An Escapade Through Christchurch City... (a day of excitement and awe)

Well, after a little over a week working on the farmstead, I gave myself a much needed day off to go explore South Island's very own metropolis - Christchurch. 40 minutes of straight stretches, zooming past large flats filled with livestock and manure brings you to motorway 200. There the pace of life quickens as the highway abruptly spits you out into one of the largest cities on the lower island.

Christchurch, home to roughly 331,400 people is booming with upscale shopping, unique little eateries, and a good amount of tourist sights that are forgiving on the pocket book! I began my self-guided tour with wallet stuffed with NZ dollars (a must for food and souvenirs) my camera (equip with ample memory) and my new found best friend, and personal tour guide: my Lonely Planet. I carpooled into town with my friend Vanessa. She dropped me off along Hagley Park and wished me luck on my venture into the "big city". I was excited to have some space to explore and experience some NZ life without 4 legged creatures and "wide open" spaces. I began my journey with a brisk walk down Oxford Terrace, passing Colombo and Hereford streets. I soon found my self in what is commonly known as "the square".

Cathedral Square, as the official name reads, is the heart of the city and home to various statues and a grand cathedral (wouldn't ya know?!) The tram also passes through here as it continues it's journey across town. I was taken away by the massive buildings (even with the construction) they were beautiful!

In fact... I was so mesmerized with the scenery that I accidentally stepped out into the middle of the highway full of oncoming traffic! Ooops! A huge bus roared towards me as I stood frozen in the middle of the center line like a deer in the head lights. My heart raced as I bolted towards the side walk. I decided then and there that I wasn't going to do that again....

On a side note: I have discovered that Kiwis don't take the use of crosswalks as seriously as people do in other parts of the world. Most have good intentions of waiting, but soon loose patience and cross whenever they see a break. In the states, this is against the law, here it is considered right of way, or my way. I mustn't let myself get too taken away with this habit, as I would hate to become part of the roadkill Down Under!

Being surrounded by these buildings, and the sounds of Celtic flute music being played in the background, made me actually believe for the first time that I was in a faraway place - and I was loving every minute of it!!

After overloading on my fill on pictures, and getting my barrings straight, I proceeded onward to the next sight...

I wandered off in search of the Canterbury museum, thinking I would get a bit of history in on my excursion but, I ended up going on a bit of a detour to The Botanic Gardens. I allowed myself to stay there for only an hour, but could have easily spent the whole day practicing my "photography" skills...

After finding my way out of the maze of hibiscus and roses, I was happily surprised to discover that the museum was right next door!

The Canterbury museum is a collaboration of Maori tribal history and the first setters to New Zealand. It takes the audience through a journey from the original Maori inhabitants, through the settlement of the first explorers from Europe, focusing on their relationship with one another and the spanning of their growing civilizations and relationship with one another.

"Nga Taonga Tuku Iho Nga Tupuna"... 'Treasures Left to Us by the Ancestors'

Here are some of pictures of the treasures left behind:

Here is some of the artifacts left behind by the Maori tribe. The Maoris are the most prominent tribe residing in the country of New Zealand. The Maori culture is still as strong today as it was two-hundred years ago. In fact, a celebration of their journey to
New Zealand is a popular holiday here, Waitangi Day just took place on February 6th.

This necklace is made pearls and other sea beads. This particular style was popular among some of the first women settlers.

As the civilizations changed over the years so did their methods of transportation ... Here I am riding a penny farthing!! Although these bicycles were stellar to look at, they were very sensitive to the touch. One jerk of the hand brake, and the rider would be dumped off, and plummeted head-first into the ground. I'm glad mine is stationary!

The last and final leg of my tour through Christchurch began with a little exploring through the Arts Center, and ended with an unexpected treat!

A TOUR OF THE FUDGE COTTAGE KITCHEN!!

Here is the fudge mixer, mixing the ingredients at a temp of 450'F. This machine was surrounded by a glass case that we were able to look into the whole time the tour took place.

After the fudge reaches the right consistency, it is cooled slightly and poured onto the tray table where it will be spread, and cut. (Along with many other samples of different flavors of fudge, we also got to try this fudge here while it was still hot and gooey! YUM!)

... Ahh, the almost finished product! This fudge will now get flipped up off the trays and onto the cooling rack where it will be later packaged and ready to sell the next day.

I'm Happy to report that my trip to Christchurch was defiantly a memorable one. I hope to go back at least once more before I continue on with my trip around New Zealand!