To Christchurch

We caught the train down to Christchurch, the one that goes along the coast. The landscape changed again as we went inland; reminiscent of a European agricultural landscape. Another spectacular ride.

Christchurch itself had a wide airy feel, as we drove through th streets in the early evening towards our hotel for the night.

The Windsor Hotel is an interesting rather Victorian looking building, with very substantial woodwork and rather grand banisters. The was an extrmely friendly and bustling man called Donald who bustled us up to our room, after a very swift briefing on the downstairs facilities.

We shard the room, and had were issued with white bath robes and slippers to skuttle along the corridor to the facilities in. We went out for an Indian meal, and as I sat there I had a portent of misgiving about the choice of cuisine.

Anyway back to the Hotel and I went out looking for a bar. I found a place specialising in Belgian beer. But I didn't get to drink much of it. My gut got me and I was back to the hotel for total immersion.

Not good.

Next morning we went round the Christchurch Arts Centre which is an interesting new building with curving glass walls and sculptures. We saw some work ny the famous NZ artist Rita Angus see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Angus which I enjoyed a lot - particularly her later water colours.

The next day we moved down to the Sumner Bay Motel where we arrived tired and sleepy. I cooked in our rather small apartment. Later I went out and in an irish bar I was beckoned over by a group of oldish and rather drunk people who took my appearance as being quite Irish enough for me to join them in their St Patrick Day's celebration. There was a couple with quite a lot of tension going on between them and when thy left I found myself talking to a man who used to be a vet, a drummer, and had a degree in theology. A good bloke.

I have written some emails to people who are related to the family and still live in the area Margan grew up in. They have asked me to phone them - so I will and that will lead us to another chapeter.

With love

Me
Mum
& The World.