Town & Tours

Today was a pretty packed day. We had breakfast then decided to catch a ride into town before we had a tour of the peninsula. I went with Nissi, Rachel, Juliet, and Courtney (our director) who dropped us off. Stopped in a cute shop and got some nice wool socks, and looked around town for a bit. Some of the locals are so nice and trusting. This one lady had me watch her store while she went over to another store to get change for a large bill. That would have never happened in America – they wouldn’t been paranoid that I would have stolen something. Anyway, Nissi and I decided to walk back to the Old Convent since it was such a nice day, but I didn’t think the walk was so long – doesn’t seem that long when you’re driving. But it is about a 50 min walk. The day was sunny and a little cold, but not windy, so it was a gorgeous walk back. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of this view – can’t imagine being in a prettier place.

After we all got back, we went out to meet Paul, our “tour guide,” to take us on a trek around the edge of the Kaikoura peninsula. So pretty!!! We spent a good 3 hours out there climbing up and down hills, over rocks, around the sea, etc. Soo many pretty views up there. My camera died 1/4 of the way in though, so I’ll have to get pictures from Anela probably.

Anyway, when we got back, we had an “iconic Kiwiana dinner” with a bunch of authentic New Zealand foods. We had several kinds of drinks that are common down here, different candies and chocolates, appetizers, lamb, potatoes, and a few different kinds of cake. There was so much food. I don’t think I can eat for another week after that. But it was all so incredibly good! Our cook, Jess, is amazing. She feeds us incredibly delicious foods every day. She puts so much time and effort into it. I’m being spoiled here more than I was back at home or at school. I want to be able to make the stuff she’s making someday.

We went stargazing afterwards for a while. It was freezing outside, but the stars were so pretty. Wish I knew some southern constellations though. Tomorrow half of us decided to go to church with the staff, and the others are going to help in a community service project going on in the morning. There seems to be a lot of community involvement around here. I like it. :)

Leah