Well, I'm here finally in New Zealand! and on first thoughts it's bloody freezing! so so so cold! but beautiful. Christchurch is exactly like a little english town (a nice one). I've spent the last few days being very cultural and visiting all the must see places around here such as The Arts Centre - a massive mansion thing with courtyards etc full of little galleries and shops. One i particuarly enjoyed was Fudge Cottage - very nice baileys chocolate fudge! Also i visited the art gallery, christchurch cathedral, the canterbury museum, the botanical gardens, many of the gardens that surroud the city (the city is also known as the city of gardens) and of course i took a ride on the local tram around the city.Apart from these things there is not muchelse to do in the city - but to be honest i've quite enjoyed having a few days to myself, chilling and catching up before the mad rush starts again (i couldn't catch a bus until Sun which is why i stayed here for a while). I'm staying at a really nice hostel which is one big house so everyone pretty much knows everyone and it is very chilled which is nice. I obviously went and saw Harry Potter the day it came out - which i think was earlier over here (11th)? that was fab and i'm also seeing the All Blacks play tonight which i can't wait for. The whole city has gone mad - trams, shops and even the squares are decorated with baloons and banners! all the south africans arrived yesterday too!Now for the funny part - the comedy story of my trip - what you've all been waiting for - my birthday! i got many messages from you all (which i thank you for) most saying how they bet i'm doing something weird and wacky on my bday! i wish! No, wait for it ........I spent my 19th birthday at a museum! oh and the botanical gardens! On my own as well! yes i know shameful. My original plan was to swin with dolphins but it was far to cold and it was pouring down with rain so i did otherwise. Despite that it was actually a very interesting day and i did learn a lot (one of the best museums i've been to infact). Oh and did i mention i spent the evening cooking (just like last year) with a bottle of wine (to myself) watching you, me and dupree!!!! lol to be fair i didnt tell anyone at the hostel it was my bday cos i couldnt be arsed to do anything. Anyhow, i made up for it yesterday (13th) as i had a fab day up on the hills. It was a beautiful day so i took a bus ride and caught the gondola up the mounatin and spent the morning hiking around with the sheep.So a bit of an uninteresting time in christchurch i'm afraid but i do infact really love it here - its so pretty and english! but not in England - perfect. I catch the bus tomorrow morning to start my way around the south island.Speak soon louise xxx