Martinborough and Misc.

I really just wanted to be mellow this past weekend, but I figured I didn't know how long I was going to be in NZ, so I just needed to suck it up and rally! I decided on Friday to take the train to Martinborough (Wairarapa region) to visit some more wineries. The train ride was short (approximately an hour), and it was another scenic ride.

Initially, I was the only person on the tour, and then after an amazing lunch (poached egg on a caesar salad and antipasto), we picked up two more people (a young couple from Wellington). I went to Te Kairanga, Schubert, Muirlea Rise, and Murdoch James Estate. Muirlea Rise was my favorite, purely based on the funny guy (Shawn) the owner of the boutique winery.

On Sunday, I had to move to a new apartment since Chews Lane (loved it) was booked for the next few weeks. This is an example of how ridiculously nice people are here. The realtor came to Chews Lane to get the keys as well as helped me move my stuff as well as my co-worker's stuff (he had to go to Sydney for the weekend for his personal apartment move) to the new place (Wakefield). And then, not only did he help me move, he also took me to a tourist spot (Mount Victoria lookout) to see a 360 degree view of Wellington...ridiculous, right?

I'm trying to make the most of my short time here, as well as, it's better being busy to not let my mental hamster over think things with Jens. Yep..he's gone. I was able to hang out with him the Mon., Tues., and Thurs., before he left on Fri. the 29. He had one day in Sydney to unpack from NZ and then pack for a 3 week trip to Thailand (sun, surf, shrines). He'll be back in Sydney on July 21, we'll see if we reconnect.

Right now, plans are for me to head to Sydney on either July 13 or July 15 for work, and then possibly splitting my time between Melbourne and Sydney. I would love to spend time in both places, and heard to get the most out of both places, stay away from the city in Sydney (not much going on there vs. the beach areas), and in Melbourne, the city was the best place to be (European feel, with great restaurants). My work contract ends Aug. 24, but I'm planning on spending an extra week for pure vacation time.

I just bought a ticket to Queenstown for this weekend, it wasn't super cheap due to my last minute decision, but I figure I may never be back here, so it'll be worth the splurge. I'll be flying there Friday morning and then return Sunday around noon to move to a new apartment (the current one was only available this week). I'm going to check on a day tour to Milford Sound (the Realtor recommended it, and the pics look amazing), and then I'll do at least one adrenaline-rush activity. Really not much time to do anything else (Milford Sound is 8am-8pm).

I checked the weather in Queenstown..it's in the low 40's...brrrrr....I'm sure those of you sweating right now wish they had a chilly day :)