Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Ch-Ch Cha-Ching

Today we're spending a cold, dreary ANZAC (Australian New Zealand Armoured Corps) Day in Christchurch. The rain has really started to come down, the entire South Island seems to be under a cloud. The numerous ducks in this town are certainly enjoying the wet weather, as their incessant quacking reminds us. We're lucky that the weather for our trip has been mostly dry up until rolling into town.

Christchurch, or 'Ch-Ch' as it is affectionately truncated on street signs, is New Zealand's garden and arts capitol. They've converted an old university grounds into an art centre, with each classroom and building having a different craftsman or textile store. peddling their wares. We were able to really cash in while shopping here, having spent too much on souvenirs and presents.

We're wrapping things up pretty quickly, just having stopped over at the Antarctic Museum before jumping on a jumbo back across the Tasman. The museum itself was packed full of information, delivered via slideshow, video and talking peguin. There was a sub-zero climate simulator, which allowed us to experience what it was like to try and survive, let alone work, in -25 degree temperatures. Peggy & I couldn't handle it for more than a few minutes, a testament to our California upbringing.

posted by ncawthon at 7:18 PM