Everyday's a great day with Nando's!

After a lovely first start to our travels it was time to head back from Banks Peninsula to Christchurch. When we travelled down to Akaroa we visited the view point at the top of the hill only all we could see was about a metre in front of us because we were smack bang in the middle of a cloud. Luckily when we left today we had glorious sunshine so we were able to see the view for the last time in all it's glory. That's what I love about NZ is that even when you've seen things before when you see them again it still has the same wow factor impact on you just because the scenery is that beautiful. We realised before leaving farm that we needed some booster shots for Hepitis A and Japanese Encephalitis. We'd managed to book an appointment for today for 2pm so we had a good amount of time between leaving and our appointment time in Christchurch. We headed into the city and visited some shops we've been meaning to visit including Lush to get shampoo bars which are so much more conviennient to use when travelling. Being in Christchurch we couldn't not stop at Nando's for lunch. It's definitely a favourite restaurant on ours but every time we have it abroad we realise more and more how much we miss the UK version. Mainly because they do more sides back home such as sweet potato wedges and creamy mash. Eventually came the time to go to our appointment and we soon discovered that there is a shortage of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine at the moment in NZ. Turns out that there was a case in Bali recently so it seems everyone has been panicking and getting the vaccine. The lady rung other centres across the country on our future route for us but everyone had either sold out or only had a couple left which would be used that day or the next. It's a bit of a shame because if we got the boosters we would be protected for 10 years however she doesn't think we are at much risk and we can get the booster at home to still get that 10 year protection if we are back in the next couple of months. It's mostly a concern if we are going to wet marshes or rice fields which we will just avoid now we know we aren't fully protected. She gave us the Hep A one though and it was the nicest, least painful injection we've ever had. We had around 10 jabs back home and all were so painful in comparison so I wish we had this lady back home! We got some advice on pills to take with us and insect repellent so we came away from the appointment feeling rather prepared for the next steps of our adventure. Seeing as we had Nandos for lunch we decided just to have sandwiches for tea and go back to the top 10 cabin to relax and play some cards. It wasn't a very exciting day but it was very productive in terms of achieving things that are essential for our upcoming travels from New Zealand.Read more