Tag 61: Suit Santa

29.08.2016

At the airport in Christchurch, which we reach after three hours in the air, we feel one thing above all - well shaken. To make matters worse, it is three o'clock in the morning, which doesn't stop a young drug dog from enthusiastically greeting Gudi. Despite the fact that it is probably never good to be registered by such a dog, the puppy somehow brings a touch of friendly atmosphere to the encounter. I am not surprised that Gudi is his target, as she has not been able to control her addictions during the journey. The police officer, who hangs on to the dog (not the other way around in this case), explains to us that the mutt jumps on the fruit and vegetables that Gudi carries with her to satisfy her vitamin cravings. On the plane, we had to fill out one of the usual customs forms, which we usually - just to avoid questions - only mark with "no". For some inexplicable reason, today the urge for truth leads us, so we actually declare that we are carrying food with us. What luck, otherwise the dog's indication would have led to a $400 fine. By the way, I did not declare the precious wood that I brought with me from Australia on the plane. Thank God the officer inspecting my backpack stops at my shoes and turns pale. I always said that my sweaty feet would serve me well someday.

Arriving at the hostel, we first do what any normal person would do at this time (at least on this side of the world - it's noon in Europe) - sleep.

Our first exploration trip through Christchurch makes us realize that the city, which a few years ago shone with the charm of a British colonial town, must have lost much of its charisma in the earthquakes of 2010/2011. On the praised main square, there are ruins or barren plots everywhere, while photos from days gone by give an impression of what it must have been like.

But New Zealanders wouldn't be the most likable people if they didn't also make lemonade out of this lemon. So there is a museum about the earthquake as well as a shopping mall - only built from containers - which has become a secret landmark of the resurgence. The inhabitants of the South Island are also very open and lively, apparently it is simply impossible to meet an unfriendly person here. Even oneself becomes much more open-hearted and communicative. So I would probably never play ball with an old white-bearded man in a suit anywhere else. But here, we become friends and throw a few balls back and forth as we pass by. This seems to be the main activity of the Suit Santa, as I observe later.

Very close to our hostel, we visit a free museum, which explains various topics on four floors and is really exciting. Especially the area where Gudi can have her picture taken on a gigantic old bicycle fills her heart with joy. Also, a significant part of the city, as it must have been about a hundred and fifty years ago, is recreated with dolls and shops. Sounds wonderful, but can also be dangerous if you are addressed by a doll and almost have a heart attack.

In summary, it can be said that Christchurch is a city that exudes a very special charm. The inhabitants are extremely friendly, the atmosphere is comparable to Europe after the Second World War (as I imagine it). Despite the natural disaster, the British influence is still visible at every corner and the typical New Zealand flair, which is hard to put into words, is everywhere.

Gudi's glorious laws:

Everyone stays in their own bed!

To my horror, I have to realize that - as a notorious sleep hugger of the first hour - I am being assigned two single beds. And this after three wonderful weeks in the campervan, where I could really relax because I didn't have to constantly search for Gudi in my sleep. Is this really going to end? Gudi says: YES