It's been less than a week since Sawyer and I left the Rotten Apple but it feels like it's been a month. We have both already admitted to missing it a little. The community feel, the people, the conversations.... not the actual hostel. It is crazy how quickly we went from that hostel to where I'm sitting now: in the most beautiful, contemporary, clean apartment I've ever seen, on a wharf in the exact middle of Wellington's main harbour, with a perfect view of Mount Victoria and all of the city's coolest, futuristic, environmental hillside homes.
We left Hastings rather abruptly and mostly because of the many days of rain in the forecast, which would mean no work for at least a week. We were proud of making off quite well in terms of monetary gain, having escaped the deadly work cycle of making money then being off a job for awhile, spending it all, then having to stay longer to make that back/any more gains.
We took a bus three quarters of the way to Wellington, staying two nights at a couple's house who I'd met at church in Hastings and who'd offered to host us if we needed it. This connection could not have been better; after arriving at a beautiful house in the rolling New Zealand hills/forest, we went to a barbecue-type get together with all the neighbors on their road, having make-your-own wood fired pizza, salads, and sweets for dessert. We went to church with them in the morning then received a tour from their daughter and husband of the practically half a mountain that they owned. They showed us the site for their future sleep-out eco-building project and taught us about local native flora and fauna such as a one thousand year old Rata tree. It felt like a weekend away at our grandparents' house or something, with good conversation (Lynne and Allen have traveled extensively in the United States), good food (venison!), and lovely accommodation.
Next has been a stay with the Owens family, a connection Sawyer had through her stepdad and his recent film. We knew they had a house about half an hour outside of Wellington but we didn't know they'd take us to their center of the city apartment, so that we could come and go whenever we please and have access to a gym, theater, bikes, and kayaks. The family has been incredibly kind; last night we had dinner with them at their house in the country and spent the night in their five star villa that they used to rent out to people seeking a quiet getaway with a spectacular view.
After this week of pampering (during which we've explored lots of what the city has to offer: Te Papa, kayaking, biking, Mt Victoria, Weta Film Studios), we'll be ready to get back into some WWOOFing again on the South Island.. where and with whom, yet to be determined.....
(be sure to check the gallery for lots of new photos!!)
