Landed safely in Christchurch

I have to admit - I was a bit overwhelmed when I arrived in Christchurch. Cars, cars, and more cars... and busses... I got off my bike and was wandering around looking for an information center or other clue as to where I might find a hostel when a man on his bike asked if I was an American.

It turns out I had inadvertantly run into an ex-pro American cyclist who recognized my Excel Sports cycling shorts. He said that he might be able to offer me a place to stay, but that it was complicated because he and his wife had two new puppies in the house and had just had a guest from Mexico...

Long story short, for the time being at least I'm staying in their little "garattage" (as Kelly would call it) with a real futon bed! Compared to camping or hostel dorms, this is luxury!

I bought some groceries for dinner and we enjoyed steak and corn from the barbecue and ice cream for dessert while Didi and I each had a puppy in our laps (OK, that wasn't until after we finished eating).

John's going to point out some cycling routes for me - unfortunately he has to head to the north island for work for the next couple of days. John and Didi have been in NZ for a few years, and John is now working and studying in the field of traffic engineering and planning.

But long story short, I'm in a very happy place and will soon be sound asleep!