Jailhouse rock

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  Christchurch, New Zealand
Monday, December 24, 2007

We made it! Reporting in from Christchurch, here we are.

The 777 experience on Air New Zealand was interesting. Sat in business premier, which has lie-flat capable, "pod" seating. Every seat is kind of its own little bubble with TV and table and ottoman/guest seat. But I was so far removed from Travis (let alone the 'rents). We were watching the same movie, but had to yell over at each other (quietly, of course) to laugh at it. (Knocked Up, BTW. Travis thought it was hilarious. I thought it was stupid slightly more than hilarious, but also poignant in places. Bah. Guy movie disguised as girl movie. Anyway.) The flight attendant staff were nice enough, but stiff and formal. All in all I enjoyed the UA experience more, oddly enough.

Flying into Auckland was *beautiful*. The country is instantaneously rugged and untamed, even right outside the city

"Pod" seating on the ANZ 777

. In AKL, we processed through Customs with no incident, claimed all our bags (YES!) and walked a gorgeous little stroll over to the domestic terminal.

Our flight to Christchurch was on Qantas in the "back of the bus" again. Excellent service!! They had ice cream and apple slices for snacks (2x the apple slices) and free coffee, tea, water and juice. The water came sealed in what looked like a Jello pudding container.

Arrived CHC around 10:45p, and realized nearly immediately that I'd made my first planning error of the trip. I knew we'd be a "late arrival" into the Holiday Park were we had a reservation. I had a note on the to do list to call them and arrange something. I had convinced myself that I'd done this when, long story short, I never did. I was fairly upset that I'd let the team down. But what can you do?

So we called a couple hostel-type places from the airport advert-board, and ended up at this super-charming place called the "Jailhouse." They've converted a jail built in 1874 to a hostel. Our rooms were cells -- I kid you not. It's *awesome*.

In a few minutes we'll be picked up by our rental car, then it's off to Kaikoura and the beach. Which - it's like 65 degrees (F), so I'm not sure how beachy we'll be. But I *can't wait* for the scenery on the drive.

I'm really impressed with how well the travel day went. We were in good spirits the whole time (until my holiday park incident, and that was mostly just me), and only felt a small amount of fatigue. And I already feel time adjusted - crazy! I guess flying West is just easier across the board.

Love to all and Happy Christmas Eve! (The guy at the counter told me I was premature in my "Merry Christmas," but I insist that Christmas Eve so counts.)

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NZ North Island Coastline

The Jailhouse Hostel

Jailhouse interior

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