Kiwi-a-go-go-land!

I may be watching infomercials, but at least they're New Zealand infomercials. In case you missed it, I've made it to New Zealand! Though, unfortunately not too much has happened here yet, just got off the plane, headed through customs, stood around confused for awhile, paid too much for internet access, and finally made my way to my hotel.  I plan on passing out as soon as I've rid myself of contacts and tooth brushing, and of course after I've informed you lovely people about my latest adventures.

We left off with a day trip to Caloundra, seen below.  It was a beautiful, family-friendly beach with barbeques and playgrounds.  There were some great waves and no sharks (seen anyway) and while all the little kids paddled out on their boogie boards, all the old guys and I rode the waves bareback (body surfing that is).  No school like the old school.

I really do think the clouds are prettier down under

After a long day in the sun we went to a cafe for iced coffee (the amazing kind previously mentioned) and a nice cheese platter.  After the beach we didn't get home til it was already getting dark, and thanks to a persistent headache and car sickness I climbed right into bed and slept a solid 12+ hours.  All in a good night's work.  I can't really think of much else to say about this day but I would like to write a little more so as to fit the text next to the picture, so bare with my rambling nonsense, if only for the sake of aesthetics.


The next day was also meant to be a beach day, so we got up and headed down to the Gold Coast.  Unfortunately, the day was somewhat grey and very very windy (decidedly not golden I'm afraid).  But for once it wasn't hot and unless you were walking on the beach--and therefore being pelted incessantly with sand blasts in the aread south of your knees--it wasn't bad weather at all.  We ventured out to the spit where there was a small light house

The "Gold" Coast

 The weather managed to just look menacing and not actually rain or thunderstorm on us at all, and actually cleared up some later, though the wind kept up.  After a fantastic lunch, more iced coffee, and walking around the shops (I've become obsessed with the store/brand cotton on, cheap, cute, soft, high quality stuff? I think yes--good thing I'm a stalker and already checked that they have a store in Wellington) we headed back home a little early after a late departure the day before.

I spent this morning packing and doing a few last minute Australian skype calls, and arranging and rearranging my belonging to get all my bags under weight.  i somehow left off with over 10 extra pounds of storage and now i have less than 2 kilos. ah, oh well, i've just been stuffing my carry-on to the brim and it's all worked out.  Tomorrow I meet the group and head off for adventures I'm sure so I should get some sleep so I won't be just as bad as all the jet lagged ones coming in from LAX.