Due South

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Not getting much internet time now, far too busy etc, on the move and well just totally into this travelling thing now.

After a blissfull time at my friends place I jumped back on the bus back to Paihi, on the sunday I enjoyed a ferry ride to 'Romantic' Russel, it's not romantic in the sense that it's full of brothels or anything, but it's a nice place to kill time for a few hours. then a long trip back to Auckland for one more night in the Central Backpackers Bedfactory Hellhole.

Then back on the Kiwi Experience bus, some travellers turn their noses up at such things but it gets you around, the drivers are wicked, and you just meet so many people, and in my book you should do what you enjoy so there. We had a new driver, very nervous at first esp as within an hour he had backed into a japaneese tourist's car and is now known affectionately as 'Crunch'

Went down to Mercury Bay (not named sadly after the great Freddie) and indulged in some quality sea kayaking to a place called cathedral cove, our guide made us some charmingly starbucksesque cappucinos/mocahnios on the beach before our wet and cold paddle back, pity the poor sod that shared my kayak, you be assured he did most of the work.

Tuesday was a few scenic walks here and there, then Rotarua (spelling is shit isn't it) smells strongly of sulphur so i had a pernament headache. Did some luging, you go up a cable car to top of mountain, then come down on thesse little buggies at top speed, potentially dangerous indeed. sweet as!

The evening was time for a bit of a Maori concert followed by buffet dinner, eat as much as you like so went back 4 times, whislt i sort of saw the whole thing as a bit too 'show for the tourists' those maori do a dapper little concert and really could not stop myself enjoying myself dammit. It was fricking freezing and those Maori are very brave for standing around in just their grass skirt type things

The next day was a trip to see the hotpools and geysers, we were at the point in the world where the crust is thiner there anywhere else, just a few KM, as opposed to 40KM. pretty cool! Then over to Waitomno to a charming hostel, went for a walk with Crunch who despite his assurances got us lost in the woods, in the dark, but made it back with smiles on our faces.

Last nigt we cooked a communal curry, and got played 'truth' type drinking games, i ensured the tone was a low as good be so i'm not sure if anyone on the bus will talk to me today.

Next entry should be a goodie, that's all I'l say

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Photos

The Road South
Our beloved driver Sterling aka Crunch

Rotarua Hot Spring
Steaming!

Maori Warrior
Maori Traditional Village Performance

Traditional Maori Hut
Maori Centre Rotarua

A Real Live Kiwi!
Yes it's real and alive, but it's kept in a special 'nocturnal' tank, seeing one in wild? You'd be lucky

Lovely Old Footbridge
That half the Kiwi Exp peoples tried to collapse by jumping up and down.

Along the River
I'm at the back, probally moaning.

Hot Springs Area
Freezing cold day so it was nice to get some hot air.

Comments

[Charlie]

hmmmmm
So Robin - your idea of romance concerns whores?!?!?!? Nice insight into your psychology mate.... Sounds like you're having an ace time - keep enjoying....