Friday, Feb 14 - Saturday, Feb 15 Day 25 - 26
Happy Valentine's Day (a day early)
We woke with the plan to take "a wander" about Christchurch for breakfast and then hit the road. It was drizzling when we ventured out and we didn't think that the city had much to offer. Our initial impression of the city was depressing and gloomy. Christchurch suffered a major earthquake in February 2011 which caused severe damage, loss of life and many injuries.
However, after a great breakfast we started walking about the city. The sun was shining and it was a perfect day. Very quickly we fell in love with this most spiritual and inspiring city. The creativity and resilience of the people are evident everywhere. When damaged buildings are demolished (and there are a lot of them), instead of leaving an empty lot local artists collaborate and fill the space with inspiring artwork, many of the construction fences are decorated with bright lights and art designs.
We visited a "cardboard church" which replaced a very old church and saw a memorial to those who died in the quake -- a white chair to represent each person (a wheelchair, rocking chair, car seat, etc). Very moving. Most impressive was the "container mall" which is located in what was the main shopping district. As part of "Project Re:Start" retail shops reside in fashionably presented shipping containers. There is even a cafe and bank temporarily housed in a shipping container. The area is lively and festive with musicians performing and flowers decorating the streets.
Beth and I felt strongly about supporting the local community...so we shopped! The spirit of the residents is all about rebirth and moving forward, I could go on for awhile about Christchurch because it was an extraordinary place....but time to move on.
However, after a great breakfast we started walking about the city. The sun was shining and it was a perfect day. Very quickly we fell in love with this most spiritual and inspiring city. The creativity and resilience of the people are evident everywhere. When damaged buildings are demolished (and there are a lot of them), instead of leaving an empty lot local artists collaborate and fill the space with inspiring artwork, many of the construction fences are decorated with bright lights and art designs.
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| Old shopping carts recycled as outdoor furniture |
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| Creatively painted bench in downtown area |
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| Beth's King of Hearts |
We visited a "cardboard church" which replaced a very old church and saw a memorial to those who died in the quake -- a white chair to represent each person (a wheelchair, rocking chair, car seat, etc). Very moving. Most impressive was the "container mall" which is located in what was the main shopping district. As part of "Project Re:Start" retail shops reside in fashionably presented shipping containers. There is even a cafe and bank temporarily housed in a shipping container. The area is lively and festive with musicians performing and flowers decorating the streets. 
We left Christchurch and journeyed along the edge of the rugged coastline. Another ride winding up and down the mountains and winding along the coastline. Again, more magnificent scenery. At one point we saw a sign for "seal crossing" (quite humorous). But true to the sign we saw that the rock below us housed many fur seal colonies. So we pulled over to the side, climbed down the rocks and came real close to sleeping seals and watched others playing in the water and on the rocks. 
We finally arrived in Blenheim, which is the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region. Without directions and not much of a map, Larry did an excellent job navigating and we arrived at our lodge. We pulled up to the 4-bedroom Lake Timara Lodge and we were greeted by Louie, the chef/bellhop, and Pamela, the hostess.
It was 7 pm and they, along with another couple who were staying at the lodge, were awaiting our arrival (unbeknownst to us). We quickly freshened up and joined our guests for wine and canapés followed by a gourmet meal. The six of us ate together around the dining table while Pamela served us a five course meal, each dish matched with a specific wine. Our dinner guests: I can not do justice in my description. They were a British couple, Sue (we nicknamed her Sally-Sue because we could not agree on her name) and Jeremy, who were going on a cruise to watch penguins (bet you didn't know that there are 18 varieties of penguins). Sue was quite large in both presence and personality. Needless to say, I spent half the dinner not looking at anyone in fear of bursting into laughter and the other half bursting into laughter.
Saturday we woke to a beautiful breakfast on the porch and a bright sunny day. We went for a wander about the grounds and the lake -- made friends with some horses and watched the black swan and variety of birds. 
Then it was time to hit the wineries, which we did via bicycles. We biked to three wineries (Spy Valley, Seresin and Bladen) and lunch. The weather was perfect and the roads were flat :) [editorial comment from Beth: I SURVIVED!]
Back at the lodge we borrowed tennis racquets and engaged in a really fun tennis match on the grass court (the Greenberg team was victorious, which meant I had to sit next to Sally-Sue at dinner!). We had a new couple join us -- Mervin and Barbara (British). Mervin was the former head of the Bank of England and he was very charming and interesting (he is also on the board of Wimbledon and talked about tennis with Bernanke). So, dinner was equally as delicious, a bit more interesting -- but way less comical.
Tomorrow we are off [flying, thankfully--another editorial comment by Beth] to Napier to Cape Kidnappers -- all my travel companions are very excited about the golf course that awaits us.
Lots of love,
The Sisselberg's (via Karen)
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