This I did after transapine
The bus picked us up and we were a small group.
We went down route 75 I think which went over a few big hills, through pasture land and stopped at a pebberly beach where we collected a few prietty stones. It was freezign there.
After that we stopped at a cheese factory co owned by a dutch and german family who made some excellent local cheese. We had a cheese taste and of course I bought some. They mainly do like an edam and a really strong chedar but the region is also famous for t's honey.
Next we did a stop over at the look out point after coop toen. You are suppossed to see all the bays from this point. However it was misty and they thought snow so you couldn't see much till you got lower down.
After that we hit Akaroa a prietty little fishing village. The area has a very french feel as this was where the british allowed the french to settle even though they arrived in this particular area first but made the mistake of going tramping; thus letting teh bristish claim the land.
There were some really beautiful buildings and a wonderful lght house at the point. I was going on the black cat cruise to watch the dolphins. I had actually got akora muddled up with kikora (the whale watching). Unfortunately becuase of 2o knot winds the boat trip was cancelled. They had tried phoning the hostel to let me know (at 9 o clock when the bus leaves - doh!). No matter their was amuseum there.
What I actually did was go for seafood chouder and a glass of wine in this very nice posh resturant. It had a very modern french feel with a big fireplace (that was most important as it was freezing). I then walked to the lght house and back. In fact I walked the esplanade at least 4 times that day. Deciding as no boat trp I would catch the early bus back.
At 2.30 I left with the bus and the group. A couple from melbourne on a cheap holiday. Nice couple she was in social services and I am not sure if they were friends or actually a couple and didn't really want to ask.
That night i met up with johnny again and we had a great chat over several jugs of beer.
I learned he ended a long relationship. It was actually divorce. They just saw different things, she wanted kids and he wanted to travel. I think she did the biological clock number. Anyhow they split up and he doesn't want to go back. He's doing his own thing and other reasons. Anyhow it also turns out he met someone in queenstown who he has only known for a short time but they are exactly the same and he is smitten and trying to make it work after he finnishes his tour. Probably he will come back.
Well after loads of beer we wnet to sleep. He was sharing the same dorm and yes he does snore but not as bad as he makes out and not as bad as the german girl. They both left that night and we thought wow a room to ourselves. Jonnhy had bought a guitar and was gong through the few steps of there is a house in new orleans. He's not bad for a 3 weeks beginner wiht no lessons.
He aslo showed me the propper way to eat tim tams. Ok biting the corners off and sucking tea through it is better but they are just penguins and not that great.
After trying to get some sleep a dutch girl and canadian I thnk arrived to share our room. Our tranquility and guitar playng was over. Boy did they take their time getting ready for bed. I was ready to pass out and we were both checking out tomorrow by 10. Johnny had found a nicer cheap place where he could have his own room while he sold the car.
Eventually we got some sleep.
Posted by alexd at August 3, 2004 10:14 AM