We've been in a bit of a holding pattern since arriving in Christchurch as no flights have left for the ice in over a week. Luckily our flight has only been delayed one day, and things are looking good for a noon takeoff today (but I would have said the same thing yesterday) This weekend is apparently some sort of horse holiday in New Zealand called Cup and Show. Due to the holiday and our delay, our hotel is full and some of my colleagues had to double up in rooms (yay for being the only girl in my group).
We're using our extra time in Christchurch to do a little exploring. Our first full day here we drove to Arthur's Pass National Park, and hiked up to the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. The entire drive was incredibly beautiful, and it was nice to get out and walk around after 30 hours of flights the previous day.
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| Devil's Punchbowl in the Distance |
We've also doing some exploring in Christchurch. When I was here in 2011, Christchurch was recovering from a massive earthquake that occurred just a few month prior to our arrival. The whole place was a construction zone at the time. Then about two months after we left, yet another massive earthquake struck. That was 6 years ago, and walking around Christchurch today there are still large areas that have not been repaired. Pretty much every church is braced as shown in the picture below. While there is a lot of construction going on, it's been quite surprising to me how much just seems to been left as it is.
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National Cathedral
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Speaking of earthquakes, I experienced my first ever yesterday. I was hanging out in my hotel room when the ground started shaking. I texted Cooper and said that I thought I just felt an earthquake. He responded with "Twitter confirms." Incredible how news travels these days. Apparently it was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, and while the event wasn't very violent, it's hard not to think about this country's history with earthquakes and wonder if something bigger is coming.
Well, I'm off to the airport with fingers crossed that we'll make it to the ice today.
Horse Holiday! I think there should be waaaay more horse holidays. Maybe you can observe the traditions and bring them back to KS. Unless horse holiday involves ritual sacrifice horses...in that case, seems like just one horse holiday is plenty. Miss you already!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've taken copious notes on the ins and outs of horse holidays while abroad.
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