3/9/23 @ 10pm – Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch, NZ (Google Maps)
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Mr. Seamon-Ingalls:
Our morning began with a wake up call at 7am followed by me and Mrs. Mish knocking on doors to make sure everyone was awake. Bleary-eyed but rested teens greeted us at their doors and we reminded them of the first meeting time of the day. Before we all met up at 7:50am I scoped out the large breakfast buffet and downed my first round of coffee for the day.
All the kids were prompt in gathering up outside their rooms where I went over the whole plan for the day and then we headed in to eat. The kids reported feeling firmly like their bodies had updated to the new timezone. We all loaded up on lots of yummy breakfast items and noticed how the options available to us were firmly rooted in catering to those from the UK and the USA. We certainly weren’t complaining. At breakfast the kids were also given an assignment to write a letter to their future self, that I could keep in a sealed envelope and give to them in April.
At 9:20am we grouped back up, I collected letters, ran through some reminders, and then we got back on Bob’s bus and started our meandering through Christchurch east to the coast. Bob gave us a tour along the way and about 30 minutes later we unloaded onto Sumner Beach, a gorgeous area nestled in a large cover with a very adorable and stylish town. We immediately started exploring the cave rock, and then spread out on the beach. Kids walked along the edge of the crashing waves, some sketched while sitting on rocks, and others threw a disc back and forth. We all took in the warm, humid air as well as the great views. As the kids explored I took a 5K run around the boardwalk and met back up with the group at 12:45.
Shortly after the kids were given local currency and two hours to get lunch an explore. Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls, Wilson, and myself chose a very cute Indian Restaurant that was already populated with a group of Williston students. We all got filled up on yummy food, chatted about the day, and then went next door to get some delicious gelato and hot cocoa.
At 3pm we were back on the bus and head back to Christchurch on a different route that took is on a new path on the coast. Bob continued giving us info about what we were setting and then stopped the bus at a very scenic overlook where we were able to get out and take in the full view. We walked a short distance down the path to an even better view and talked about what we were seeing — an amazing inlet as well as a very interesting coal and gas shipping center.
Back on the bus we made the short drive back to the hotel. Along the way we stopped so some kids could convert USD into NZD. Back at the hotel the kids were given a couple hours of free time to relax before dinner at 6:30. Some kids went to the pool while others napped and other enjoyed the hot tub. Not long after 5pm we heard bagpipes and it turned out there was a large bagpipe and drum team staying next door who was practicing for a very large competition that’s set to happy over the next few days. They were amazing!
At 6pm we gathered up to go over plans and go to dinner, but before we left I had the kids start their packing. They quickly got lots of packing done and by 6:15pm we were walking down the main street to dinner. We had great conversations and enjoyed the awesome weather on our short walk to Diner 66. There we took over half the place and were served the orders we had made several weeks before. The meal was capped off with some yummy ice cream and time with Wilson being passed around.
After the walk back to the hotel the kids went back to work packing up. Each room checked in after getting everything set for the next morning and lights were out by 9pm. Tomorrow morning we’re up super early to continue our journey south and do our first hike!
Another great day with many more to come!