On the town

I have yet to tire of the food selection in the Southland of New Zealand.  Two nights ago, Tara and I went to H.M.S. Kings for supper.  This was our first visit to this restaurantwhich features a variety of fish.  Tara had Blue Cod- as we often do.  I had the special- Monk fish, wrapped in bacon on seasoned potato wedges.  I cannot recall if I've ever had Monk fish.  It was meaty and quite good.  I had a glass of Hawke's Bay Chardonnay.  Tara was pleased with her cod.  For dessert, we split a three-scoop sorbet (tart lemon, lime and raspberry).

After supper we went to Queen's Park for Christmas carols.  This is an annual event, coordinated by the Y.M.C.A. with a band on the rotunda and a group leading several traditional carols.  Families bring chairs.  Children have balloons and Southland flags and all have candles.  We chatted with a man we met at Tara's church and a lady we know from the "Y".  It is nice to be able to recognize people in the community after less than two months.  The songs put us in the Christmas spirit- even if it stayed light until after ten p.m.

Tonight, Tara was very brave.   I noticed that at the Bombay Palace restaurant, all curry dishes are $12 (NZ) on Wednesday.  Our last experience with Indian food, years ago in Washington D.C., still burns bright in our memory.  Tara must have said no at least three times (I felt compelled to tease her about going).  Later, after observing many people going in, she volunteered to try it.  We both had a spinach curry- mine lamb and medium heat, hers beef and mild.  I liked mine and would probably go with hot next time. I'll be having most of Tara's for lunch- not her favorite.

Tomorrow is movie/date night.  Last week I got my movie loyalty card- yay!  I also got my library card and am limited to fifty items at a time!

One for all and two for Three!...

...Musketeers that is.  Anyway, that is what I said to the lady at the Reading Cinema when ordering tickets for "The Three Musketeers in 3-D".  She got it, but Tara groaned.  We saw "Johnny English Reborn" at eleven a.m. and then walked around downtown.  For lunch, we went to a turkish restaurant.  The lamb and chips was excellent (a bit spicy which I like) although the portion was enough for two.  I had a "tall black" with it, a large strong cup of coffee- delicious and strong enough to overcome the spice of  the meal. 

We walked an hour and a half, checking out shops, info on flats for rent, offers for travel and places to eat.
We also saw St. Mary's Basilica (1905) and Otepuni Gardens.  I will post photos as words will not do either justice.  We did not go inside the basilica.  That will wait until morning.

After the second movie, we stopped at the Pak N Save, a big box grocery with a large selection.  We finally got salt (salt substitute not to be found here), more milk and some canned vegetables.  We have only a little room, so do not want to buy too much at once.

With such a large lunch followed by drinks and a shared expresso brownie at Starbuck's, we will have only soup, juice and tea tonight.  My tummy is still very happy.

The skies cleared considerably today.  I hope to catch my first glimpse of the southern stars shortly.  Pictures to follow.  Tomorrow evening we plan to get dinner and drinks at the nearby pub- if we can get in.  The rugby match starts at nine p.m.  I understand little of the game (apologies to my two children who do or have played), but do know an historic event when I see one.