Brrrr from Christchurch, NZ

February 13, 2009

Today is Friday the 13th in NZ – we crossed the dateline coming over here, so I am a day and several hours ahead of most of you. Kinda cool. Yesterday was a day at sea as we voyaged to Christchurch, NZ. Arrived here early this morning and took a shuttle into town. Rundown of Christchurch in 10 words:

• Cold (12 degrees!)
• Old
• British
• Historic
• Architectural
• Heritage
• No-nonsense
• Pioneering
• Anglican
• Pristine
  

Wandered around the Cathedral square, tagged along in a tour of the ornate Christchurch cathedral – fascinating and steeped in historic significance (those of my friends in the Forces would appreciate the rich military history of this town), watched a rather talented busker masterfully play with 12 basketballs at the same time – impressive and comically entertaining, visually feasted on the local fare of an outdoor market – spent some significant NZ pennies here, toured the city by foot and by bus – local flavour of the day, and most significant highlight for me ... I bought and wore some red possum socks! Stop reading for a moment and just say those words out loud – “possum socks” – it’s just fun to verbalize and rather ridiculous that the two words would ever go together! But it is actually true. Kiwi’s (aka New Zealander’s) have a long standing grudge against the Aussies for introducing this invasive little marsupial to NZ. Being overrun with them has forced Kiwi’s to get creative in controlling their population. So they have invented something they call “Merino Mink” wool – which is the blend of possum fur and lambs wool (merino lamb to be exact). When woven together it makes the softest, warmest, most delightful products available – kind of like angora but softer if you can imagine! So, since I was literally freezing my barefoot toes off in my summer sandals (seriously – who goes barefoot in 12 degree weather), I opted to buy a practical NZ souvenir in the form of possum socks! Though they did looked hideous with my white capris and flip-flops, my toes thanked me and I’m sure I’ll get good use out of them for months to come in Ottawa!

Hopped a shuttle back to the ship for some hot-tubbing and chillaxing time – then a formal dinner with all the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood event followed by Broadway calibre entertainment to cap off the night. This floating resort is wearing me down!

Things I learned today:

• You can donate your ashes to Christchurch Cathedral for a mere $4000.00 CDN dollars – why they would want your ashes in the first place or why you would want to donate them to the church in the second place is still very much a mystery to me!
• There is no such thing as a red possum
• Starbucks, McDonalds and American news can be found around the world!