Christchurch,
New Zealand
Friday, March 3, 2006
So the flight was long, but I managed to sleep through most of it, and at the end found myself bus-bound for downtown Christchurch with a mission ot find transportation. Using airport brochures as a guide, I wandered the town checking out backpacker campervan markets, backpacker car dealerships, and rental car agencies till my head could take no more. By the way, if you're ever navigating with pieced together out of scale maps on the backs of brochures, keep in mind that north isn't always up (damn you jiffy rentals). I set out early the next morning in my blazing red Nissan something-or-other stationwagon rental car, taking time to enjoy the finess of driving on the left side of the road while simultaneously navigating a map which magicly folds itself to some other city whenever you pick it up. I figured I'd take a counterclockwise route around the island, and so destination Nelson (gets more sunshine than any other city in NZ) was born. The drive was inspiring and at times, downright thrilling. It would have been great in a porshe...Maybe next time.
The south island is raw in form, delicate in composition, subdued in color, and vibrant in tone. The same goes for the people.
