So, after a 12 hour flight to Auckland we realized as we were getting off of the plane that our transfer flight to Christchurch was actually delayed by 9 hours! Yikes. Why didn't we notice that 2 days ago when we got the notice? Spacecadets. We were able to get a transfer from Quantas to Air New Zealand, which was wonderful because # 1 - who wants to spend 9 extra hours in an airport and # 2 - we only had one day in Christchurch and wanted to be able to take in the sights the day that we were in. I also hope I don't get the flu because this miserable B next to me on the plane was totally coughing-cover your mouth seriously what is wrong with people, such terrible etiquette. I really hope this brookstone ionizer really works on killing germs on planes as it says - I haven't been sick yet from flying and hope it's more than just a coincidence - been using it for years. Quantas food was really icky today, so much so I didn't even bother having breakfast on the plane, Air NZ was a short flight but they offer 'lollies' for your ears which might not seem big to some but really it's the little details that count.
The tote bags that we bought to put our backpacks in held up amazingly well, totally look brand new, which is wonderful considering we saw many other packs in baggage check in airline baggies - I'd be so worried of luggage damage with the multiple straps on these packs.
We got to Christchurch at about 10:30am and took the public bus to the center of town, Cathedral Square. Ride was $14 from the Airport to the Square and the driver SO polite. Odd though, a quirky cute girl came on the busfrom the outskirts of town with NO shoes on, guess the streets are clean. You would not be doing that in LA.
We are staying at the Hotel Off The Square which is adorable (to me) because the square trolley comes and stops to tour at the little marketplace that is outside our front door. And super awesome because they have free internet! The Hotel is supposed to be New York Style modern, I wish they maintained the showers more than they do. Being that today is Sunday, most of the little shops are closed so the walking tours didn't net too many exciting bites for me which is unfortunate. My favorite part of traveling is the differences in snack foods between countries - chicken snack flavored potato chips?? We had some breakfast for lunch at Joe's Garage and I swear the waitress was totally getting annoyed with this foreigner, me, not understanding her at all even though we are both speaking English. No, I don't want a polish sausage with a fried egg on top, just a bagel for me, thank you.
The Square itself is adorable. They were having a bagpipe contest today so the background music while we toured was incredible. You can pay $5 to walk the steps of the church bell tower for an even better view of the city. Seriously over 100 steep steps, there's a little camera downstairs that monitor the people as they reach the top and they are always pooped! You have an incredible view of the square though, there is a chess board painted on the concrete with 3 feet high playing pieces. A few blocks down is Victoria Square where you can take gondola rides and see some more sculptures. There seems to be ice cream and coffee on just about every corner. It is near the end of summer down here, wonder how this area maintains when it gets chilly...
|  | 
|
