McCrain's in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures in New Zealand

In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.

Back to Christchurch

Date: Who Knows? Who Cares?

After leaving Hanmer Springs (Sorry guys! No pictures of the Girls!), we headed back to Christchurch. This is when we all learned something new about the Van. There is no heater in it! Our trip back to Christchurch was cold, but still fun. The rain stopped for a few hours, and we were treated to a fantastic sunset!

The next day, Jerry had to get the van worked on so he could sell it. (They were ending their two month stay in New Zealand that week.) After dropping off the van, what are four young people to do in a large city? (I know, I am not exactly young any more, but traveling with these great people sure made me feel young again!) We went window shopping and eating! While on our way, Marnos saw a friend of theirs that they had last seen in Thailand! We had been hearing stories of "Joe" for several days, so he was an "instant friend." Kathy says that I can't go anywhere without running into someone I know, but this meeting takes the cake! We found Joe in a telephone booth in downtown Christchurch!

Joe had an interesting idea. Why not go to a Pub? Well, not wanting to be a spoil-sport, I said "Why Not?" Once again, the Women proved how much smarter they are than us Men. They sat inside while the three guys sat outside. (I don't know why. We just did!) Suddenly, a drink appeared in front of Jerry. "Mona Karona" had sent "something" to him. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but since "Mona" had sent it, he had to drink it. Did I say suddenly? It seems that we had been in the Pub for about three hours at this time. I have no idea where the morning had gone, but we were having fun. Jerry sent a drink back to "Mona." Then, a drink was delivered to ME. (Rum and Coke. We had been drinking them the night before to keep warm. That van was COLD!) After that, Joe received a drink, too. Soon after, we all realized we were hungry. It was almost six in the evening. We had spent the entire day in a bar! Time for food!

One large "Souvlaki" later, it was time to find some night-life. (A "Souvlaki" is a type of pita bread filled with meat and vegetables, with a nice yogurt and chili sauce. It tastes better than it sounds!) So, what are we to do? Joe mentioned something about going to a Pub. Well, not wanting to be a spoil-sport, I said "Why Not?" We went back to the SAME pub ("The Bogg.") It was "Quiz Night" and we were asked to join a local team. Not wanting to brag on myself, I won't mention that I quickly answered one of the questions that had stumped our Kiwi Team Mates. "What was the sacred vessel that transported the Ancient Maoris to New Zealand?" Anyone that has spent the night with a witch will know this answer!

Finally, the night was over. The next day, we would all take our leave of each other. Jerry and Marnos were off to Thailand, Joe was looking for a job, Amy was meeting up with a college roommate, and I was going back to Auckland. These four young people were some of the best traveling companions I have ever had. Their youth and vitality sure made me feel young again, but their fantastic attitudes and willingness to "go with the flow" endeared them to my hearts. They all have a standing invitation to stay in my home. I hope I get to see them all again someday!



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