And then everything went white.

At the beginning of the week, the first snowfall hit town.  I woke up to find the mountains and lake hidden behind clouds.  All day it kept up and I thanked my lucky stars I didn't have to go out in it, unlike Zim, who had to spend the day up to his ankles in the white stuff.  Instead I watched the world from my window.  With  an indecisive heater for company, I was looking rather fetching in my 500 layers and tomato soup for company.

I love the transformation snow allows a location. It makes me feel like I've stumbled through a wardrobe and into Narnia. However, it wasn't until the next day that we could all see its effect on the mountains.

The snowfall felt really special, as if we were being given a glimpse of things to come.  Incidentally, it also coincided with some pretty amazing news which I feel will make my New Zealand adventure, much, much better.  I've been a bit rubbish on the blog front lately and have a lot of explaining to do, but don't you worry, all will be revealed.  

Settling into our new home

Its been around two months since we moved into our Queenstown home and I couldn't be happier. Due to its central location, recent face lift and our friendly housemates, settling into a normal home has gone quite well.  This was the first property I looked at. I went alone as Zim was busy working and after viewing, was a little stressed that someone would confirm before he finished.  It didn't help that on the same day I went to the other side of town to view another property.  Leaving what I could only describe as a glorified squat, my stress levels were somewhat heightened.  I kept telling myself 'if its not meant to be its not meant to be.' But I wasn't listening. I'm stubborn like that.

As it turns out, no one confirmed before us, Zim got to view the house that night and we signed up for six months.  This is our first (non floating) home together and a stab at being a normal (whatever that means) couple.  It means unromantic conversations about bills, cooking and putting the bins out. A landmark not only in our relationship but also in Zim's life.  Its been years since he's lived off a ship and on dry land, but he seems to be coping.

Staying in this house definitely has its perks. A hot power shower, a T.V to watch trashy New Zealand programs on and a room of our own with a large double bed. As well as being fully furnished, bedding was also included - a plus for those not intending to settle.  Also unlike a hostel, you can cook anytime of day and not worry about your food being stolen (this is dependent on your housemates).  But its the view that really gets me.  I don't think there are many places in Queenstown that don't have great views. Unlike most of the world, a minimum wage job can afford you views like this...

I think the biggest issues we'll end up having is our heating bill in winter.  Double glazing doesn't seem to exist out here and as the daylight hours get shorter, this place is going to get rather chilly.

Obviously, we would of loved to have had our own place, but realistically, I don't think we could afford the rent and save.  Also if we ever had to leave town and break our lease (sick relative/work dries up/ heaven for bid we broke up) finding a replacement for a room would be a lot easier than a flat.

Sometimes its good to rough it, but as winter approaches, I'm glad I won't be for a few months at least!

Saying goodbye always sucks

Today the weather in Queenstown is beautiful and surprisingly warm for a winters day, but I don't care.

 I bought a pair of snowboards boots at the Salvation army for $35. But instead of getting a boost of endorphin's that a bargain usually gives me, I feel empty.

Because today, after enjoying coffee and scones with one of my best friends, I had to say goodbye. To me, saying this one word  is the biggest downside of long term travel.  Louise is not only one of my former travel buddies but also one of my oldest and closest friends.  It was such a pleasure to cross paths with her before her return to England.  For two months I've seen her nearly every other day, meeting for coffee or taking a walk. Its funny how even though we hadn't seen each other since our East coast road trip ended in Sydney, we just picked up our friendship where we left off.  She's been a slice of home as I work out New Zealand.

I've also been so proud of her.  Travelling around Australia and New Zealand, she's a classic example of how travel can strengthen and change a person. From diving the Great barrier reef to Paragliding, she has confronted things that before terrified her.  Although always a fantastic and amazing individual, travel has made her (slightly - her sarcastic heart is still intact) more optimistic and willing to try new things.

When I went home for a few months, it felt strange that she wasn't there in Kent with me, listening to my first world problems and giving me sound advise. And now, I have no idea when I'll see her again.  After this year in New Zealand I have no idea which continent I'll end up on. I don't even know where I'll be in six months.

I don't really know how to sum up my friendship with Lou. All I know is that when I left her today, someone put a cannon ball in my gut.

Louise, see you later Alligator. x

Arrowtown in Fall

My SLR (A.K.A my baby) didn't make it to my second visit to Arrowtown. It was just me, my friend Lou and my trusty little Canon IXUS 95 IS.  Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to carry a chunky camera around with me. My little camera might be looking a little worse for wear these days, but until I can afford a new one, she'll make do.

With Autumn almost over, I'm glad we took the bus out to this little town. The vibrant colours of the trees were just amazing.  We spent a lot of our time walking along the stream and debating what else we should do before Lou heads back to England in two weeks.   Except for our coffees at the Arrowtown bakery and cafe and Provisions, we spent very little time in the main street. It was all about staring at trees.  This little country town is making me want a car so badly.  I would love to visit more places like this without the fuss of public transport.

With my second item ticked off my Queenstown Bucket list, we hopped back on a bus and back to Queenstown.

Paraglide

First item to tick off my Queenstown Bucket list. For fifteen minutes I got to glide on the wind, but we had to try a few times before we could take the run and jump.

On our first attempt the weather changed once we were at the take-off area. And so, once dropped off in town me and my beloved friend Louise took comfort in food and wine. This led to us ranting about our current hot topic 'WHAT THE F#@K AM DOING WITH MY LIFE' and hoped that the following Sunday would be different.

It wasn't. In fact we didn't even get as far as the mountain this time, just a phone conversation.  However, on the Monday (to our surprise) we got the go ahead. Stealing Lou away from work for an hour (she pretty much has the coolest employers ever) and dragging Zim along as a ground photographer, we went to the pick up point.  With my weight stamped on my hand and my seat belt firmly strapped in, I quickly found myself connected to a parachute and being told to run off a mountain.  These final words got me a little nervous
"whatever you do don't stop running." My thoughts went into overdrive. But what if I just freeze? What if its like with a bungee jump, where your whole body tells you "no this is wrong. You might want to die brain but the feet do not?!"
I was also first, which I'm not sure is always a good thing.

But running off was surprisingly easy. Within a few strides we were in the air, being carried along.  And you know what? I bloody loved it! surrounded by mountains, sighting hawks and the final spin at the end (which felt like a roller coaster) was amazing.  On the ground I could then enjoy watching Lou in the air and her descent.

Zim has already said he wants to do a Paraglide in the winter, when you can do it from the very top of coronet peak. After my first experience, I think I might have to join him!

We did our Paraglide through Skytrek, whos fee included  photos and a 30 second video, transfer from town to the mountain and friendly instructors who didn't get us killed.

Sunshine Bay

If you walk along the lake's edge, as if you were going to Fern hill, you'll find Sunshine bay. It was at that weird time of year, between Summer and Autumn. A beautiful spot that we pretty much had to ourselves.  I couldn't believe somewhere so close to town could feel so isolated.

Appreciating the here and now

This John Lennon quote often pops into my head, especially since I started this country hopping malarky. For too long I've been consumed by arriving at new destinations. Whether by plane, sea or foot, I've been working so hard to get to places, sometimes I wonder if I made the most of experiencing them.  Not this time. Not Queenstown.

As we plan to stay put for a while, I've made a conscience decision to appreciate the little things here. To watch the mountains change colour at dusk and dawn, to take note on the changing seasons and enjoy my morning tea.

But most importantly, I get to actually have a normal relationship, you know the one, where you get to  spend time together that does not involve Skype.  I get to live my life instead of waiting for it to begin.

In short, I'm going to take a deep breathe, look around me and just 'be' for a moment.

* Image from here.