Slept in today, and had the day to myself to explore the city. My hotel was right next to Christchurch Cathedral that was so devestatinly destroyed by the earthquake in 2011. They still lhave not decided if they are going to tear it down and build new, completely restore, or save part of it and build the rest in a new fashion. The city has made great progress and some buildings are now completed (my hotel for one, and they built it recreating the orginal Edwardian facade) but hearbreaking to still see the crumpled buildings.

One of the original street trams is working, so I enjoyed a tour around the centre of the city seeing the work going on, and learning about the history of the destroyed buildings. Many of the buildings were constructed as replicas of ones in England, especially the boys' schools, mens' clubs and homes and churches. It was fun as the conductor clanged the bell at every stop, and when it was time to reverse(as he could go no further because of construction) he just left his spot at the front of the tram and walked to the back where he then drove it frontwards again! I think I remember seeing that type of tram in Toronto when I visited my aunt. Won't tell how many years ago that was.

I walked along the Avon river to a shopping area and cafes that are all in railway containers. Quite ingenious Wandered Nightengales department store, that has been in the family for over 150 years!! It was very posh and expensive!!!

Enjoyed a few hours in the museum which was again extremely well done, including Maori history, an exhibition on the evolution of the Tee shirt, and how it is still the number one article brought home from trips, recreated homes from the 1800's, and a fantastic exhibit on the Antartica, which of course NZ being the closest country to it. Hillary was part of the first group to transverse the Antartica and they had the orginal snow machines, sled, and tractor that he used.