Hello again from Takaka, Lots of pictures in this one, so be sure to click on "Full Entry". I've spent a few days at the Shambhala hostel, and it's been a truly rejuevenating experience. As I mentioned before, it's a totally self sufficient place. It relies solely on environmentally friendly methods: composting toilets, rainwater collection for water, wood burning stoves, and solar power. The owner, Jon, is a practising Buddhist and has built the hostel, (including a yoga/meditation room) in a very unobtrusive way. The result is an extremely peaceful and natural setting that promotes a lot of great conversation between guests. The actual hostel is about half way between the towns of Takaka and Collingwood on the Golden Bay. These small towns are actually just a row of shops along the main roadway. They serve
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