I explored Christchurch

A lot of people I've spoken to about this city have said that it's boring and there is nothing to do. Maybe I'm just easily amused, but I quite like it here. Despite the weather being drab, deary and a little bit wet this morning, I headed out to explore. After breakfast in a nice little cafe in the tram station I went to take shelter from the weather in the Art Gallery. It was free and there were several exhibitions on. I pretended to be arty and took my time wandering round considering paintings and photographs. I think I prefer photography.

After that I continued to be a bit cultural and as the weather had cleared up a bit went for a long walk round the botanical gardens. It was lovely and had tranquil little ponds and a rose garden. After this I continued walking and went round the park. It's called Hagley Park and is the thrid largest urban park in the world. It is pretty big, there are several football and rugby pitches, a 12 hole small golf course and a trim trail for the runners round the edge. As usual, I wished I was running.

Once done with the park I headed back into the city. The architecture of some of the buildings is so lovely. It reminds me a little of Stratford and of films I've seen set in Oxford (I've never actually been there). Apparently people say that Christchurch is very much like England (the weather certainly made it seem like that this morning). I can see what they mean with the buildings and the large catherdal in the centre. After a quick lunch, I've discovered the wonder of freshly baked steak and cheese pies, I continued around the city centre. I brought myself a very pretty (and a little expensive) bracelet. It's a New Zealand version of the Pandora bracelets and you buy little New Zealand style charms to go on it. I love it.

When I arrived back at the hostel the Kiwi bus from Queenstown had arrived and there were a couple of people I knew. It's been very weird being without my Kiwi bus adoptive family so it will be nice to go out with them tonight.

xx