Our 2nd Anniversary

Last weekend we celebrated our 2^nd Anniversary. Trey started the celebration off right by sending Jocelyn flowers at work. Jocelyn described them as the best flowers that Trey has ever sent her, although that is not saying much because Trey does not have the best track record with sending flowers. One time he sent flowers for Valentines Day and due to a big snow storm the delivery got delayed; it arrived two days latter as a box filled with dead flowers. Oh well, maybe he is finally learning.

After work we went out to dinner at a restaurant called the Sign of the Takahe. The building that houses this restaurant is situated high on the Cashmere Hills overlooking Christchurch. It was first started being built in 1918, but was not fully completed until 1949 due to the world wars and Great Depression. The building is best described as a miniature stone castle. Even the inside is decorated with a suit of armor and coat of arms. The restaurant itself is very small with no more than 12 tables. We were seated at one of the tables next to the fireplace which was a nice treat on a cold and rainy evening. Overall the food was just slightly above average but the atmosphere and the service was great.

After dinner instead of bringing out the dessert menu they brought out a small cake that looked exactly like the top of our wedding cake! Jocelyn had been sneaky and had a cake company make a replica of the top of our wedding cake and deliver it to the restaurant. She did this because we did not get a chance to eat the top of our wedding cake on our first anniversary and because she likes to surprise Trey!

After dinner we explored the castle a little bit. We found a picture of Bill Clinton on the walls from when we was there giving a speech outside the restaurant. Overall we had a very good anniversary night, but we are eagerly awaiting the rest of our anniversary celebration when we go on our trip to the Cook Islands this weekend.

Beautiful weekend in Lyttelton Harbour

Last weekend we decided since it was a beautiful day to utilize our annual gondola passes and head up to the hill to overlook the port hills and have some afternoon tea. It was a beautiful, clear day and reminded us of why it is a blessing to live here even if for a short time.

We had not been out of the main downtown Christchurch for weeks and so we felt it was time to get back into nature and check out some new places. One of the things that Jocelyn had not yet done was go in the Time Tunnel at the gondolas. It was pretty cheezy (which Trey warned her about after having gone with his parents) but they figured since it was free they had to do it. Trey told no lies.

After tea we went out on the lookout and just took in the amazing view that is Lyttelton Harbour. Trey noticed that the sun set much earlier there since it was already getting dark down there around 4pm. Unfortunately after the Time Tunnel we just missed watching the sun set but that just made us realize we must go back again. It would also be nice to have a picnic up there and we have definitely seen other people doing that.



After spending a relaxing afternoon there we went to the downtown area of Lyttelton for some drinks and dinner. Trey had been before but Jocelyn had not so we figured we would check it out. It is a very small, cute and very quirky town and Trey had 2 bars in particular that he wanted to show Jocelyn. The first was called Monster Bar which is a tiny yakitori lounge. Yakitori is technically skewered grilled chicken but in fact yakitori can be many things - fish, veggies, etc. We got a few pieces to share and some rice and edamame. It was delicious.


Notice the hanging monster outside the door


The sign outside both bars

Next, we moved onto a bar called Wunderbar. They claim to be the most unique bar in NZ and we would tend to agree. I am sure you would too after seeing the lampshade made out of dolls heads! The bathroom doors were strange as well. The handle for the mens room was a clenched up fist and the women's was an iron. It was probably the only time Jocelyn has ever touched an iron in her whole life. :) Apparently some pretty decent bands play at this bar so we will keep a look out to see if anyone strikes our fancy.



















We sat next to a man there who apparently knew the German guy who designed it. They we met had was a Kiwi who just returned from living in Russia and teaching English. He had an amazing photo album of his experience and shared it with us. While the photos were great, it did not convince Trey and Jocelyn to put Russia on their travel docket anytime soon.

Finally, since we were having some drinks, we decided the yakitori was not quite cutting it and tried a Mexican restaurant in Lyttelton called Lava Bar. We got nachos and Trey got a vegetable enchilada. The nachos were probably some of the best and most authentic we have had in New Zealand but the enchilada was not as good. We have noticed Kiwis are a little shy about flavour - especially spice. Things tend to be on the milder side so the enchilada really had more of a tomato sauce than a spicy salsa happening.

All in all it was a great night and it was fun to check out new spots. We will definitely be back to Lyttelton!