I’m Not Looking For A New England*

6 March 2010
After the Boulders we drove north and on to Christchurch, approaching it across the flat and quite featureless Canterbury Plain. As we got near we drove through the suburbs of Islington and Hyde Park but managed to avoid Addington, Beckenham, Bromley and Sydenham not to mention St. Albans and New Brighton. Then, in order to get to our hotel we drove over the River Avon, along Oxford Terrace into Lichfield Street then along Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester Streets eventually arriving in Cathedral Square at our hotel. Once again Trailfinders have done us proud, they told the hotel it was Gregg’s Birthday and on checking in we were told that we had been upgraded to a suite in the “old building”. The hotel consists of two parts a modern and we have to say not very attractive building and the 1901 Palladian style, Old Parliament Building next door which has been converted into suites with a gymnasium and swimming pool in the basement for exclusive use of guests in this wing. OK why all the fuss about staying in a hotel suite – we’ve all been there. Yes but not one with four huge floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Cathedral Square, one with not only its own sitting room but also its own kitchen (with dishwasher, of course) and upstairs the bedroom (another T.V. – shame we never watch it) and bathroom, which is a bit small – but they had to put the washing machine and tumble-drier somewhere and hidden away in the bathroom is probably the best place. Shortly after arriving in the room Gregg got a phone call asking him if he wanted the complimentary bottle of wine as red or white, it duly arrived along with a plate of small delicious birthday cakes. The evening was rounded off with one of the best dinners we have had in NZ in a restaurant with an award winning wine list – most of which can be bought by the glass enabling us to sample a few different wines. G says thanks for the Birthday greetings in a variety of forms including a phone call from Chris’ Dad, a txt from Alan in the UK sent at 04.45 UK time (what’s up Al – can’t you sleep?) and various emails.