Grotty: the beginning

We purchased the most janky van we could possibly find yesterday at the backpacker's car market. We figured for $150NZ, it would probably make it to Christchurch. Probably. It's a 24 year old Toyota van, the type where you sit on the engine. The outside is distinctively gold, and the interior is done in astro-turf. No, I'm not kidding. It also came with a camping stove, pup tent, two boogie boards, a mattress with rocketships and puppies on it, and t-light candles in the roof storage area. I'm refusing to use the mattress until it has been disinfected... with fire. We also purchased cell phones yesterday. Our phones cost more than our car. The car insurance actually cost more than the car. However, all things considered, we probably couldn't have gotten a better deal on a gas stove, a pup tent, and two boogie boards. Tip for future travellers, the backpackers' car market only takes cash. But they are very nice and helpful people.





So after a terrifying drive back to the hostel on the left side of the road, we packed up and prepared to get going tomorrow-- by going to sleep. We actually went out the night before last to an awesome pub called "The Dog's Bollix", which is apparently Brit-speak for "choice," which is Kiwi-speak for "awesome." When we walked in the cover band started playing "Hey Ya." It was absurd, but they were pretty good, so we forgave them. We also got to watch a rugby match on TV. Bulldogs vs Broncos. So hardcore.