more fun less pain

i didn't think things could get much better, but they are!! i am still absolutely loving it here. i barely even get a chance to miss all you lovely people when i'm constantly surrounded by such amazing beauty, it really is too much! people tried to tell me i'd like new zealand as its a bit like home, but believe me, this is way better than the UK! we don't even come close to the sort of grand magnificence i keep seeing here (in my opinion anyway).
i spent a day doing a guided walk on a glacier and was blown away. beginning to think this place may even beat namibia for my top country although its a close thing. but the beauty of all the ice formations and the snow capped mountains and the rivers and trees and waterfalls and beaches and lakes... its my kind of place for exploring. even better, it shouldn't be too tough on my feet from here on as i'm only doing day walks and one more overnight tramp before leaving.
we have had some rain so i have just holed up in a hostel once in a while and watched too many movies including lord of the rings x 3 all over again - seemed appropriate in this location! but whenever i've had to be out all day its been amazing weather, so i can't expect that to continue but so far so good.
i had such a lovely weekend with Mark, Nikki, Zach + Poppy as well, loads of amazing homemade food, a good coastal run, fun choosing sofa fabric, great local food market.. just a special time with them all.
so its another two weeks of this and then back to sydney. i'm getting some top tips off other people in hostels about my asia travels so thats great. i guess if i'm honest i am just a bit apprehensive about christmas, the one part of my year i've always been nervous about as christmas for me has always been with my family and all the amazing efforts of my mum to make it extra special. but this year could be a chance to enjoy something different so i'm trying to hand onto that opportunity. i'll be spending it with the lawrence family in cambodia which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if ever there was one. by the way, as everything this christmas is so different, i'm sorry not to be sending any cards or pressies this year as i'm short on time, funds and the chance to see you all enjoy it! so, rather than stress out trying to make the last posting date in 2 days time (?!) i will be sending my greetings out on this blog nearer the time. the good news is that means i'm not expecting any effort in return, especially seeing as i'll have no postal address anyway. so its a year off buying beautiful orange gifts everyone!