Delayed

We continue to be delayed due to bad weather on the ice.  I'm sitting in the lobby at our hotel at 6 AM drinking a latte given to me for free for the second day in a row by the lovely, Macedonian-immigrant bartender/barista who was taking pity on me slaving away on my computer.  Too bad we have to change hotels today.

Avon River walk
We've done a lot of walking in Christchurch, buying things that the Antarctica pros say are musts.  My bag is now brimming with "freshies" (fresh vegetables) to share with those who wintered over on the ice and a new knitting project.  As to the city itself, it abounds in green space and, in the distance, the snow-covered alps sparkle on the occasion the sun appears.  Restaurants and particularly the wine can compete with the best of the Bay Area.  Unfortunately, though, damage from the 2011 earthquake is everywhere apparent, particularly to the iconic, old buildings like the cathedral pictured above.  The Kiwis move on, though, and positive energy fills the city.  Danko (the bartender) beamed with pleasure describing his decision to move here 20 years ago to raise a family.  I can't argue the point.  American exceptionalism may have to bow to New Zealand utopianism.

Comments

Aidan said…
Have to love the Kiwis!! Hopefully the weather clears up soon.
August 20, 2019 at 3:19 PM
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