Crossing Over

So yesterday (Thursday, since it's Friday here already), we woke up in Nelson and stopped in at a few quick shops before heading out of town. One thing I did not realize about New Zealand is how prone it is to earthquakes. Of course people are still talking about the one which hit Christchurch in February 2011, but there have been many others as well. I found this display of "Quake Hold!" products quite interesting. It's a way to keep your artwork from falling off of shelves during a quake. Supposedly it works quite well.

We also stopped in at the jewelers who designed The One Ring To Rule Them All. It was pretty cool to see the different rings just sitting out on display.

If you click and enlarge on the above picture you will see the ring labeled according to "Cate," "Viggo," and "Sir Ian" to name a few.

I've also decided to document interesting signs I see, which you likely wouldn't find in North America. I found this one about Rugby boots in Havelock, on the way to Picton to catch the ferry, quite funny!

In other news, I DROVE!!! On the highway! Yes, not only did I get the honour of driving our car (a Toyota Rav 4) from Nelson to Picton, but I also had the dubious honour of piloting us through some of the worst hairpin curves we've encountered thus far on our journey. Various phrases which escaped my mouth during the drive were, "This is thirteenth level of hell," "This is like the super-hard version of the driving exam," and "This is like the worst amusement park ride ever!" Even Dave, who never gets carsick was feeling a little nauseous by the end. I was so grateful for the Ginger Beer (like ginger ale) pictured above, when we finally stopped for lunch.

But New Zealand wasn't finished tossing us around just yet. We then caught our Interislander ferry from the South to the North Island and Cook Strait wasn't feeling particularly friendly. According to the Wikipedia article I linked to, the strait has some of the most unpredictable waters in the world. Um, yay? The waves were considered moderate, which meant only 2-3 metres (6-9 ft) high. By the end, I could feel every one. I have to say, I don't tend to get car sick or sea sick but New Zealand is really testing that theory :)

I thought it was hilarious that these cows were crossing the strait in these semi trailers. They must have been so confused. I wonder if cows get sea sick... By the way, these pictures were all taken when we still dared to venture outside. Once the ferry left Queen Charlotte Sound, I didn't leave my seat much.

By the time we reached Wellington, we were more than happy to exit the ferry and make our way to the place where we are staying. Our hosts, the parents of friends of Donny and Marika, took us out to a Thai place for supper and then we found our beds and slept, still trying to regain our land legs :)

*To read about Day 8, go here.