Travelin' Blog: Brrrrrrrr

• Yes, our RV tour promised New Zealand and Australia. The rigs become ours tomorrow. Today we found snow, survived blizzards, wind storms, joustled about on a Haggland rough terrain vehicle ride and viewed blue penguins. But no worry, We visited the International Antarctica center a door step away from actually going there. What a trip;
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• http://www.christchurchnz.com/what-to-see-and-do/listings/international-antarctic-centre/
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• Christchurch suffered an epic earthquake 5 years ago, centered in the heart of the city. Recovery is slow but lead by determined souls. Our tour bus passed by many damaged areas shored up by braces of all types, supported by walls of container cars and any means of tape, glue, and wishfull thinking. We passed town hall, the devastated late 1800's cathedral, awaiting its fate to restore or replace, the old police station, casino, homes & more.
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•  It was free time to tour and find lunch. We chose to see the "Restart" mall. Each shop occupies container cars cleverly turned into luxury and luxurious shops and restaurants, enjoyed lunch at a coffee roaster then walked to the bus terminal to continued back to the Commodore hotel. Just for fun, we each bought a pair of Merino wool and Possum fingerless gloves: so soft and welcoming that you just want to hug them close. They serve as perfect souveniursas warm as the people we meet here.of New Zealand as warm and welcoming as the people we meet in this lovely land.