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Greatings from Middle Earth.
It's been a while, I've been on the road for a week now, travelling around the North Island of this fair land with a bunch of people in a big green bus. How lovely. I really haven't stopped most pick ups arte about 7.30 8am and happy hour rarely finishes till 10pm it's a terrible state of affairs. I seem to have grouped up with a bunch of Irish nurses who are 'up for the craick' every night although I think them may have trouble getting it through customs to Australia. Yes I make jokes now too.
Well where do a start I've lazed in hot springs on a volcanic beach. It was really cool if you dig in certain parts the water is boiling hot due to the volcanic action. There was a more scientific explanation that that but that's good enough for now. I've diced with geysers in Rotorua. I've been invited to a Hungi at the Maori Village which was incredible. A Hungi is where they cook a feast in an earth oven, i.e. they dig a big hole in the ground and throw everything in. I've learned how to do the Haka! Woow!! I've seen glow worms in a cave the most amazing caves in Taupo. They really do glow it was fantastic. I've managed to find the only welsh bar in the southern Hemisphere, run would you believe by some people from Port Talbot and Mumbles!! I kid you not. I've seen real live Kiwi birds, and of course all that Lord of the Rings scenery really is spectacular.
So you could say I have been a bit busy. Backpacking isn't what it used to be you know, there is a new bread of 30 something backpackers commonly referred to as 'Flashpackers' well that's what I'm calling them. For example the hostel we stayed in last night in Wellington had a floor called The Sanctuary, no boys allowed, oh no. The toilets had those king of mirrors with the lights round the side that you get in theatre dressing rooms complete with hairdryers and nicely selected plants. There was a chill out room where you could go to read and listen to a choice of CD's on the stereo provided. You were also given a pack of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, towels and most importantly a drink token for free champagne downstairs in the bar. Not bad for 10 pounds a night I should say.
I'm in a town called Nelson at the moment where some of the group are doing a sky dive tomorrow. I have to say I'm tempted. There is so much to do here. Black and white water rafting, horse trekking, zorbing, Whale watching, Dolphin swimming. Ice walking, surfing, jet boating, river surfing, canyon swinging a whole heap of other things I've never even heard of and not to forget New Zealand is home of the BUNGY! Tonight it's one of the Irish girls birthday so god bless us and save us all. We have made it safely to the South Island after a 3 hour ferry crossing, catch you later.
Bilbo Ryan.
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