Chers Amis
It’s good to be back in the
land of Oz after our trip across the ditch to Noo Zillund but we had a
wonderful 2 weeks there with many treasured memories. For an Australian who had
never been there before the drama of the landscape of the South Island is
difficult to describe. The way that high snow-capped mountain peaks shoot up
almost vertically out flat plains or huge lakes (in much the same way as they
do in the French Pyrenees) is amazing. Anyone who appreciates this type of
scenery must go to the fjordlands in and around Doubtful Sound.
As a confirmed Francophile I
couldn’t resist visiting Akaroa, a small town to the east of Christchurch which
was originally settled by French immigrants. Evidence of the French heritage is
still visible in the layout of the town which nestles on the shores of a large
bay, and various buildings which have a distinctly French aspect. Not much
French is spoken but it was charming to see a petrol station advertising de l’essence et de l’huile and the local police station with the sign ‘Gendarmerie’ proudly emblazoned over the front door.
I hope to see you all at our
French dinner on 18th
March at Waves Restaurant, Merimbula, full details are provided below. We apologise for
the short notice but detailed negotiations/discussions have been necessary and
many thanks are due to Mike Warren for all his efforts.
Cordialement, Robert
