Friday, April 1, 2016

Christchurch Part 1: Exploration!

I think I forgot to mention in my last post that I was traveling during my mid-semester break all by myself. It definitely seemed like a daunting task in the days before my departure, but after having traveled to the top of the south island and back to Dunedin in one piece, I definitely feel I've gained a certain independence. And you meet so many more people when traveling alone! Like a few girls from Germany, a French-Canadian lady, and a super friendly lady from Scotland.

But now to continue by adventures over the past week. After seeing everything I wanted to in Nelson (though more time could definitely spent there!), I hopped back on the bus and made my way back to Christchurch. I spent 3 nights (2 days) in Christchurch. I stayed at a quaint little hostel called Dorset House, where I shared a room with a super nice girl from Germany named Lisa and a lady from Canada named Sophie.

My first day in Christchurch I dedicated to just exploring the city. The city is very cultural, having lots of art right on the street, being home to the Canterbury Museum, and has its own botanical gardens.

I appointed myself the task of finding all the street art advertised in the Christchurch mini-map given out at the reception of my hostel. There were 20 pieces of art pictured, and I found all 20, but may have only gotten pictures of 19.

Street art found on Peterborough Street next to the Christchurch Casino

Found on Peterborough Street

Welcome to Christchurch! Found on Welles Street

Looking for all of these works also allowed me to stumble on some other pretty great pieces not advertised on the map! 

Some Star Wars street art near Cathedral Square

Elephants in the Street

A great picture with a very powerful message about global warming

I was also able to see some of the famous landmarks of Christchurch, although viewing a lot of what Christchurch had to offer was difficult with all of the construction. Christchurch has been hit with several earthquakes since September 4, 2010, the most recent earthquake occurring in February of this year. Most of the city is under construction as they try to rebuild many of the places damaged or lost to these natural disasters. 
The Cathedral of Cathedral Square undergoing construction after the damage of the earthquake

I ended up walking about 8 miles just trying to take everything in! And safe to say that I can use a map now. 



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