13th February 2018: My last day in New Zealand

A hike, sunbathing and swimming at the beach, going to the cinema - I have plenty of plans for Christchurch, what I lack is time. So I limit myself to a stroll through the city, to get a final 'order' and then find a restaurant. I want to treat myself to eating out one more time. The only thing that fails is my desired dish: lamb with mint sauce. There are many restaurants that have lamb on their menu, but in New Zealand you have to distinguish between lunch and dinner. The usually clear but quickly served lunch menu includes lighter dishes such as sandwiches, salads, pasta or fish. Steak and burgers are mainly found on the menu that is only valid from 5:00 pm onwards. Only snacks and takeaways are an exception to this. After downloading dozens of and unsuccessfully looking at various menus placed outside, I finally end up at Bloody Mary's, a rather upscale restaurant, where I feel a bit out of place with my backpack and hot pants. But the service is friendly and they suggest the lamb croquettes with a small side salad, so that I don't have to completely forego my desired dish. But it's just not the same. The taste of the lamb is very subtle and the sauce made with mint and vinegar doesn't suit my taste, but the salad adds a pleasant freshness to the whole thing. By the way, if you're waiting at the table for the bill, you need a lot of patience, because you usually go to the counter to pay.

Back at the hostel, it's time to pack my suitcase and thoroughly empty the car. It urgently needs a cleaning, both from the outside and the inside, but that's not my job. The suitcase straps only snap shut with the use of my body weight, thanks to the somewhat bulky trekking backpack, but luckily everything fits inside. The two beautiful Paua shells that Eric and I found on the beach at the beginning of our trip have to stay here with a heavy heart, if I don't want to risk any problems with customs. I give one away to my roommate, who is studying marine biology in Dunedin, and place the other one in the bathroom after unsuccessful attempts to sell it to someone. I'm sure someone will take care of it.

And then it arrives - my last night in New Zealand. Saying goodbye tomorrow will be difficult for me.