Settling down in Wanaka

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After spending Christmas in Hokitika, a small quiet town, I travelled with Kevin and Gerd down the west coast with Wanaka as my destination. Many people all over New Zealand have told me nothing but good things about Wanaka. It was always described to me as, beautiful like Queenstown with less crowds, tourists and also cheaper. So it sounded like the place for me. On the way there we past through the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers which were massive. We could have paid $80 to hike on the glaciers but we were feeling a little stingy. When I arrived in Wanaka I realized all the good things I heard about it were true. It has a great town and beautiful scenery. For New Years Eve we decided to hike up to the top of one of the mountains close by and camp out up there. It is a tough climb but we were rewarded with the most stunning views I have ever seen. We had perfect weather. Our New Years celebration consisted of a can of beans each, a few bottles of wine and beer and of course peanut butter sandwiches. We also got to see the fireworks show from down below. The sky at night is amazing here. When there is no moon the sky is completely lit up by stars. We saw about 6 satellites that night.
A few days later I decided it was time to look for a job so I went out to the local hardware store, since I heard there was a lot of contrucution work available. While I was asking a woman at the front desk if she knew any contractors, the guy standing next to me told me it was my luckly day and hired me on the spot. My job search in total took about 10 minutes. Not bad. I have been working for two weeks now and I am enjoying it. I also just moved into a room in a house that I will be renting out for the rest of my time here. So I am all set up for life in Wanaka!

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Photos

New Years Eve Party
ME trying to get everyone in for a picture.. I think I was the only one interested

Comments

[josh]

yo
god its beautiful... i would never want to come home. when are you coming home, if ever? lol

[Aunt Nanette]

WOw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHAT A PLACE. yOU ARE SO LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO TRAVEL LIKE THIS. ASIDE FROM THE TRAVEL HOW ARE YOU HOPE ALL IS WELL. I HEAR THAT YOU ARE HEADED FOR INDONESIA WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GO THERE. AUNT SUZANNE AND MYSELF JUST READ A BOOK CALLED EAT,PRAY,LOVE. IT IS SUPPPOSE TO BE A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE THIS WOMEN'S LIFE, SHE EATS IN ITALY,PRAYS IN INDIA AND FINDS LOVE IN INDONESIA. THE BOOK WAS OK AUNT SUZANNE LOVED IT. I HAVE HEARD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO RUN THE NYC MARATHON. DOES THIS MEAN YOU WILL BE COMING HOME AROUN D THAT TIME. I KNOW YOUR PARENTS MISS YOU AS WELL AS MYSELF BUT I THINK WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS AWESOME. TOM AND I ARE TRAVELING NOW BUT LOOK HOW LONG IT TOOK US. WE ARE GOING TO GO TO ARCADIA NATIONAL PARK IN JUNE TAKE THE FERRY OVER TO NOVA SOCTIA SEE SOME WHALES AND THEN BACK HOME. THATS TWO NATIONAL PARKS UNDER OUR BELT CAN'T WAIT TO DO MORE. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR YOUR STORIES WHEN YOU GET HOME WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE A PARTY. BE SAFE, BE CAREFUL, AND HAVE FUN. LOVE AUNT NANETTE. PS WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR FATHER RETIRING. COOL!!!! LOVE AUNT NANETTE

[Aunt Teet]

hello
hey, I can't believe these pictures. I just got back from Peru on the 12th of February. Jordan was disappointed that he couldn't go, but he had school. so listen, January 2009 my mom is planning on renting a house on the beach and we plan on going. Jordan wants to go to Peru and stay for a few months to learn the language. I think that's pretty terrific. I'm glad that you are having such a wonderful time. We all miss you. Your father hasn't smiled since you left, oh wait, your father never smiles!!! Oh well some things never change!! Hope you are well, stay safe and can't wait to hear all about your trip when you get home. Love Aunt Teet and Uncle Matt