Busy time in Christchurch

We've been incredibly busy in Christchurch since our arrival, we really haven't had time to explore the city for it's known spots.  I had my interview yesterday with the nanny agency, and it went really well.  The lady who interviewed me said I wouldn't stay on the books for long; a family would snatch me up right away! That makes me feel really good, especially knowing that money will soon be coming in.

Yesterday in ChCh (how the locals abbreviate Christchurch), the weather was sunny and warm, and I got away without wearing a coat.  However, as it is the end of winter here, and spring is right around the corner, the weather can change quickly.  Today it is chilly with a brisk wind.  So I'm back to a sweatshirt and a coat.  We have moved out of  the YMCA hostel (thank goodness) and are currently looking for a long-term hostel.  We are thinking of settling at the Tranquil Lodge, near the water and quiet (hopefully).  On our last night in Wellington, our neighbors in the hostel were incredibly loud!  At midnight, they started blaring their music and girls were screaming Mr. Big's 'Be With You' at the top of their lungs.  Normally amusing when Jody and I do such, it was quite unpleasant in the middle of the night.  It continued for a while, and we had to call security twice.  It finally stopped, and when I woke up at 6 am to get ready to board the ferry, it started up again.  It was very annoying, but I'm thankful that it wasn't like that throughout our entire stay.

Hostel-living isn't the coolest.  At the YMCA, I found myself bored out of my mind.  The tvs are shared and there wasn't one on our floor, and the internet cost $2 for 30 minutes.  It really puts into perspective how much I relied on my Cox DVR and hi-speed wireless internet in Omaha.  I am unsure what to do with myself in a small room with nothing in it!  I need stimulation.  I hope we can find a hostel that provides internet (wireless would be a real treat!), so I can watch tv online (thank goodness for that) and Skype without having to worry about talking quietly.  So we'll see.  Taking it easy today, as we begin the job and long-term accomodation search.

After the interview yesterday, we had burritos for lunch.  I have pretty high standards after being spoiled by New York Burrito for so long...but this one was okay.  I am a hot sauce aficionado, and I miss my regular Cholula.  Yesterday I tried Kiwi-Habañero hot sauce.  A sweet sauce with a spicy kick!  I'm looking forward to trying new flavors throughout New Zealand!

Missing Omaha in autumn, Jody has been documenting the leaves changing for me.  I'll post photos of Omaha and ChCh simultaneously to show the different seasons on the two hemispheres...more to follow!

Nebraska's last summer sunset, and the leaves starting to change...