Christchurch

Fran had programmed the satnav to take us to Papanui Road where he had stayed a couple of times at a motel. He found it easily, although he had not been able to locate it in 'Jasons Guide'. We drove in and tried to book for three nights but can only have two at present. The unit is pleasant and has two bedrooms and a kitchen/lounge. We unpacked the car and decided to go into the city for some lunch as it is now 2pm. Of course it was a struggle because we only wanted a sandwich. First couple of places we tried had shut the kitchen for lunches but eventually we found a caff called 'The Daily Grind' and had a nice lunch there. Fran had a hot chicken sandwich, Mother had a toasted Hawaiian and I had a vegeburger in a bun. It was very good.

Afterwards we had a wander around town and into the Cathedral, which is really beautiful but not ostentatious.
In the square outside a street market was set up selling arts and crafts and antiques and hippyish clothing. Mum bought a really good photograph from a guy calling himself the French Photographer. You can buy direct from his website at www.theFrenchPhotographer.com  so I think I may have a look when I get home, if I don't buy one while I'm here.
We returned to the Ashford Motel to phone friends here. I got straight through to Barbara but couldn't make Dave hear me although I could hear him.. Barbara was thrilled to find me in Christchurch and invited us over straight away. Fran was not so thrilled and moaned about the rush hour traffic although it was not yet five o'clock. So we went anyway. Fran was more tired than anything else. Barbara and Ray made us very welcome and we had a brew and a chat with them, after they had got over the initial shock of us arriving mob- handed. They have been here in New Zealand 47 years and have family here. We stayed about an hour and then returned to the motel.
I am sorry to say Ray Humpage died on Thursday 9th September 2010. A lovely man who will be sorely missed by his wife, family and all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.