To Greymouth

Today, I took the train from Christchurch to the Westcoast, to Greymouth: the Trans Alpine Crossing.

In the train, I shared a table with a couple from the Southlands and a guy from New York City. Next to us were Americans and a lady from the US who lives and teaches in Xian.
We talked about travels, love, self reliance, adapting to circumstances, the tour, further plans, life experiences…
Had to do my best to make it to the viewing wagon for the landscape, (mostly) fresh air and … even more fine conversations.
At Arthur’s Pass we had to stay put for two hours, resulting in a two hour delay. The train manager had have an accident and didn’t feel well enough to dare to start the next part, an 8.5 km tunnel with limited speed and no possibility to get help in case she would start to feel even worse. Thus we waited for the ambulance for her (an one hour timeframe) and, finally, for her replacement. To be allowed to continue through the tunnel, a two hour wait: the guy had to come from Christchurch.

Arthur’s pass- what a great place to work on a two hour delay :D. Mountains, springs, waterfall, a café, great weather… so much to explore!

The second part of the track became almost dull, in comparison. It was basically downhill to the coast. Nice bends, nice views, again, anyway 🙂

In Greymouth, I walked to the backpackers. Great place! Really cosy. Got the Cow to sleep in. Greymouth is kept alive by travellers changing between train, bus and car. That is the impression I got. Couldn’t taste much spirit.

Loved the backpackers place. Cosy. Fine vibe. Met a lady from the train again, continued our conversation.

Before dinner, I walked to the beach, along the sound and the lagoon. At the beach, some surfers had their first lessons. Watched it for a while.