Here At Last--Day One

I can’t believe I am in New Zealand...probably because the part of us that actually thinks is still mid-Pacific. Our suitcases have still not arrived—I believe that Air New Zealand is claiming that it is Delta’s fault.  I imagine that this may be the case; simply because we had a rapid change of planes in Detroit,  Even had the luggage made that switch in there was no way for the baggage to be transferred to Air New Zealand in the short time that we had to change terminals in San Francisco, barely catching the international flight ourselves.

The airport is amazing in Christchurch (hereafter known as Chch).  The duty free, where one can purchase up to three bottles of alcohol, is situated before going through customs. While waiting to pick up luggage, you notice small dogs accompanied by handlers dashing around the airport apparently collecting pats.  While you play with the dogs for a moment, they climb over your carry on luggage and then are tugged away by the handler.  What a great way to be shaken down for drugs.

It was very early when Pea collected us from the airport, taking us on our introductory trip about the island.  We had a quick look at some of the damage done to the city, and then went on to the sea side—I think it was Monk’s bay.  While we were ordering a coffee in the little shop there, we were surprised by Es, who was in a meeting nearby.  After a quick visit with her, we moved on to have a great lunch at Indian restaurant and then continued the tour, this time off to see some of the earthquake damage. Surprisingly tips are not expected in New Zealand.  The bill includes the taxes, which are then broken down after the total is printed.

One of the first signs of the effects of the quake was on Telegraph Road which formerly in a straight line and now rearranged by the fault line.  Below is the coninuation of the fault line into a nearby wood lot.  Unfortunately tourists are discouraged from going into the trees as they are now considered to be 'unstable'.

Our final stop on the Quake Tour was the church at Hororata.  It was  very beautiful structure built in 1911 in memory of Rose Hall following a bequest of her husband, John. He was the 12th prime minister of New Zealand. Hall took an active interest in women's rights. He moved the Parliamentary Bill that gave women in New Zealand the vote (1893), (the first country in the world to do so).

The final piccie for the day (below) is what is left of the beautiful church, St. John's.  The  steeple collapsed during the quake and fell into the organ--itself piece of history, having been orginally installed in Christchurch Cathedral.  So far the parish and the community are hoping to repair the structure, however the extent of the damage has yet to be completely assessed.  First, the tower has to be dismantled, the known problem areas buttressed and a full engineering survey completed.  The whole area is now fenced in to prevent further looting of the bricks for sale on e-bay. The parish hopes to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

Our first day ended rather early, following a great supper made by our host, and a quick visit with Es, when she came back from work. We went to  bed with visions of suitcases dancing in our heads.