Weekend in Christchurch

Just a really quick update on our first 3 days here...

Saturday was cold for us - we went out in t-shirts and 'cos it was only like 17 degrees we both got really cold. Watched the Rugby in the evening at the pub round the corner and the local Canterbury Crusaders (who play in Red) won against the team from Australia known as the Reds !! Is it any wonder I get slightly confused sometimes. Since Alex is having a little lie down, I thought I might impress you with my recently acquired knowledge on Rugby - so the 7's are where this year 16 teams played (it is only played with Southern Hemisphere teams) and they play for 7 minutes a side (until the final when they play for 9 minutes a side (I think)). And the Super 14's is for 14 teams and they play a normal length match (ie 40 minutes a side). I hope you are all dutifully impressed here (unless of course I got it wrong !!)

So Sunday we had a very lazy and totally free day (see what a good Scottish wife I've become !). It was a nice (ie warm) but dull (although UV still up at about 10!) day - so we saunter off with our jackets (which of course we didn;t need) and took the free city circular bus for a spin. The driver we got (a retired gentlemen) took it upon himself to give us a guided commentary as he went - it was great - he also recommended some places to go etc. which we will try out over the next few days. We then were proceeding towards the Botanical Gardens where we knew there was a Summer season play on (also free of charge). En route in Victoria Park however we had to stop and listen to the Riccarton Scottish piper band - all the kilts and bagpipes were out. Then off to the gardens to see 'All of the great Books - Abridged' - which was actually excellent. We meandered back through the Arts & Crafts Fair where a Maori Choir were given a recital (excellent), bought an icecream, watching all the kids playing. I also did laundry, updated blog and phoned Visa to see why my credit card had been rejected !! Their systems were down - so all you IT boys there's an opportunity for you. I was actually reasonably relieved it wasn't for some other darker reason like I'd spent too much (never !) or worse my card had been blagged by somebody else !

Today Monday 12th we took the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth (only spent 1 hour here Sarah !) - scenery was beautiful - local lady on the bus on the way back tells me it is truely awesome in June - the middle of their winter and I can believe it.

So over the next day or two we are going to visit some of the locality (as per some local advice), go to the beach etc - weather forcast is 19 and sunny for the next few days. Also intend to do some boating or such like on the Avon. Overall we find Christchurch very 'old English quaint' like - weekends are full of free things to do - they have a pletoria of restaraunts and bars - and we like it a lot.

I have decided that picking photos to put up on the blog is a hassle so I intend to wait till we get home and create a little portfolio - I'm sure you won't miss our smiling faces too much till then !!

I also believe my dearest husband has some notion of adding to this blog by demonstrating how 'blonde' his wife has become - ie updating you all on some very slight, mildly amusing little incidents that have occured - hopefully he will be too busy though !


Hope everybody well.

Love Ursula & Alex