An engaging party

Dora's boss' small Wairarapa vineyard

Luckily we didn’t have long to mourn Tom’s departure, as Dora’s choir friend Renata soon arrived us to regale us with tales of North Island adventures, and make us (amazing) Canadian pancakes.

Some Dora baking, thanks to Renata for for the baking tray

This weekend saw us head down to Christchurch for the engagement party of Dora’s cousin Mark and Katie. We’d originally booked flights together, but Dora subsequently remembered she had her work Christmas party so left me to travel out alone (cue violin music).

I spent the evening at an Airbnb, where Chinese was the first language, and English didn’t really appear on the language league table. An evening and morning of my MA kept me entertained, whilst a breakfast of 110% authentic dumplings and vinegar kept me fed.

Dora and work colleagues,
not sure if they're in fancy dress

Dora, meanwhile, had spent the week at a gruelling work team day involving surviving in the subartic together, cycling round the open wineries (1) in Martinborough and brunch. She then dressed up as Jane Austen to go to a ‘Dead Famous’-themed fancy dress Christmas party; unfortunately all the New Zealander’s thought she was just wearing her usual English attire…

Breakfast

Come morning a slightly tired Dora was greeted by a dumpling-filled Roger, and we were given a lift to the party venue courtesy of Andrew and Trish. Mark and Katie had spent a good deal of time and energy planning the party, and it showed. Drinks were plentiful and chilled, food was delicious and served regularly, and the company was excellent.

View from top of quarry, from which many of Christchurch's buildings were built

Come evening we headed back to Katie’s parents' lovely home, and come morning were impressed and rejuvenated by their plumbed barista set. I popped out for a run around a quarry, and upon my return Skyped some friends having Christmas dinner in the UK, on what would have been their Saturday evening.

Once recovered, we visited Mark and Katie’s wedding venue, which was a hillock overlooking the aforementioned quarry and Christchurch. A suitably relaxed afternoon was spent discussing haberdashery and Greedy Santa tactics. Mark and Katie’s parents kindly hosted us for a second night, and on Monday a Jetstar flight deposited us in Wellington for a week of work.

Dora from top of Town Belt on recent weekday trail run

Next week, we bring the long-awaited video highlights from our South Island adventure, and little else (we’re having a low-key weekend).