McCrain's
in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures
in New Zealand
In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.
Back to Christchurch
July 29, 2004
Today
we headed back to Christchurch to turn in the campervan.
It was a good vehicle, and gave us all of the freedom that we wanted
to go and do as we pleased. We didn’t have to rely on anyone else’s
schedule, but could make up our own. It was a great way to travel. I
highly recommend it!
Before the
day was over, though, Kathy and I visited the “International Antarctic
Center.” Christchurch is the main “jumping
off point” for 80% of the expeditions to the Antarctic continent
and the South Pole. They have a wonderful museum and educational “experience”
to help people understand what actually takes place on the continent.
For those of you who are not aware of it, Antarctica does not belong
to any nation, but is protected by a global “pact” that
has been signed by the majority of the world’s governments. 
All
of the participants have agreed to keep this a pristine environment
for scientific research. This educational center explains what goes
on down there and all of the logistics required to maintain the scientific
communities in the most inhospitable environment on the planet. If you
are ever in Christchurch, spend a few hours and visit this center.
I also got
to take Kathy to a few of my “old haunts” in town.
(Remember, I spent TWO DAYS here a few months ago. I KNOW this town!)
I took her to see the 
beautiful
Cathedral Square where we saw the 100-year-old Anglican Church, lots
of modern art, several street performers, and the giant chess board.
The highlight of the visit, at least for me, was eating at a little
middle-eastern restaurant that I know of, called “The Souvlaki
Bar.” Basically, it is a pita filled with meat, vegetables, couscous,
and some sort of sauce. They are delicious, and very filling.
Of course,
this being a friendly town with a “down home” atmosphere,
and also knowing that we would be leaving this country 
the
very next day, we decided to have a very “kiwi” evening.
We headed to a local pub, had bar food, and watched New Zealand boxing!
They were raising money to help fight meningitis in the country, and
had a lot of professional athletes (and one champion sheep-sheerer!)
box for charity. They called it “Auckland versus the
Rest of New Zealand!” Just for the record, Auckland
won 2 out of six matches, which perfectly reflects the fact that Auckland
has 1/3 of New Zealand’s total population!
I know, it was a weird way to spend the evening, but you all know us. It worked just fine!
 Previous Entry |
 Next Entry |