Day 42- the answer to all of life

Alright, so maybe I lied about that title there. But seriously, it drew you in, right? Anyway, as you can see, I have internet access. Why is that? Well, pull up a chair and get a cup of coffee. I have a story to tell.
So, today we drove up to Auckland to get our flight to Christchurch, for our trip to the south island. Our ride was a New Zealander named Simon, who claims to wayward foreigners that he is half hobbit, and he has the car to prove it. Imagine a jalopy- wait, no, a smart car- no, even better yet: a clown car. That is how it seemed, at least. We stuffed in, and drove up to Auckland, listening to (what else) several CD's of elevator music that Simon had in his car. After we got at the airport, we checked in (easy process, everyone was quite nice) and had a short 90 minute flight to Christchurch. Seeing the mountains from the air was breathtaking- the peaks are so forboding, but at the same time challenging and welcoming. It is almost as if they are saying: "I have been here for eons, waiting for you. Climb me!"

This is a breathtaking feeling indeed. Upon landing, we got a rental car we had booked prior and drove to downtown Christchurch for a place to stay. We ended up at the university of Canterbury, which is a very nice place- large trees and really modern looking buildings everywhere. It is very appealing to the eye. Now, here is where the story gets strange.

We meet a guy in a black t-shirt and jeans. I didn't know where we were staying (I hadn't arranged, it, one of the 3 people I was with did, Kristen). We say hi to this guy, who is set up to meet us here; he introduces himself as Josh. I had obviously never met him before; neither had Kristen. Josh is a friend of one of Kristen's friends- someone we had never known. He decided to let us have full use of his flat for the next two weeks, as we pleased. We get up the the flat; it is post modern and boasts floor to ceiling glass walls, and this is on campus accomodation, mind you. It is clean and beautiful looking. We get in, and Josh shows us around. He offers us his room, his bed, with extra bedding and pillows for everyone- he even leaves us a bar of chocolate. He offers us the food in his fridge, the use of the shower, dryer, and everything. I honestly began to wonder if the guy really lived here, or was just letting us use someone else's place. We had known him literally a half hour, and he gives us the keys. He gave us everything.

Once we got over the shock of the utter unbelievability of the hospitality of this person, we got to exchanging pleasantries. We each say where we are from, and I tell him I am from North Carolina. He brightens up, and tells me he goes to school in N.C. I ask where, and where does he list, but Wake Forest University.

Here I am, thousands of miles away from home in the South Pacific, literally on the other side of the world- and I meet a guy who goes to school in my hometown! I really can't get over this fact. I start throwing out names, and it turns out he knows several people I know, including Professor Whaples, head of the Econ department (and father of Nina Whaples)! I literally am writing on the computer of a Wake Forest Student, telling you all back home (some of you at WFU) about my stay in New Zealand. Fate is not without a sense of irony.

So, Christchurch basically rocks. The city reminds me of Wilmington, Charelston, and about 3 cities here in New Zealand all mixed to one. The beach itself was phenomenal (as usual) and full of really interesting and unique rock formations. I had a blast.
Tomorrow we are driving through the heart of the south island to Fox Glacier. If I have the option I will update when I can.