So with Craig and I working opposite schedules, our time spent together and places we can go have been somewhat limited. However, this past weekend was different...I finally had the weekend off! So, Saturday Craig and I spent the day doing our "Christmas Shopping Spree" in and around Christchurch, buying outdoor gear or clothing made in NZ. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had lunch at a place called Annie's Wine Bar in the Arts Centre. Not only did we score a table outside, but there was also a live band playing in the adjacent courtyard for all the restaurant patrons and scattering of people hanging out on the greens. It was perfect. So perfect, in fact, that we forgot to take pictures. Well, okay we did take one picture of our appetizer, or "entree" as they say:
The great thing about NZ is that they love their fries or "chips" and can find them at almost any restaurant. They are usually served with garlic aioli (mayo) and tomato sauce (ketchup).
After lunch we ran into, um, a Pipe Band Competition that was being held at one of the city's small parks. It was a sight (and sound) to behold:
Warming up for the big show.
A few wee "sailors" dancing a little jig.
The next day, Amy, a friend of Adam Derosa (former co-worker of mine), picked us up to take us down to Akaroa, a small harbour town located on the southeast side of the Banks Peninsula. Amy was born here but grew up in the states and went to....drum roll please... Florida State University! Talk about living in a small world. Anyway, she has been here in NZ for almost 10 years now and has really helped us out with advice about where to live, getting jobs, etc. She said we couldn't leave Christchurch without visiting Akaroa, so that's what we did.
Craig and I with view of Akaroa Harbour in background.
Amy and her adorable two-year old girl.
Pier at Akaroa.
Craig, me, and Amy overlooking Christchurch with Southern Alps in far background.
What a fantastic weekend! We are so looking forward to getting out and seeing more of this beautiful country. We will be in Christchurch for a couple more weeks, after which we will start a 25-day road trip around the South Island. Then we will settle again on the north part of the South Island for work.
Next Stop: Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt. Cook, Nelson, and many others!
2 comments:
Craig, learn how to play the bagpipes.
Do you guys have a mailing address? Olson, email me it please.
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