Picton to Christchurch
Another day, another train ride:) Took the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch this afternoon, about a 5 1/2 hour ride. First of all, I wish I would have spent another day or so in Picton. It was such a nice little town. This morning I had to be out of the hostel by 10AM so I went down to the Marina/Park, which was about a two minute walk from the hostel. Seemed like everything was a 2 minute walk:) I sat there for a good two hours. There were people boating, on jetskis, and just hanging out.
Here was the view:
![IMG_1449[1]](http://static.flickr.com/24/55501024_935e17b5db.jpg)
My little friends:
![IMG_1450[1]](http://static.flickr.com/30/55504580_6fd6af344f.jpg)
There was also some sort of picture taking going on for descendants of someone and they dedicated a bench. Small town life..haha. I ended up getting sunburnt though and it was still chilly outside. The sun is brighter here and there is no pollution to block any of the rays. I went and bought lunch at a “takeaway” and had THE best fried chicken I ever had. God it was good! The funny thing about these little towns is that I knew the hostel I was in was 2 spaces away from the train station. I had to walk through a Subway (yes the restaurant) and out back was the platform for the train. It’s too funny how close everything is.
Anyway, the train ride was fine. Lots of scenery to look out. I have never seen so many animals of any type in one place. I am talking about the sheep. There are tons of them. I won’t go in to any of the sheep jokes;) You can figure that out.
Proof:
![IMG_1414[1]](http://static.flickr.com/25/55504582_57d8a02c18.jpg)
There were also a lot of deer farms, which they raise primarily for the meat, horses, and cows. There was even a brief view of a snowcapped mountain – part of the Kaikoura montain ranges; the area is popular for whale watching and there is also a seal colony. The train travelled through 22 tunnels and crossed 175 bridges, one of them was NZ’s only road-rail bridge. All in all, a nice, peaceful ride.
I arrived at Base Backpackers in Christchurch and it was hopping. Unfortunately, I was the last girl in a 6 bed room and am stuck with a top bunk. This should be fun. There is a bar at the hostel-Saints & Sinners. I am guessing this is because we are right across the street from the Cathedral. It’s a great gothic building. So, that’s where it’s at for now kids.
Tags: 1
kris
October 23rd, 2005 at 12:27 pm
I still think you’re nuts! Too much travel & NOT enough education! You aren’t getting any younger Kristnewski ! Forget the nonsense……and GET ON WITH THE EDUCATION. All of those classes and you learned nothing?
October 23rd, 2005 at 6:46 pm
I give you alot of credit. I don’t like to eat in a mall by myself. Sounds like you are seeing alot of nice places. Continue to enjoy yourself, but be careful.
October 23rd, 2005 at 10:38 pm
Dr. Shivago:
For your information, I am taking two classes towards my MBA in January!! I am a woman of the ’00’s…I do it all! Plus, I think travel is a great education:)
October 23rd, 2005 at 10:39 pm
Maureen:
It gets easier the more you do it!!
October 26th, 2005 at 8:38 pm
Hey World Traveler:
Love your pics of Picton. It does look like a lovely place to stop and visit. You’re really seeing lots of interesting places and the hostels sound nice. Hope you had fun at the Toot & Whistle with all the blokes (what do they call the gals?)
Still missing you at work. We had our bene meetings–same old, same old. Cute guy, Brian, doing the “counseling” (maybe a bit too young!) I’m stlll looking out for you 😉
Not much more news except Dave M went home (!) sick yesterday with a very bad cold.
Hope the next leg of your journey is as exciting and new as the first.
Keep in touch and take care,
Barbara