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I'm still pretty sure that Akaroa is beautiful in the sun but I woke up around 6am to high winds and threatening clouds. I was packed and out of there by 8 with a somewhat soggy tent, although I avoided the rain by about 20secs. Trying to get everything in the car dry whilst keeping a beady eye on the rain clouds brought back many happy memories of childhood camping!
I took the comparatively boring low level route back towards Christchurch. It followed the contours of the harbour and its bays, which included Robinson Bay, which I'm sure looks pretty when the tide is in and it's not raining! I'm sorry but I didn't stop for a photo Mr R!
Toward main land the weather improved somewhat and produced a stunning rainbow, which fascinated me due to its low height (see pic). I stopped at the Rossendale winery cafe for a cuppa and a strawberry muffin for breakfast. The muffins here are very good!
My plan on arriving in chch was to drop my bag at the hotel, fill up the car and return it. I arrived early, so I headed to Hagley park and utilised the space to dry and pack the tent, which I have to get through bio security in Aus soon! I then got stuck in chch's ever changing one way system. I filled up and dropped the car off. One of the employees had just finished work and very kindly gave me a lift to the hotel, where I managed to check in 2h early.
My room is on the 8th floor and the hotel has only recently been reopened, since the red quake zone was reopened last year. I have an amazing view across the CBD from my room.
I started my tour of chch by walking along New Regent Street, where I quickly realised that most shops are closed on a Mon (today!). The tram came through the street and I saw an elderly gentleman dressed as a wizard, complete with big obligatory wizard beard and pointy hat!
I walked around cathedral square to look at the remains of the deconsecrated cathedral. For the first time in my life I wished I was a pigeon, so I could fly inside and have a closer look at the building. There was a beautiful plant covered 'entrance' to the front of the cathedral and the surrounding square was full of life and covered in brightly coloured artwork, which brought with it a sense of opportunity, hope and excitement.
For the next few hours I wandered around the CBD. My feelings were very mixed. On one hand I felt a great sadness and was in awe of the damage the earthquake had done, hundreds of buildings just gone forever. On the other hand there was a really positive vibe and a real feeling of enthusiasm for future changes. This is an amazing city and one that I'm looking forward to visiting again in the future to see its developments.
Artwork is everywhere and makes the most of newly exposed walls. RE:start is a very colourful, innovative part of the city where a centre is being reformed. A series of bright shipping containers provide a centre for shopping, eating and coming together.
The rest of the city awaits for me to explore tomorrow...
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