I think last night was the first night I really felt normal since flying over to this side of the planet. It was a great time. I met a couple of Swedish guys (Jens and Bjorn) at the “free dinner” place in town (Frasers). Then an American guy I had met while walking around on the paths around Queenstown (Walt) and some of the friends he’s made (Fran, Bijou, others) showed up too. We went to a place called “Buffalo” that has an open fire pit thing. Good music. I took off well before closing– learning not to try to keep up w/ the kids too much (plus Queenstown bars are open until like 4). Anyway, Jens and Bjorn are going to be driving through the states. They might come through Pittsburgh.
Today I’m flying up to Wellington. I haven’t really been able to touch base with Eli but hopefully I can right after I’m done writing this. We’d be playing phone tag but I don’t have a phone. So it’s sort of a one-way phone tag. Even if we don’t get in touch, I’ve heard Windy Welly is a pretty great town, and the plane ride up in a couple hours promises to have good views. I got window seats on the left side of the plane and the skies are still looking pretty clear.
Alright, time for a coffee. I’ll kick my caffeine habit another time. 
I can stop whenever I want. Really. I just don’t want to.
Keep the emails coming. It’s hard not knowing what’s going on w/ everyone else.
Ciao.