Girls Love Dirt

I meant for this to be a short little blog with a few more photos of Christchurch, but it just keeps growing and growing.

I really liked this small flat city. Despite the chill in the air (or maybe because of it) it felt quite homey to me. The air seemed fresh and crisp. At night, as the many fireplaces are lit in people's homes, the smell in the air was as close to Canada as I've found so far. I can't wait to visit again in September to see the bits that I missed the first time around.

In the heart of the city is Catherdral Square (named after the building that dominates it), with its many souvenir stands, cafe's and landmarks, it is an excellent place to begin to familiarize yourself with Christchurch.

This figure closely guards the 125 year-old Gothic Christchurch Cathedral.

The 63m spire (see above) offers up a rather impressive view of the city. If you can manage the never ending winding staircase.

Living along the banks of the Avon is Christchurch's Botanic Gardens. May is a bit late in the season to see the Gardens in full bloom, but even in autumn the 30 hectares of cultivated foliage remain impressive.

The Arts Centre (formally Canterbury College). Here you can find many arts and crafts, sculptures, shopping, theatres and yummy cafes.

Christchuch's Aerial Sculpture. If you click on the photo to enlage you may be able to see the almost invisble wire holding up this unique sculpture.

Tanz was kind enough to take me for a drive on my last night to the hills around Christchurch for this spectacular view of the city.

The photo below shows Lyttelton (pop 3100) on the top left side. This quaint city lives on the other side of the hill from Christchurch and the very bright light you see is their port. If you ever find yourself in Lyttelton be sure to drop in to Satchmo (8 London St.). The brusccetta especially is divine.