Wednesday 23rd May

I've just arrived in Dunedin. It didn't take us as long as I thought to get here so I've a few hours this afternoon to explore.
Unfortunately I had to leave Queeny and Lara this morning. I've had a great time walking and relaxing in the incredible town of Queensland. Lara is very settled here and seems to be thoroughly enjoying her life, which primarily involves climbing and skiing. Work definately fits around her social life and, so she tells me, is flexible according to her. She has a beautiful house, overlooking the lake and remarkable mountain range. The roaring open fire heats the cosy house making it perfect, especially with the new arrival of a gorgeous puppy belonging to housemate Justin.
Yesterday I went for a walk, which was shorter than I had planned, completely my fault. I walked up Wye Creek and feeling energetic started to boulder hop accross the stream. Well, it wasn't long before I got wet! It was really funny but really very cold! So I turned around early and walked to the road where I called Lara and started a gentle jog towards the clinic where she works. Ah well, it was a good bit of exercise anyway and, while Lara had a nap, I explored the tourist part of QT centre. Oh have you seen the film Chocolat?!? Well I went to a cafe exactly like the film. Had a gorgeous cup of Mexican Chilli Hot Chocolate and, I promise you, it was the best hot choc I've ever tasted! Later last night we watched a DVD, well I tried to watch it, but ended up snoozing!!!
Three nights flew by and it was quite sad having to say goodbye this morning.
I'm on the Magic Bus with a completely different group of people, which is also quite sad as I'd made some really great friends over the past two weeks, we did celebrate though with pizza in Winnie's before the guys went. We've all swapped email addresses, so I really hope to keep in touch.
So I'm now in Dunedin, which is a city of Scottish heritage, on first impressions seems like any other. Although the steep hills remind me of Hong Kong! There is a chocolate factory here that a few people are touring as i speak, but as I have yet resorted to eating chocolate I am going to avoid it. So I plan to wander around the cathedral and spend an evening in relaxing tonight. Then tomorrow I'm heading to Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.