For the past week I've been living on a diet of jelly and ice-cream, walking round with a box of tissues and persistently taking cold and flu medication to try and rid me of this horrid cold before we leave (tomorrow, 8:50am!). Finally I'm starting to feel less like a giant germ and more like a normal human again :)

Surprisingly, I have had no trouble packing into just a backpack. Admittedly a rather large backpack, but none-the-less it weighs only (about) 12kg, which compared to my 23kg suitcase the last time I went overseas is a lovely relief. Packing list:
2x jeans
1x shorts
2x dresses
7x shirts
1x jumper
1x cardigan
1x jacket
8x underwear
1x pijamas
1x bedsheet and pillowcase
1x trainers
2x sandals
1x havaianas to wear to showers
1x swimmers
Then my ghd (couldn't help myself), iPod, phone with GPS :), video camera, still camera, tripod, a book (new moon in French), and toiletries.

Sounds like a lot when it's written down like that! Anyway, tonight we're staying in Sydney because we have to be at the airport so early tomorrow, and I managed to convince J to go to the ballet at the Opera House with me! We're flying in to Christchurch and staying overnight.
Day 2: 9 hour bus ride from Christchurch to Queenstown! I'm sure you're envious of this part, but really, I've heard the scenery is great.
Day 3: day trip to Milford Sound.
Day 4: exploring Queenstown.
Day 5: stopping for the night at Lake Tekapo.
Day 6: horse riding around Lake Tekapo before taking the bus back to Christchurch.
Day 7: bus-ing it up to Hanmer Springs to visit the thermal pools and relax overnight.
Day 8: back to Christchurch.
Day 9: flying home in the afternoon.

Looking forward to posting some more interesting articles once we're actually over there! Though I'm not too sure of the internet access we'll have, may have to wait until we're home.

Enjoy the hot weather Australia!