Back in Kaikoura

Hello!
Our hosts in Picton were UK expats from Dorset. We also met young (thirty-ish) expats from Texas while staying in Picton. We had some pretty intense discussions regarding the state of the UK and the States. They all wanted to escape the increased crime and living conditions in both the UK and the States. It is interesting to hear varying perspectives--not much of it favorable to the UK/US. There is the exception though: a number of Kiwis have an image of the US that they have seen in films--LA and NYC are glorified on the big screen and many foreigners think that it is just like that!
After another fine Indian meal--we spent our last night in the north and headed down the coast the following morning. We got the last room in Kaikoura! There is a 4 day holiday here that begins Jan 1st and everybody travels--especially to the warmer coastline. On the way, we stopped at a crayfish stand and had lobster and mussels that had just been pulled up out of the ocean. We tried yesterday and today to get on board a whale watching boat--but everything is booked solid. So, we will take the 6:45 AM boat on Tuesday morning before heading further south to Gore Bay to finish out the trip. While waiting for information we watched a couple of dolphins playing in the surf. I am trying to talk myself into a couple of hikes--one toward Mt Fyffe. I have to admit to feeling a little lazy in this warm weather. So, I've lingered over the paper (all of 3 minutes here) and breakfast and snack and tea . . . and well, I'm about ready to hang the boots up. Hope you are all fine and healthy. Much love, L