Christchurch, NZ
Trip Start
Aug 16, 2007
1
6
61
Trip End
Apr 07, 2008
Christchurch,
New Zealand
Monday, August 20, 2007
We are happy to announce that thus far we have received all of our luggage! Our flight on Qantas from LA to Auckland was quite comfortable as we enjoyed personal tv screens with access to movies, tv and music...although we ended up sleeping through most of the flight!
We are staying at the YMCA which is in downtown Christchurch. The location is perfect for getting out and exploring for the few hours that we have available. After arriving from the airport we walked a few blocks to the downtown square and looked at the shops and restaurants before deciding on eating at an Irish pub. After dinner we walked around the Christchurch Botanic Garden which is located right across the street from the YMCA. It is a very large and beautiful garden which gave us a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy some greenery before heading down to the ICE.
The next morning we had breakfast at a great coffee shop and then caught the shuttle to the CDC (Christchurch Distribution Center) to try on all of our ECW (Extreme Cold Weather)Gear. It took us about 3 hours to get through the short orientation and try all of our clothes on. They provided us with parkas (known as "Big Red"), bibs, long underwear, fleece jackets, fleece pants, boots, wool socks, 3 pairs of gloves, hats, baklava's, sunglasses, and our DA uniforms: black pants & blue collared shirts.
After leaving the CDC we had a few hours to have dinner at a great steak place, Sergent Peppers, with a few of our new friends. The evening will not last long seeing as we all have to pack and get some sleep before having to be back at the CDC at 4am to pick up our gear and head to the airport for our flight to the ICE.
Comments
Wowww,....
Great pictures!! That sure wuz a nice garden.Howwww did you get all that gear in that bag?? Apreciated you taking the time to snap pictures w/ all that was going on!!! Feel like Iam on the jounrey too?? Your Dad
Winter Gear
Looks like they plan to keep you warm with all that gear. I hope they gave you an extra bag to carry all that heavy winter wear!!! It only rolls up so far. This place will be a bit colder than Denver! We know you will have a great experience and the best part is you and Aaron are able to be together. Have fun.
Love A. Carol & U. Joe