Christchurch early March, end of summer 2018

It seems incredible that it is now two weeks since I said goodbye to Alison and her flock of sheep, Hedgehog, Little Spot, limpy, and co, up in the farnorth of the South Island.

The weeks in Christchurch simply flew by with plenty of fascinating guests , a guided tour from Akaroa to Christchurch in French with a group from Quebec, and as always in summer, the most amazing number of special events. 

I didn't go to the cricket match, England versus NZ, but I did enjoy seeing the pitch being prepared. What a magnificent setting, and how amazing that until match day it is open to the public.

In the gardens I was thrilled to meet up with the family of paradise ducks I had photographed earllier this summer and to see the females almost

with their mature colouring.

Sadly, the brilliant Lazy Sundays have finished , with the grand finale of Fiona Pears, an exceptionally talented, hugely energetic, Christchurch born, internationally acclaimed violinist who fills her audience with absolute joy.

What a massive crowd filled the vast Archery Lawn to listen to her and to admire her energy and skill. Another perfect afternoon.

Guillaume from Switzerland came with me and was equally mesmerized by her performance. What a great weekend we had, Guillaume, Yves( a doctor currently working on an island off the coast of New Caledonia)  and I. It was fantastic to be able to practise my French just before guiding the tour, and with such interesting young men.

I am so pleased to have renewed contact with Kathy, one of my best friends from my first visit to NZ in 1976. We are enjoying walks, talks and meals together and last week was fabulous, with a really pleasant and easy, longish walk to Sumner along the bays. It is a wonderful walk with beautiful views over the estuary and out to sea.

Then at the weekend my Swiss friend Andrea and I had a marvelous day at an annual event, Culture Galore,  in the park near my house. With over 30 nationalities offering food, gifts and singing and dancing, it was a very special afternoon. We are just so lucky to have such a multi cultural society here in Christchurch.

The weather was pretty good too! Hats and sunblock were an absolute must.

The same weekend also saw the Lantern Festival drawing massive crowds of up to 40,000 people into the city centre and its lovely River Avon! Phenomenal , yet causing some calls for a more spread out event next year so that it is not quite so crowded. I found it great, even though I do not like crowds, simply because the city was alive again.

The city planning has been good and this downtown area of the city was certainly well used, with the steps to the river providing perfect seating for hundreds to watch the performers on the stage across the river. The lanterns were spectacular too. It was heart-warming to see several of the fantastic architecturally designed pubs and restaurants in The Strip open at last.

Christchurch will be an unbelievably beautiful city when everything is finished
Next stop Edgewater in Wanaka and a chance to spend the weekend with David.