catching up

We were told to keep a journal and write a little everyday, just for our memories. Julie took the cute book Sheryl gave us which is fine because my hands cramp up too much when I write. I debated about the best method in place of paper and this wins. Even if we dont' have internet for a bit I may post to a word document, it's possible this may be moved offline too eventually. We'll see.
For now it's my new Zealand journal/ lessons/ thoughts.
Day 1:
Tired, long plane ride, little sleep. Auckland looks cool. Follow NZair weight restrictions for carry ons. Only stubborn Americans carry 12kg bags. 7Kg is plenty. We were lucky in LA that the NZair agent helped us only have one checked(skis/board), however I think we may have been better spendign the 80 to check one more. Live and learn. People are so Nice here. Met Deborah, Canadian gal, skis a little. She dates a Kiwi. Invited us to couch surf at her place in Rotorua, should definately use that. Cold air feels awesome, shuttle to domestic gate a little hard to find. The left side the road is weird because even one ways go the opposite direction for curbside pick-ups(passenger door to curb still). Got coffee as domestic gate, EFTpos is a little tricky, but I think I get it. Cool alll in one system. News in domestic terminal, BNZ record settlement(what's BNZ?). Flight down, got to see the body paint safety video, amusing, I like the kiwis' humor. 'Museli' on flight, apparently no more use of 'Granola'. Flight pretty, but a little hard to see much. Should have picked western side of plane. Still got some awesome views of Southern Alps. Christchurch even colder than Auckland, good! Got all luggage so far, that's amazing. Called Brent/ Brett on payphose toll free, cool. 0800 is toll free, easy to remember. They even walk on left side here getting out of airport. Passenger side felt funny at first, no wheel, no pedals even weirder. Brent/Brett is awesome. Offers to help with car purchase, amused by my house husband. Included chains. AA rentals is small but super friendly/helpful. Mazda(first a like saying ahhh to doctor) Capella, AWD wagon small class. Another White wagon, funny. Arrived at our place, cute, we expected otherside of road based on google images. Because of car's directions? or Sun? Cute place, cold as a fridge. Walked around a little. Lunch at Oasis, apparently we pay at register, common?

Saturday: not quite on NZ time. Got Groceries at PakNsave first thing, mostly the same. Still have some mexican, but not as much. Tried to e-mail bank, waited till 12:30 and noticed they may call back any day for the time range you give them. F-it. Lets go somewhere. Looked for best places within 2 hours, tried Akaroa. Driving getting easier, glad I studied map. Beautiful drive, even got used to passing. They do drive aggresive. Little River is awesome, got coffee. I let Julie talk me into some cool art prints. I've got to remember that this stuff/trip is once in a lifetime. They are beautiful. Drive from little river got fun fast, really go used to car/roads. View into Akaroa is amazing. Sunken crater of volcano has made a gorge/small fjord. Akaroa is cool, very pretty. We just wandered for 20-30, probably should have gone in, but we weren't feeling brave. Took back way back, through Sumner? Littleton? Narrow roads, fun windyness coming down volcano hill(Name?). Got a scale of Christchurch, its huge! Way bigger than I thought. got a little lost on the way home, but we found Moorehouse(pak nsave street).
Sunday let's ski! Late start, oh well. I mainly want to get our passes, and feel for mountain.
Drive felt long, but it's amazing. I imagine Salt Lake and East of Rockies is similar. Flat, flat, bam, mountains. Very folded. Accidently picked up Irish Hitchhikers, Should see our blog for details of day. Highlights, views, crazy road, Keas, bungee, great mtn countors.
Monday: Chores again, bank and phone formost. Waited most the day for Kim to drop by letter. Went to what looked to be closest kiwibank, they couldn't help gave shitty directions to one that could. 1-2 hours later we were whooped and home. Went back out(in too big of a hurry). Julie got nervous about our low gas and declined cards. She called her REI card to set them straight. 20$nz later, they had in the notes that she was travelling, but forgot to turn off travel flags(idiots). They'll be reimbursing us. She then went into a ASB bank and got some NZ cash(we made it this long with only plastic. More fees... Oh well, we both feel better having some way to fill the tank and buy food. Goto Vodafone, get quite the sales lady but managed to get out with what we want, prepaid sim and 20$ credit(bought with the once again working Cap1 card). Kiwibank, grab IRD(NZ Tax) form for Julie, work with lady to open account. Takes almost 1 hours, have to set-up everything there. So we have a cell and 0$ NZ checking account. Walk home(I've got the city pretty memorized). Lamb & mint sausuge suck! Baked beans(from home) and someone elses left over fish & chips it is! Used Skype with Sheryl&Herb in morning, with grandma mid day and Ryan late at night.