Relax, Take It Easy

The 12 hour bus ride from Auckland to Wellington flies by because the scenery is so beautiful. I think the hills are covered in white rocks. Then I realize... those are all sheep! Where do they come from? Does anyone own them? I'm amazed. New Zealand has something like 4 million people and 40 million sheep. I'm very excited to see more of the countryside and to travel to the south island when the weather improves. That is where the cool kids spend the summer.

Our little pixie bus driver is so polite that it seems like an act. She requests that we please pick up our rubbish at each stop because other people will hop on the bus when we hop off and it's just not very nice for them to sit in our rubbish. American translation: clean up your shit. She asks if we could please try not to push the red button above our seats because it will set off an unpleasant alarm. American translation: do not push the red button; no justification required. She warns us of a small wet spot on the left side of the bottom step at the rear exit, but she really hopes it will dry up by the next stop. American translation: none - you'll learn for yourself when you slip and fall. She says seat belt use is required; "however this is up to you."

Our windshield wipers die early in the trip. It is pouring rain (this is New Zealand after all). No need to panic; no need for repair. The driver is just going to "take it easy."