Hi Guys,

As you can see I have now made my way into New Zealand and Christchurch to be a little more specific.  I realize that by my standards I have not updated my site for a while so I will try and get you all up to speed.

As you know I flew home a couple of weeks ago for my brothers wedding.  The wedding was a great success although I do have to confess to be a little on the drunk side.  I do not know what it is about weddings but I always seem to make a tit out of myself and this one was certainly no exception.  As I was steadily drinking pretty much all day I found myself getting louder and louder and by the evening you could say that my mouth was not really engaging the brain.  Among many other quite embarrassing moments the worst has got to be asking my cousin who I had not spoken to for what must have been 10 years, and who had recently given birth, I say "how are you? I bet you can't wait until you have your baby" she naturally gave me a rather bemused look and said... Jon, Holly is behind you in the pram! Doh, no recovering from that one.  Anyway, my week home flew by so unbelievably quickly and before I knew it I was once again waving goodbye to my parents at the airport.

I arrived at Sydney first thing on Monday morning and made my way to Tongy's house where I pretty much crashed and slept for what must have been a day and a half.

Anyway, the next day I was starting to recover from arguably the worst jet lag I have ever encountered and I decided that I would hit a few more sights in the city.  So I proceeded to trendy Darling Harbour and checked out the brand new Wildlife Centre which was kind of a cross between a museum and a zoo and the equally impressive aquarium.  After this I shot up the Sydney tower for a wonderful view of the skyline before getting the lift down to the 'Oz-Trek' which was a bizarre simulation ride all about Australia.  I suppose this would be ideal for a first timer to Australia but not really for someone about to leave, all I was thinking was get me out of here I think I am going to be sick!  That evening myself and Tongy went for a great Vietnamese!

On Wednesday after a bit of a lie in I made my way once again into the city and went for a nice stroll around the cool Rocks area, stopping for a couple of my favourite beers.. Tooheys Extra Dry, continuing around Circular Quay and into the Botanical Gardens before I met up with Jimbo for a few cheap beers!

The next day I decided to just chill out and do a bit of preparation for New Zealand and beyond.

On Friday I got up early and made my way to the airport whereby I flew into Christchurch.  The 2 and a half hour flight was no problem after all my recent long hauls, and I arrived at my chosen hostel refreshed and eager to see the city.  That afternoon I did my usual wondering trying to get my bearings and stocked up on a few winter clothes, seriously it is freezing at the moment.

Today I was up early and out by 8am to do a nice walking tour of the city, taking in a few of the many sites along the way, namely the Canterbury Museum which was slightly quirky, the Botanical Gardens and the Antigua Boatsheds.  I fully intended to do the rather touristy 'punt' down the River Avon, however as soon as i got there I saw the queue and felt arguably 50 years too young!  So i thought perhaps a punt ride was slightly tame after all and ever the scrooge that I am decided to save my money. 

This afternoon I caught the bus to the Christchurch Gondola which takes you into the hills for some stunning views.  I loved it, although I was slightly scared as my rocking gondola continued to rise and rise and I started to panic slightly... what if it snaps!  You know the usual paranoid stuff that continues to enter my brain.  Once I arrived at the top I decided to take on of the many trails and the scenery was truly nothing I have ever experienced, certainly a sign of things to come in this beautiful country.  Anyway, after taking a quick coffee break and finally plucking up the courage for the descent, which is always scarier, I hopped into my little carriage and just as I went over the edge and had that bloody steep drop as a view... the gondola stopped!  Naturally if I was panicking before I was now well and truly bricking it as my gondola continued to swing and swing for what must have been the longest 5 minutes none to man, we continued with the descent and I was relieved to get off!  Seriously, how the hell am I going to manage the adrenaline city that is Queenstown?

Anyway, once again you can see I have rambled on... but at least you are now up to date with my adventures.  Tomorrow as I am slightly pressed for time I am making my way south to Dunedin.  Seriously I have no idea what is there, but after a quick scan of the old guidebook I can see there is a brewery and a Cadbury's World, so can't be too bad.

I hope everyone reading this is well and I will look forward to catching up with you all very soon.

Take Care,
Jon