Happy Christmas to you all!

Its been two weeks since I started my job in Akaroa. My hostel is very nice and has a friendly, homely atmosphere. The Bon Accord hostel is owned by a woman called Kathy who moved over to New Zealand from the UK 6 years ago. She is a very active person who has 3 horses, a dog called Boots and a cat called Tiger. There is also a couple from Austrialia who manages the hostel called Bob and Cath. We all help run the hostel. The hostel sleeps 18 people and has 2, kitchens, 2 bathrooms, 2 lounges, a 6 bed dorm and a beautiful garden which is a sun trap. We work like a family but without the arguments!

A few days ago, we were invited on a free boat trip and we had a go on a jet sling. A jet sling involves being towed on a raft from the boat. The raft is attached to the boat on a bungi cord, so when the bungi is fully stretched it catapults the raft accross the water! My first go was uninspiring because the water conditions weren't quite right. (you need a swell). However, I did get to see lots of the hector dolphins. My second go was much better, I nearly fell out and I got soaked to the skin. It was a good laugh.

I enjoy working here because I get to meet to many people. I've met people from China, India, Japan, Austrialia, Taiwan, France, Italy, South Africa, America and many Germans. I don't think there are any Germans left in Germany! I have also become good friends with a girl called Kato from Japan who works at another hostel.

The weather has been good recently but it has turned to rain again. One thing I have learnt in New Zealand is that when it rains it rains bloody hard and when the sun shines it shines bloody hard. I have a bit of colour now. I've been wearing shorts and t-shirts and lots of sun cream.

Kath the owner lent us a car so we could go to Christchurch and do a weekly food shop. Pack and Save is great because it cheap and you get lots of food for your money. The butchers in Akaroa is also good. The lamb is here is beautiful and not as fatty as it is in the UK. I have also discovered Kumra, a sweet potato which tastes divine. Yes, I'm being quite domesticated and becoming a good cook. I even make flapjacks for the guests. (my sister's recipe of-course).

On Christmas Eve, the hostel will have a large bar-b-que. The hostle is full over the Christmas and New Year period. All the helpers have been invited to have Christmas Day with Kathy at her friends bed and breakfast so we will be in the lap of luxury. We will have a traditional christmas dinner there.

I am being looked after here and my help is appreciated. After our morning work, we all have a coffee from the coffee house across the road. My favourite drink is mochochino, (chocolate and coffee), sometimes we have cake. The carrot cake is far too nice and it's almost as good as my sister's.

Well, I'm off for a run now while it has stopped raining. I hope you all have a good christmas.

Take care as always,

Love Annie.