Week 8

Monday 20th
Went to see a lawyer in preparation for buying a house (when ours completes maybe this Friday)
Queued for over 2 hours at a ticket outlet for the quarter-final super 15 rugby match, to be held in Nelson on saturday eve. The computers went down so that is why it took so long. As we waited the staff of the place gave us all water, crisps, sweets. A coffee shop  waiter from next door ,came in and took orders. The time passed quickly as we enjoyed the chat with Vern and a couple of other kiwis we had never seen before but, felt like life-long friends by the time we all got to the front of the queue. Needless to say we knew a few people they knew (just like N.Ire).
I went for a run in late afternoon, along the sea front, watching the sun go down.

Tuesday
Went for a cycle in the morning then off to'work' at Sport tasman

Wednesday
Cycled in the morning, then sat at the wharf in the sun for a coffee.
Found out that our house would not be handed over this week (admin mistake). Will have to wait a bit longer (next week hopefully)
Afternoon, did some work for sport Tasman from the house and applied for a job.

Thursday
Lisa and I were on a Treaty course all day. It was an excellent course and we now have a greater understanding of the treaty and the history of NZ as well as the importance of the treaty for today and the future.

Friday
Went for swim in the morning.
Afternoon went and viewed 3 houses
Evening, went to a hangi at a local primary school. A hangi is a traditional way of cooking food in the ground. A large hole with hot rocks, potatoes and meat (pork thi time) put in large baking tins and covered with earth. Left for 7 or 8 hours and then delish tender food comes out. It was a celebration for the Maori new year.

Saturday
Got my hair cut ( a bit short).
Afternoon - Our first bike race. The first of the winter series. It was about 70km long. Lisa and I went in the E grade with about 20 others. Lisa won (it was a sprint finish with a photo finish) and I came a distant 7th.
Evening - Off to the rugby match. Great atmosphere in the local stadium that has lots of temporary seats put in, in preparation for the world cup matches being held here. Our team (Crusaders) won. Lots of all blacks play for the team, so it was good to watch fast rugby (but still not as fast as netball !!)
Got home happy but very tired ( Lisa exhausted).

Sunday
Up early to skype the Welshs and mum.
Due to sore legs we take it easy and go for a walk along the beach (a sunny, calm day).
Afternoon - wearing shorts and t shirts (and gumboots) we help Roger and Adele with cutting and pruning the trees and bushes around our cottage.
Evening - Go next door for dinner and watch 'Doubt ' on TV

A lovely day and a great NZ weekend