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Well, KIND of sunny 😊 So, after a wonderful visit with Dean and his girlfriend Loren, we left rainy Napier but NOT without a funny story to tell...On our way to the Napier airport, mind you which is only 2 kilometers from Dean's house, Erica, yes I, made a wrong turn and having noticed that I was going the wrong way, started to pull to the side of the road to turn around. A rather large white VW van decided that, even though he recognized that we were lost, he could make it around us, going WAY too fast and not keeping the appropriate followinng distance. Anyhoo, to make a long story short, he hit us, pretty hard, on the right side of the car, the driver's side, making a few nice shiny dents as well as completely taking off the driver's side mirror. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but wow, I was definitely shaken up. Ben did a wonderful job of keeping me calm and even though it wasn't my fault, it was not a fun experience (although in retrospect, it was quite hilarious considering how nervewracking it is driving on the other side of the road on all the windy, bendy, narrow roads). Go figure that the accident was a) not our fault and b) had nothing to do with the difference in driving laws. We both were incredibly grateful that we had opted to take the insurance option so did not have to pay any money as a result. We were also on the way to the airport (we made our flight on time and everything) so we didn't even have to drive our hunk of junk around any more.
So, we arrived safely on the South Island, which is absolutely gorgeous. We got a new car (opted once again to take the insurance since having car insurance is not mandatory in NZ) and made it, no problem to our accomodation, the Ocean View Chalets. We upgraded to a chalet with a kitchen and we actually have saved quite a bit, not having to eat out and we're actually have a good time preparing our own meals! We went for a long walk along the road and even to the beach then settled down for the Sunday evening film on TV, The Last Samarai. The location is perfect, we are 300 meters from both the beach and the beginning of Abel Tasman National Park. We got up yesterday to a sunny sky, had breakfast and headed over to Abel Tasman Experiences for a day of sea kayaking. We did the Beaches and Bays trip and met our tourguide Darryl, a dead ringer for Owen Wilson, just with a kiwi accent and crooked teeth. Ben and I shared one double kayak and Darryl and another lone traveler from Wales named Rebecca, shared the other. We kayaked around Torent Bay, exploring lagoons and gorgeous coastlines. We stopped on a beautiful beach for lunch, complete with fresh mussels, pumpkin soup and kabobs, before exploring more islands and furry seals. It was absolutely perfect and the weather was definitely agreeable. We relexed the rest of the day.
We woke up this morning to, ugh, rain but got in the car and headed to the Siefriend Winery. Anna and Heidi, daughters of Agnes and Hermman who do business with a family friend of mine (thank you Jamie!!) were wonderful, showing us around the vineyard, explaining how they make their wine and even offered us some tastes. It was awesome and the wine was fantastic. We then headed to a glassblowing factory/museum and then to the museum of Wearable Art and Classic Car Collections and now, after exploring the city of Nelson a bit and holding the authentic ring used in the Lord of the Rings movie, find ourselves in an internet cafe checking in with the world.
Again, we miss you all and are having a fantastic time! Please keep sending us messages. I've been horrible at updating the pictures but one of these days I'll try and get some up. Next stop, Punekaiki before heading to Fox Glacier to walk on a glacier.
Lots of love,
Erica and Ben
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Brutus
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Pancake Rocks!
Hey you two, It all sounds like you're having a ball over there. One of my favourite days was spent walking through the Abel Tasmen when I was over there. The sky was clear and I just loved it - I'll have to show you the pictures. I went with Billing, Lottie's best mate from home and he ended up getting stranded and having to wade back to the shore - then sit in soaking pants all the way home - hilarious! You'll love the ice hike too. I did a day hike on the Franz Joseph one, pretty hairy at times with massive drops and crevices. You can also go swimming in the ice pools if you dare but it could be a bit chilly at this time of the year. Have fun at the pancake rocks - you'll see what I mean when you get there. I went to stay with Lottie and Claire at the weekend which was fun. We all ended up going over to Chewie's for tea and Rob the Body was there too. As ever Lottie had some bizarre drinking games - Swedish Twister being one which involved putting 'Nips to Hips' and 'Faces to Hairy Places!' Will show you what I mean when you head over here. I have a horrible feeling I may be on a hen do the weekend you are in london so just remind me of the dates. Keep us posted on your travels around that beautiful land, lots of love to Ben - tell him we've got a picture of Japenese Fucking Bitch just for him when he gets over here! The Brute xoxo