The sun goes down here in winter around 4:30 p.m. These pictures were taken on the beach just behind the house where I’m staying. So far, I have always had the entire beach to myself, and it is so peaceful and lovely. It’s chilly, but not too cold, maybe in the low 50s and windy.
For dinner, I walked to a café down the beach where I met this wonderful Kiwi family (New Zealanders always refer to themselves as “Kiwis”): Debbie, a high-school teacher, Glen, a stay-at-home dad, and their son, Connor. I realized that I had no idea about tipping customs in New Zealand, so I asked Glen to help me out and we struck up talking. Turns out, Glen’s brother is in Nashville pursuing his music career. Also, I learned that there is no tipping whatsoever in New Zealand! This is good news for me since my little eggs-benedict sandwich cost NZ$12 (about US$9).
Gail, the owner of this bed and breakfast, is also a city councilperson, and she has invited me (and Flat Lily!) to attend a council meeting in the morning. Afterwards, I’m headed to the International Antarctic Center for my first penguin encounter. So far, Christchurch (locally abbreviated “ChCh”) is turning out to be just as idyllic as I'd imagined.
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