Coming to you live from Nelson... We arrived in at lunchtime, just in time to see the market. Pretty cool, but a bit overrated.  Walked the streets (it's a pumping little town comparable to Ch'town I think) and off to the World of Wearable Arts Museum. It's a festival each year and they have now created a museum to house winning entries. Very cool but not easy to describe. Bunch of bizzare things - some resembling clothing, most not - that people design and submit to the annual show. Highly impressive. Museum also housed a classic car area but I don't even think I could name 1 of the 30 cars. Sorry to disappoint Dad.
 
Yesterday Marcus & I did a tour of the Montana winery, the largest in NZ (producing 1% of the world's wine) and had our first tasting of the day. We were conveniently staying in relatively close proximity to about 25 other wineries, so we did the required - dropped the car off and visited 7 more for free tastings. That's what I call an afternoon. Mark has discovered he's a sauvignon blanc & dessert wine fan, I'm a sauv, guwertz and montipuciallno person myself.  I think - I may have to keep tasting...

In Blenheim now. Stayed yesterday in Kaikoura, saw seals up close (but not so personal) on the beach, came through to here today. Had minor car trouble but Lucy Loo is all good now. On for winerys tomorrow - Mark's making me, I don't really enjoy that sort of thing. (Janet & other confused ones, Mark is my best friend from Sside, yes you have met him).

Will properly update you on our wino adventures soon...

For those of you following us on the map... next stop Nelson! Sherilyn it's not the same drinking wine without you! Can you believe it's been over 3 months since we were in Nelson????

Oh and the scenery is spectacular, but I've come to take that for granted!

Markus Dorkus Orrilius has arrived!!! So excited. We just had a b-day breakfast and now he's emailing home to let the rents know he's here safe & sound. And then the adventure begins..........

So exciting!! Can life get any better???

11.5 hours until Mr. Mark is here on Chch soil!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I am so excited!

Have had crazy week, working late to finish up projects and baking for the boys for my last dayand just trying to spend tiem with everyone. "Smoko" (coffee break) becomes your responsibility on your last day. You're also supposed to put on beer for everyone but they weren't getting that out of me. I broke Kiwi tradition. oh well.

Just really enjoying my last bit of time in Chch and the fact that I know I'll be back so I don't have to say any goodbyes because I will see everyone again. that's awesome. Life is so much easier then. Some really awesome people here.

Really can't remember what else I've been up to. Matt & I went to Dunedin on Friday night to visit friends of his. Sat we climbed the steepest street in the world (my ass muscles are reminding me of this adventure today) and went up the Pine Hills to see the most spectacular views I have ever seen. Could see the whole city, penninsula, and harbour and it was a beautiful clear day.

Last night was Ian's b-day celebrations so it involved another mad night on the town. So much fun to be had. Was out with the long termers but ended up joining up with the work crowd too. Loads of laughs.

Scary how at home I am in this city. May come back here to stay the rest of my time once Mark & Sarah leave me. Who knows... The only plan I have is to stick to my "living on a whim & a prayer theory". Worked so far!

You should have more regular posts from me as we start our travels but less regular emails (is it possible for me to get worse?). Stay tuned...