An Update and Last Minute Adventuring in Christchurch

It is insane to think I have already spent two months in this incredible country... To update all of you who don't already know, I have decided to extend my vacation here in Kiwi country!!! I will now be staying another 6 months in this gorgeous place, for a total of 8 months on a Working Scheme Visa!! Weeee! Putting off graduation? I think yes!

Momma is a little heartbroken but she is all too excited for me at the same time! I will be home for Christmas, I promise! So, you are probably wondering what the heck I am going to be doing with my time....

First, I have to thank my cousins for their hospitality; I had such a fantastic time staying with you and caring after your boys! No words can explain how grateful I am. I will miss waking up every morning to an enthusiastic "hi!" from Ethan followed by an extreme cuddle sesh; and of course singing the ABCs as he hummed the tune to help balance out my awful voice. Or even having pruned fingers after the baby gnawed on them for minutes at a time.... Zombie baby!! "Oh dear" I will miss it all. I think I have already convinced mom to get a cabin in Tennessee just after Christmas though! So I will be back and hopefully have a K and L in my name by that time... Although I will surely miss "Tay-yee!" I love you guys!

My last week in Christchurch was ever so eventful as my lovely neighbor Nicole and myself set out on some great adventures throughout Christchurch. Little did I know there were so many fantastic places to trek just outside of town!

Day 1 of exploring we went over to Sumner and got coffee and walked along the shore to enjoy the sunset. It was even warm enough to wear my flippy floppies!

After that, we drove up into the mountains and I was able to experience the magnificent view of Christchurch from above. The sun rolled behind the mountains, forcing the sky into darkness and the city to light up. Nicole pointed out how the lights twinkled below as cars rushed to their destinations.

The cold ran us off and we both returned home to some yummy dinner, or as Nicole's family calls it, "tea."

Day 2 we drove up into the mountains that overlooked Lyttleton, Sumner, New Brighton, and Christchurch City all at the same time. I wish I could have taken a 360 degree panorama shot but I guess a 180 will have to do :P

We started at the top of the mountain and trekked down the steep, rocky path that had us both hugging the mountainside.

The path led straight down into the bay area and we decided to head back up to where the sun was still touching and therefore warm.

It looked like fields of gold at the top. We could see the alps in the background.

A little ways around the side of the mountain was another track that looked beautiful as well so we decided to make the drive to Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve in order to enjoy more extraordinary scenery.

We ended up coming across some massive rocks that looked nearly impossible to climb but of course we found a way to get to the top.

This is one of my favorite photos taken in New Zealand so far. Thanks Nicole for the great shot! Seconds after this photo was taken, a heavy wind came through that nearly knocked me straight off the edge. I had a short hug sesh with the rocks and then was happy to head down to more stable ground.

Embracing every ounce of beauty we could, Nicole and I left with happy hearts and hungry tummies. So what better way than to end the day with an abnormally large ice cream cone?

Nom.

Day 3 I was on duty with the babies so we decided to stick to flat land where Ethan could run wild. We adventured to Spencer Holiday Park located right on the beach and I was able to see what surf rescue buildings are like on this side of the world. Have a look!

Quite interesting set up they had. Boy do I miss my summer job! I can't wait to see these places in business during New Zealand summer months!

We played on the beach until Ethan became completely exhausted and beyond filthy...

It was so rewarding to spend a day at the beach with the boys before I ventured off to the North Island :)

We returned home, dropped the boys off for naps, and dipped out to continue the sunny day on the other coastline. Nicole and myself were able to enjoy the sunset at Birdlings Flat, a 30 minute drive outside of Christchurch. The ocean was rougher here, forcing waves to shoot towards the sky as they hit shallow water.

The rocks surrounding made the place even more surreal; and the best backdrop for incredible pictures:

I am going to miss the South Island but I am so looking forward to many more adventures on the North.

It was a hard "see you later" to my cousins and the neighbors. My last week was ever so wonderful and I am so thankful for the last minute adventures in Christchurch. I am excited for new experiences in this fantastic country. Stay tuned for my journey to the North Island. Blog coming soon :)

Castle Hill && Akaroa

06/30/13

This is a little late. I have been a bit busy as my time has winded down in Christchurch. Buttttt rewinding to two weeks ago...

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

Saturday night a few of my girlfriends I met in Dunedin came up and we went out for a drink. So nice to see all my Scottish gals again! The next morning we woke up early and drove an hour outside of Christchurch to Castle Hill. As we got closer, I couldn't believe how thick the snow was seeing as we didn't get ANY in town.

We arrived at the hill just after sunrise to the most beautiful white powder covering the ground.

We trekked through the snow up towards the hill where large rocks were spread about. The hill was named for the many limestone boulders that are pieces of an old run-down castle. Many rock climbers come through to get a piece of these extravagant boulders.

The snow had fallen so hard the night before that all but for the trail had snow that came up to our knees. The monstrous rocks were covered in ice so we had to be very careful... I was warned but of course I got as close to the edge as possible :)

As we walked down the hill, we hit some pretty steep areas where Amy decided to play penguin and slide down.

To show you the size of these rocks...

We spent much time admiring the views and the rocks until it was time to head back into town to drop Kenzie off at the airport.

As we bid her farewell at the airport, a large group of hunkydorie men came trotting through the sliding glass doors with matching uniforms. Of course I jumped out of my britches with exciting when I read "Crusaders" across their bags (Crusaders is the Christchurch rugby team). But I ended up being way too chicken to get out and talk to them. Big ol' pansy pants. So zero proof that I got to see them, but I did! Talk about nice calves... After exiting the premises, the Scottish babes and I drove to the farmers market in town and purchased souvenirs and got some coffee and ice cream. Nom.

After the market we drove to Akaroa on the other side of Christchurch to watch the sunset.

Just doing a jig on the side of the road...

It was just as beautiful as the first time I visited with my cousins; we were blessed with wonderful weather! We walked around the water's front and down the docks admiring the sun as it began its decent behind the mountains. It was a gorgeous day exploring Christchurch from the mountains to the oceanside.

I am going to miss my Scottish loves but I wish you all the best of time in Australia! Come to Florida next!

&& don't forget to....

L O V E L I F E

Cheers.