Hi,
We were hosted in Christchurch by David, Steph and Sam and they really looked after us. Drove us around and showed us some of the best cafes and swim spots in the city. And we met loads of Steph and Sam's friends as well.
Toby has great support around him for the start of his uni adventures.
Mike and I were up at 4.50am to get ready for our 5.20am Uber to the airport. The cats were in good hands with Ange coming to visit a few times to ensure they were fed, watered and patted. She doesn't give them food until she gets a pat. Thanks Ange!
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| On board our ATR for the flight to Chc |
Landed in Christchurch and got picked up by David and Toby and Tessa from the airport. Didn't expect that.
Went to Little Poms for brekkie and I met Steph and Sam for the first time. They are such a lovely couple. Very chatty and smart. Full of interesting facts and Sam loves iced lattes. What more do I need to say?
Little Poms was great - I had the grilled haloumi and it was good.
Went to Little Poms for brekkie and I met Steph and Sam for the first time. They are such a lovely couple. Very chatty and smart. Full of interesting facts and Sam loves iced lattes. What more do I need to say?
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| Mike looks too caffeinated by far |
Little Poms was great - I had the grilled haloumi and it was good.
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| Selfie |
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| Steph and Sam's flat |
Toby, Mike and I went to C1 as we explored parts of Christchurch. We needed to get a few things. And needed lunch too. The iced latte here was so good. And the cafe had just the right amount of quirk along with its good food and coffee.
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| C1 is amazing |
Went out to the bigger Poms for dinner. I have no idea what it is called. Pomeroys? Maybe? [ed - its full official name is Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn.] Anyway - ate a huge meal of a salad with buffalo mozzarella. Mmmmm.
Back to Ashford Motor Lodge for our accommodation. Same place we stayed at in 1992 for our first date. :-) Nostalgia. Mike even spotted Unit 17 where we originally stayed.
Slept well. Up for brekkie at Riverside Market after Mike did a 7km run through Hagley park. Riverside Markets is great!
We had sushi train and I then ate my way around a few other shops. Mmmm. Then Mike, Toby and I went down to Rebel to buy some clothes for Toby. Then New World and finally walked back to Sam and Steph's house.
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| Iconic Christchurch photo |
Sunday evening saw us head to John and Nic's place for a BBQ. In a surprise, John's parents were visiting. So we saw Mike's Uncle Robert and Aunt Judith as an extra bonus. Had a lovely time catching up with them. Flynn and Reuben are now really tall (16 and 12) and play a lot of football. John is their coach. Nic barely batted an eye when 7 of us turned up. We had great food and dessert too. So good to see them all - they all looked well.
Back home to bed when I found myself getting sleepy around their dining table. :-) And I took no pics of our evening. Grumpy when I realised that. Sorry everyone.
Up Monday morning and ended up getting picnic/BBQ things and going to Waipara River for a wonderful swim. Ate food the entire day. And watched families all enjoying the respite from the 29C day.
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| Waipara river |
The swimming hole is there because the Waipara Adventure Centre next door has carved out a channel from the river into this section of the river and added weirs on both sides so they can manage the water. But with low levels due to the summer dry, they may have to drain it as it is not getting the flow through they need to keep it good quality. But for now - it was superb. Refreshing.
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| Stunning feet |
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| James cooks the BBQ to perfection |
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| Lovely spot |
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| Picnic in full swing |
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| Tessa's amazing lemon meringue pie |
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| View back to our spot |
I drove back and hit Christchurch long weekend traffic. Oops. But got to Steph and Sam's place, relaxed for a bit before going with Steph and David to wander around the campus and see where Toby is staying. The Ritz blocks at University Hall. Couldn't get in but had a look in the windows. Nice dining room area for all the halls of residence. Huge laundry area.
Met everyone back to Rollicking Ice Cream and shared a dessert with Mike. Mmmmm. Yum! Then Mike and I said goodbye to everyone - especially Toby. And we walked to our motel.
Had a good sleep despite the really warm room. Up for online PT session with Quentin. Arms. I feel like a gorilla now. Then Uber to work. And turns out CityFitness is 1 min walk away.
Take care. Hope your day is a good one.
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