Day 4-6: Some rainy days in Queenstown

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Nothing too exciting to report here in Queenstown I am afraid due to all of the intense rain. It was gorgeous though watching the stormy lake form these big swell and break over the pier. Lots of interesting boats here too. We ate at a magnificent Burger place(Ferg Burger), and ohhh it was good. We also had some of the best pizza I've ever eaten too (at Winnies). Here in Queenstown I got some good storm sounds, popular music, wind, and Maori recordings. Last night we saw a Maori cutural show and I even got to learn basic poi(a 'percussion' instrument, a flax ball attacheed to a string and is swung in circles and striking the body making these visually beautiful rythtms). Unfortunately I was everything but graceful.

One other notable thing is that I had an amazing discussion with the pastors/attendees at the Vineneyard on the Rock. We were just walking down the street and saw a sign for a Vineyard Church, turns out its actually a vineyard! We stopped for the evening service, and found an absolutely lovely group of people. One of the pastors does audio visual work and is a musician. When I told him what I was researching down here, his eyes lit up and he proceeded to tell me about all of his thoughts on the soundscape/music of the land. He told me about the periodicity of the rising and falling of the lake nearby and why jazz never really took root in New Zealand. We discussed the implications of a young country's music scene and how its age, education, and culture shapes it. It was certainly an enlightened discussion, and I thank God for crossing our paths.

We are off to Te Anau this afternoon.


Until tomorrow's adventures.

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Photos

Storm Chaser
Nearly getting destroyed by the wave

Ferg Burger
Tropical Swine

Ferg Burger
Bun Laden (falafel goodness)

Comments

[Debbie Jackson]

Sarah, you're adventures never cease to amaze us! Sounds like you & Evan are having a great time!

[Aunt Paulette]

You're soo...lucky
Very interesting Sarah and very proud of you, to be able to live some of your dreams when you are so young, and I'm very happy that Evan is there with you, protecting you and enjoying all the magnificent things that surrounds you over there in New Zealand, may the angels protect you both, love aunt Paulette XOX