The last couple of weeks have flown by in a wave of nostalgia for our return to Wellington, some long journeys as we've traveled from the North Island to South Island and a very hectic schedule of sporting events - 4 cricket matches, 2 parkruns, a super 15 rugby match and a highly contested round of crazy golf thrown in for good measure.
Late last Wednesday we arrived in Porirua, just north of Wellington, and on Thursday, we traveled by train into NZ's capital to go on a nostalgic tour of the places special to us from when we met seven years ago in the city... We went back to the Basin Reserve Cricket Ground and tried to find the seats we were sitting in when we met. We couldn't quite have a picture taken there, as the England team were training at the ground and some sections were closed off, but we got close enough. We went back to Burger King, walked along the waterfront, wandered through the Botanical Gardens, visited a museum and art gallery and reminisced. Sadly, the pub we went to for our first drink together has closed down recently... things change in seven years!
On Friday, we were back in the city for what should have been a day/night cricket match at the Westpac Stadium (also known as the Cake Tin but unfornately not because it contains large and tasty slices of cake). Sadly (or perhaps we should be thankful that the misery didn't last long), England were so awful the game was over by 6pm in a flurry of national and international records that didn't make good reading for the England fans - although Southee's bowling and McCullum's batting were fabulous to watch. At least we didn't have a problem getting back to Porirua - we'd been worried about making the last train!
Saturday morning started with a very special parkrun, as Jon completed his 50th run at Porirua parkrun. He was presented with a very special t-shirt and a balloon (which survived our onward travel for at least 24 hours) and we shared cakes with the local runners in celebration... introducing a new tradition to parkrun celebrations at Porirua (they don't normally have cake!). The course was a tough one but we very much enjoyed our visit - the event team were lovely and very kind hosts.
We traveled on from Porirua back down to Wellington to catch the Cook Strait ferry to Picton - the crossing took about three hours and was incredibly scenic but, thankfully, smooth sailing all the way despite a few menacing looking clouds as we left Wellington. Approaching the South Island, it seems impossible that the ferry can find a safe route into Queen Charlotte Sound and onto Picton. I've never taken the ferry before and was really pleased we'd been able to fit this journey into our trip this time. The sun came out, the skies cleared and we got our first views of the South Island.
We had a limited amount of time to explore Picton but did fit in a crazy golf rematch. After Jon's triumph in Turangi, it was my turn to celebrate sporting success - the first time I've ever managed to beat him on the crazy golf course (not that we're competitive) - I may have been a little bit smug in triumph!
It was then time for another long journey, travelling by coach from Picton down to Christchurch, arriving late on Sunday evening. It was another scenic journey as we passed vineyards and hugged the dramatic coastline North of Kaikoura, spotting lots of seals too. As we were dropped off in the centre of the city, we had a brief glimpse of some of the destruction caused by the 2010-11 earthquakes. I have really happy memories of visiting Christchurch in 2004 and it was sad to see and hear about the changes brought about by the earthquakes. The city is fighting back - lots of rebuilding and development - but lots still to do and quite a lot of uncertainty about what is and isn't safe. We will be back in Christchurch in March and hope to have a bit more time to discover more then about how the city and its population are rebuilding.
On Monday, the England Cricket Team had a chance to redeem themselves with a match against Scotland at Hagley Park. This time, things went slightly better than in Wellington and we enjoyed the atmosphere, including the bagpipes that blasted out from time to time. A win for England, which we celebrated with an excellent Chinese meal! On Tuesday, more cricket with a Women's Twenty/20 between England and NZ at the very picturesque but remote Lincoln Oval. Another win for England on a very sunny day, which was special as it was Charlotte Edwards' 200th match as England captain... we spotted a few "great and good" there to mark the occasion including NZ cricket legend sir Richard Hadlee.
And then it was another long travel day on Wednesday as we travelled from Christchurch down to Dunedin, where we will be staying for a week so should have time to catch up with ourselves a little bit. We have booked a little cottage for the week and, despite a few problems gaining access (the owner had changed the entry code and forgotten to tell us), we eventually got settled in and made the place feel like home. It has comfy sofas, a log fire (temperatures in Dunedin are definitely on the chilly side) and a fully equipped kitchen - we've even done some cooking! The views are pretty stunning too... although getting to and from the cottage involves climbing a lot of steps!
One more cricket match on Thursday - the big game of Afghanistan vs Scotland! Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of the South and there are Scottish links on every corner - the main road through the city centre is Princes St - so Scotland were well supported. In the best game we've seen so far though, it was Afghanistan who triumphed in a very dramatic final over. It was a beautiful looking day - sun and blue skies - but definitely the first time on this trip I've felt cold and had to resort to long sleeved top, hoodie and coat! Thanks to Chris Walton for this photo to demonstrate... Snapped from the TV coverage back home:
After the excitement of the cricket, we decided to relax on Friday morning with a tour of the Cadburys factory - Dunedin's link with the West Midlands. The sheer volume of chocolate giveaways made the tour a success. It was then time to prepare for another sporting event... The Otago Highlanders vs Queensland Reds in the Super 15 rugby. Dunedin is definitely a rugby town and the "zoo" stand in the Stadium was rocking, especially as the Highlanders were victorious. It was also great to meet up with Andy B, another Hanley parkrun connection, now living out here.
For the last time in a while, our Saturday started with parkrun and the three of us took on the very challenging Dunedin parkrun. The course is located in the Botanical Gardens and the first mile, through rose gardens and along the river bank, lulls you into a false sense of security... There are horrible hills just around the corner, nicknamed the "stairs of despair". This was definitely the toughest parkrun course that I've done but the warm welcome made up for the mean hills... and the muffins in the cafe helped.
The next few days will be lazy days... We've got a few places to explore but it will be good to stay in one place and catch our breath. I might even find time to read a book. Then, before we know it, we'll be on to pastures new.
Happy travels
Liz T
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