Christchurch, New Zealand

We arrived in Christchurch on the south island at a quarter til seven yesterday evening.  Early in the morning, we taxied to the ferry, a huge 10-floor ship that took us on a three hour ride to the south island.  It was majestically scenic, the mountains and blue water.  Bret tells me it is known as one of the prettiest ferry rides in the world, and although I haven't been on too many, I would have to agree.  The ferry accommodations were nice too...there was a bar, observation deck, cafe, food court, game room, playground, etc., scattered on the various decks of the ship.  Bret and I lounged in the food court area, with prime window-seat viewing.  We enjoyed a fully cooked breakfast while we read our NZ books, listened to our iPods, journalled, played cards, and of course took in the surrounding scenery.  We also spoke with a resident kiwi (New Zealander) about our trip and about my American food cravings...he can't believe that in America you can squeeze cheese out of a can!

View of Wellington from ferry








Picton

We arrived in Picton, at the top of the south island right before noon.  There, we boarded a charter bus bound for Christchurch.  It was a really nice bus, and we were glad to have some quiet time.  We drove through the winding mountainous and hilly terrain of the south island, with the ocean to our left and the mountains and hills to our right, dotted with sheep, lamb, and cow.  The baby lamb are adorably cute, so fluffy and white, prancing through the grassy fields.  We stopped in Kaikoura (whale-watching capital of the world) for a quick break, and were immediately welcomed by warm, fresh, seaside air.  The last half of the bus ride went by quickly (despite my motion sickness) and we arrived in Christchurch right on time. 

We hauled our luggage (see previous photo) through the city streets of Christchurch in search of the YMCA hostel where we were scheduled to stay.  Needless to say, after a brisk 30 minute walk with all of that baggage, I am certainly sore today!  I can't wait until we find the place we are planning to settle, so I won't have to worry about that at least for a while!  The hostel is not as nice as expected; it's dark and very sterile feeling, not as homey as Wellywood.  However, there is an electric blanket, which definitely comes in handy!  I capped the night off with a surprise Dr. Pepper from Bret (it's an import, and awfully expensive, but ALWAYS worth it!) and some fresh popcorn.

Today we began walking around the city early this morning, and the weather is sunny, warm, and refreshing.  It's overwhelming being in a new city, and it's hard for me to take it in all at once.  After paying to use an internet cafe earlier in the day, I was delighted to find out that it's free at the library, where I'm currently working.  I am going to spend the rest of the day exploring, and preparing for my interview with the nanny agency tomorrow. 

NZ word of the day:

Cheers:  thanks!  cool!