Tue, 30th August 2006: Franz Josef, New Zealand

I woke up and the first thing I did was to change my YHA hostel. I packed my stuff quickly as it was about to 10am – the check out time. I went straight ahead to the hostel infront, which was offering free internet with the same price. After checking in, I had a laid back day, did my breakfast, used internet for about 2 hrs, wrote my journal, while I waited for the weather to get better but it just got worse – never mind. I got up at lunchtime and went for a walk – a long walk. On my way, I went to the Helicopter service center and enquired about the Heli Services if they are operating nowadays and what are the deals. Then I went to a 10 KM walk for the FIRST time in my life. The walk was from Franz Josef to the Glacier. I enjoyed the walk, made photos and finally came back to the hostel and went online. Before going online, I saw the Internet bus (because the internet shop was in a bus) shopkeeper girl, playing cricket outside with two little guys. I played a bit with them. It was fun. It was a basically an easy day. I came back to the hostel and met a Canadian guy Matthias in the computer room. We talked about traveling and I told him about Couchsurfing and other website that I use. We soon became friends and had a long conversation about traveling. Then he went to bed after deciding that in the morning we’ll go hiking the same walk trail which I did today alone. He has got a ‘beetle’ which is like a small caravan. Unfortunately, he’s going up north and I wish I was going the same way then I would have not only saved money but also enjoyed his company…