Yes, it's me again! Yet more internet access. In fact there are 3 places here where I could use the internet.
I am in Arthur's Pass, which is stunning, but the sun is very very strong and it's enough to give you a headache just standing outdoors for a couple of minutes.
I left Maruia Springs yesterday (www.maruiasprings.co.nz) after my two days of bliss and drove 3 hours to get to here. It was gruelling and I was more than a little sore (aka grumpy) when I got here. The drive up was fairly terrifying but I got some great photos. My poor car wouldn't do more than 20km/h on the way up the hills. I am staying in a pretty hostel with a great lounge area where I intend to sit for the next few days, occasionally popping out to the one store where they serve incredible ice cream. I had two room mates last night - one was the most annoying person I've met in New Zealand. She was German and when she walked in the room I was lying down after my drive, feeling very sorry for myself.
Her: Are you ill or just lazy?
Me: I'm tired. I had a long drive, and I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so I need to sleep a lot
Her: Oh, that's a good excuse for being lazy. (yawns) I'm tired too, I think I will tell people I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome aswell.
I almost thumped her. The south island has been fairly tough in that there is so much to do here - walking, kayaking, horse riding etc and I have really felt the fact that I can't do most of it. Her comment came at a bad time. I'm afraid to say that later that night I *accidently* dropped my book down onto her head from the top bunk while she was asleep. (actually it WAS an accident, just a very satisfying one!)
fiona:1 Idiot:0
I am feeling really really sore at the moment and it is proving tough to keep going, but it is so pretty here and there is no way I am cutting short my trip when there is still so much to see. I am going to grit my teeth for the last 3 or so weeks. I have taken so many pictures, which has been really fun..... I can't wait to see them all printed out at home.
My time is just about to run out. Off to eat ice cream and read my latest book. And avoid a certain German girl who is hovering. She puts her foot in it with everything she says.
