Since listening to Christmas carols the entire time I was in the airport on the way here, I have encountered little evidence of Christmas on this trip. It was easy to forget that it is actually December. That being said, I did find it weird to be away from home yesterday, and in summer weather no less. Instead of family, I spent my day in Akaroa with a couple from Australia, an American traveler, a singing bus driver, several dolphins, seals and penguins, and an adorable dog with a life jacket who helped us spot the wildlife. It was definitely a Christmas that I will remember for a long time. Today was equally memorable. I went white water rafting on the Rangitata river, with rapids up to class five - the highest level that is actually
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