Shona's directions to her house were clear. Using the airport and Memorial Avenue as guideposts was helpful. Be sure to turn at the road labeled Ilam rather than the sign labeling the area. Her house is the neat cottage on the back of the lot rather the shambles on the front inhabited by Canterbury under graduates.
She met us with tea and conversation. Her interests are varied and she has retrained herself as a life coach. For those retired, among others, she can give advice. She knows politics and has traveled widely.
The bed room was clean, cozy and well coordinated. The bath was private. We had access to the down stairs including the kitchen and patio. Breakfast was coffee with toast options including honey and peanut butter. The honey was unique in taste. There was some fruit.
There are a number of good ethnic restaurants in the area including Burmese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian. We tried the Vietnamese and it was good.
Her neighborhood is attractive with little evidence of damage from the earthquake. The botanical gardens, a short drive, are 150 years old with English, international and indigenous plantings. We spent a day there with a 2 hour tour and dinner at the Curators cottage. It is a wonderful place. I especially liked the Potager garden.
We will stay with Shona when we return to Christchurch.