Following our first Southern Alps crossing, we soon arrived in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and the city of hearts: Before we delve into the rather tragic history of Christchurch, let us show you a very peaceful, quiet, and green corner of the city. This is where we first went: +++++++++ Christchurch Farmer's Market ++++++++ At a Farmer's Market located 3.5 km from the city center, you can find fresh vegetables, freshly squeezed juices, and other culinary delights every Saturday. Hannes got himself a delicious burger from the 'Bacon Brothers'. Waiting time: 30 minutes. It was quite crowded there. Anette had to choose between the delicious-looking Asian chocolate-filled waffles, classic waffles (with ice cream or cherries), or something 'healthier' for a long time. In the end, all the waffles were sold out, and there were only Chinese dumplings and ice cream left for consolation :P Right next to the Farmer's Market is the oldest 'historical nature reserve' in New Zealand: +++++++++ Riccarton Bush / Deans Bush ++++++++ In 1843, the Deans - the first family to settle in the area with a farm - declared this bush a protected area. It is also called Deans Bush. So, right in Christchurch, you can admire an untouched, original piece of nature: This piece of nature is surrounded by a high security fence, which leads to a lock with two doors. Apparently, this structure serves to protect the bush from introduced animals. A circular path leads us through the 22-hectare bush, past tangled trees... ...and at one point, some of the tangle was cleared away from a tree, allowing us to see what is happening below.Anette puts her hand on where the actual trunk of the tree is visible under all the vines: The climbing plants/vines can save themselves the development of their own strong trunk by climbing up other trees and, at the same time, reach the height of the treetops, where there is plenty of sunlight. The result is that the enclosed tree is slowly overwhelmed: (The same tree from a distance) This tree is also in the process of being entwined. We don't know how quickly this happens: After a walk through this jungle, we headed to the city center. ++++++++++ Christchurch City +++++++++ Christchurch was recently hit by an earthquake while we were still on the North Island, but no one was harmed. The quakes in September 2010 and February 2011 were different: the magnitude 7.1 and 6.3 earthquakes hit Christchurch hard within 6 months, and there were a total of 4825 aftershocks between them! The reason for these earthquakes is the rubbing together of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates... It is said that Christchurch was one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in New Zealand before the earthquakes disfigured the city. The rebuilding process is still underway in Christchurch, and we got to see that during our visit. The city center was hit hardest by the quakes. There are scaffolding, cranes, and memorials of the earthquakes everywhere. Many things are still not rebuilt. Interestingly, in the city center, the trend has developed to replace the buildings temporarily with containers. You can now buy clothes, drink coffee, or eat delicious food in them: Right in the heart of the city, where the Christchurch Cathedral stood (and still partially stands), there are still traces of the severe destruction: The cathedral lost its bell tower in the 2011 earthquake. It seems that there is still debate about whether the building should be rebuilt or demolished. So far, it is supported by scaffolding because the aftershocks still threaten to further damage it. As I said, there is a lot of debris and scaffolding to see - but also funny graffiti: A... Tree... Museum... Sweet little houses and a tourist train: Hannes is playing a piano for the first time in a long time! It is simply available to the public here - such small artistic ideas are part of the cityscape. Speaking of art: Super cool hand on a roof. Don't ask us about the meaning, we didn't understand it either... +++++++++++ Back to Nature after the City +++++++++ After three days in Christchurch, we hit the road again and headed into nature. The beautiful evening light and puddles from the last rain invited us to take beautiful reflection photos again :) After such exhausting photo modeling, sleeping was especially good. At some point on the way from our sleeping spot towards the south, we visited a 'historic site' the next day: Here stands a fairly authentic hut that was inhabited by workers in the quarry in the 17th century: At some point, it apparently became unprofitable. Some stones from the quarry are still lying around. And Anette proves with them how strong she is. We soon felt... ++++++++++ Like on Route 66 +++++++ An old-timer café, an old-timer souvenir shop, and original old-timer cars are located right on the highway, reminiscent of the American Route 66: In between, interesting homemade furniture and artworks are also offered for sale: For all (mothers) who are worried about whether we could drive recklessly: We are regularly overtaken, even by trucks and, as these evidence pictures show, even by vintage cars!! And here you can already catch a glimpse of the area we will explore next: More from the mountains next time :)Best regards to all bookworms,HanNZette
