CHRISTCHURCH ON MONDAY

 

First up for today, a few photos I took yesterday afternoon, when we did a bit of a drive around the City Centre.

ABOVE: This is the Christchurch 'Cardboard' Cathedral, built in 2013 to 'replace', for a while, the Christchurch Cathedral that was severely damaged in the earthquake in February 2011.

The new Christchurch Stadium is behind it.

ABOVE:  I'm sure that sculpture has a name, but I couldn't find it in a search.  Annoying.

But, it's rather impressive.

ABOVE: The original Christchurch Cathedral, looking so sad and derelict.  It is a disgrace that it has not been restored by now.  Money is the problem of course.  It is going to cost $219 MILLION to fix it, or demolish it.  I hope they don't demolish it.  And of course, the longer they take to do something, the more it will cost!

Back to today, we are going for a drive out to Akaroa.  I've heard nice things about that area, and of course, it's by the sea.  So we shall do that.

ONWARD...

Slight change of plans for the day.  We are visiting the Riverside Markets first, then going out to Akaora.

I had wanted to do a Gondola ride as well, but it's pointless when it's super cloudy and wet, as it is today.  We might get it in on another day.

But for now... Riverside Markets...

ABOVE: 1. Riverside Markets building.

2. Just inside the door, fish. I thought they were painted on the wall, but no. They were made of wood. 

3. Inside was warm, and had some AMAZING  food stalls.

4. I've never seen such appetizing food!

5. Had to get something! That's morning and afternoon tea sorted out.

We are now on our way to Akaroa. It's raining. 

12.18 pm. Here in Akaroa and the weather is abysmal,  and we don't even care! We've done some shopping, and are now at The Grand Hotel for lunch.  It's a 'pub' lunch, nothing fancy.  I have a heater right in front of me so I'm happy 😊.

Photos later.

ABOVE: WHOOPS!

Explanation: I walked down a concrete boat ramp to collect a rock. It was going well till I hit a super slippery bit and fell on my knees. Then I rolled. NOT ELEGANT. It hurt like HELL. Luckily there is a pharmacy in Akaroa. The pharmacist helped us dress my knees. We are now heading back to Christchurch... with a bloody rock...

 LITERALLY!

3.37 pm, and we are back at our motel in Christchurch.  We will stay in for the remainder of the day now.

Here's a few more photos from today's excursion:

ABOVE:  First stop along the road, Barry's Bay.

Tide was going out.

ABOVE:  About to enter Barry's Bay Cheese shop.

ABOVE: We bought some cheese, a cheese knife and the cutest little heart shaped spoon.

ABOVE:  Barry's Bay Cheese, which makes all the cheese they sell.  If you visit during 'cheese making' season, you can watch the process.

It wasn't cheese making season today.

ABOVE:  Akaroa today, wet and miserable.  I would have loved to walk out on the pier, but nope, too wet.

ABOVE: The shopping 'centre' was spread out, with a few very nice gift shops.  Aimed at tourists, which we were today.  We bought a couple of lovely things, but I won't show them now as they are bubble wrapped ready for travel.

ABOVE:  I was admiring the giant pots of succulents, and along came my man.  Just as lovely at the pots.  😂😉😊

ABOVE: Lunch at the local hotel, I had pulled pork wedges, and OMG!  They were the best wedges I've ever had.   Stew had to eat half of them... they were very filling.

ABOVE: Stew had some sort of Lamb thingee, and far too many chips.

ABOVE: This lady worked in the hotel, and as she changed the money boxes in the ATM she looked at us and said "Please don't  hit me over the head!"

As if we would!!!

ABOVE:  The 'X' marks the spot where I fell over.  Way in the background is the Lighthouse, which we drove to after my knees were dressed.

ABOVE:  The lighthouse, which we didn't get out and walk around, as I was too sore.

It is now a couple of hours later and I'm feeling much better.  I have a feeling I might be stiff and sore tomorrow!  I really did a number on myself.

8.30 pm, and all is good.  My knees are feeling OK-ish.  Hopefully I get a decent night's sleep and we are good to go tomorrow.

Catch ya then.