From the land of the Kiwi

Hello all! I am writing from Christchurch on the south island of New Zealand. It is as beautiful and rugged as I could have ever imagined. I spent yesterday morning getting my cold weather gear for the ice and then headed out to see the countryside. This city is quaint and the people are so friendly. I caught a bus to a nearby town nestled in the hills with a small harbor. I then took a ferry with three others across the harbor to a small fishing village. I got off there and headed out on a hiking trek by myself. The coastal trek i took led me on cliffs and along the waters edge for a few miles. Coastal New Zealand is as green as you could ever imagine and the sheep to people ratio in this country is 14 to 1. I have been to many places, but none as magnificent! This place is simply unbelievable. I saw the mountains out the window on the way here, and I cannot wait to explore them when I get off the ice. I would say you're getting close if you picture the Oregon Coast, the hills of Scotland, the culture of Ireland, mountains like the Alps, and accents like Australia. So, back to the trek. I hiked for a few more miles past a little village on a wide beach, and from there I headed into the hills. I hiked a few more miles along a gravel road leading through pastures. It was perfect! I hadn't seen an American since leaving Christchurch and I was in the heart of real countryside...on foot...alone. After heading over a cliff to get an amazing view out of the bay, I saw a car bouncing toward me. Without even thinking I put out the thumb and hitched a ride back to the fishing village. John told me that the best pub around was the Godly House and I should give it a whirl. So picture it....me and a bunch of Kiwis (New Zealanders) at an old manor on top of a hill overlooking a rural harbor with the sun setting eating the best fish and chips I could ever imagine. That is life my friends...wow! I cannot believe what I am seeing, but I cannot wait to head to the ice. I leave early in the morning wearing all my gear with a bag lunch in hand.