Christchurch
28.07.2010
So after a 2 and a half hour drive to Christchurch (the most English of New Zealands cities),well a city consisting of 350,000 people so slightly larger than Watford! With road names such as Manchester Street Armagh Street and a signpost for St Albans I almost felt at home.
I booked into the Chester Street Backpackers a small converted house with an old bus in the backyard that had two beds in it. This is a very small friendly hostel, only 17 beds. Compare this to the 150+ bed YHA or Base hostels in Auckland.
The first day I spent exploring. I saw a very good photography exhibition in the Christchurch Art Gallery (free!) by Christine Webster called Provocations, disturbing nudes, but certainly memorable. In the evening i went for fish and chip (very cheap City Centre, Christchurch.)
The buildings of Christchurch University, the magnificent Botanic Gardens and many coffee houses and restaurants where i visited already. i have tried lots of different New Zealand wines and have not come across one which i have not enjoyed!
The highlight so far has been The Old Crow Medicine Show on Thursday Evening. it was a brilliant concert and the audience loved them - They played all the songs i knew and it was very vibrant and upbeat. I have put some pictures on facebook! I had front row seats -probably the best seats in the house! I think that happened because i booked the tickets so early and online so Thanks Simon!!The support band were great too (The Eastern-with a very lively frontsman and 2 girl singers- what is it about alt country girls - they always wear the most odd dresses!!!
The weather has been good, sunny and warm by day, though now i can feel a little chill in the air in the evenings.
