Observing Sunday Services in Christchurch, NZ
Our morning started with a guided bus tour through the “Garden City”. A town rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in February 2011.
Walking through the Riverside Markets area we enjoyed the Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival which reminded us both of Scotland’s Fringe Festival from our 2018 UK trip.
We stopped for pizza and wine watching the street performers entertain the locals and tourists alike. Followed by ice cream at Rollickin Cafe.
Lauren and I continued to explore the CBD taking photos of murals as well as unique NZ stores and shops. Another dad and daughter passion we both share whether we’re back home or traveling outside the Garden State.
We stopped at Gin Gin along New Regent for adult beverages watching the local tram car (trolley) pass within five feet of our outdoor cafe seats.
With our holiday coming to a close, this day was perfectly suited to slowing down and reminiscing about our amazing trip.
Fly Me to the Moon, Girl from Ipanema and other similar songs playing from that era/genre at Gin Gin made me smile. This vacation has been one for the ages…..
Next we headed over to the Avon River for some punting. Punting is similar to Venetian gondola experience. Perhaps it was the Gin or passing through the lovely Botanical Gardens but I caught a lovely (and much needed) nap. Cheeky fun! Thanks Oliver.
Final tour dinner, then we headed into the CBD for wine flights at Cellar Door and one last perfectly crafted Negroni at O.G.B
Tomorrow we are Homeward Bound….. 26 days later. We are ready!
Dad & Daughter
Last Call in New Zealand
January 15, 2023
#thisisus3060 #liveyourdash
What’s a Kiwi?
Haere rā Aoraki……
In the distance Aoraki waved us goodbye as her singular mountain summit peaked through the morning “white-out” thanking us for our brief visit.
I smiled looking down at my hikers covered in the silver dust (silt) of Mount Cook National Park laying on the floor of our tour bus.
Dust from this magical land is now forever mixed with the red dirt from Sedona, green highlands from the Ring of Kerry and fresh snowfall from the back bowls at Vail.
Today’s Destination - Christchurch, NZ. Our final South Island stop.
Today we are in search of the original Kiwi (flightless birds) endemic to New Zealand as well as the opportunity to visit with native New Zealanders who have offered to share their home and dinner with us!
This South Island trip has been amazing!
For the past three weeks, we have been blessed with some rare and amazing ‘Acts’ of Mother Nature during this trip including; abundant sunshine at Mount Cook, sudden flash rainstorm at Uluru, Northern Territory, gorgeous sunshine while kayaking in the Sydney Harbour and misting rain walking through the Blue Mountains Rainforest in NSW.
Home or on holiday, you and I cannot control the weather. These unpredictable meteorology patterns only enhanced our unique South Pacific “Experience”. Grateful for it all!
Paying our respects at Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo reminded me of the Our Lady of the Highways (Church) along Route 66 in Missouri.
Our Lady of Highways was built as a place where weary travelers could stop, rest and say prayers for safe passage to their final destination along the nation’s Mother Road.
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
We stopped at Geraldine for more treats of meat pies, ice cream and flat white (coffee). A local four piece band was playing Tequila Sunrise when our bus pulled in. Followed by CCR - Who’ll Stop the Rain.
Late afternoon we stopped at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to view the New Zealand - Big 5!
Our “Locals Only” treat was enjoying a traditional meal with native Kiwis (Anthony & Gail) at their home on Millstream Drive.
Lauren and I exchanged a small gift from our nearby home city of Philadelphia which we bought pre-trip, with our host family in return for their hospitality for the evening.
Finished with dinner - a dozen of us decided to head to The Strip (row of downtown bars/restaurants) to celebrate the End of Tour. It was time to party on a Saturday night with the Christchurch locals.
First stop was a speakeasy named Austin Club. Follow the graffiti painted alleyway to a neon green arrow. When you arrive, ring the buzzer and mention “Doll Dizzy” but remember you never heard that from me. Shhhhhh
Once inside, “Indy” (American from Indiana) mixed us exotic drinks named after vintage movies. I had the tequila infused War of the Worlds. The secret ingredient - Orange bitters.
Next stop was Fat Eddie’s. Their slogan - “You should never trust a Skinny Eddie”. We drank and danced to the cover bands; Corner Sounds and Diamond Blue.
Oh what a night……..
Then on another note.
While everyday amazing people (family, friends and neighbors, etc….) die everyday, word has reached New Zealand that Jeff Beck and Lisa Marie Presley have passed.
I’m reminded of the saying - “You only die once, but you live everyday.”
Waking up Sunday morning to disheveled clothes and less than 36 hours remaining abroad before we head home to loved ones….a Jimmy Buffett song is suddenly floating around my foggy morning brain.
“So whatever thrills you. Anything you love to do.
Just say someday I will. Don't need to know who. May help you make it come true. Just say someday I will.”
Our someday were these last three weeks traveling abroad in the South Pacific.
My person was Lauren.
Remember - Never trust a skinny Eddie!
Love,
Your “South Islanders”
Dad & Daughter
Christchurch, NZ
Our morning started with a guided bus tour through the “Garden City”. A town rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in February 2011.
Walking through the Riverside Markets area we enjoyed the Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival which reminded us both of Scotland’s Fringe Festival from our 2018 UK trip.
We stopped for pizza and wine watching the street performers entertain the locals and tourists alike. Followed by ice cream at Rollickin Cafe.
Lauren and I continued to explore the CBD taking photos of murals as well as unique NZ stores and shops. Another dad and daughter passion we both share whether we’re back home or traveling outside the Garden State.
We stopped at Gin Gin along New Regent for adult beverages watching the local tram car (trolley) pass within five feet of our outdoor cafe seats.
With our holiday coming to a close, this day was perfectly suited to slowing down and reminiscing about our amazing trip.
Fly Me to the Moon, Girl from Ipanema and other similar songs playing from that era/genre at Gin Gin made me smile. This vacation has been one for the ages…..
Next we headed over to the Avon River for some punting. Punting is similar to Venetian gondola experience. Perhaps it was the Gin or passing through the lovely Botanical Gardens but I caught a lovely (and much needed) nap. Cheeky fun! Thanks Oliver.
Final tour dinner, then we headed into the CBD for wine flights at Cellar Door and one last perfectly crafted Negroni at O.G.B
Tomorrow we are Homeward Bound….. 26 days later. We are ready!
Dad & Daughter
Last Call in New Zealand
January 15, 2023
#thisisus3060 #liveyourdash
What’s a Kiwi?
Haere rā Aoraki……
In the distance Aoraki waved us goodbye as her singular mountain summit peaked through the morning “white-out” thanking us for our brief visit.
I smiled looking down at my hikers covered in the silver dust (silt) of Mount Cook National Park laying on the floor of our tour bus.
Dust from this magical land is now forever mixed with the red dirt from Sedona, green highlands from the Ring of Kerry and fresh snowfall from the back bowls at Vail.
Today’s Destination - Christchurch, NZ. Our final South Island stop.
Today we are in search of the original Kiwi (flightless birds) endemic to New Zealand as well as the opportunity to visit with native New Zealanders who have offered to share their home and dinner with us!
This South Island trip has been amazing!
For the past three weeks, we have been blessed with some rare and amazing ‘Acts’ of Mother Nature during this trip including; abundant sunshine at Mount Cook, sudden flash rainstorm at Uluru, Northern Territory, gorgeous sunshine while kayaking in the Sydney Harbour and misting rain walking through the Blue Mountains Rainforest in NSW.
Home or on holiday, you and I cannot control the weather. These unpredictable meteorology patterns only enhanced our unique South Pacific “Experience”. Grateful for it all!
Paying our respects at Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo reminded me of the Our Lady of the Highways (Church) along Route 66 in Missouri.
Our Lady of Highways was built as a place where weary travelers could stop, rest and say prayers for safe passage to their final destination along the nation’s Mother Road.
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
We stopped at Geraldine for more treats of meat pies, ice cream and flat white (coffee). A local four piece band was playing Tequila Sunrise when our bus pulled in. Followed by CCR - Who’ll Stop the Rain.
Late afternoon we stopped at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to view the New Zealand - Big 5!
Our “Locals Only” treat was enjoying a traditional meal with native Kiwis (Anthony & Gail) at their home on Millstream Drive.
Lauren and I exchanged a small gift from our nearby home city of Philadelphia which we bought pre-trip, with our host family in return for their hospitality for the evening.
Finished with dinner - a dozen of us decided to head to The Strip (row of downtown bars/restaurants) to celebrate the End of Tour. It was time to party on a Saturday night with the Christchurch locals.
First stop was a speakeasy named Austin Club. Follow the graffiti painted alleyway to a neon green arrow. When you arrive, ring the buzzer and mention “Doll Dizzy” but remember you never heard that from me. Shhhhhh
Once inside, “Indy” (American from Indiana) mixed us exotic drinks named after vintage movies. I had the tequila infused War of the Worlds. The secret ingredient - Orange bitters.
Next stop was Fat Eddie’s. Their slogan - “You should never trust a Skinny Eddie”. We drank and danced to the cover bands; Corner Sounds and Diamond Blue.
Oh what a night……..
Then on another note.
While everyday amazing people (family, friends and neighbors, etc….) die everyday, word has reached New Zealand that Jeff Beck and Lisa Marie Presley have passed.
I’m reminded of the saying - “You only die once, but you live everyday.”
Waking up Sunday morning to disheveled clothes and less than 36 hours remaining abroad before we head home to loved ones….a Jimmy Buffett song is suddenly floating around my foggy morning brain.
“So whatever thrills you. Anything you love to do.
Just say someday I will. Don't need to know who. May help you make it come true. Just say someday I will.”
Our someday were these last three weeks traveling abroad in the South Pacific.
My person was Lauren.
Remember - Never trust a skinny Eddie!
Love,
Your “South Islanders”
Dad & Daughter
Christchurch, NZ
© Scott Kern