Our final stop in NZ was Christchurch- probably the most classically English looking of all NZ cities. Some clues to this impression were the trams trundling through the city center, Gothic architecture, punting down the Avon river which meanders through the downtown, manicured lawns and gardens of Mona Vale, the many many pubs and the cathedral square. However, a bit of the cheeky has crept in what with the Kabab, Chinese, and other international cuisine kiosks on the square and the slightly eccentric ´Wizard´who gets up on his ladder and espouses different philosophical viewpoints for hours everyday.
We decided to treat ourselves and stay a bit outside of the hustle and bustle of Christchurch. We luckily found a lovely B and B in Sumner which is only 20 minutes outside of Christchurch. Villa Alexandra is a 100 year old Victorian home perched high on the cliffs above a lovely, uncrowded beach. We enjoyed the peace and quiet,and the lovely views!
Compared to Queenstown, Christchurch was relatively quiet and more attuned to the arts and culture scene (also a great bar and nightlife scene!) We walked up and down tree-lined streets and visited the Museum of Contemporary Art (COCA)- a definite must see. The artists on display at this particular time had all painted or sculpted around the theme of how they saw NZ or the direction they thought the country was moving towards. I liked comparing and contrasting the different styles of painting- some more pastoral and landscapes, others almost like comic-book or pop art. The city Botanical Gardens are also gorgeous- whether you are a flower lover or just want to get away from the asphalt and cars- I think I went a little crazy snapping pictures of vibrantly colored flowers- in beautiful colors I have never seen!
Another ´cool´place to see is the Antarctic Center. Among the fun exhibits there is the `Storm Chamber`- you get to bundle up in the types of coats and boots that the scientists wear and experience a storm with temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius! That´s -25 Fahrenheit!! Of course, that was the day that both Dev and I decided to wear sandals...thank goodness we didn´t wear shorts!!!! (Comment from Dev - this is quite a terrible photo.....)
From here it´s on to Brazil! Carnaval, here we come!!!
-Smruti
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