Argentina

Abs v Argentina

So we were tired little teddy bears on Sunday morning but everyone eventually emerged. It was a lovely day and after a good brekkie it was time for a walk. Margaret and Michael’s house is on a hill above Torquay but within 10 minutes we were walking through trees and forest to a quaint thatched roofed village; quite amazing. From there we talked and walked our way down to the seaside; the English Riviera all the signs said. The day was suitably warm and the seas suitably calm. Torquay does look like the Orewa of Pomgolia with plenty of retirees and seaside hotels for the “holiday at the beach”.

We even managed a totally acceptable coffee in the grounds of the original manor while Emma played spot the squirrel. Vermin we keep telling her but they are still rather cute.

Plan for the afternoon is to borrow Michael’s car (a diesel Peugeot 308 just like we had in France). Michael had arranged insurance on the car for us and so it was off to Exeter with Emma in tow. First stop is a local supermarket for a “flat shop” like we have done when previously with the loin fruit in Dunedin. I must say the English supermarkets are a big come down after the great French stores. The prices however aren’t too bad, especially with the fresh stuff, eggs etc. The general cost of living here is definitely up on NZ but basic food stuffs seem to be OK. So loaded up with flat essentials it is off to Exeter and Em’s new flat where we meet her “land lady”, Jennifer. Jennifer is only 28 but owns a couple of houses. Seems to be a common thread over here as, although the house prices are rather large, the interest rate are low enough to allow and w which allows keen ones to get on the market early.

After acquaintances have been made it is off to a local student pub to watch the ABs take on Argentina in their first World Cup game. It seems the band got a little boisterous the night before and ripped the data projector off the ceiling so it is now propped up on a couple of beer crates with books for balance. Despite the slightly off kilter screen, the picture is more than adequate and we settle into the game. Lump in the throat for the haka and we hope the boys do well. Pity about the game; lots of lost opportunities and simple errors. Despite this the boys come away with a solid win and we are on the way to the knockout rounds.

After the game we play the dutiful parents and take Emma and Jennifer out for dinner. The first two places that Jennifer suggests are either closed or booked out but we find a “Jamie Oliver” franchised Italian in the High Street which fits the purpose well.

From what we can see it looks like Emma has fallen on her feet; has the law papers she needs and a nice flat with the chance of making good friends with Jennifer.

So with somewhat heavy hearts we say goodbye to Emma. She is only away for four months or so and she has spent the last five years in Dunedin away from us. It is just that despite modern travel and communications she is still on the other side of the world which can be a long long way away. But despite remaining “Mum and Dad” we need to let her do her thing. She has really shown some incredible strength of character in her travelling solo across Europe and we know she has inner strengths that will see her right. Kris will stop crying soon I promise.

So back to Torquay and our last night with Michael and Margaret. Just like last year, it has been so easy to just slip back into our 35 year friendship. Good friends are like that