Dunedin

I arrived to an almost empty airport terminal at 8 p.m.  The shuttles had all stopped by now... "great, I am stuck 20 km from town."  One cabby took sympathy on me, and offered a $30 ride into town, discounted from 90.  First, I told him, I had to get the phone number of the guy who's couch i was staying at, so i needed to get online.  The driver, out of the kindness of his heart, took me to his own family home so I could use the internet there for free.  After meeting his family and a cup of tea, he dropped me off at Teigue's flat.  I walked in to an all too familiar scene.  I was in Santa Barbara of New Zealand, complete with skater roommates, a constant mess, and always ready and willing to party. 

It just kind of shocked me, how so far from home I could have a place so similar.  The past few days have been great, just relaxing in a college town.  Maybe that is why I am still here, the comfort of a typical Isla Vista weekend... in either case, my hosts are great, and told me to stay for however long I wanted.  My birthday was also fun with them.  The day started with a morning run leading to a stroll through town.  I decided I owed myself a birthday present, so I bought woolen house socks and hobo gloves, hand knit of course, from a second hand store.  Success!  I will be warm from here on out. 

My next  step is to head to Wanaka.  The area is high altitude and sees alot of frost, but had gorgeous granite sport climbing, worthy of any short term suffering.  The plan is to camp out for a while... in the cold.... but with my new socks and mittens!  To get there I hope to hitchhike again, which shouldn't be too hard.  Hitchhiking is great.  It is the best way to get to know someone with no obligations, just pure interest.  The only reason you get a ride is for the company, so really your just a vehicle of entertainment.  Its a fair traid in my book.

As far as other thoughts.... Well I think I am going to buy a camper van.  They are cheap out here, and would save me the $25 hostel fee a night.  Ok.... it really would just mean I dont have to live in a tent, but a van!  So when it rains/snows, I will only be a little miserable ha!  So for now I am on the hunt!  game plan is simple, hitchhike o wanaka or (preferably) buy a sweet camper van to go to wanaka and beyond.  wish me luck!