I have met so many people from different countries at the hostel where I'm staying. Granted, most of them are from England, but there are a few from other countries; Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Norway and Australia. Most are just traveling through rather than staying for a year, so it is sad to see them go. I'm learning a lot from them all and we tease each other in our sayings and pronunciations. I'm still pretty slow at understanding the accents, but I'm getting better and am actually noticing a slight change in my own sayings and accent.
Today, seven of us went for a hike up to Queenstown Hill. It was only a few hours hike, but it was quite steep and icy in some spots. Nevertheless, it gave a 360 degree view of the surrounding areas including the snowcapped Remarkables (mountain range), Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. 
It's starting to get really cold here, but no snow yet. The ski resorts have already postponed opening day 3 times! It's been a really dry year, although it doesn't seem like it to me. The lack of rain the past few months have caused NZ to be in a bit of a power crisis (a lot, if not most of their electricity comes from hydropower). The past week and a half has mostly been spent looking for a job and a place to live. I get the same answer for jobs....basically not hiring until the ski season kicks in. However, I stumbled upon a birdpark that focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, among other things. They said they didn't have any jobs at the moment, but may have a position opening if they are approved for a kiwi (endangered endemic bird species and national icon) breeding program. They said Icould volunteer for now and if they get approved, I would get the job. So I have spent the past few days shadowing the keepers and helping out with feeding rounds. Unfortunately, accommodation and the uncertainty of the job (or any job for that matter!) is forcing me to move on. I will be moving up to Christchurch (largest south island city) where I know I will be able to find a job and a flat. The good news is I now have New Zealand references and one of the keepers is hooking me up with names, numbers, and email addresses of people he knows at aquariums, zoos/wildlife parks, and within the department of conservation (DOC-equivalent to our Fish and Wildlife and Forest Services). I don't think I'll get a job right away with any of these places, but at least I'll be able to volunteer and get my foot in the door!
It's starting to get really cold here, but no snow yet. The ski resorts have already postponed opening day 3 times! It's been a really dry year, although it doesn't seem like it to me. The lack of rain the past few months have caused NZ to be in a bit of a power crisis (a lot, if not most of their electricity comes from hydropower). The past week and a half has mostly been spent looking for a job and a place to live. I get the same answer for jobs....basically not hiring until the ski season kicks in. However, I stumbled upon a birdpark that focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, among other things. They said they didn't have any jobs at the moment, but may have a position opening if they are approved for a kiwi (endangered endemic bird species and national icon) breeding program. They said Icould volunteer for now and if they get approved, I would get the job. So I have spent the past few days shadowing the keepers and helping out with feeding rounds. Unfortunately, accommodation and the uncertainty of the job (or any job for that matter!) is forcing me to move on. I will be moving up to Christchurch (largest south island city) where I know I will be able to find a job and a flat. The good news is I now have New Zealand references and one of the keepers is hooking me up with names, numbers, and email addresses of people he knows at aquariums, zoos/wildlife parks, and within the department of conservation (DOC-equivalent to our Fish and Wildlife and Forest Services). I don't think I'll get a job right away with any of these places, but at least I'll be able to volunteer and get my foot in the door!Nothing much else has happened the past week. I was able to get out of town two days ago to rock climb at an indoor gym with a few guys from my hostel. It was tiny compared to the Rocknasium, but the price was right! Our ride didn't stay with us, so we hitchhiked home. Fortunately for us, hitchhiking is a very common and SAFE thing to do here! :o) Don't worry, I would never consider it in the US.
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