Arrived yesterday. On the connecting flight from Auckland the pilot announced "The weather today in Christchurch is simply magical." And it was. I took a shuttle from the airport to Entwhistle Cottage which I am renting for the week. The cottage is just lovely. I couldn't be happier. I had slept on the flight so felt good and had a shower to freshen up and then went for a walk around the town. Sat outside in the warmth at a pub by the river and had Corn and Kumara fritters with smoked salmon and a large glass of "Squawking Magpie" pinot gris. Lovely. Walked around a bit more then went back to the cottage to relax. Picked up a kofta on a pita at the kebab place around the corner. Had a nice chat with the owner over a cup of tea as his wife made my kofta and he told me why they chose New Zealand to settle in after travelling the world to find a place to live.
Fell asleep on the couch watching "Gladiator" so a I guess the long trip had caught up with me.
Woke up around 7 very refreshed and went into the kitchen. Very happy to find a lovely cat sitting on the fence meowing loudly at me. Friendly little fellow. Gave him some good pets and he went on his merry little way. I am sure he will be back as the visitor book in the cottage is full of references to various neighbourhood cats that come to visit.
Started the morning with a leisurely latte and then went to the Christchurch Arts Centre to look around the shops and studios. Had lunch at Annie's Wine Bar in the courtyard at the arts centre -- chicken and bacon pate with crostini and fig relish. Washed down with a glass of "The Decadent Daughter" riesling. Today is lovely and sunny but there is quite a breeze.
Very cool little hanging sculpture in the courtyard -- just like it was floating in the sky.
In the afternoon I went to the children's service with animals at the cathedral. It was quite fun. Lovely to see people bringing sheep, goats, pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits, donkeys, ponies and a chicken into the cathedral -- many dressed up for the holidays with garlands and bows.
And now I will go find a grocery store to get some fixins to make my dinner. Bottle of sauvignon blanc chilling the fridge.
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