Christchurch

The event last night was great to attend, but the fireworks were so wimpy!! They only had enough to last the William Tell Overture (3 or 4 minutes about?). The music was good though! I had to sit in my winter coat because the winds were so cool.

After sleeping in late (9:00, later than usual when I'm travelling), I took one of the city buses out to the shore and spent some time on the beach today. The bus system is super-organized in Christchurch and there's an underground central bus hub that looks a bit like our subway stations, with multiple platforms and signs showing ETAs. They have a great beach only 10 minutes from the city and it had a huge pier that went out into the water. From there I was able to catch a surf competition which was great to see. The sun was out today and it was great beach weather.

There was also a reggae festival up the road (celebrating Waitangi day and the Bob Marley's birthday) so I went to that as well. I wasn't real impressed with the musicians. Once again, I think the quality of the music has to do with how few people live here. Even though it's the biggest city in the South Island, it really doesn't have a population anywhere near most metropolitan areas in the states.

Tonight I'm catching some comedy group who's performing in the botanic gardens.

I haven't talked to anyone in the past two days save store clerks and bus drivers which has been a bit strange - people aren't very outgoing in the city though and I usually opt to just stay anonymous.

Up early tomorrow to head south to Te Anau.

-Brian