Christchurch

Tara and I spent our New Year's break in Christchurch.  We did not know what to expect.  Being our first visit, we found plenty to see and do.  Hagley Park and the botanical gardens are beautiful and amazing.  The nearby Canterbury Museum was worth the few hours we spent there.  Admission is by donation. 

Our two favorite places to eat were the casino and Speight's Ale House (on Bealey Street).  The breakfast buffet at the casino was varied and tasty.  You also cannot beat the promptness of a buffet.  Somehow we overcame (my) temptation to try our luck at the tables.  Speight's was a good place for a biggish breakfast, although lighter on fruits and veggies than I prefer.  We ate supper there twice.  My favorite was the BLT sandwhich with a pint of Speight's Distinction ale.

We walked hours (about two to four) each day.  One day was at the Orana zoo where we got to feed a giraffe.  We also went to the Adrenaline Forest where we climbed through paths between trees.  Tara drew the line, however, when I expressed interest in driving a tank.  One attraction has five armoured vehicles and you can ride along or drive them.  Two are actual tanks and one option is two crush a car with the tank- another reason not to use their car park!

We were able to experience four significant aftershocks in under four days.  The strongest was 5.5  and lasted about twenty seconds.  We got home yesterday.  Today Yahoo news reported a "flying shark" at the airport.  I hope my eldest grandson keeps his shark indoors.

It will take years to rebuild Christchurch, but it will be worth the wait.  It is a beautiful location.  Unfortunately, about 1000 of 2400 buildings at city centre have to come down.