An update from the Old Countryhouse - Christchurch

Hi All,

I feel we’ve been a bit neglectful of the blog, now that we’re in NZ and at the “exciting” part. Do know that that’s not due to our lack of effort, but a lack of abilities. Apparently “free wi-fi” is a pretty foreign concept to the Kiwis. However, we’ve buckled down and bought some time (Megabytes actually) at our Hostel.

So, as an update, we’ve made it to Christchurch on the South Island! We’ve settled into our hostel, The Old Country Inn, and figured out the bus system to get into town (for note, get off at the bus exchange!). From here we’ll get settled in the city and buy a car over the next couple of days. That feat may take some wrangling, but it appears that the city’s pretty well equipped for that kind of request. There are a few car auctions per week and a backpacker’s car lot. Should be a good opportunity to test out my new negotiation skills per Tom Tripp!

Also going on this week is the U-17 Women’s World Cup. We’re not sure yet who’s playing, but the semi-finals are here in Christchurch tomorrow night. Tickets seemed reasonable, so I think we’re going to take the opportunity to check that out. Our Hostel owner hadn’t heard anything about it, so that should bode well for actually getting tickets.

Christchurch was founded by the Anglican Church to be a community in their ideals, so it still retains that fell of true English charm. It’s set close to some very nice beaches, so in-between car shopping, We’re hoping to take some advantage of that proximity!

So far we’ve learned a few things:
A. They DO have Heinz catchup, though a bottle goes for around NZD $6.95 (USD $5.00).
B. The kiwi’s “bristling” feelings about Aussies surpasses those of the Vikings-Packers rivalry. I know see the Vikes-Pack dispute as sibling rivalry. Which is funny, because it seems that most Aussie/Kiwis are actually cousins.
C. And we’ve invented a new game as we watch folks check into the hostel. It’s called: “Are they Americans?” And it helps after a bottle of wine. Probably not in good taste, but it is entertaining!

Cheers from Down Under,
Corey & Janwyn