Did she or didn't she? No, she chickened out once again. This makes opportunity #4 to jump that I've passed up, so if I won't do it in the "bungy capitol" of the world, I guess I won't do it at all. Actually, I was scared off by the fact that I had to weigh myself first. I'm in 3.5 month denial and going to stay that way! We traveled to Queenstown last week on a very hot and sunny 98 degree day. The journey there was nice, but it is evident they are in the middle of a very bad drought. We arrived in Q'town in the early afternoon and it was like driving into Lake Chelan in the middle of summer. Hot, brown, dry and MILLIONS of young people! Too much for us, so we enjoyed a stroll around town, and while there, someone yelled JON! We looked around only to see Mike Prey from Douglas PUD coming out of the restaurant. They were in Q'town for the day and then going onto Milford sound. Small world. After 3 attempts to find the right road out of Q'town, we finally made it and stopped at the "original" bungy jumping site. We were taking pictures and watching the action, when our friends from MIT-Sloan showed up. Kristen had actually just jumped and showed us her pictures. They were with a couple other students and we took some pictures and said fairwell to them once again. I really wish we had had more time to get to know them as they are very interesting people. Also, Sharad and Tania could have really explained Cricket to us! We traveled onto Wanaka through some beautiful mountainous areas. Wanaka is also on a lake, but was very quiet in comparison to Q'town. From Wanaka, we traveled a very long day back to Christchurch. 470K in one day. It was fairly easy travel. We were happy to be back in Chch and have found a little apt. only 4 blocks from the Cathedral and are loving "city" living for now. We set out on our 2nd day in Chch to find a fully furnished flat, only to have the first 6 options either full or too pricey for us. I had just said that I wanted an "Alan and Sally apt", (Napier accomodations) when we walked by a lovely coffee shop called the Metro that had a door that said "Metro Suites" boutique accomodations (our home is above the marque). Jon went in and ask if it was available and after looking at it we almost fell over at the price. More than half of what we had been looking at for twice the accomodation!!! We snatched it up and the bonus is that the cafe and the restaurant next door are owned by the apt. owner and we just put "anything" on our tab. So we have. But it really is the people. The housekeeper's name is Frannie, and she is a grey-haired spunk of a woman, wee small, darling and she looks like she could be a wizard-pixie from one of the Harry Potter movies. The manager of the cafe is Iona and she is here from Scotland. Lovely, and so sweet and capable. The restaurant staff is Kathy and Claire and the owner is Liz. She has a thriving business and we feel so welcome. Just around the corner is Mr. Johnson's grocery. It is chock-ful of imported Scotish and English goods and has been in that location since the 20's. It's a charming street and so easy to get around in.
Last week we went to the World Croquet Series (25 countries competing), didn't understand any of it, (where are you Mary Margaret?) but our new friend Norman, who used to be an instructor of the game, sat next to us and explained the whole thing. We now have a better understanding and appreciate why everyone here calls it a "wicked" game! Later that day we went to the gardens to hear a bag pipe band from St. Andrews College perform. Drums and pipes, heaven! Then that evening to a performance by an Italian cellist and Korean pianist. Such an interesting and fun day.
Yesterday was Super Bowl Monday and so we walked down the block to the Copthorne Hotel lounge/bar and had a front row seat for the game. Way to go Giants! The Kiwi's don't understand the game, but we don't understand their Rugby! Tonight, there is Classical Sparks in the park. That is classical music followed by fireworks. Each day a new adventure and so much fun. We are having sunny 70 degree weather, and understand from our parents and kids that the snow is piling up at home. We picked the right year to be here!
I'll say goodbye for now. If you don't want to post a comment on the blog, you can always reach us for a good chat-up at our regular email address.
Miss you all,
Joyce and Jon
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