Journey to the South

I left Wellington this morning on the Interislander Ferry, "Kaitaki," bound for Picton on the South Island. I've heard how beautifully scenic the south island is, and I'm excited to continue on my journey. I spent too much time in Wellington, a place I didn't particularly like. The city itself didn't have too much to offer in the way of sights and activities. It boasted myriad restaurants and bars, but not much else. The hostel was also one of the strangest places I've stayed at. It was super unfriendly, even the reception guy seemed to dislike me from the start, and the people gave off an exclusionary air. There was a group who had been living at the hostel for long stretches of time, some of them for almost a year, and they seemed totally uninterested in any new people passing through. At first I thought it was just me, but after speaking to a Dutch girl and a Welsh girl last night - both of who had just arrived - I found I wasn't the only one who had felt that way. It is the only hostel I've seen like that. Usually everyone at a backpacker's is open to meeting and greeting the numerous people that come and go. It's such a shame to me that people can dampen the experience of a whole city - not that I was very keen on Wellington anyhow. The hostel did have free internet, breakfast, and wine so I should give credit where credit's due.

The ferry ride over was fairly enjoyable. I have always thought boat travel to be a pleasant experience. I had a really nice day for it so I was able to stand on the sun deck and watch the ship pull away from the dock and Wellington. When I went below though I started to feel nauseous, which was strange because I'm not prone to sea sickness or any motion sickness for that matter. I actually fell asleep for about an hour and woke up feeling much better. I think I had just been tired from lack of sleep last night and waking up at 6:30 this moring to take the ferry.

I ordered fish and chips as a snack on the ferry for $5.50NZD. It's probably not a good sign when the french fries cost more than the fish, but I went for it anyway. The fish was actually really tasty in all of its greasy goodness. The fries, however, were undercooked and still partially potatoes. I had a problem with the squeeze-on ketchup packets though. One, for whatever reason I had pointed at myself, squirted all over my clothes immediately. Thankfully I was wearing my red jacket so it blended in well. The second packet I successfully squeezed on the french fries - and not on myself - but I think I got a little overzealous with my squeezing and the entire plastic packet shot back in my face. I think I should stick to ketchup bottles from now on.

I wasn't sure where I was heading when I landed on the south island, which is so unlike me. I usually have every place booked and planned way in advance. I suppose I've mellowed a bit over the past month and have become more of "go with the flow" as opposed to "rigid strategizer." At this rate, I'll be hitching by the time I reach the U.K.

I decided to make my way to Blenheim, a sleepy, little country town on the east coast. I stopped at one of the hostels I passed in town because I couldn't find the one I was actually looking for despite having three maps beside me. The first was fully booked so I headed to another one down the road called The Grapevine. I'm not totally impressed with the hostel or with Blenheim for that matter. I suppose it doesn't help that I arrived on some obscure public holiday that the whole town shuts down to celebrate. As for the hostel, I don't quite like the fact that there are no locks on any doors and everything has been infiltrated with dead bugs because the owners leave all the doors and windows open all day long. It was a bit disconcerting when I grabbed a bowl to put some salad in and ten dead flies fell from it when I tipped it over. I'm only staying the night so I suppose it'll have to do. As long as I have a warm bed to sleep in (preferably bugless) so I'm fully rested for my drive to Kaikoura tomorrow, I'm satisfied.