So I have departed the south island and now find myself back in Wellington. It's been a while since I've been here but the weather is the same. Little bit cold and windy. Kaikoura was pretty nice, it was unfortunately ruined by two things. First and foremost, a large cloud settled upon the big dramatic mountains that were my main reason for visiting. So most of the time I couldn't actually see them. The second and much bigger problem came when I started on the Peninsula Walkway, a 3-4 hour scenic walk around the Kaikoura peninsula taking in great views of the coast and mountains. There was I'd say over 100 people on the track. You see I've been used to New Zealand pre tourist season. If you ever come here, do NOT come any time between late December and February I think it is. It is horrible. They ruin the country. On the track there was nearly fucking queues for viewpoints! Queues on a bloody walking track! And every time you find some nice quiet spot to sit down and relax, you turn around and theres ten people making videos and taking photos and looking agitated that you've gotten in their way. Felt like wading into them and sending them off the cliff.
On the subject of tourists.* Here's a few things that annoy me.
1. In every hostel I go to, there's always at least one person (more sometimes depending on the hostel) who feels the need to show how unbelievably cool and well traveled they are. They speak very loudly (and are usually but not always British) and these people feel the need to talk to everyone. Everyone. They begin under the pretext that they are interested in you and your travels. Ask a few perfunctory questions then gradually turn it around to all the cool places they've been. The same people are also very fond of speaking of their opinions very loudly and openly. These opinions are usually a little bit different and quirky, just to make it extra clear that they have an opinion. Now as annoying as I find these people I wouldn't complain about them, others appear to like them, if they did not insist on talking to me as well.
My usual position in a hostel lounge, is a corner somewhere, preferably darkened somewhat. With my earphones playing loud to drown out the conversation around me and reading a book/playing my ds depending on my mood. I don't think I look like I want to talk, in actual fact am consciously making an effort to make myself less approachable. Yet these wankers, are so sure of their greatness they will still sit down in front/ beside me. And ask "So where are you from?". Sod off and talk to one of these other goons who are more than happy to indulge you, I think but usually respond with very short polite answers. Ask them no questions about themselves and patiently wait for them to leave.
2. People making videos of everything. WHY!? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why make a video of a mountain or a landscape? Just take a picture, please. Now I have no problem with people making some videos. I'll admit to get the true scale of some things it is sometimes necessary but to you people who go around with the video camera glued to your hand all the time. There is a very special place in hell reserved for you.
3. On the subject of cameras. Tourists with huge professional cameras(and some even with tripods) that they have no idea how to use. You have no business with one of these cameras unless you are involved with photography professionally. All these people couldn't be professional and I've seen people with lenses over a foot long. Taking pictures of scenery. How much money did you waste on that stupid camera so you could look like a pro. You don't need it! Idiots. As I've said, I've no problem with people with these cameras who are actually involved in photography.
4. Bunk beds. Whoever invented bunk beds, may you rot in hell for all eternity.
5. Gamers in internet cafes. Why do they insist on shouting? Why do they get so excited. There are several of them right now shouting. "Kill that fucker bro!" "Shit cuz I 'm dead" "inaudible sounds of dismay"
Ah venting. That makes me feel better.
Now, so I'm in Wellington. I've applied for several jobs here and if I don't hear back from them by this evening then I move on in the morning. Westward, towards Mt Taranaki where lonely planet informs me there is a distinct lack of tourists.
