Gone fishing!

Yes, here I am with part of my catch... I can now cross 'sea fishing' off my list of 'things I must do once in my life'. We also caught crayfish, which are actually lobsters - I took one back to the hostel and the owner helped me cook it. It was delicious, and the blue cod and soldier fish (in picture) which I cooked the next evening melted in the mouth - I've never had fish this fresh before! So I'm glad I did it, but although I'm generally a good sailor, all that bobbing about in one place in a tiny boat made me feel distinctly uneasy, and the gutting of the fish nearly finished me off (and that was just watching it - I didn't expect the blood that poured from the cod...). But hey, it's all experience!
This all took place in Kaikoura - famous for the crayfish and for whale watching. I didn't indulge in the latter, as it was extremely expensive, whale appearances were not guaranteed, and at least 50% of passengers generally 'feed the fish'. I passed on that one, and borrowed a bike instead - had to banish the ghost of the 'arrest' in Laos! - it was very rickety, and occasionally the pedals seized up and wouldn't turn, making it quite hairy at times. But it got me there and back; 'there' being the seal colony on the Kaikoura Peninsula and a lovely walk over the clifftops and back overland.
I haven't been busy doing things all the time. The weather this week, while I've still been at the northern end of the South Island, has been brilliant - up in the thirties (that's centigrade, in case you're saying that your temp's the same!). I've spent some time sitting around soaking up the vitamin D (for my osteoporosis, you understand, purely medicinal) and reading. I saw an article about Jeremy Clarkson, describing him as 'human marmite' - very appropriate, I think - you either love or loathe him (I love him!). I'm now reading a Paul Theroux book about his travels around the coast of GB in 1982 - what a miserable lot of people he has described so far; I hope it gets more cheerful as the book goes on!
I must thank Anne's Andrew for his comments - always good to hear from someone who has shared experiences - I wonder if you also ate mostly 'Pams' products - the cheapest brand I've found, although I'm sick of her muesli now! Indulged in a bought breakfast this morning - french toast, banana and bacon, drizzled with maple syrup and icing sugar. Yum!
My trip from Picton to Kaikoura on the Trans Coastal train was very interesting - nothing like an English train trip! The views along the coast were spectacular, and enlivened by a running commentary by the guard, and by the train slowing down when anyone spotted anything worth an extra look - e.g. a pod of dolphins close to the shore. Every minute stop was explained, such as 'we're just changing over drivers now'! The whole atmosphere over here is so laid back. We were an hour late getting into Christchurch last night, but if a few more people got to see some dolphins, what the heck?!
I don't know if you've noticed, but I love New Zealand! The scenery is, of course, spectacular almost everywhere - so green, although this summer is so good that it's looking a bit brown and dry in places; mountains, meadows, cliffs, rocks; it just goes on. And so much SPACE. Even the towns give a feeling of space; the streets are wide and everywhere is clean.
Christchurch is my least favourite place so far, but then I've only just arrived, so it may grow on me. It is quite flat, and has a river but no sea unless you get on a bus to New Brighton, which I think I must do. I'm heading off on the Trans Alpine train next week - a treat in store - but will be back here before I leave NZ, hopefully to catch up with the England cricket team... hoorah for the barmy army!
It's raining today, so I'm going to explore the botanical gardens - they will be 'fresh' in the drizzle - and maybe sip a mug of hot chocolate, cream and marshmallows. It's a tough life! Bye for now!

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