Chillin' with the Kiwis

This is probably the last blog for New Zealand because tomorrow night we are on our way to Sydney! It has been a wonderful time time here, but I can not wait for Australia!!!  Apparently their accents are going to be very different.  As an American, I am sure I won't know the difference but the people of New Zealand (aka Kiwi(s)) say they are nothing like the Australians (aka Aussies). The two countries have this sort of rivalry where they make fun of one another all the time.  I am already catching myself say certain words their way, so I wonder what I will sound like three months from now :)


Here are additional phrases we are picking up:
~Heaps....... which means lots (I have heaps of friends)

~Hair raising........ anytime you're nervous/scared (It's hair raising anytime I drive in L.A. traffic; aka goosebumps) 

~Bush bashing........like we are hiking off the path.

~Arvo..... is used for 'afternoon' it's not a place but a time.

~Chur......okay, cool

~Flat warming....... a house warming party focusing more for the younger crowd

~Motorway.... Freeway

~Biscuits.... cookies 

~Dicey or dodgy.... 'sketchy'


Here are more pictures :) The top few are more from the zip-line tour yesterday and the bottom half are from today's adventure.  Allie's friend, Mary, lives here in New Zealand.  She was so very kind and drove us outside the city.  We were able to hike One Tree Hill and see acres of rolling green hills.  Following the hike, we drove to see their beautiful black sandy beach. 

Day 5: