The crew was a great bunch of laughs, stories, jokes and together as a team made for fun. The next day in light of drinking every drop of alcohol we made our ways down river, finding paths not taken up and getting soaked in the rain. We all saw the river as we flew over it and with all the exposed rocks we all hoped for the river to rise overnight. With the rain pouring down without a break for warmth of the sun; we got what we asked for. Cold and wet we were given a lesson in the raft, the thunder claps and we soon get on our way. Kayaks and those in the rafts all were all about helping others, watching for the rapids and directing each other were to go. Never been rafting before I was smiling from ear to ear. Energy, encouragement and not knowing what to expect at all times this was great fun. The tiny wakes down river turned into large meter rapids and the raft was catching the waves. Splashing water in and creating a bunch of whoa, whooooo, and whawhooos! Each had a turn up front to get wet and we took one drop that made Steve do the superman... we all screamed Hurray! When he landed back in the boat. We stopped at the hot pools near the end for a warm up just before we had to endure the pouring rain as it picked up with wind. Pelting our faces and the wind making us work hard, we earned this trip, for all that it was worth.
We looked at apartments the first day we arrived and hands down by the end chose the one we saw first… across from the beach… and next door to where we were crashing at Gen and Ben’s (a good mate of Steve). We went to bed that night shit grinning and whispering how great it would be to live next door and to live 20 steps from the beach.
Our new address: 3/2 Marriner St. Sumner Christchurch 8081 NZ.
For work I called randomly architects in the phone book. “Sorry love, keep trying... we are not hiring…” a common response but I kept on. I continued on and eventually got as many questions back as I was asking and set up my first interview the next day. The company is called Cornerstone and its a SIPS Building System developed by a local Kiwi. Its only contract work for now.. its something!!!!
Week one ended with a cellphone, a flat across the beach, and a part time job!
The top ten stuff n things:
1. The first day and till this day I can’t get over people who park on their front lawn.
2. Every, and I mean every toilet I have used has been a dual flush.
3. Light switches turn on/off opposite of up is on and down is off… this may be, just our flat.
4. Insulation is wearing more layers, not an idea in buildings.
5. Sheep are roaming, grazing, standing, laying, eating in grass everywhere.
6. With everyone calling everyone mate I often did not realize I am being talked to.
7. ‘Cheap as CHIPS!’ has the best understood meaning when you order them and you get chips that could feed a family of 6 for $1.80.
8. Burn your hands or freeze them?? That is the million dollar daily question without a dual temp faucet.
9.
The first weekend we went sailing with Steve’s friend Al. Without the necessary drugs I spent the whole time watching the horizon drop and rise as my stomach wanted to play show and tell and remind me of everything I tried to keep down... next time I will have the Dramamine. We did get a few dolphins to come up and say hi which did make me smile for a bit. I passed out till dark and the next morning I woke up excited to see where we ended up. The fog blanketing the mountains and the sea was calm as calm could be. My smiles that morning made up for all those I missed on the day previous and continued as the weak wind had us use the motor to get us back safe and stomach happy.
The second week we needed a bit of adventure and we headed to OHAU to go skiing and snowboarding! Steve’s mate Ben works at a rental shop and hooked me up with gear. A few hours of driving in the rain and passing a few large crystal blue lakes we were in a niche of mountains and suckered into another stay and pay for the view option.
I went to Kaikura and Hanmer Springs with Mary on Sunday, for work. A few hours of site seeing and curvy roads with more sheep and more mountains this place is boundless! I spent my time in Kaikura at the galleries and on the beach. Got my first sand fly bite too...
In Hamner Springs we met my first client at the empty lot..... spent more time than expected... and missed the natural hot pools. Bummers.
Week three we started climbing around in our backyard and going to the YMCA for evening fun at the climbing wall. Can't believe this has been my first time since fifth grade Dakotah experience... I loved it.
On the weekend we went to Castle Hill. Believed to be the place were the heavens meet the earth.. i believe it. I couldn't believe the beauty!
The view! The fun boulders!!!!
Week four came and I finally got paid! and it went to pay rent.
Week five came and went...
Week six is here and I am spent...
I will update again.. time is limiting.... when you are living the life in NZed!
