March 10, 2014. Christchurch, NZ. Gillian.

We did it. We picked Gill up at the University, in Christchurch. In February, 2013, Gill, Ken and I organized our trip to New Zealand. Now we have implemented the plan. There was glee all around. Jurgen brought us to our hotel and brought our bags up to our room. Then we said a sad farewell to Jurgen. He was invaluable to us and our journey was enhanced by his expertise and knowledge. Now we are spending ten days in Christchurch with Gill. Accommodation in New Zealand is expensive. We three wanted to stay together in Christchurch so we looked on the internet to gather information. The difficulty was knowing the neighborhoods. We wanted to stay downtown. Gill kept looking to find a place she could afford and finally discovered the YMCA. It turns out that the Y has two bedroom suites which includes a kitchen so we decided to book us into the Y for the ten days in Christchurch. Much to our surprise, it is fine. It is directly across the street from the Museum and Botanical Gardens and close to restaurants, so we have done well. And the price was right. While Ken took a nap, Gill and I walked to the grocery store and bought supplies for the kitchen. Now we are set. The only problem for us will be the joshing in Nova Scotia when folks discover we have stayed in the YMCA!!