South Island at last!

Caught the ferry from Wellington to Picton the other day. The view when we were coming in through Queen Charlotte Sound was mind blowing. The hills on either side were really steep and green, almost like something off a film set. The crossing was lovely and only took 3 hours. When we were coming into Picton, the wind was quite strong and blew up a fine spray which created a rainbow as you looked down at the water. As we came into dock the propellers threw up a massive amount of small bubbles which lots of small fish darted through. Once docked we went in search for the information centre so we could jump on a bus and head straight to Nelson. We had herd that there are lots of jobs here around feb doing apple picking etc, as as we are in need of money it was our first priority. We popped on the bus and about 2hours later we were there.

Nelson

This is the geographical centre of New Zealand. There are plenty of trees and lots of shops too. Over the last couple of days we have ben in three hostels, one after the other. The first was nice, the second was called Shortbread Cottage and that was lovely. It was just how imagined my house to be when i get older; lots of throws, pictures, homely and cosy, only 11 beds and you get shortbread on your pillow. As that was fully booked for tonight we are now at their other hostel 15mins out of the other side of town called - now dont laugh- Gingerbread Cottage! And yes, they have gingerbread. Unfortunatly we have spent the last two days looking for work on the net, and calling in everwhere. No luck god damn it!!!! After phoning the picking places work is not for another two weeks, cafes want permanent staff and everywhre elce has just taken people on. We were so lucky when we got work in Tauranga the first time. We may be getting work in this shell fish factory ( sounds as bad as it is i am sure) next week, but i am not keen to wait around and loose travelling time, when we could travel and be gauranteed full-time apple work for a month a bit later!! We only have 3 months left and we have so much to do in that time.

Nelson has lots to see and do, only we havent had time to do any of it. They have a really old street, the Lord of the Rings ring, a Wearable Art museum and lots more. Will update you when we have done summat interesting and stopped moaning! Till then wish us luck!

Just had a revalation about 20 mins later that i wrote the above. Just found work to start early next week in vineyard back near Picton, actually just south in a place called Blenheim. Decided will see the sights here tomorrow and travel around the national park before heading baack for work. All seems to work out ok in the end. Will have some interesting stuff to write next then, in the meantime will have time to email you chaps, and chill out. Ahhhhh. And relax.

Nelson continued (our return after Abel Tasman National Park)...

Back again and absolutley nackered out. My bum hurts!!! Checked into a doddgy but cheap hostel in the center of town as we are only here for the night. We have stayed in 4 hostels here now so are thinking of doing a hostel review for Nelson in return for cash. On our arrival at the backpackers i stank so had a shower and went back to the dorm to get changed. I casully slung of my clothes but had my towel handy whilst dressing. I also locked the door for double saftey measure. I then herd the door k*** rattle, so ran to the door hoicking my towel up wiht the intention of opening the door as it was locked. I had forgot that the doors have to be locked from the inside in order to lock the door when going out. So there was me with my towel dangling from my hand and the door burst open with some poor guy standing outside. I must have exposed some part of myself as the door shut sharpish and there was crys of 'im so sorry'. I was pretty cool about it and didnt care considering the prude i am, but this guy came in all flustered and embarrassed and wouldnt stop apologising. I thought it was well funny as he was a real american hottie!! ha ha. Anyway him and his two mates are staying in our dorm, and tried to make light of the joke from then on.

WOW - World of Wearable arts and Collectable cars

WOW was basically started by some hippy nutters in the 1980's as a small party under a tarpaulin. People were invited to make costumes from whatever, out of anything, for a show. The first year went well then year after year it became more and more popular. Now artists from far and wide come to exhibit their costumes in a variety of classes; reflective materials, childrens, light sensitive like uv, (all wierd) and compete for $100,000's of prizes. We had a gooses around at the exhibits, some which were crap, some really well made. But we wernt allowed to take pics.

The cars were really cool to take pics of but i couldnt really care less about the mechanics. They had some really old school cars that were american style and reupholstered etc. They were cool but i really would have enjoyed it more if we could have driven the 5.7 racing car!! The pics are more interestin than words.

That eve we went out with the guys from our room and had a few beers, got id. But we had the lovely mac's beer. Unfortunatly we couldnt go too the mac's brewery as it has been shut to visitors for tours due to refurbishment. shame! The night ended with us all in our dorm playing Jenga  with the 3 auzzie guys, and israeli and dutch guy. I was soo funny. think everyone was a bit drunk. The dutch guy was crasy and had about 3 pairs of glasses on and hadnt brushed his hair in a week but he was soo funy!!

Cheap free stuff around Nelson

Glass Gallery

We wondered into town and visited  the glass blowing place.  The stuff was amazing and really unique.  This guy owns it with his misses and makes all the stuff himself.  There were bowls, glasses, goblets etc all really fun and bright. You could see how much influence he took from nature. There were these amazing lilly wine glasses, paua shell bows, glass flowers. kiwi birds etc.  a real influence!

Oldest Street

Then we took a walk down to the oldest street in nz. I cant remember how old it is but it will say in the pictures. It was really quaint. Lots of old wooded houses with tiny doors and windows and stained glass, verandas etc. and so clean. It must be so annoying to have people wandering up an down and peering into your house all the time!  

Cathederal

The cathederal was perched on a slight green hillly park. From there you are right on the main street and can see all the pubs and bars. It really is a lovely view, and me and em later sat there in the sun and chilled out. I think the cathederal was built in two pars and completed to different plans. Its quite grey and ugly but on the inside it had there lovely bright and modern stained glass windows. There were some brilliant canvass paintings in one corner of the church, hidden away behind some pews which is a real shame. There was also a laberynth painted on the floor of the church which you walk to kind of go on a small pilgrimage or summat. I did it as it was fun anyway.

Rose Cottage Chocolate Shop 

I then went back to the gingerbread hostel to get my book i left there a few days ago. (yes mum and dad, its the only thing i have really forgotten so far!)

Then on the way back i went to the Rose Cottage choc shop. I think we forgot to mention this before but we went the last time we were here. Its  a lovely old fashiondy choc shop which sells hand made truffles and choc. there choc is so cheap too! It was all frills, floral wall paper, hanging baskets, glass jars and most importantly the choc. I had this lovely cinnamon choc bar and a couple of truffles and they were so tasty. The cinnamon bar was like really cinnamony and made me think of Amanda!!     

So we chilled and then caught the bus to Blenheim - the home of work. Arrrhhhhh!!