Christchurch
Trip Start
Nov 04, 2007
1
2
32
Trip End
Dec 06, 2007
Christchurch,
New Zealand
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Went to pick up the campervan at 10am. There's an hour of my life I want back.
Heard on the radio that the New Zealand PM would see how tonight went before deciding to proceed to ban fireworks. Apparently, the poor dear lay awake last year listening to sounds akin to a 'gun fight in Afghanistan'. Pondered whether Australians would respect honest John more or less for complaining about lack of sleep. Considered that the pretence of safety would have been a better rationale.
Went off to have 'breakfast' at the local supermarketmallwestfieldsfairplace. Had an early lunch or a late breakfast of kumara & potato with spinach salad and apricot & chicken pizza. Couldn't eat it all. Something wrong with the tummy perhaps
The tram
.Did the grocery shopping, and headed into town in the truck. Parking is an issue. They never tell you, do they? "I was looking for a park and then I found a park. And heaven knows I'm miserable now." Thanks Mr Shankley.
Anyway, we found somewhere to pull over, and took a tour of Christchurch by foot. We didn't get too far before Yasmin decided that 'her ankles really hurt'. They are such delicate ankles, I can fully understand and sympathise. But of course we didn't let on. She walked, stomping on those delicate and red raw ankles (or whatever sort of pain they were in) for two hours around town.
We saw a tram go past.
And then another one.
And then one that wasn't moving at all.
Back at the campsite, we decided a swim in the heated pool would be good to divert attention. Gavin damn near terrified Mckayla to death. But I'm jumping ahead. You've got to tell these things the right way.
Deb took the kids over to the pool while Gavin unpacked all the bags and used up the crannies that were available in the truck. Upon arrival at the pool, Gavin sees Deb and Yasmin ...
On Oxford or Cambridge by the Avon
but no Mckayla. Deb calls out to climb the ladder, because Mckayla has climbed to the top of the waterslide, but can't decide whether to go down or not. Dutifully, Gavin climbs to the top to see the brave Mckayla deciding what to do. She gladly accepts an offer of help, and they slide down together into the waiting arms of Deb and Yasmin. Much mirth and frivolity.And you thought that was when it happened! You should know by now.
Thinking that Mckayla was up for more slide action, Gavin takes her up the top again. But as Gavin is now wet from the water, his lubrication factor has increased tenfold. As they hurtle down the winding slide, Gavin believes he is going to drown his daughter and bring his wife to miscarry in one swift action of feet to guts of waiting wife while baby writhes under water sort of display. But it was not to be. Fortunately I might add.
Again, the chill of the New Zealand air had not been accounted for as we made a mad dash to the showers. But we are all still alive.
Dinner consisted of burritos. Yummy. Getting the kids off to bed was a challenge, but we did it. As I settle down to pen this note, I can't help but wonder how I am ever going to get to sleep as this infernal war wages right outside my window. Perhaps I have can align myself with Ms Clarke after all.
