Long Term Home on the Cards

The lease is up on the house with the epic views, and as much as I’ll miss looking out over lakes and mountains over a cup of tea I won’t miss the walk up the vertical face. So a mate from work and his girlfriend and I are looking at getting a place with a lease so that we get the say in what goes down. Checked out some awesome little flats close to town, and if I get any I’m expecting visitors at some stage. At least hopefully a pair of rad snowboard dudes when next winter rolls in and sprays its white pleasure all over the world boobies which so happen to be mountains. I’ve been viewing a few wee cars as well to see if I can’t get a runabout for Queenstown. I had looked at getting a 4wd but on Queenstown wages its not looking too affordable, especially with Halloween just been and gone and my recent investment in a gym membership. The gym here isn’t particularly large but I just need somewhere to get rid of my comfort gut. Queenstown is so exceptional that I’ve become complacent and carefree in this town, I’ve not really looked after my fitness and if I continue going the way I have been of late I’ll just be a fat lard ball rolling down Remarks next winter season. Fergburger has a large part to play in this. Cockadoodle Oink is one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, and the only reason I’m not saying its ‘the’ best burger I’ve had is because there are a few others at Ferg that compare. Come over and visit if not just for a delicious slice of burgery heaven. I think I’ll keep this post short and sweet and head down to Ferg’s now because all this talk about the place has aroused my cravings. Catch ya on the flip side spatula’s and spatularettes.

Springtime

Queenstown in the spring. This place is almost as amazing during this time of year as it is in the winter. The sun stays out till 8.30 in a successful attempt to provide long, drawn out afternoons of golden mountains and liquid fire lakes. Cool breezes and warm sunlight are the perfect combination for sunglasses, a pint of beer and a seat anywhere that the sun can reach. The best part about it is the legs that suddenly reappear after a long winter of being concealed beneath several layers. The fact that I haven’t seen a white flowing summer dress in over three months makes the sight of one far better than it should be. Wearing a shirt out for walks feels so liberating as well. Not having to have three shirts and a jumper on makes you feel less crowded on yourself, and I can’t help but flash a smile now that it’s not hidden deep within a hood. I will miss the snow, I feel like I didn’t get to do enough boarding and that I haven’t really progressed, but seeing how amazing Queenstown is in the Spring makes me want to stay for summer, so I am planning to save up as much money as I can and quit work right before next season starts so that I can get a good amount of boarding done. After that who knows. Hopefully I can go somewhere that I can get a work visa because a season of snowboarding can cut into the wages a fair chunk.

The World Cup is one for cutting into wages as well. With a game on every weekend and every man and his dog heckling you to “just come out for a few and watch the game” it has turned out to be quite expensive. A few can turn into many, depending on whether the team you support wins or loses. If they win, you go out and celebrate and have a good night chanting and singing in euphoria. If they lose, you go out and look for answers to your sorrows in the bottom of a pint of beer. Either way you’re out spending money. Although I can’t complain about this, I really enjoy the Queenstown nightlife and the fantastic people you meet travelling here. All the stories of past glories are an essential ingredient to a night out, and noticing the small quirky differences between different cultures is also amazing. As far as multicultural goes, Townsville has nothing on Queenstown because everyone seems to travel here and really enjoy themselves.

My new house is exceptional. Although my room is as cold as ice I’m not really fazed because spring is rolling in and summer won’t be far off. If I’m still here next winter I dare say i’ll invest in a small heater because I rarely get the sun through my window. What I do get is a room to myself which is amazing after sharing a room for the last three months and the views I have are epic as well. The walk up the hill is worth it once you sit down to have dinner and watch the sun sink behind mountains that rise straight from the lakes.

I’m missing everyone back home still, and without trying to rub it in or sound big headed I feel a little guilty. It’s hardly fair that I get have so much fun while everyone is stuck in Townsville. All I hope is that everyone back home is really enjoying themselves and not taking things to seriously. Travel, it’s the only way to live while you’re young and to quote a good mate of mine Peter Pan, I never want to grow up.