After two months of sending multiple emails to friends and family answering the same questions about where I am and what I'm doing and how I'm surviving kiwi-land, I realized it might be easier and more fun to share news this way. Plus, now everyone can see pictures!!
There is lots to share about the places I've been and things I've seen, but for today I'd like to give an update on where I am.
My current place of residence is New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. It's a quiet little coastal town on the Eastern side of the Northern island (which, FYI, is the warmer of the two islands). Population is about 50,000 (although that may be for the district, not just the town). It's an artsy city, which I like :) Musicians and artists and theater folk are easy to find. There's even a bus system which saves me on the days I don't want to bike around. I've been told that New Plymouth has the worst drivers in all of New Zealand, so maybe it's best I don't drive. Roundabouts are confusing since they drive around them backwards, and New Zealanders don't seem to have turn signals on their cars. However, I have yet to witness an accident, and have been told that liability automobile insurance, while highly recommended, is not legally required to own and operate a vehicle.
New Plymouth is in a beautiful spot. From my bedroom window I can see the ocean. From my living room window (or lounge as they say here), I can see Mt. Taranaki (which was used in filming the Last Samurai because it closely resembles Mt. Fuji, fun fact!). Since it's winter right now the mountaintop is covered in snow, so if you're on the beach it's quite a sight to look up at the mountain. Another fun-fact: Mt. Taranaki is featured on the fifty cent coin. My favorite spot in town is what they call the Foreshore, which is a 20 kilometer long biking and walking trail right along the coastline.
I've been able to find work around town and have started running into people I know when I'm out and about which is quite a nice feeling :)
Pictures are from nice days when I was out around town. Will post on some adventures soon :)
