Christchurch, the end of our New Zealand journey

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17.12.05
We have now started going to bed later and getting up later! We are relaxing now after relentlessly exploring as much of New Zealand as we could.
So we had a late breakfast and had a slow walk to Cathedral square to see the market. They had lots of craft stalls. From here we walked over the river Avon to the Arts Centre for another market, this one was bigger. Then we went into the Arts Centre where there are lots of specialist shops and work shops. Upstairs there was a bead shop. So we spent an hour or so here creating and making our own bracelets.
From here we went and had lunch at the side of the river (as the sun had decided to shine today). We fed the baby ducks.
Then we went to the internet cafe before going to a bar for an expensive round of drinks, so just the one!
Went back, had tea, watched tv until late.

18.12.05

We're afraid these blogs aren't going to get any more exciting!
Another late breakfast and out for another lazy walk about.
Today we got our underwater cameras put onto cd, so that was exciting!
We found free internet!!!
That night at 7.30 we went to Christchurch Cathedral for a carol concert and nine lessons. This was good, trying to get in the festive mood, but a little difficult as it is so different and we are away from home.

19.12.05

Went to confirm our flight on Thursday at the Qantas office, all fine. We walked the streets of Christchurch some more and went to get information from the YMCA as they have a gym, climbing wall and a place to play badminton. We went on the free internet again, just because it's free!
We walked through the christmas journey in Cathedral square. This was some steel containers decorated inside telling the christmas story. On this journey we got some stick men to take with us that you then had to put next to the minature stable with Jesus.


20.12.05

Another late morning. We got up and went to the YMCA. Melissa went in the gym for a couple of hours and then belayed for Andy whilst he was climbing again. He is getting pretty good as Mel drives Andy up the wall a bit! After a few hours there we went back and had our tea then went for a walk for some a couple of drinks and goodies to have with the film, Lord os the Rings 3.

21.12.05

Still not very exciting. We put on a load of washing as Beth (english friend from the hostel) gave us some free tokens. We sat outside and read and played with the football while we waited for it to dry. We then went into town and caught the last 5 minutes of the childrens carol service with animals, this looked really good and the Cathedral was packed! It included the biggest sheep and rabbit you have ever seen! Mel lit a candle for mum, now there is one in Brazil, Chile and New Zealand. She is coming round the world with us.
Then we went to the leisure centre (Centinial Leisure Centre) and used the lane pool, leisure pool, spa and sauna.
We went back and had left overs and free food that we have collected from the 'free shelves' over the weeks.

22.12.05 (last day)

Got up earlier today to pack our bags that have increased in weight and size! WE ARE LEAVING NEW ZEALAND!! It has gone so so quick!

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOGGERS, KEEP ON BLOGGING!

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Photos

Marking Colchester
This was along the Christmas journey. Andy put Rotherham on the map aswell.

Mr and Mrs Stick
We put them next to the stable to stick around for a bit.

Andy climbing
'Hang about, Mels driving me up the wall'.

Sheep
The sheep said to the horse 'you're driving me baaarrmy'
'Naaaayyyy'said the horse.

Comments

[Diana]

Diana Calling
Hi Mel and Andy. Colin kept cancelling your travel log then all of sudden realised we did know a Mel and Andy. Hope you are both well have Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. By way Show went well got DVD to show you when you come back. Best wishes love Diana

[Barbara]

Merry Christmas
Hope you both have a good one, will think of you at the annual family get together. Take care love Barb

[Tony and Rhonda]

GOODBYE NEW ZEALAND
You are so right it does seem to have gone so quickly, thanks for all the blogs from New Zealand, heres looking forward to blogs from Auusie land, have a good flight and stay safe. x x

[Mandy]

Merry Christmas
Hmm thought I'd make some crackin joke about you being up all night (cos you're on the other side of the world) n catchin Santa nappin but. . . Anyway have a fantastic Christmas - we toasted you on Xmas day (also collected a stray guy from Malta who otherwise would've been alone - all you travellin guys gotta hang together). Hope to hear from you in Oz. Love ya loads Mandy n gang