"Christchurch is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's most liveable cities, combining an easy-going provincial charm with an emerging energy and verve of a metropolis. Modern bars and restaurants complement Gothic architecture, and locals know how lucky they are to blend all the attractions of a city with the relaxed ambience of a small town..."
The above excerpt taken from the 14th edition of New Zealand's Lonely Planet guide book, may seem contradictory to the current plight of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake, but due to the special people that live in this fantastic city, I have every confidence that this beautiful place will be restored to its' former glory before too long. The strength and spirit of the people, as personally witnessed on numerous occassions, will shine through once again...of that I am absolutely sure.
Located within the Canterbury region, Christchurch is traditionally the most English of the cities in New Zealand. Although I often site Queenstown and Wanaka as my spiritual homes, there remains a special place in my heart for Christchurch too.
This is partly based on the fact that I first set foot on New Zealand soil in Christchurch to finally realise my dream, and also for the fact that I have a great friend living there in Angela Paul.
I first arrived in Christchurch in November 2008, and stayed at the Chateau On The Park hotel for a couple of nights. I was to return there a week or so later for a further few nights, and then when I decided to return to NZ in March 2009, I used this beautiful hotel as a base for the start and end of my monthly adventure.
The Chateau is a lovely hotel with friendly staff and fantastic facilities.
I enjoyed some fun times here; one story I'll recall a little later...the rest you'll have to leave to your imagination, as like I said previously...a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. Lol!
To reach the city centre from The Chateau you need to navigate either around or through the spectacular Botanic Gardens. I've never been a real horticulturist or garden lover, but I must admit I enjoyed walking through these gardens on countless occassions on my way into the city centre. It has a very calming influence on you, and the variety of colours on display lifts your heart.
Once in the city itself, there is plenty to marvel about.
The tremendous Cathedral Square with the street entertainers and mini-markets keep you enthralled for hours, and any city with two Starbucks on hand will do for me!
There are also plenty of great restaurants to eat at, and I remember one fantastic Italian lunch I enjoyed with Ange, as well as a classic risotto dish I shared with some friends, Brian & Christine at the same restaurant, naturally washed down with a gorgeous bottle of red wine.
As well as the regular shops there are the usual souvenir stores, and as mentioned in an earlier blog there is also the best tattooist I've ever experienced - Otautahi Tatu.
I was extremely pleased to hear that all my friends there were safe and sound after the earthquake, as was Ange and all of her family...my heart goes out to all the residents in Christchurch and any affected elsewhere in the Canterbury region.
To conclude my blog I'll leave you with a fun story as indicated earlier.
On one memorable occassion I was enjoying my first taste of the legendary Mac Gold beer in The Chateau bar, whilst watching the Rugby League World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand.
The bar was full of Kiwi's with two exceptions - me and an Australian fella.
Now this guy was the stereo-typical loud mouth Aussie, who just wouldn't shut up.
The All Blacks were convincingly beating the English (no suprise there), and there was the expected good natured banter between the Kiwi's in the bar and myself. Generally, they weren't gloating at all but the Aussie guy wouldn't let up. In the rugby league world Australia are the kings, whereas in the union game the Kiwi's naturally feel their beloved All Blacks rule the world. The Aussie fella continually reminded everyone in the bar of this, and of what was to happen to the All Blacks when they met the Aussies in the impending final (Australia were the overwhelming favourites against the winners of the New Zealand/England semi-final).
Fortunately at half-time he departed and left us in peace, but not before I endeared myself to all of the Kiwi's in the bar, by repeating a comment I once heard from Billy Connolly...
"YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL AN AUSTRALIAN...BUT YOU CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH!"
Even better was to follow as the New Zealand underdogs came from behind to spank the Aussies in the final.
Christchurch - I wish you all well from the bottom of my heart.
Nomadic Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment