Life in Christchurch

You visit when you stay for a week or two, you live somewhere when you stay almost two months. We can't thank our daughter and son-in-law enough for welcoming us into their life in Christchurch. Even my iPad thought I was living there and was spelling favourite and other words with extra U's. Yes, they speak English but their pronunciation of best and schedule and other words, added with my hearing loss can leave you wondering what the heck they said. 

Driving on the other side of the road is the hardest thing to get use to and is why we don't drive there, instead walking and learning to use their buses. 

It's fun to notice all the other differences. You easily figure out what back by half nine means, that good on you is a compliment and that things are sorted out. The pictures in this album show some of the differences and uniqueness of our life with Tara and Al. We love you Tara and Al and again thank you for sharing your life with us. This end the blog until our next NZ trip.

Beaches and Christmas

Christmas is the beginning of beach time for NZ. A sudden 90 degree F day made it easy to enjoy Corsair Beach. Christmas Eve we shared food and drink with their neighbors. It's traditional for Tara and Al to spend time at a beach on Christmas Day and return home for a barbie, both we did. Camp Beach was beautiful, almost deserted when we arrived and perfect for Al and Tara to catch some waves on their boogie boards. Friends arrived later in the day.

Al had thoughtfully described the trek down a narrow path with a drop off on one side to the beach and asked if we'd like to try it. Finally decided we'd better try it, if we ever make another NZ trip  we might not be able to do it. Low tide allowed an easy alternate route to the beach. Tara and Al helped push, pull and steady me up on the return. I was careful not to look at the drop off to my right.  See all the pictures.

NZ Birds

New Zealand is known for it's many colourful and unique birds. My most convenient birding was in Tara's and Al's backyard and the paths and trees in the reserves right behind their back fence. Other favourite places were the Keruru House bach and the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

The most fun was the last day we spent in the Botanical Garden when I discovered the Fantail world that existed under a draping tree. Didn't get the best pictures as deep, deep shade (should of tried flash) but my head was spinning as more than one pair fluttered to and fro. I'm sure there were nests in several areas. Frank thought he'd have to drag me away kicking and screaming.

The most unusual birds I photographed were the Black Fantail on our way to Golden Bay in the Abel Tasman area and the Tui at the Keruru House bach. See all the bird pictures. 

Wallaby Wonder

On our return to Christchurch we stopped by the Wallaby Wander for a fun and unique Kiwi experience. The Red Hot Poker flowers there provided an opportunity to capture a pictures of Waxeye birds, also known as Silvereye. See all the pictures.

Oamaru

The cold wet weather didn't prevent us enjoying exploring Oamaru and from seeing the Little Blue Penguins come ashore. The dark sky and late hour made pictures difficult but you can see how small they are compared to the cones. See all the pictures.

Moeraki Boulders and Beach

These unusual large boulders are on a beach south of Christchurch. The broken boulders are as interesting as the large round ones. We stayed where we had a view of the beach and harbour. See all the pictures from our visit to Moeraki. Click here for more info on the boulders.

Steampunk Museum

Tara and Al tried valiantly to explain Steampunk but I'm still not sure I understand. See all the pictures from this museum in Oamaru.

Sumner Beach

We had a walk on Sumner Beach to work off some of the New Year's dinner. It was a low tide with lots of exposed beach with locals harvesting clams. Even saw friends heading to the kiddie splash pool. See all the pictures.

New Year's Eve Mexican Dinner

Tara and Al and their friends celebrate New Year's Eve with a multi-course meal. This year's theme was Mexican and we were each responsible for a couple of dishes. It was fun to see them use Aunt Agnes's China and I was even able to use the old chicken dishes from our family for one of my entries, Mexican Pickled Eggs. See all the pictures.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day meant time for friends to visit and for a walk through the reserve behind Tara's and Al's house to find the ducks and swans. See all the pictures.