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Published: February 3rd 2008
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Antique Organ
The antique organ and its Victorian followers. You can also see some of the antique cars around where the people are standing. I got to explore Christchurch on my own today. My eyes popped open this morning at 8 AM, and I couldn't get back to sleep. An early morning it was, then! I decided to walk downdown to see the sights; Bealey's Hotel (where I'm staying) is close to the heart of Christchurch- about 30 minutes if you hustle, 45 if you stroll (I did the latter). It's a pretty walk--New Zealanders love their gardens, and every house has a wonderful front lawn because it's summer here right now.
I've come to the conclusion that the weather here would be perfect if it stayed this way year-round. It's cool but not cool, warm but not hot; you need jeans and a tee and you're set for the day. It does get a little cool in the evenings, however, but not freezing-you need a light jacket or long sleeve tee. I digress...
Anyhow, the walk downtown was lovely, and I determined (but already had sort of known) that everything is closed on Sundays down here, especially early in the mornings. Banks are completely closed on the weekends, and most resturants aren't open Sundays, and good luck finding a chemist's (drug store)
The moa
A giant flightless bird that is totally cool, despite being extinct. that's open... Once it's the afternoon, some things will open up, but many stay closed. I had to cash a traveler's check, and fortunately the tourist information center downtown was open, and I was able to get some cash. I had enough, but wanted to have more, especially considering my tour starts tomorrow!
I got directions from the info desk, and headed to the Canterbury Museum. I detoured to stop at the outdoor market along the way, where everything from teeshirts to jewelery to food was for sale. I guess this morning was Victorian morning, because there were loads of antique cars, people dressed in old coustume both walking and riding those ridiuculous old bicycles ('penny farthings'), and even an ancient carnival organ. It was very fun to watch, although I did not buy anything.
I then entered the Canterbury museum, only to leave about 5 hours later. It was fantastic! I was blown away by the quality of the exhibits and the wealth of information that was provided. The first floor had tons of info on the Maori, the native people of NZ. They have a facinating history, and their artwork and even the most ordinary artifacts
Maori Jade
Carved without any metal, just the few stones on the island that are harder than jade. These were the most valuable things to the Maori; it could take 7 generations to work a big piece--Capt. Cook couldn't get any jade from any of the Maori he encountered, no matter what he offered. are beautiful. I learned that they are divided into the pre- and post-Moa (giant, flightless bird) times, as they hunted the Moa to exinction. They are amazing carvers of jade (greenstone), and their tatoo jobs are wonderfully complex and beautiful, and I would never get one. Tatoos are made by a hammer and small bone chisel; women generally have their lips and chin tatooed, men hav one side of their face and their legs and arms; I can't immagine how much that must have hurt to have done back then... The Maori's story is so interesting, I could go on but won't... as soon as I'm back in Brisbane to my own computer, I will be sure to post lots of pictures of their jade (greenstone) carving--it's beautiful.
The Canturbury Museum also has a wonderful Antartic display. They have an entire weather base that was once there in the museum, as it was deconstructed from 2000-2007, and is now in the museum. They also have lots of stuff from Shakleton's ill-fated expedition to the Antartic; he attempted to find the true (magnetic) South Pole and froze to death...
I really could go on and on about what I
Maori wood carvings
The 'tiki' that is assoicated with the tropical is Maori in design saw there today, but I won't. I had a great time, and would recommend that you go check it out, if you happen to be in Christchurch someday. ^__^
I caught a late lunch at the Canterbury Museum Cafe, which was spectacular eating and an even more spectacular price (a big sandwich, drink, banana and granola bar for $5.50!). I then wandered through the Botanical garden for a short time, before heading back to the open-air market. As they had just been setting up as I got there, I saw the 'finished' market setup, and still didn't buy anything. There was nice stuff, but a little pricy for me...
I then saw the Christchurch Art Museum, which was just OK. I have been to better galleries before; this had a nice collection of NZ artist's works, both modern and from the 19th century. It was definately not as nice as the Canterbury Museum!
Next, I wandered the streets around the heart of Christchurch (which is, cleverly enough, based around an church... smartly planned, considering the city's name). I will have time when my tour finishes to do stuff on my own before heading back to Brisbane, so
Kiwi
Very cute, amazing little birds. I saved some of the stuff around there for later. I intend to return to climb the church's steeple for a view of the city, among other things. I also will be visiting in the International Antartic Center, which should be amazing! It's supposed to be superb, and has been voted NZ's best attraction several times. That's for later, though, after the tour.
I was supposed to be meeting with my Contiki tour group tonight, but I guess that's not happening. (They must have gotten in late) Instead, we'll be meeting tomorrow morning over breakfast before heading off to start our tour of the Scenic Southern Island! I'm really excited to meet everyone--hopefully I'll make friends. I'll be certain to let you all know as soon as I get back to a computer.
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Heather
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it sounds amazing so far, you always find the most interesting places to look through! i will love looking at those pictures when you upload them. hope you enjoy your tour!