A Very Merry Kiwi Easter... what the hell did I do while you all were enjoying your ham and cupcakes?!

Well.... I suppose to be technical, the rest of you Americans were probably enjoying a typical Saturday while I greeted the Easter Festivities on a not so bright Sunday morning. But anyway, for us, Easter was broken up between two days. As Saturday was predicted to be 25C and gorgeous, while Sunday was going to be stormy and cold.

So we took advantage of the sun and went out to a lovely lunch. We went to a place called French Farms. It was so European looking with its tall wooden structure and high terraces with ivy trailing all around. We sat outside and started our lunch right - with a good bottle of Chardonnay! And after some prodding from Eckhard, I reluctantly ordered the Akaroa salmon and vegetables instead of the typical fatty burger and fries (that he ordered).

And I'm so glad I did. It was the best fish I've ever had in my life. The Akaroa salmon is one of the towns most famous exports. People in England pay 80 - 100 for the dish. And I learned that it's even over-night shipped to high rolling restaurants in New York. It's a Major delicacy because it's so tender and moist. And I can now understand why it can be so expensive.

After a nice meal we went down town to a very full Akaroa. Tons of Kiwis and camper vans lined the small streets. It was difficult to move around, but it was interesting to see some of the little craft fairs that were set up for the week-end. We stumbled onto a auction for old furniture, but soon decided that neither of us needed a love seat soaked in cat urine; so we for coffees on the beach instead!

Easter Sunday rolled around with the winds and heavy rain, it also allowed us to see the Easter shopping list that we never got around to getting. Things like dyes for the eggs, and ingredients for my beloved cupcakes were a thing of fantasy. But that didn't stop us from having a great day! We hard boiled eggs, and dyed them in beat root. Haha, witch turned the eggs a whole 2 shades darker brown! When they were done we had an awesome brunch with our beat-boiled eggs, olive bread, and bAcOn! After we recovered from our delightful food comas I made muffins (I know, Courtney...not the same as cupcakes, but just as tasty!) :) We spent the day in our pajamas watching movies. The whole afternoon was full of relaxation and good food.... just the ticket for two hard working farmers!

I did get to talk to my family on their Easter, and of course, it brought me back to the incredible smells of the typical Easter fest lining the walls of Nana's kitchen and the good company and drinks that I couldn't partake in. But like all holidays, they help you to be grateful for what you do have. I am really grateful that not only do I have a crazy bunch of nutters at home but also for the new Nuts here in New Zealand. Especially the one I'm living with now... almost as funny as I am. This Easter although nontraditional, has defiantly been one of the most memorable!

Hope eveyone's day was at least half as good as mine!

Until next time,
Your favorite Spazzy American-Kiwi <3

A Lethargic Lunch

Usually, I can't wait for lunch time. 12:00 on my watch symbolizes 2 hours of food, relaxation, and quite often a nice nap. Today, however I was dreading it. Going on three weeks of Avocado, cheese, pate, and tomato sandwiches. And Just today it got old. I walked to the house with my head hung low trying to figure out what else I could do... I scoured the fridge. 1/2 an avocado, butter, oh, and some pate. Yum. I slowly carried my "goodies" back to my room in hopes of finding just the perfect ingredient to pair with my worn out sandwich accomplices. Still pondering, I opened the freezer... oh I forgot the bread. I grabbed my freezer bread, just when the boss found me.

"Hey, do you need anything for lunch?"

'yeah, a twinkie, some Cheetos, a huge helping of my mom's home made spaghetti, don't forget the garlic bread....'

"Um... maybe a tomato?"

"Sure!"

I didn't bother asking for the cheese. I figured one day without it won't hurt. I get my tomato and head back to "the kitchen". hmmm.... what to do?

2 minute noodles?... I'd rather open a vein.
muesli? ...I did that for breakfast.
Marimite? .... I think I'll just starve.

But alas. I'm Italian. Starving is never an option. I think I'd saute my own arm in butter and garlic before I died of hunger. Not that that was a possible circumstance. I am certain that my body would live for at least a month (or 3) on it's own fat before I had to worry about croaking over.

However, I wouldn't like to start that experience today, so I pop my bread into the toaster.

They say a good chef can take any ingredients and whip them together in a special way to make something amazing! Well, here it goes....

Pate and avocado go into a bowl, with a bit of butter to add calories and a hint of ... whatever, I just threw it in because. Mix it all up. Tomato, in stead of getting finely sliced and placed neatly over the bread, like usual, gets chopped and also thrown into my concoction. A wee dash of salt and the toast popped up. I put my new spread onto my toast and ate it open faced.

And, it tasted like an avocado, tomato, pate... on toast! But at least the texture was different, and it looked a bit different too....


I'm just beside myself with excitement with what I'm going to come up with tomorrow...

Trecking through Destiny, Riding on Hope

He stomped the ground impatiently, snorting as if to say, "Let's go!"

"Steady boy, just a few more minutes."

I was almost finished tacking up the last horse, listening for the sound of tires on the gravel driveway, alerting me that the client was here to ride... nothing. In stead, I recieve a call from my cell, "Ride's off." he said dissapointedly.

"He canceled?"

"Yepp."

"Oh great. Well, can I still go?"

"Sure, have fun, and... be safe,"

"Sure thing," I say rolling my eyes, 'of course I'll be safe, how hard can it be?'

I un-saddle the other horse and put him back in the pen, "Better luck next time ol' pal," I say with a pat. I force the rickety wooden gate shut with a heave, and latch the chain over the rusty screw. Freedom. I hurry over to Bill, who stands there, both ears foreward wondering what's going on. I finish tieing the saddle bag on, and grab my helmet. (I dread wearning helmets, the inside band makes my bangs all sweaty and stick to my forehead, making me feel like I just dipped my head in slime... plus, I'm a pretty experianced rider, maybe it's just my over confidence, but I really don't think I 'need' one.)

I contemplate taking my chances and leaving it behind, knowing full well that really no one would find out if I didn't wear it, but the logiocal side of my brain got the better of me, and I reluctently latch it on.

The birds swoop through the trees chirping their songs as I lead my horse out of the stable and get ready to mount. His coat is shinny from a good brush, and he looks great. All that's missing is the rider. With a one-two-three, I pull myself up and get my feet into the stirrups. 'There, 'I think to myself, 'Rider's on.'

We step out onto the beaten track. Stomped grass and bare dirt patches allow us to see where the trail is heading. The mid afternoon sun beams on my bare arms, and my bulky helmet weighs my head down life a UFO landing on a golf tee. But even that dosen't stop me from getting excited. It's one and a half hours of treck over 800 acers, crossing streams, and climing up cliffs - and I'm going alone! With a good horse, some water, and my cell, just in case.

We come to the first gate, I don't want to hop off yet, but knowing that's the only way to continue on with the ride, I fling my body weight off, hit the ground with a thud, and quicken my pace to un-do the latch. I climb back on, and we proceed. We pass under a tall tree, housing tons of birds and blocking the strong sunlight. We continue down the trail sideswiping empty paddocks and water troughs. Here we enter what is commonly known as 'Bottom Square', here the hill gets steep and looking over the edge you can see the tree tops from the ground far, far below.

I feel an unexpected lurch, and we come to a screetching halt.

"Click Click" and I give him a little press.

Nothing.

"Let's go," I say with a wee kick and a few more clicks.

He starts to back up.

I slightly kick again, and ask him to go foreward. He makes a sharp turn and sprints back for home. I grab one rein and pull twords my side. He half halts and starts dancing around. After steady talking and gently strolking his neck, I finally calm him down. "Let's try again," I say.

Press. Click click click.

He does a mini rear up and turns himself back around. The blood is starting to run into my face making my cheeks red. I'm starting to get frusterated. After 10 minutes of stagnent jigging about the same place, I dis-mount and lead him down the trail a spell. 'Maybe it's just this part of the trail, perhaps he's just scared.' I rationalize. When I locate a nice safe place get back on, that isn't the least bit threatening, I re-mount and urge him to walk on.

He snorts, and backs up.

"Goddammit!"

I turn him around and make him back up down the moutain. Each sharp turn, my eyes are gluded to his hocks making sure I don't back him off the cliff. Beads of sweat are building up on my brow, but I know if I turn back now, he's won. And I can't, no, I won't let that happen. 'One day my determination will kill me," I think, 'Well, at least I'll die for a good cause.'

We reach a small clearning with land of both sides of the trail, time to try again.

"Come on, walk on.... click click."

He hesitatnly steps foreward.

"Good boy! Click click click click kiss kiss kiss kiss click click..."

He turns around.

"Arrrrrrg." I breath a heavy sigh, and look at my watch. We've been out here for 45 minutes now, and haven't even gottan through a quarter of the treck. I get off and walk him again, get back on, and he finally decids to go forward.

"Yay, the worst is behind us, and now we can just enjoy our ride." I spoke aloud, all too quickly. The next gate we come to, he does it again, only this time he nearly backs himself off the cliff.

We get through the gate, eventually, and I decide to let him release some steam in an open meadow. He starts to trot, "good boy!" I kick him into canter, "good good boy!" I say with a smile building on my face. My smile abruptly dissapears as my body is catapulted over the saddle horn.

"GODDAMMIT!"

I turn him around and make him walk through the section again. Trying to buck the rider off after already attempting to throw them over a cliff, and over ride their authority is so NOT acceptable.

We continue down the trail.

"What next?" I hessitently wonder. Unsure if I really want to find out. I am happy about somthing.... 1 buck, 1 potential cliff slide, multiple crow hops, and a few half rears, I'm still on.

Expecting the worse, I was surprised yet again. He behaved like an angel from the rest of the treck, up the steapest mountain he worked hard and fast to get to the top safely. At the photo stop, he stood for ages as I captured all angles of the Harbor. The boy even stood still on various other parts of the treck, because I needed to take just, one, more picture.

We were on our way home and I was elated with how he had turned his attitude around. We had both started to relax as the cool breeze calmed our nerves and blew our frights away. I looked down from the saddle to see bushes the size of pin heads miles down the canyon. High above me the clouds slowly drifted and the hills looked emense. Things were so serene I was almost wishing this ride wouldn't have to end so quickly. But I knew not to push a good thing too far. I thought about the route ahead, a few turns, the long dip, the creek, the half-climb, the rickety gate from hell, and then the red barn. Running through my mind were all the chores that would need to be done from there, I thought to myself as I let Bill's powerful, rocking walk lull my thinking. Feed, Brush, clean up, turn ou----- ahhhhhh!
Just then my body flung onto the side of the saddle and the horse was throwing bucks and rears. My eyes grew wide as I noticed a cow a little way down the treck. 'He must have spooked him.' The cow freaked out, let out an obnoxious "Moooooo" and quickly ran away, leaving us alone to work it out. My eyes grew blurry as I tried to focus on our surroudnings, but I was being shifted around so fast. I finally decided that I would risk more trying to get mysellf back up, so as carfully as I could I let myself drop. Thud! Two front hoofs shook the ground, I covered my head and rolled twords the bush. 'Plerase don't step on me, please don't step on me.' I prayed.

The only sound I could hear was my very heavy breathing and my heart pounding in my chest. The trees gently swayed and peace and calm as restored. I picked myself off and dusted off my tank top. I latched off my helmet, with that logical voice in my head saying, 'I told you so'. I looked to my horse, but he was gone. I sighed, quickly trying to regain composure, I ran back up the hill to try to grab him. Inside my mind was racing with how I was going to explain to the boss how I lost the his horse and with what implement he would use kill me and where he would stash my body... reality brought me back as I noticed all the contents from my saddle bag struned about the trail. I quickly gathered them up as I tried to see where he had gone. My voice needed to stay calm and reassuring if I was going to coax Bill back...

"It's ok Billl..." I said confidently.

'You little Bastard, get over here!'

"don't worry, steady now... come here, boy... it's ok"

'I'm not chasing you up the whole moutain. Don't you take one, more, step.'

"I'm not gonna hurt you...."

'....'

I came around the bend to find my horse standing on the next hill shaking in his skin. The sun beamed off his empty saddle and the sweat dripped from his flaring nostrals. He looked at me with wide eyes and winnied. I took a deep breath. I walked up to him, grabed his reins and reloaded the saddle bag. I climbed back up, for what could have easily been the 15th time in the past 2 hours. I held on to the saddle horn, and saw my camera haning there. Out of everything that fell to the ground, my delacate camera was safe and unharmed.

'Thank God.'

"Ok boy," I said, patting his stiff and sweaty neck, "Let's go home."

We slowly walk back and I chuckle to myself as we both start breathing normally again. 'Out of everything that happened on this ride,' I thought, 'I fall off because of a cow.' That bruised even more then the throbing muscle in my back. And I couldn't help laughing at the irony of it all.

We finally got back home after what felt like days, I un-tacked him and gave him a good wash. He got his feed, his feet checked, and finally was free to go back in the pen.
I was hapy to be closing up that night, as I latched up the chains to the gates, I was ready to be done.

The Boss found me in my room a while later, "So, how was the ride?" He asked nonchelantly.

"Interesting." I shrugged.

"What happened? Did you fall off?"

"Yes."

"Well, what happened...?"

I sighed. I knew a story like this couldn't be told in just a few short minutes. "Ya know those holsome family movies?" I asked.

I looked at me, confused.

I continued. "There's parts that make you laugh, and parts that make you cry, and then the credits roll, and you're like, 'Thank God it's over'."

He laughed. "You'll tell me later then?"

"Sure," I replied, remembering my grusome hangover much ealier this morning...

"Over a stiff drink."

20 Birthday Madness!!

It was a warm Thursday morning when I set foot off the bus from Rangiora into Christchurch for 4 days of fun and excitement. I trecked down the street with all my bags and luggage, parting crownds of pedistrians with my heavy load. I sought out to find my hostel. Hostel, that was a new word in my dictionary... I had no idea what to expect as I hit the steps of the YHA Rolleston House. I checked in, and found my room. Room number 1: with 6 beds, and a nice window overlooking the Arts Center. I was "home", for now. I parked up my stuff and went out to check out the town.

Christchurch, although a beautiful city, and boombing with people on a Saturday night (more on that later ;) is only so big. And on my first few stints to the city I pretty much covered all of the cool touristy things to do. This time I would have to get creative about my itinerary...

The first day I ended up just wandering around town, checking out the resteraunts scanning out things to do... Hagley park, tram ride, gondola ride, river punting, I also realized that the Festival of Flowers was going on this week-end. Maybe I could find somthing to do. But, what the hell does one do by themselfs for their 20th birthday?! I needed some more ideas as I was determined to have the best birthday ever in NZ!!

Friday came with the hussle and bustle of cars rushing through the city streets, and the creep of sunlight through my tattered curtains. "The preasure's on", I thought. I need to find some friends and fast, otherwise I go to the bar alone... really, the alterntive wasn't horrible, but who wants to take a jagger bomb by yourself?... ok fine, I've done that too, but, not for this occation.
Just as I was pondering if they had some singles convention I could sign up for, or what t-shirt I would plaster "It's My Birthday, But Me A Shot", on, the door opened and a girl came in and dropped her stuff down on an empty bunk beside me.

Nellie, an American for OR, introduced herself and we bagan to hit it off!
Turns out she's leaving on Saturday morning. But would be around Friday night (tonight)! So we decide to go to one of the best bars in town, The Twisted Hop. And then to the Rugby game... Crusaders Vs. Sharks, Exciting!

Neither of us had ever seen a rugby game, let alone have any concept about the rules or foundation for the game. Hell, I knew more about Rugby then what I knew about American Football.... what does that tell you? ;)

(Nellia and Sophie at the Twisted hop...

don't cha just love beer tasting trays 2 for the price of 1?)

So after a few beer tasting trays, a pizza, sweet potato fries, and a few tipsy photos... (above) we set off to find the stadium! The best part of the treck, besides getting lost, was singing journey to the group of people dacing on thier balcony. Of course I took over the opera part ;)

20 bucks and 10 cents later, we found our seats (the cheapest ones... nosebleeds? No! right in front off center to both goaly things) We were so close we could smell the sweat of those powerful rugby gods...

The rugby men out on the field ---->

<--- Nellie and I in our seats at the stadium.






I nonchalantly scan the premises for a few blokes our age who might be interested in buying us drinks after the game.... nothing. Haha, The closest we come to the "cute rugby fanes" were five 17-year-old NZ boys, who came to game only to slander the players and brag about American Football! Lol! They were a riot. And apparently, they thought we were too.


<---- our closest catch to cute rugby guys... the "boys" and I on the feild at the game




After the game ended we went onto the feild (apperently you can do that). So Me, running around like a re-tard (as ushual), and Nellie stragling behind with our left overs from the pub, discovered that one of the Crusader men was signing autographs! AHH! We scrambled around our purses and pockets, screatching "what can he sign, what can he sign?!"

"My boob?"

"No, Nellie!!"

Ah yes, the bar coasters from the Twisted Hop! Wait no, the ticklets from the game!!

We jump into the hudle of people and elbow our way throough little kids and old smelly guys.
I'm so close, I'm standing directly behind him... nice view ;)

"Last two signatures, and then we're done!"
Please, please, pleassssse!!!
But no dough. So close but yet, so far away...

But wait! I have a camera... and the gumption to try one more time...
So I go chasing after him!

(panting down the feild)

"Will you please take your picture with me??"
"I'm sorry, I can't" (he says in his steamy NZ accent)
"But, but.... it's my birthday!" (almost)
"....... fine."

VICTORY!!!

The win from the photo was almost better then the win from the game itself. But of course, I don't admit to Mr. Hulk hottie with his hand around my shoulder that I have NO idea what his name is...
it's not until later that I find his name is Bret Martin. Not only top player for the Crusaders, but also lead man for New Zealands International team, the All Blacks. Eeeeek!

Nellie and I tramp back to town, grabbed another beer and hit the sack. A great night such as that, couldn't be spolied by staying out too late and a nasty hangover the next day.
Plus, tomorrow was my actual birthday, and I needed my energy for that. ;)

And, did I ever.....

NEXT DAY:

Walking on clouds, nothings gonna ruin my parade! Met another girl, an Italian named Laura. We're going out tonight. :) Also, met her friend Tanja... a Swiss fire cracker who also likes Jagger. Ah yes, good good, should be fun! :)

I start my day with an incredibly overpriced breakfast, but hey, I really needed a fried egg and some meat....

Then I decide today would be a perfect day to treat myself to a boat through the river, ride the Tram, and go do the Gonlada ride to see the whole city from the top of a moutain. :) Sweet. Bought my ticket, back to the hostel to grab some things, and there on the step is a boy almost as friendly as I am.

"Hi"

"Hi!"

His name is Stephan, and he's from germany. So off we go to hang out for a bit before my bus. An hour and a half later, he decides he wants to do the gondola too, so then off we go to do that!






<--- Stephan and I standing a top the ride from the gondola



The view form the glass lift was awesome, we stayed up there for a good while walking around and taking pictures. When the excitment subsided we went into Lyttleton to check out the town, then back to the city for lunch. :)


At that point the day drew to a close, as I had scheduled the river punting at 4 and Stephan needed to catch a flight.


I wished Stephan was around to party with that evening, but we had such a great day together anyway!!


I did my river punting, and that was a very relaxing 30 mins. just gliding down the Avon River watching the gardens and the people lounging about in the park.




Have you ever so a Italian and a Swiss sing you happy birthday before?

Haha, well neither did I before that day! It was priceless!

We decided to meet up at 9 to get the party started ;) Laura and I went back to our hostel and waited til we could come back and CeLeBrAtE!








By 10 we had gottan our first 2 jagger bombs and by 10:30 we found our way to SOL Square, where the beer runs like water and the bars are in full swing!












What started as the "trio" ended up with 3 more, Julia a German chef, Olav, Julia's roomate who's from Columbia, and Andi, a German schhol teacher.

Free beer til 11, then a few more jagger bombs.... then dacing on the roof! We stumbled back at 3:30 (in the AM)... stopping only once to sing songs from musiclas in Cathedral Square, (from moulin Rouge, and Chicago!) and finally made it back our our hostel. :)

An incredibly Epic evening for an Epic birthday. This one will not soon be forgottan and the best present of all, is my new, awesome buddies!!

An Escapade Through Christchurch City... (a day of excitement and awe)

Well, after a little over a week working on the farmstead, I gave myself a much needed day off to go explore South Island's very own metropolis - Christchurch. 40 minutes of straight stretches, zooming past large flats filled with livestock and manure brings you to motorway 200. There the pace of life quickens as the highway abruptly spits you out into one of the largest cities on the lower island.

Christchurch, home to roughly 331,400 people is booming with upscale shopping, unique little eateries, and a good amount of tourist sights that are forgiving on the pocket book! I began my self-guided tour with wallet stuffed with NZ dollars (a must for food and souvenirs) my camera (equip with ample memory) and my new found best friend, and personal tour guide: my Lonely Planet. I carpooled into town with my friend Vanessa. She dropped me off along Hagley Park and wished me luck on my venture into the "big city". I was excited to have some space to explore and experience some NZ life without 4 legged creatures and "wide open" spaces. I began my journey with a brisk walk down Oxford Terrace, passing Colombo and Hereford streets. I soon found my self in what is commonly known as "the square".

Cathedral Square, as the official name reads, is the heart of the city and home to various statues and a grand cathedral (wouldn't ya know?!) The tram also passes through here as it continues it's journey across town. I was taken away by the massive buildings (even with the construction) they were beautiful!

In fact... I was so mesmerized with the scenery that I accidentally stepped out into the middle of the highway full of oncoming traffic! Ooops! A huge bus roared towards me as I stood frozen in the middle of the center line like a deer in the head lights. My heart raced as I bolted towards the side walk. I decided then and there that I wasn't going to do that again....

On a side note: I have discovered that Kiwis don't take the use of crosswalks as seriously as people do in other parts of the world. Most have good intentions of waiting, but soon loose patience and cross whenever they see a break. In the states, this is against the law, here it is considered right of way, or my way. I mustn't let myself get too taken away with this habit, as I would hate to become part of the roadkill Down Under!

Being surrounded by these buildings, and the sounds of Celtic flute music being played in the background, made me actually believe for the first time that I was in a faraway place - and I was loving every minute of it!!

After overloading on my fill on pictures, and getting my barrings straight, I proceeded onward to the next sight...

I wandered off in search of the Canterbury museum, thinking I would get a bit of history in on my excursion but, I ended up going on a bit of a detour to The Botanic Gardens. I allowed myself to stay there for only an hour, but could have easily spent the whole day practicing my "photography" skills...

After finding my way out of the maze of hibiscus and roses, I was happily surprised to discover that the museum was right next door!

The Canterbury museum is a collaboration of Maori tribal history and the first setters to New Zealand. It takes the audience through a journey from the original Maori inhabitants, through the settlement of the first explorers from Europe, focusing on their relationship with one another and the spanning of their growing civilizations and relationship with one another.

"Nga Taonga Tuku Iho Nga Tupuna"... 'Treasures Left to Us by the Ancestors'

Here are some of pictures of the treasures left behind:

Here is some of the artifacts left behind by the Maori tribe. The Maoris are the most prominent tribe residing in the country of New Zealand. The Maori culture is still as strong today as it was two-hundred years ago. In fact, a celebration of their journey to
New Zealand is a popular holiday here, Waitangi Day just took place on February 6th.

This necklace is made pearls and other sea beads. This particular style was popular among some of the first women settlers.

As the civilizations changed over the years so did their methods of transportation ... Here I am riding a penny farthing!! Although these bicycles were stellar to look at, they were very sensitive to the touch. One jerk of the hand brake, and the rider would be dumped off, and plummeted head-first into the ground. I'm glad mine is stationary!

The last and final leg of my tour through Christchurch began with a little exploring through the Arts Center, and ended with an unexpected treat!

A TOUR OF THE FUDGE COTTAGE KITCHEN!!

Here is the fudge mixer, mixing the ingredients at a temp of 450'F. This machine was surrounded by a glass case that we were able to look into the whole time the tour took place.

After the fudge reaches the right consistency, it is cooled slightly and poured onto the tray table where it will be spread, and cut. (Along with many other samples of different flavors of fudge, we also got to try this fudge here while it was still hot and gooey! YUM!)

... Ahh, the almost finished product! This fudge will now get flipped up off the trays and onto the cooling rack where it will be later packaged and ready to sell the next day.

I'm Happy to report that my trip to Christchurch was defiantly a memorable one. I hope to go back at least once more before I continue on with my trip around New Zealand!

Day 1 - Flat Hills Farm, Christchurch NZ: The Welcome

G'Day!
22 hours on a plane later, and an 8 hour layover I am finally in New Zealand! I arrived at midnight last night and was greeted by my host family. I got a great nights sleep in a bed with a pillow, and now I'm ready to take on the country! I awoke this morning to a gorgeous view and hot sun :) I began my day working with Vanessa mucking out the paddocks and now I am having some "down" time until I can go for my ride. Outside, there are 6 horses here right now, ranging from 1 to 20. Inside, There are two humans (Jo and Vanessa) and two very friendly dogs who think their human. They all seem sweet. I have my own room with a bed and a few windows that look out into the pasture. Jo has made me feel welcome and comfortable. I was told to 'make myself at home' (minus the mess and walking around in my underwear)
I'm happy to announce that my phobias of mean kiwis and being welcomed into a concentration camp are not playing out as I thought they would....

..."Sophie, welcome to Flat Hills," a dignified English woman said in a monotone voice. Her shadow creeped along the dark walls. "You will find that being a stupid American that you are, you will sleep in the basement with the dogs." Two bid pit bull great Dane mixes flew out from the back of the basement and started growling and nibbling at my ankles. The voice laughed and continued talking, "But please be aware that the dog bed in the corner surrounded by the newspaper is their domain. You can find yourself a cardboard box to sleep in if you wish... Also, If you want to eat, you're going to have to grown your food yourself, I suggest you get started if you wish to have a carrot by springtime... and we Better not catch you nibbling on the seeds!!"....

Things here will be very relaxed, there will be some work involved, and personal expectations from me, but that's what I was expecting.
I'm happy to finally be "home" well, at least for the next month.

Day 0.5... Turbulence at the Airport

Ah the long awaited, and dreaded airport. A traveler's prison filled with anxiety and angst. The sea of empty seats represent those who have gone before, who have since been asked to board their flight and who've reached their destination. For me, the airport is a necessary evil, if I could take a train or a boat, or even a flying elephant, I might. But those of Alaska and United or similar to, pray on the simple fact that once one enters this this strange land of check points and lettered gates, the only way out is to return.
So here I sit now. Smack dab in the middle of Gate N-13 with a passport stuffed with papers of itinerary changes and time to kill. I can vividly picture New Zealand. But the faint smell of day old McDonald's and crackling intercom announcements of flight delays and boarding calls quickly jolt me back to Seattle. I guess for now I'll keep my mind in this country. One stop per country... Seattle, US to Vancouver, Canada (lay over: 3 hrs), to Sydney, Australia (lay over: 8 hrs), finally to Christchurch, New Zealand (final destination). "The hardest climb is getting there" I was once told "You're over and down the mountain after that". I'm starting to see how this statement holds true. My only thought now, besides my want for some sleep is who will be willing to come pck me up at midnight from the Christchurch airport....

So, a little rocky start with flight complications and baggage. But all in all, a pretty seemless start to a fabulous adventure!