Birds, Breakfast, and a Birthday Feast (with a Goat Milk Mishap)

Waking up at 4:30 AM wasn't a surprise after my long journey, so I decided to explore the local TV offerings. To my astonishment, the channels were filled with infomercials, a nostalgic throwback to North American television in the 80s. It was actually quite refreshing! I did manage to find Al Jazeera news, which felt necessary since I'd left my tech at home and wanted to stay somewhat informed.

With my curtains wide open, I watched the pre-dawn sky while listening to the symphony of birds outside. The sheer volume of birdsong was incredible, a stark contrast to the familiar caws of my beloved crows back home. As the sun began to rise, I watched these vibrant lime-green birds, resembling small parrots, feasting on berries in the indigenous trees. It was a truly magical sight.

As my stomach began to rumble, I decided to make breakfast with the groceries I'd purchased the day before. I was still marveling at the abundance and affordability of gluten-free options in New Zealand. No more feeling confined to a tiny section of the store! I whipped up the best fried egg sandwich of my life. The egg yolk was a deep, vibrant orange, a testament to its quality. The gluten-free muffin was soft and fluffy, and the bacon was simply divine.

After breakfast, I walked into town to buy a local SIM card. On my way there is this beautiful trail leading to Nichol's Falls. Very beautiful during the day, and also offers glowworms at night!

I found 2degrees in town, and for only 29 NZD, I got two weeks of prepaid service, a much better deal than the exorbitant roaming charges I would have faced otherwise. I also located the bus pass vendors at the library and city hall, where everyone was incredibly helpful. With a clearer head after a good night's sleep, I explored the shops and streets, feeling much more confident in my bearings.

By 4:00 PM, I headed back to my B&B to prepare for my dinner reservation at No7 Balmac. This was my belated birthday celebration, as my original trip had been planned five months prior. I ordered a venison dish with prosciutto, jus, potatoes, and fresh goat cream. It was absolutely phenomenal. For dessert, I indulged in a decadent ganache with black currants, cherries, toffee, and coffee syrup. It was so rich that I couldn't finish it all. And to my utter delight, everything was completely gluten-free!

However, the night took a turn. I discovered, rather unpleasantly, that goat milk products don't agree with me. While I have no issues with cow's milk, goat's milk proved to be a different story. Let's just say it was a rough night. Despite the unexpected digestive detour, the day was filled with beautiful moments, delicious food, and the enchanting sounds of New Zealand's wildlife.