Colleen here... We are staying in Old Bones Backpacker just outside Oamaru on the West Coast of New Zealand. Ed and I got up early, he is making us coffee and I am sitting in front of a wall of windows waiting for the sun to rise over the Pacific Ocean. Tonight we may see our first non-zoo penguins. We were happy to find wi-fi here, and I was so delighted to see all the comments... many thanks to all who posted them! Ed and Phil are preparing quite a slide show of our day in Christchurch which they will, hopefully, get posted later today. Phil and Robin, Dianne will be SO HAPPY to hear from you. I can already see her doing a happy dance when she gets up and I tell her of your comments.
We had a layover of a few hours in Auckland and Dianne had lined up a tour for us that was just wonderful! The brother of a friend of a friend picked us up in his van and drove us all over town, then took us to his beautiful home to meet his charming wife and feast on local apples, beer and wine. We arrived back at the airport in plenty of time to board our flight to Christchurch. Through Dianne's friendship connections, our brief stay in Auckland had been changed from one more long boring layover to a highlight of our journey.
We arrived in Christchurch in the evening and by the time we claimed our baggage and our car it was at least 8:30. The rest of us were so glad Ed had pre-volunteered to be our designated driver. Phil is, so far, his able assistant, serving not only as navigator but also reminding him which lane to turn into from time to time. They did great and we made it to our first "home" safely. Dianne was exhausted and had a shower and fell into bed, but Ed and Phil and I just had to get out and see a bit of Christchurch, not to mention stretch our legs after WAY too many hours in cramped airplane seats. After our walk, a good night's sleep did wonders for us all.
Christchurch is a beautiful city and our home there was within walking distance of Cathedral Square, Hagley Park with Botanic Gardens and many museums. We explored the cathedral first, climbing the many steps to the top of the tower and making some purchases in their gift shop. We discovered a wonderful Art Center housed in an old historic school. In the courtyard was live music and just outside a street fair was going on with local crafts and a wonderful selection of food. We had a delicious lunch here, listening to the music. Then on to Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens with another free concert going on in the park. As I write this I realize that I am sure Phil has already written some about our day in Christchurch and it must be tucked away somewhere in this computer because it has not been posted yet, I think... Forgive me if I have repeated something he has said too...
Yesterday we got up and headed out to Oamaru... a lovely drive through coastal farmlands. We are shopping at local farm stands and small bakeries and we are eating very well!
Folks are starting to wake up here now and I think I'll try to get myself into a shower before they fill up. Our love to all our friends and family in the northern hemisphere...
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This is so fun to be able to follow you four on your journey. Thank you for sharing it with us. All is well on the home front, we too have sun and my Mom has been sitting in it and basking. My Mom has also left me outside while she feeds the feline crowd. Wild Man is getting less shy, she has actually seen him and approached. I don't like it however as I don't get to try to eat their food. Sake and I played chase the kitty together this morning, only I was the kitty. I had fun and so did Sake. Mokey is still very curious and we sniff noses. He wants to play outside with Sake and me but Mom says no. Ooda came down to watch TV with us. We are all eagerly awaiting your next posts and pictures. We all send our love, and I know you will keep on having fun. Good job Ed and Phil on that driving on that other side of the road. Love from Miss Priss and the troops
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