very short time - we arrived at three in the afternoon, went out and then had to get up to be on the bus by six in the morning to go to Milford Sounds. We were all very very tired but managed to stay awake to see some spectacular views - apparently it's a bit like Norway.

We then headed down to Tutapare (I have no idea how to spell it). Basically it was in the middle of no where. We were offered a sheep farm tour for just $20. Growing up in the countryside, I thought it was a bit pointless but was tempted by the promise of a roast dinner at the end of it. We saw a few sheep and watched some of the others on the the bus shear them. After all that excitement, I was about ready for the promised roast (thinking that some lamb chops might be nice), only to be confronted by two sausages, cold carrots and coleslaw!!! Not a drop of gravy or indeed a roasty potato in sight!!

The next day we headed down to Intergarvil. Some of the others opted to go to Stewart Island but we were too tired so had a well deserved sleep, some nice food and a walk in the park. I found out that some relations of mine (Aunty Anne's family - Grandad's sister), lived fairly near by, so he next day they picked me up and took me to their farm to stay for a couple of nights. The landscape was very similar to Shropshire, so it was quite strange looking out of the window - I could have been at home. I had the luxury of my own room, my own bathroom and a "proper" towel. Anne's son, Richard took me for a tour around the farm and a quick swim in the river. I had a look at some cows being milked on a clever revolving machine - I've never seen so many cow's bums in my life! After that Anne cooked a real roast dinner (thank you very much Anne). This was a much better "farm tour" and it didn't cost me $20 either! Topping!

We then headed to Dunedin via the Catlins, where I got to see my first dolphin! Very exciting - I can't wait to swim with them! In Dunedin, we had a Speights brewery tour and a good night out to follow.

We came to Queenstown yesterday afternoon. I thought, I'd been very clever and booked a YHA opposite the scummy hostel that the bus tour books people into - thus still getting my bags dropped off. Turns out that actually I had booked myself into the YHA up the road!! I was not quite so smug when I had to carry my heavy bags all the way up there. The hostel is right opposite the lake so is quite nice and handy for a refreshing swim - the water is freezing though!

This morning, I got a good view of the Queenstown area with a paragliding flight. It was very nice and after some bargaining I got some cut price photos too.

Hoping to walk up the big hill in Queenstown now - apparently it's hard work. I may wimp out and take the gondola instead!

Catch ya later,

Jo