Well, I set my alarm for 6:15am... you know how I said I'd been pushing it getting up so early every day??? Well, I fell back asleep until 7:19... what time was the nice shuttle guy coming to take me to the train station 7:25! AHHHHH!!!! I made it, bags packed, clothes on, breakfast in hand to meet him at the door of my hostel (down four flights of stairs) at 7:27! WHEW! That was way closer than I like to cut it! But, I made it and the train ride was the most beautiful... they say it is one of the best (scenery wise) train rides in the world. It was from Christchurch to Greymouth which is from the east coast of NZ to the west and the Tasman Sea. However, to get there you cross the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass. The snow capped mountains, rivers, lake, and bridges were breathtaking. We went through an old train shanty town that now has a population of one... seriously.
Once in Greymouth I caught my bus to Hokitiko, a tiny town that is famous for the gold rush back in the day, and today more so for the abundance of jade and craftsmen who work with it. This was my destination because I was told of a great experience where you can carve your own bone or jade in the traditional style of the Maori people (utilizing their symbols etc). I found my guy, Steve, at Bonz n' Stonz and got off to a slow start (thanks to the annoying bus people there for the first hour), but none the less I was his only pupil and started designing and then shaping my beautiful piece of jade. I can't wait to go back tomorrow morning and spend several hours finishing it up... I hope it's as beautiful as it is in my head! It's a lot of work, but what a unique piece of New Zealand to take back with me!
I met a great girl from the north island who is down here traveling at my hostel tonight (we all 5 cooked dinner together cause EVERYTHING here closes at 4:30 or 5 in the winter), and she's headed to the glaciers tomorrow too, so she offered me a ride! Woo Hoo!
Love ya,
Kate
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