I'm going to skip ahead for today so I can share some photos from my Christmas Eve in Queenstown.
I spent it getting to know Nadia (Switz), Vivian (Holland), and Vanessa (Germany). For dinner, we picked Chico's, an old, low key, candlelit restaurant.
Plus a guy outside had offered us a coupon for a free beer or wine with dinner!
I chose the night as a good time to order a New Zealand Rack of Lamb (served on pumpkin mash w/veggies, potatoes, and a sauce with mint and redcurrant).
We skipped dessert, and walked briefly around the downtown area however we all agreed it was quieter than expected.
Judging from the supermarket earlier, most Kiwis were at home, and backpackers may have stocked up on beer for their dorm rooms.
We had purchased $5 NZD passes to get into the only bar open past 12am – Global Bar.
I thought it'd be big, but it wasn't, though quite lively. The live music ended around 1 am, and a DJ took over, blasting out a weird mix of music from “Footloose” to The Pogues' “Fairytale of NYC.”
Around 2:15 am, I called it quits, though I had to try my first Fergburger before going to sleep.
They were blaring music and had a steady queue on their doorstep. I had heard very good things about this burger joint after having only been in Queenstown a few hours.
It didn't disappoint, though it's surreal to be munching on a giant cheeseburger while under a full moon half a world away from home on Christmas morning.
It's now about 2:30 pm on Christmas Day here, and neither I nor any of the four people in my dorm were in a hurry to get out of bed today.
Despite the hostel's big Orphans Christmas lunch set to start in 30 minutes, there's no place like home.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
Merry Christmas to you Dave!!!
from a very chilly night in central Texas…
Another Texas Merry Christmas, Dave. Thanks for taking us along on your trip. I spent Christmas Day in Japan twenty years ago, and I understand your sentiment completely.
Thankfully the day has passed, and everyone’s returned to their sightseeing/adventure itineraries, so I’m feeling on the up again! :)
Merry Christmas! I’ve been lurking for a few days reading your great posts about New Zealand, preparing for my own trip there next week. I’m getting very excited…thanks for all the pictures and information.
Jessica
Thanks for the great details of your trip. I have been on for a few days getting caught up on your travels.
I look forward to the next posting.
Sounds like you had quite a happy Christmas!! Can’t wait to see what you do on New Year’s! :mrgreen:
Merry(late)Christmas hope all is well and spirits high..
Merry Christmas Dave! Thanks for the food photos :)
Great to hear from you Dave. It’s a cold rainy day here in Richmond. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Terry
Thanks Terry – good to hear from you. :razz:
Merry (late) Christmas Dave from Sunny California and all of us at Kango. I love your blog and thoroughly enjoy reading about your travels. Though you may be far away at Christmas, you’re definitely NOT alone!
Thanks. Interestingly I felt better after 3 hours in the TV room watching the end of Elf, Shrek the Halls, and National Treasure. It reminded me that not everyone is about drinking alcohol all the time. Plus, nothing reminds me of home like sitting on my ass watching TV/movies! ;)
Merry (late) Christmas Dave from Sunny California and all of us at Kango. I love your blog and thoroughly enjoy reading about your travels. Though you may be far away at Christmas, you’re definitely NOT alone!
Thanks. Interestingly I felt better after 3 hours in the TV room watching the end of Elf, Shrek the Halls, and National Treasure. It reminded me that not everyone is about drinking alcohol all the time. Plus, nothing reminds me of home like sitting on my ass watching TV/movies! ;)
Merry Christmas. Happy to hear that your having a good time! Thanks for the Christmas email. Im enjoying reading your travel stories.
Good to hear from you Stefan!
Merry X’mas to All!
Dave It looks you had so much fun…Queenstown is comparable to Switzerland, as the snow and other exciting similarities.
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