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Published: July 16th 2006
Arrived in Christchurch late on the 9th - a spectacular drive through the Southern Alps; if it wasn't for the trees you could be in the Antartic! Room at Southern Laughter is a little cell-like, but does the job & near the city centre!!
On the 10th July, we went to Akaroa (a French settlement about 90mins outside of Christchurch) and swam with dolphins. Our bus driver, Ron, gave us a running commentary all the way there, which led to us thinking we may miss the boat! As it turns out we were the only ones going on the trip (except for the guide & skipper!). The dolphins are Hector's dolphins; these are only found in NZ, and there are only about 7500 around so they're rare! After being kitted out with wetsuits & hats/gloves/boots we made our way to sea. Not long until the dolphins were attracted by the boat, at which point our suits were filled with some hot water before we went in. The dolphins were really play-full, and liked to swim around you in circles (even a figure of 8 between Zoe & myself!). They kept on disappearing, and at times jumped us when they reappeared!!
They stuck around for about 45mins before getting bored of our company & going off in search of some new tourist friends!! We even saw a penguin on the way back!
Next day spent seeing the sights of Christchurch, watching Pirates of the Carribean at the cinema, and meeting Tony & Mel at Tony's parents for some games of German rummy (Zoe fluked a win!).
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Tim
non-member comment
Kia Ora!
Hey Zoe and Dan. Have meant to look at your blog for ages but have been a bit slack I'm afraid (only just found the add. in my Hotmail!). You'll be pleased to know I have now read all your entries so far. Sounds like you're both havin' a whale (or a dolphin...) of a time! Haven't really got much goss I'm afraid: I'm looking for a new job in London at the mo.; Mike and Broadis have gone to Tenerife for a week's hol.; and Lisa will have just finished her 60 mile walk with Ross and Kerry et al. along the South Downs (need to ring her about it to find out how they did!). Everyone else is geering up for Janey and Steve's wedding next Saturday (22nd) which I can't wait for (bit of a shame you both can't teleport back home for 1 night...). Have already told Jen that she may have to have words with me (and I have promised to listen!) if she thinks I'm getting a bit carried away with the beer, as I feel I'm going to be on an enormous high for the whole day! Anyway, those job applications aren't going to fill themselves in...you both take care now. Tim