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Kaikoura . . . meaning: Food (Kai), Crayfish (Koura)
Written on: Monday January 28th, 2008
A journal entry from: Round the World in 172 days . . .
Ok, couldn't think of anything quirky for the blog name, so a little fact for you instead!
The drive to Kaikoura was fantastic and our bus was a double decker so we were lucky to get the front seats. We were spoilt with views of mountains and the ocean all the way and then as we got into Kaikoura itself there were hundreds of seals to see on the rocks beside us. As we got into the town, the sights just got better and we're so glad that we stopped here. It is best known for the Whale watching, however we decided against this as I wasn't keen on the two and a half hour boat trip and James wasn't really up for the half an hour flight in a light plane to spot them! We have spent alot of our time here walking and today took a five hour walk from our hostel to Kaikoura point and back, which was fascinating and I got some great photo opportunities. On the way back we also played some crazy golf . . . although I'd better not say who won! ;-)
The hostel we're in is fantastic - probably the best yet! A lovely en-suite room with a flat screen tv. The lounge and kitchen is also amazing, red units and sofas and a 42" plasma. Plus there is a spa, sauna and swimming pool for our use, as well as an on site Thai restaurant! Hey guess what? Only 30 pounds a night!
We cooked steak and salad last night as a treat, although I can't seem to master a medium rare bit of serloin and it was probably blue in the middle! Oh well we survived and it tasted alright, albeit a little cold ;-) Tonight we're going out for dinner after chilling in the spa for a bit and then tomorrow we're off to Christchurch for a night before we pick up a campervan we're hiring for 10 days - can't wait!!
Bare with us re: updates over the next few weeks, as not as easy with a camper . . . .
From Gill Mum on Jan 29th, 2008
Well you have covered a great area and what beautiful views are theyas lovely as Aussie ?Well fancy Kaori meaning NO IWe actually new it was fragrant that was the noe we originally chose because it was Karls first word so maybe we should have called him Kaori ..Anyway you too keep safe and hope to hear from you very soon love you both xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From YAZ! on Jan 29th, 2008
FINE YO TALK TO KARL ON FACEBOOK BUT NOT ME !! ANYWAY IF UR THAT INTERESTED I CANT WAIT TO GO SKIING WHICH IF YOU CAN REMEMBER IS IN 11DAYS !!!!! but i guess you dont want to speak to me so BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Yaz the coolest sister on Jan 29th, 2008
Anyway the kitchen looks a little like yours looks good so far!
From Nanna on Jan 29th, 2008
this sounds a lovely place, nothing like it in this country, plus a great apartment, can't be bad. Ref steaks take average 5 mins each side for med, but MUST make sure pan really hot first, not that I'm an expert, but have had a few lately. LOVE XXXX
From Toad on Jan 30th, 2008
Hi you two.I thought if i take the first two letters of my name and the last two letters of Dad and add them together,it would save keep putting both !.Just unfortunate how it turns out eh !.Lovely talking to you the other day Kaori.Great to hear your voice.I didnt realise that Kaori is also of Japanese origin.Well done for finding out the true meaning of your name.Lets stick with the japanese version shall we.Allthough when i set eyes on the model that inspired me to name you with the same name,i was thinking yes not no !.The running travelogue and photos are great.If you dont get a chance to update again before you pick up the camper van.Have great fun and look forward to the next communications.Lots of love.Toad xxx
From Sal on Jan 30th, 2008
Sounds like you are having a fantastic time, thinking of you both. Not jealous at all, i love changing dirty nappies, ha ha !!!!! Love to you both, enjoy every second xxx
From Yvonne on Jan 31st, 2008
Darn it, I must've missed a page...unless Gill ,Mum, IS talking nonsense?! ove to you both, have fun! love to everyone else too! XXXXX
From Jacqui and Linda on Feb 1st, 2008
Photos are looking good Kaori, nice bit of foreground interest and some good lead in lines! Keep at it and get some more of you in them! That's the problem when you're the one taking the pics. Hostel sounds fantastic, what a bargain too. It will be brilliant when you get the camper van, proper Kiwi lifestyle. I'm liking the factual title. Love to you both and hello everyone else. xxx
From Woody on Feb 3rd, 2008
Hi mummy and daddy i have been doing loads i have even been giving karl a hand on the computer typing up his coarsework and now i am a pro on there the photos look fab!! i really wish i could do a sky dive becuse that is my main ambition in life but hi a dogs life is not as good as it seems!!! Guess what i did the other night i had a massive dogs party which all my friends came to it was great but i think i drank to much ribena i now have a major headache! hope your both well lots of love your favourite dog !!!!!!!!!
From nina and ben on Feb 3rd, 2008
hello you two, sounds like your having a brilliant time. i have just caught up. oh my god kaori your sky dive looked so cool!! liked the bare feet, the hippy sky diver! james the zorbing looked so much fun to. hope you to are having fun in your camper van. have really enjoyed catching up on your blogs, cant wait to read more! look after each other, missing you love nina and ben xxxxx
From Sue (next door) on Feb 6th, 2008
Just catching up on your last few days and it sounds too good to be true! The camper van is definately Ian's idea of paradise and look forward to hearing how you got on. Maybe the TT may get swapped in on your return - that could be interesting! Have fun!