Saturday 17th February – Nelson

Today was very relaxed.  After a lie in, the Edwards drove us in to Nelson where the Saturday markets were in full swing.  There were plenty of food stalls for us to select something for brunch.  I asked the Edwards whether there was a New Zealand delicacy that I should try before leaving the country.  They suggested the Whitebait sanga (that’s sandwich to you and I) and I was game but I’m not convinced that I tried the finest example out there?!  The tiny whitebait fish are fried in an egg with some pepper and lemon juice thrown in for seasoning, before being wedged between two slices of white bread.  Well, the one I had was bland, really bland.  I struggled to taste the fish at all in between the egg and grease.  But maybe that was a good thing?!

We wandered into the town where we found a scenic pedestrianised street to enjoy a coffee as we were serenaded by some very talented people on a street piano.

An idyllic street in Nelson (above and below)

Back at the house we had some internet time.  Thailand was mere days away and we didn’t have a clue how we were going to explore the country, or any accommodation booked.  It would be strange being in a country where a self-drive would not be an option for once!  After much research, we booked a hotel in Phuket so that we would have somewhere to stay for a couple of nights at least while we planned our strategy.

We took the opportunity to have another walk on the beach with the Edwards as we knew today would be our last chance.

Eddie with one of his favourite toys

In the evening there was an Asian food market in town.  We went for a wander around but we hadn’t brought our picnic chairs and equipment out with us. We decided to go for a curry in the Indian kitchen restaurant instead.  They supplied chairs! And it was the first curry I had tasted since leaving the UK, it was very tasty.

Back at the house we completed the day with some card games.  The Edwards taught us how to play ‘Crowns’ and in return we showed them how to play ‘Shithead’, one of our favourites! A fair swap…