cable cars, crepes, and fidel castro

As you can tell from the title of this entry, there is quite the range to talk about! It has been a wonderful day here in Wellington and I am excited to share. It started off wonderfully - I was walking back from campus getting my internet fixed (hooray, I am no longer borrowing for Karalyn!), when I saw a beautiful rainbow. I honestly cannot remember the last time I have seen one, but it was a sweet reminder to just slowww down and take in everything around you. It has been really neat how I have found comfort and provision in the complete beauty of nature here. It is such a tangible reminder for me that my Maker is taking care of me, and in His vastness and love, He has chosen to display His greatness in His creation. It really does speak of His glory, and I am comforted that the Lord who created all of this cares for even my smallest need.

Karalyn, Kevin, and I rode the Wellington Cable Car (awesommeee) down to Lambton Quay (pronounced 'key', f.y.i) for some shopping and exploring. We didn't end up buying anything but food. Good food. And in MY book, that is totally okay! It turned out being like a progressive eating day. I'm a big fan. We had lunch at this place called 'Wholly Bagels!', and I had a sundried tomato and basil bagel with mozerella chesse, mushrooms, and pesto on the inside. Um delicious. Next stop, a crepe 'stand' that was built into the wall, but was barely big enough for 1 person to be inside - enter the French man who makes the crepes. There were so many to choose from - both sweet and 'meaty', breakfast, and dessert. I ended up getting one with bananas and honey. Again, delicious! Next, we walked to Fidel's Coffee Shop where we were met with an eclectic cafe that had more Fidel Castro memorabilia than I have ever seen. On the tables, on the walls, on the menus...you get the idea. I'd like to know more about the reasoning, but it was just cool. Not to mention, the drinks were amazing. I am totally turned on to cappuccinos right now, and this place ended up being high on my list of favorites. Good thing it's only like a 5 minute walk from my dorm down the steepest hill in Wellington. Bad part is, you have to go back up it. I only like that if I have running gear on and I want a workout. Walking up it just delays the lactic acid torture duration.

Anywhooo, we got back and I went on my daily run. I went further up the hill and explored some botanical gardens that were hiding from the chilly weather, but it was pretty nonetheless. Lots of hills and stairs scattered throughout the trails - all runners dreams (especially if you are from the flattest place on the planet..) I realized that the sun was beginning to set and dinner was about to be served (dinner rundown coming in the next paragraph..waaaiiit for it.....), so I began to head back, when I was frozen at the beautiful sunset above the harbor. I took some pictures, but they just don't do it justice. (I suggest everyone coming to visit to get the full picture). Uhh so beautiful!

The food was actually great tonight! Can you believe it? The dish was baked chicken and rice. I also ate a salad and a Luna Bar when I got back to my room (my stash is disappearingg!! Thank goodness back up is on the way!). I am totally turning into a Kiwi - I feel like I might start sprouting trichome fuzz at any moment (oh wait, that would be my leg hair). Speaking of kiwis, I learned how to eat one today with just a spoon - aha!! 'Spoon' it in half and then just scoop it out! How easy is that?!

Well, it is that time again. 9pm and I am getting very heavy-eyed. I miss you all so much. Oh, and I put up some pictures on facebook! Use this link if you don't have facebook...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2773698&id=8366411&l=0c7692f478

It should work, but if not, either get a facebook account or let me know. I will put them on flickr when I get a chance, but I explained some of the pics via facebook, so it will prevent me from having to explain them twice. Anything for you all though! XOXO