Peace city
Christchurch, New Zealand:
For being in a country with seemingly no enemies, Christchurch really embraces the idea of peace.
Peace bell, Botanic Gardens
So much so that in 2002, the City Council passed a resolution declaring Christchurch a “peace city,” the first in New Zealand. In that spirit, I spent the morning walking along the Avon River following the Peace Walk, which passes by a bunch of the city’s symbols of peace: a monument to fallen firefighters (made from steel girders from the World Trade Center), the Bridge of Remembrance and others.
Christchurch Cathedral
Sorry for the weird color from some of my NZ pictures lately — the sky hasn’t been blue, just a cloudy grey, so it’s not exactly great photography light. It warmed up today though and with temps in the mid 60s, it felt like the perfect autumn day. After spending most of the morning walking and then going through the Christchurch Art Gallery after lunch, I ended up finding a bench in the sun and reading away the afternoon.
Love all the kids in uniform. It's like being in a 1920s movie.
I’d take autumn in Christchurch over sweltering heat in Cairns any day. Some people love summer but autumn is probably my favorite season, with spring a close second. I love wearing jeans and a light cardigan, no humidity, the way the light looks and autumn foods. 
Although I’m starting to drink massive amounts of tea again, so much so I may just float away sooner or later. Strange to think I’ve left summer, come to autumn for three weeks and will go home to spring!
What’s your favorite season?
Canterbury Museum
Anyone who’s been to Christchurch have any final recommendations or must-dos? Tomorrow’s my last full day here and then I have a half-day back at the end of my trip. I’ve visited the two museums already and was planning to just walk around most of the day and enjoy the sun but don’t want to miss anything fabulous!
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I’ve been a fan of “This American Life” for a while now and regularly download the podcast to listen to on my iPod — fantastic for long bus/train/plane rides! — but lately discovered “Radiolab” and am now equally enamored. I summed up about three different episodes to poor Sandy during a particularly long bus ride.
Check out the recent story about Lucy, a chimp raised as a human, and see if you don’t fall in love, too. 
Hi from a Kiwi in sunny DC!
Your posts have made me a wee bit homesick! But I’m glad you’re enjoying Christchurch.
If you have time, head over to Akaroa take a cruise with Black Cat cruises and go swimming with the dolphins. It’s expensive but worth it and Black Cat are the best in the business.
The Antarctic Center is pretty cool (literally!) too.
You’re in my hometown and I’m in yours!
Thanks for the tips.
I’m loving those uniforms!
Is it just me or does the peace bell look like a medieval torture chamber?
thx for the sweet comment!
i would love to go to new zealand one day.its on my list! i drink lots of tea too. just love the stuff.
Wow, even with the cloudy weather, those are gorgeous pics! I’m glad the weather is warming up for you. It didn’t even occur to me that it is autumn where you are – especially since we just got over winter in this hemisphere! Having spring AND fall in the space of a few weeks should be a little strange
Have a wonderful day!
What a beuatiful city! I have never been to New Zealand but I can’t wait to go one day. You are so lucky Erin!
Oh, I’ve never heard of Radiolab. Ill have to check that out. I listen to TAL every week.