It's a long way from Phoenix, AZ to Christchurch, NZ. I left Los Angeles yesterday and arrived in New Zealand tomorrow. Yes, that's right, it's Wednesday, the 25th in NZ and the current time is one full day, minus four hours from home. So when I get back, I will actually arrive home the same day but four hours before I left. That's cool because I will get to celebrate Valentine's Day twice. Think about it, but not too hard...makes MY brain hurt!
The flight was 14 hours and that is a long time to be in an airplane. I did manage to sleep some on the way and was feeling pretty good by the time I arrived in Auckland. Our arrival was over the north island and the view from the plane was spectacular and truly looked like we were arriving in middle earth. I think I may have seen a few hobbits below, or were those sheep?
I breezed through Customs and enjoyed the outdoor walk from the International to the Domestic terminal under sunny skies. I actually saw my first Kiwi (albeit a bronze sculpture) on this short trek and met up with Margaret for our last leg to Christchurch.
Here's a photo from that plane ride.
We took an initial walk around Christchurch to stretch our legs and do a grocery store run. We are staying right downtown and saw some reconstruction from the earthquake six years ago, but sadly there is much work to still be done. The cathedral and other buildings look like the event happened just yesterday.
We are meeting up with friends who live here tomorrow and will do a bit of touring. More to come as I acclimate to the time change, tour the area and get used to these mates driving on the other side of the road.
2 comments:
It looks like you are off to a good start. All the destruction from the earthquake is kind of scary. Ride safe and stay on the wrong side of the road. It is only 36F here.
Thanks for the quick update! And glad you are in Christchurch getting your sea legs. Hope the weather forecast looks good for your touring.
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