If the kea won't …..

come to Rona....then Rona will go to the kea!!!

A full on day!! We walked through North Hagley Park to meet up with Gingernan, Spikes 2013 & her daughter and MMP26 for coffee this morning. This was our first blip meet ever and half way round the world from home. Lots of catching up chat and helpful advice for our visits in New Zealand. Thank you ladies!!!!

We then walked in to the centre of the city to see the changes after the earthquake 3 yrs ago. I had appreciated after our walk last night, that the Conference Centre is no longer and the Town Hall where I gave my first ICS presentation in 2006 is awaiting decisions as to it's future. So sad.

I had no comprehension of the devastation that had occurred. Building have disappeared and those that are present are empty, awaiting …...not sure what!! In amongst all of this, there are new buildings and developments, a new cathedral, all so promising!! Having spoken to some “Christchurch” residents and other New Zealanders, there is so much positive attitude to the future of Christchurch that it is heart warming.

We had lunch in New Regent Street, as we did in 2008 and watched to trams pass by. The sparrows were very tame and ate bread out of B's hand!!

Back to the motel to collect the car, after a good walking session this morning, we then drove out to Willowbank, a wildlife reserve north of the city. An amazing collection of birds and animals. This gave me an opportunity to see a kea and take photographs!! We spent about 2 hrs wandering around the reserve, before driving out to New Brighton beach for a walk along the pier.

A great day!!!