We went in the seCd week down to Christchurch for my graduation. We had rain for the whole time, which was a shame, as Anna has come all the way from Ria to see New Zealand. We went down through the Lewis pass so she could see the mountains, and they were hiding behind a viel. We went up the Kaikoura coast so she could see those mountains and the sea, and they too were hiding. But we sure had a great binding time as a family. We did the luxury stuff, staying with my parents. Then we did the friendliest friends staying with Flick and Ali. They are so hospitable, they left bowls of chocolate beside every bed, and piles of towels topped with little towelling animals. Just like a hotel only a lot better, cos they were friends.
Graduation was fine, but a little disappointing. The PhD's get the same stage time as the diploma students, and I did expect a bit more fanfare for our achievements. Lincoln had twenty four PhD's graduating which was a record. Who knows if any of us will get jobs! The town hall was very crowded, but we did have fun, and they are the most dodgy bonnets to wear that human kind could invent.
Anna wore high heels, and really suffered. She says she will never wear them again - I think she will never wear them again for a long day event.
The trips between Wanganui and Wellington were really hard with the six year old full of energy. In a small car every irritation gets magnified, and he can be a huge irritation... But we made it and some great times were had.
I think the highlight of the trip for most of us was the seals in Kaikoura. And that was never billed that way. I think that happens in a lot of trips - something unexpected becomes the best part of the trip.
Posted by Toni at May 1, 2006 11:34 AM