Chilling in Christchurch + End of Trip

Tuesday 1/15: Walking Tour + Buskers + Art Gallery
I got up for a run along the Avon River and all around Hagley Park. Still a bit chilly and cloudy but no rain. For breakfast, we went next door to Foundation Cafe at the beautiful new central Turanga Library and had very generous portion sizes -- actually too much bacon for Mr. E and a wee bit too much avo for me, so I shared it. Yummy and pulpy orange juice and Americanos to go so that we could join up with the 10am Walk Christchurch tour, which leaves from the red kiosk just outside the Canterbury Museum.

Our guide, Anne, led us around the CBD and other surrounding areas for 3+ hours, providing thorough commentary about the history and development of both New Zealand and Christchurch. Obviously, quite a bit of the narrative concerned the earthquakes and ongoing recovery efforts. Anne also generously shared her own personal experiences of the earthquakes. During the tour, we passed or made stops at the Canterbury Museum, Christ's College, Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, Cathedral Junction, Latimer Square, Transitional (aka Cardboard) Cathedral, 185 Chairs, Arts Centre, Public Art Gallery, The Terraces, Canterbury Earthquake Memorial, and a couple of shopping & entertainment areas. Such a great way to learn more about this fascinating and ever-changing city!

The tour finished up back at the starting point, and our timing was perfect to catch the performance of one of the many buskers currently in Christchurch as part of the 2019 World Buskers Festival. This particular performer, Hero-San, does amazing handstands, and Mr. E remembered that we'd seen him already in Wellington on Cuba Street about a week ago. This time, we watched his entire show and enjoyed both the physical skill and comic patter.

We then headed just a couple of blocks away to the Public Art Gallery, where we stopped first at the Universo restaurant for a light lunch, since it was already past 2pm by this point. We then had just under two hours to explore and enjoy the (free) Art Gallery, which wasn't nearly enough time to see everything!

Off to Cashel Street to the Unichem pharmacy to find a new clear travel cosmetic bag for me, since the Target one I'd bought just before the trip had worn out. Then back to the library to enjoy the views from the North and South roof gardens. The sun had come out to stay for the late afternoon, so we got to see the city in a very different light, both literally and figuratively.

We returned to the hotel to try to check in for our flights tomorrow but had some challenges with Mr. E's booking, so we'll have to finish the process at the airport. Dinner back on Cashel St. at the quick Japanese spot Hachi Hachi followed by drinks at Mr. E's new favorite spot The Last Word on New Regent St.

Back at the hotel, Mr. E attempted to procure a final cocktail at the restaurant bar but was unsuccessful due to a gin "crisis," so he actually went back to The Last Word while I relaxed in the room and finished up the wine we had bought yesterday. I also enjoyed the beautiful sunset and view from our hotel room.

We both went to bed at a reasonable time to prepare for our 6:30am departure from the hotel tomorrow, the start of a long travel day from Christchurch > Auckland > San Fransisco > Sacto.

See you later, New Zealand!!!