Hi there,

Hope you are all well. My kidneys and liver have now recovered from the alcohol abuse they took during my birthday bash. It took days for me to feel normal again, I can honestly say that I have no interest in alcohol for some time. I'm currently in christchurch and I have had two days of sun!!!!!! Bloody amazing. Sunactor 30+ was slapped on and sun hats are in again. The sun here is intense, apparently it has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world..... I'm very protective because if I burn my face, I look like a scary alcoholic with a bright red nose. Not nice.

Here's an up-date...

QUEENSTOWN 2

After a long travel day from Dunedin, we returned to Queenstown. Some members of the group had to say their goodbyes, so to celebrate their friendships we went out again, hitting the world bar, taepots and all. (I didn't get drunk this time, although I was dancing to dodgy music from the eighties). The following day, i was determined to go for a hike and I dragged a couple of people with me. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. We hiked up the hill above the town and were rewarded by spectactular views over lake Wakatipu. Those who weren't so entusiastic about my hike took the gondala up. We watched a few people take the blind leap of faith with the bungy jump. Every single one of them jumped, not one backed out. It's an impressive sight.

During the afternoon, some of us played frisbee golf in the park. I was amused by the caution signs for frisbees. I enjoyed the park and its waterfornt because you could escape the hordes of tourists and marvel at the views of the surrounding mountains, (coronet peak, double cone and cecil peak) . Their snow covered peaks looked spectacular against the sharp contrast of the bright blue skies.

JOURNEY FROM QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH

This was a great jounrey on the bus because it took me through spectacular countryside from the uplifted hills to the wide, well farmed plains that revealed the southern alps. It was the stuff picture postcards are made from. I favourite stop was at lake Tekapo because I could see the mighty mount Cook it all its glory. (see the picutures). I had written some more about the journey but my time is running out and the internet cafe is closing.

Take care as always.

Lots of love Annie. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx