And it actually seems like the start of Spring. I'm wearing two layers instead of the five I had been wearing for the past few weeks, there are bulbs sprouting in the gardens, and the sky is blue. Contentedsigh.
And let me say something about hostels here. I mentioned how comfortable I was in the place I stayed in Queenstown. Well, let me add a few sweet details to the idealhostel equation. From the place I stayed in Dunedin, I will add the friendlycat and the FREE INTERNET ACCESS. And from the place here in Oamaru (which is, I must say, quite possibly the sweetest little hostel in the country) I will add the free tea and coffee and milk, the huge windows in bedroom and lounge, the fully-made-up beds, and (and this is key) FREE LAUNDRY FACILITIES. Heaven.
My time in New Zealand is running low. One week South Island, three weeks Australia, nine days North Island, home.
Home!