planes, trains, and automobiles

so it appears that 5 of us might buy a cheap car rather than renting one or busing every weekend. while it seems to make sense, i'm a bit hesitant just because buying a cheap car usually means trouble. we'll see. if it works out it could be really good though.

i've also begun planning my travel for the april break. maybe thailand? that's my first choice followed by some pacific islands and then an RVing trip around new zealand (which i definitely want to do). so all of those sound great to me. i guess it depends on what i can interest other people in (and the state of my checking account).

food here is more expensive than i thought it would be, especially chicken and turkey. those two just aren't big here so it comes to something like NZ$ 15 per pound (which is around $10-11 at home) for prepackaged meat. ugh. ketchup is also funny here -- their tomato sauce just doesn't cut it. combined with a general lack of mayo, my condiment tag team has been soundly defeated. i'll just go plain though before i resort to mustard. speaking of food, i'm pretty hungry and i'm thinking brunch - i've heard of a good place so i might just walk that way in minute

no breakfast tacos here emily. it's unfortunate. there's only one mexican food place (not surprising) but i'm scared to try it. the thai, turkish, and indian are all great though.

today i think i'm going hiking up one of the better local hills in dunedin. it should be a 5 hour affair whish isn't too bad for my first non-urban hike in a while

tomorrow is international orientation and i'm excited about that. classes are finally about to start!

oh, and the cadbury chocolate factory is here. new zealand has the eggs all year round (as well as a bunch of other good chocolate). i plan on doing the all you can eat tour soon and spending the next day in bed (maybe i won't be that sick :)

everyone take care,
keaton