Christchurch

After another 4 hour drive, we made it to Christchurch on February 19. We had heard the city was still recovering from the devastating 2011 earthquake so we weren't sure what to expect but figured if anything, the 3 nights would give us time to rest before heading to Australia. We booked a room at a hostel (Haka Lodge) that said it was a 10 minute drive from the city center.

We figured it couldn't possibly take that long to walk to the city center and after being in a car for 4 hours, we really didn't want to drive. So, we ventured off. 90 minutes and a pool of sweat later, we made it to the city center. I didn't take too many pictures since a lot of the city was still being rebuilt and it was actually very depressing. By the time we got to Re:Start (the newly developed city center), most of the shops were closed or in the process of being closed.

Bridge of Remembrance honoring those who died in WWI was damaged in the earthquake and hasn't been repaired

Canterbury Museum by the tourist info center

We ended up taking a taxi back to the neighborhood of our hostel to eat at a lovely restaurant, Holy Smoke, which was only a 10 minute walk from our hostel.

The first dinner was just one of the many meals we had here at Holy Smoke

There was one place that really caught our eye as we walked back to the hostel...so many funny (and scary) things about this. Can you name them?

Identity crisis for Bob the Builder...don't call Bob, call Dave!