An Impromptu Getaway!
We had not really thought about a few days in Christchurch, but when our daughter-in-law, who is working there at the moment, suggested we spend a few days at her inner city apartment, we thought, ‘why not?’
Our first impressions were how empty the city was. We actually quite enjoyed the leisurely pace and being able to cross the road so safely! It doesn’t feel like a bustling city. People on the streets and in the restaurants we visited appeared to be mostly tourists!
Of course we set off to see the Square and what is left of the Cathedral. It made us think of how devastating the earthquake had been and just how complicated planning and carrying out the necessary repairs and restoration must be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2mjuEhfZbc
In the 3 days, we walked many kilometres ! We enjoyed a morning in the Botannical Gardens where we did see local people: a book club group of ladies, enjoying their coffees as they extolled the highs and lows of their reading, two mums and their children having a picnic on the grass and many ‘oldies’ like us out for their daily walk. The sun was shining; always a bonus!
We should do these impromptu getaways more often!