the city

Yesterday I had a rare day off of work in the middle of the week so we decided to take full advantage and head into the city.  The city centre was busier than normal, the weather was perfect, and we accomplished much:  browsing the after-Christmas sales, haircuts, library, and touring the art gallery.  The art gallery is a collection among several buildings of all sorts of shops housing leather crafts, beads and jewelry making, a fudge factory, jade, paua, and opal shops, cafés, and several wool shops.  It was really fun to peruse the shops specializing in New Zealand goods. 

After leaving the art gallery, we came across a busker on the street with his dog.  Buskers (street performers) are very popular here in Christchurch.  In fact, later this month, there is an international busker festival in Christchurch, with over 400 acts.  It's somewhat inspired Bret to make a True Life-esque documentary about the life of a busker that travels to Christchurch to perform.  We enjoy wondering about how they are inspired to do what they do everyday!

The busker and his dog, Polly, were incredibly entertaining.  And just us stopping to look nudged the man to show us all of his dog's tricks.  Polly could ride a skateboard, honk its horn, sing along appropriately with "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" and even pick up the coins that people were donating and dropping into a hat.  She was quite entertaining, and I am looking forward to checking out more buskers later this month!