Friday 11 March 2011
We had a plan for today, and it all went to clockwork. We drove round to Keith and Fiona’s for breakfast, I must say it was lovely porridge. We had a discussion of what to do over breakfast and decided the best option was to go to Hanmer Springs where there were hot pools. Also lot’s of women in bikinis but that’s more one for Dave.
Keith led us out the the open road as i followed in the beast, then as soon as we hit the motorway she was off, limited obviously to 100kph. No seriously i was more religious than the pope is his pope mobil. Anyway we got there fine, a few beeps from the car when i exceeded 110 but i guess it was helpful. We lunched in a brewery chain restaurant, I have to say with remarkably nice beer and cider, if i could remember the name i would write it here as well worth picking up in the UK.
Hanmer was a real touristy spot, lots of yanks, and the odd pom, one or two kiwi’s too. The pools are interesting, obviously not directly heated from the thermal springs, but instead the water is heated by the thermal springs and then regulated so one is sitting in clean water. Also there was a raw egg pool which was fun too, although a shower was probably useful. Tantine sat the pools out but was able to watch for $2NZD.
A quick coffee break and we hit the road, the rainy road, bloody weather but hey at least i can say it’s raining here in New Zealand, more impressive than the weather in London is crap. The journey back was a little slower but only due to lorries on the road, and lorries and road mean one thing perfect chance to overtake. I overtook a few things sensibly then got pissed off with some twit behind in a van, literally right up my arse. So as Dave would now i used the go baby go button, i don’t think Tantine noticed but by the time we had finished overtaking this lorry the car went from 100 to 140kph, admittedly somewhat over the limit but i didn’t quite expect that increase in speed in around 3 seconds. I haven’t a clue of the engine size but it groans like the CLS so it must have some bhp. Anyway beyond that and a rather quick start up from a junction it was good, car performed well and we had no problems.
We got back at 6 for dinner which was again lovely, despite Keith taking me to the fish shop for more oysters as Fiona was despairing as she had just got the food ready. Anyway the Oysters and the dinner were lovely so everyone was happy, although such a shame Chris was not with us.
Tonight finished with a movie that Keith had rented, i think it’s called Dear John starring Amanda Seyfreid. he has a blue-ray setup so i was intrigued to see the quality, it is impressive as long as both components are equally good. It’s quite a sweet film and no one can complain having her on your screen, a rather sweet actress.
Well that’s it for tonight, off to Dunedin tomorrow and then back Sunday evening. So far loving the South Island and have decided to marry a Kiwi, get citizenship and live here for 6 months of warm and the UK for the other. Yes OK i need a job for such a biannual commute but that’s a small issue.
Good night.