Canuck to Kiwi...My Adventures in NZ!

Well, riding my new bike has been a bit of an adventure! Whether walking or riding,  I seriously can't figure out which way to look first when crossing the street here..it shouldn't be so challenging, but having to look right, then left really freaks me out! I end up looking both ways 12 times, and still feeling like someone will suddenly come out of nowhere and hit me! Making a right hand turn accross a lane of traffic coming the other way is also a strange thing. Luckily, the times I have ventured out, there haven't been any road rage incidents. On Saturday, David and I rode out to Nelson, and he gave me some insider tips, and helped me conquor my fear of roundabouts (they are everywhere here!) Nelson is 12km from Richmond, and there is a bike trail that goes through neighbourhoods and farm country, which is very scenic. We stopped for lunch, and did some shopping, and discovered that Nelson will soon have a yogurt bar! Hell yes!! We will definitely be going back for

Well, I've been here long enough to have an idea what it's like to pick up and move to a different city (in a different country), where you essentially know no one. Let's see if I can give you an idea... You know those people we have all come accross..the ones who refuse to just complete the transaction at hand... That's right, "Okay, here's your shirt/coffee/bicycle. Have a nice day!.. okay, yup, bye. See you next time...thank you!" Nope! This person is adamently pursuing a conversation. Mostly, about things you couldn't care less about. Well, I now know what it's like to be that person. I don't always have someone to go for lunch with, and sometimes I find myself seeking someone out for the sole purpose of having that little bit of interaction. So, I head to the supermarket or a coffee shop! I'm the one looking for the guys who stock the shelves. Even a miniscule conversation about where the lentils are will sometimes be enough. Don'

In case any of you wondered exactly where our house was, now you know! (X marks the spot) The hills behind our house are only a few minutes away and offer some really nice views. It's always a good idea to look at the sky before you set out though..in New Zealand, it can go from sunny and clear to a downpour very quickly, and I mean downpour!  

This is our little house in Richmond, New Zealand!  Complete with our very own lemon tree!!  You can just see the hills in the background, which are a short walk away and boast great hiking trails, mountain biking, and amazing views. The little plate (a gift from my friend Bethany) hangs in my kitchen and reminds me of my greatly missed cat, Basil, who is at home in Victoria.