The first few days were slow moving as I was exhausted.  Day one was all about clearing customs, organizing belongings, and learning where everything is in Broomfield, the suburb of Christchurch I am staying in.  Marion, Ray, Wendy, and Marcos mounted a proper welcome of fish-n-chips and Speight's Old Dark Ale, then it was off to bed.

Day two was much of the same.  I walked and ran across Broomfield, Hei Hei, and Hornby to meet Marion during her lunch break.  After the hectic pace of the last weeks it was a blesing to just take in the local culture in an unstructured manner.  Wendy helped me map out a plan for the week and then we went on a grotty pub tour.  After Marion got off work, the girls went into town for Steak and Guiness stew at Ballie's, a legend in the city.  It turned out to be a dissapointment.  They have converted to a more upscale pub and the cheapest entree was NZ$22, so we only stayed for a pint and caught a ride home.  The ride was the best part.  We got to giggling to the point that I was afraid the driver might put us off.