Waitomo Caves

On Sunday, we visited the Waitomo Caves. We explored the first cave on foot and then by boat. The caves are known for the abundance of glowworms that cover the entire cave ceiling, creating a spectacular starry display. It was truly beautiful!

Unfortunately, we were only allowed to take photos in areas with fewer glowworms, so our pictures in the darkness don't show much. We also experienced absolute darkness in the caves. The second cave was a limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

After the tour, we left the bus and went to a hostel. We had hoped to find work here, but many places were not hiring on short notice. So we're waiting for the bus on Wednesday that will take us to Maurea for one night and then to Rotorua (we're kind of stuck here in the middle of nowhere).

In Rotorua, we will be picked up by Kellie, where we can work.

Since we are spending three days in the hostel here, I want to talk about the incredibly amazing people we've met!

Juno is the owner of the hostel and he's so funny and ironic. When we wanted to do laundry, we were able to do it for $2 (double the price in Auckland).

Since we were out in the evening and forgot our laundry, we were surprised to find it dried and waiting for us in our room when we returned (normally it would have cost $4!). He also took us to the city yesterday so we could buy groceries. He's just super nice, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.

On the evening we were out, we spent it at an all-you-can-eat buffet for $10 ($6.50). They even picked us up and dropped us off!?

We accepted the offer because it was Sunday and we didn't have much food left. We're trying to spend as little as possible and it's working for us (lots of carbs).

Aside from that, the friendliness here is just amazing. Even strangers at the supermarket checkout and on the phone ask how you're doing. It's just a friendly and laid-back country (punctuality is overrated).

Although it's so beautiful here, we would like to move on to Rotorua to work.

Oh yeah, ever since we arrived in Rotorua, the sun has been shining almost non-stop (although it's cold in the shade, but nice for winter).

P.S.: Grandma, don't worry, I'm doing fine!

I don't have enough reception for pictures, once again.