So now that's out of the way, let's get on with what I've been up to.... Well, I'm still in Christchurch, still working a few evenings here and there, and still WOOFing at the hostel I'm at (for those of you not in the know that means I'm cleaning a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation). This has the advantage that costs are low, and therefore can just about be covered by the few nights a week waitressing, as well as providing a constant stream of travellers tales. Many of these are very similar, involving frequently backpacked regions of South East Asia (although every time they're told they're told by someone who was definitely "off the beaten track") or the Australian "Outback". This may sound monotonous (and indeed it can be as every person in convinced that they are the first person in existence to have this particular experience), but every-so-often you come across someone who has taken a different route, had a truly interesting (or horrifying!) experience, or is just a damn good storyteller, making the whole exercise seem worthwhile.
Aside from this I have been exploring Christchurch further: taking the gondola up to see the views over Christchurch and Lyttleton Harbour (pictured), wondering at the ducks in the botanic gardens (how DO they keep their heads on their backs whilst they sleep?) and visiting the art gallery, where I made a snowflake bauble and attended a lecture on the same day. Only today I explored one of the out-of-town malls. I suspect my wallet would have been happier if I hadn't...
