Christchurch: Days 7-10

We said a sad farewell to Queenstown on Tuesday morning.  On the road again!  We passed through Cromwell once more to stock up on fruit and get some goodies for the road.  I think we single handedly kept that fruit shop in business during our stay, so the least they could have done was let us have a few more free samples.

We took the scenic route up to Christchurch, passing through Dunedin and the alleged steepest street in the world.  It took us all day to get to our destination, and we were glad to get there.  Upon our arrival, we got to our motel rooms and enjoyed an evening in.  We bought some groceries from a near-by Pak n Save (gotta love Pak n Save) for the next couple of days.

The next morning was cold and drizzly, but it was okay because all we had planned was visiting the museum downtown.  I find museums to be extremely boring.  It was also a very cold morning.  But one cool thing is that they don't charge admission, so that was cool.  There was an exhibition dedicated to this couple that dedicated their home to paua shells.  To each his own, I guess.

One bright side: we got to attend mass in the central cathedral.  Actually, the real highlight was finding a foodcourt that was reasonably priced and with every Asian food imaginable.  I had a delicious won-ton soup, and could only wish for saimin noodles to top it off.  They didn't have the noodles, but it was still good.

James, our wonderful tour guide, took us to a beach and pier but I could take it no more; I napped in the car instead.  I don't understand cold beaches.  Oh!  Another good find of the day was the Quiksilver outlet that priced everything at 50% off.  My prize find was a bag that they actually gave to me 60% off because I could not make up my mind.  Cheeeee huuuuu!

We spent another evening in, and good thing too; we were exhausted!  To make staying in all the more worth it, I found out that New Zealand will indeed air the final season of Lost; they are just 2 weeks behind, so I will still continue tuning in online.

The next day we *finally* got to sleep in.  We had a punting appointment at 1, which was just lovely.  Good on Christchurch and their punting!  Sam W. and I went back to the foodcourt to eat, this time I had some Indian naan with my salad from home.  Delish.  We wandered a bit before heading back to the motel, which was actually simpler than we had anticipated!

That evening we spent together listening to the NZ history lesson James planned for us and ate pizzas that never were meant to be microwaved.  But it was a nice evening in, and we watched more TV.

On Friday, we departed from the south island and headed back to Auckland.  I hope my blog does not lead anyone to believe I did not enjoy Christchurch; I quite liked Christchurch and I think it was an excellent way to end an excellent vacation.  I loved the south island and it was indeed a perfect getaway after going for a month strong in nothing but 8 hour classes all day everyday.  Coming back to Auckland, however, made me realize that the rural lifestyle just isn't for me right now; maybe one day when I'm old.  I happen to like the small city that is Auckland, and all its conveniences!