Today we left Christchurch behind and headed west into the Southern Alps. Unfortunately, the rain began early this morning, and it rained on us for most of the day. It is supposed to start clearing tomorrow, so maybe I can get some photos. We’re staying just east of Arthur’s Pass tonight, the highest pass over the Southern Alps, and then we’ll head to Hanmer Springs tomorrow for two nights.
It is very pretty here, even though Continue reading
We swam with the Hector’s Dolphins, the rarest (and endangered) dolphins in the world. There are only about 7,500 of this species remaining, and their numbers are decreasing at about 6% per year. Their birth rate, with the females maturing late and having only one pup every two to three years, is about 2%.
The amazing thing is that Continue reading
Tom, our punter
While in Christchurch, we walked to the Punting Shed and paid our $25 (about $20.50 US) each to ride in a punt. Our punter was Tom, and he shared with us some interesting history and information during our half hour ride up and down the Avon River. When we were in South Island back in 2009, we wanted to ride a punt, but by the time we got there, they were just closing. So, we made sure this was something we got to before their closing time of 4 pm. Continue reading
After some breakfast following the Anzac Day ceremony, we got onto the top of an open-top double decker bus for a tour of downtown Christchurch.
Open Top Double Decker Bus
The Hassle-Free Tours normally costs $30 (about $25 US), but we got a Grab One coupon for Continue reading
Anzac Day Ceremony
We attended the dawn Anzac service in Christchurch, even though it meant we got only four hours sleep. We are extremely glad we did, because it was a wonderful service.
Anzac stands for “Austrailian and New Zealand Army Corps”, and Anzac Day is like Memorial Day in USA. Anzac Day is a day of remembering those who have fallen in various wars, as well as honouring those who Continue reading
After showing our house sitters around, we headed to Auckland Airport and flew south to Christchurch, where they had a couple really bad earthquakes last year. We’ll stay here for three days before heading into the Southern Alps for a few days.
More Later.
(Posted from iTouch)
One of our tomato patches
Our tomato plants were very late getting started this year. I don’t know whether it was because it was too cold at first, or there wasn’t enough sunlight where we planted them, or something else. But once they started going, they really went well, and we have LOTS of tomatoes. True, our tomatoes are mostly smaller than some, but they sure do taste yummy.
Our other tomato patch (click to enlarge)
Because so many tomatoes came ripe at the same time, we decided to try some recipes for tomatoes. Continue reading
Dawn Service
Yesterday, Easter Day, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave after his crucifixion on the cross, began before dawn at the Kuranui Beach park with a short service, and lasted until nearly noon. Though the activities were hosted by Thames Baptist Church, everything was open to everyone.
The Easter Dawn Service (or Sunrise Service) began at 6:00 with some songs and greetings Continue reading
I previously wrote that I edit articles for International Man (IM). Well, now I do more than that for them.
International Man is a mostly-free website with resources and information about moving to a different country, diversifying one’s assets, and such things. They have a monthly newsletter called Continue reading
This evening, Andrew and I attended a performance of Handel’s Messiah at St. George’s Anglican Church, and it was amazing. I think I’ve never heard all of Messiah, and the one time I tried listening to it, was on a CD. But this live performance was wonderful.
Our friend Elizabeth Jones organized and produced the entire show, and then she sang with the choir as just another of the gang. A gang of about 80 singers! When the choir crescendoed, my heart soared. Continue reading
