Hello again and welcome to this week’s edition of the mrlukeniktravels blog from Christchurch, New Zealand. I am currently in the largest city on the South Island (some may say the main island!) at around 375,000 people. I will concede that by world standards that is not big but this is New Zealand which is not known for its large population centres. The city is also known around the world for two large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. More on that later. As I write, it is yet another warm day with strong sunshine. I am taking a break from the heat to dedicate some thoughts to prosperity-and the Internet. And so without further prevarication, here we go…
The city of Christchurch is well known for being the “English City”, both in appearance and population makeup. In the 19th Century local authorities in the Canterbury region actively targeted English potential settlers to make their home here. Surviving architecture from that period is certainly reminiscent of London and other English cities. Earthquakes in the region have, over the centuries, conspired to remove as much Victorian Gothic architecture as possible. The poster-child for this process is of course Christchurch Cathedral. Successive quakes in 2010 and 2011 have left the building a wreck. The spire survived the first earthquake relatively unscathed before being felled by the second. Work is underway to restore the cathedral while earthquake proofing the structure by using ground isolation. This involves using rubber pads to separate the foundations from the surrounding soils.
As I mentioned last week, while in Kaikoura I was able to go whale watching. This was a fantastic experience. Due to the local ocean topography deep-diving Sperm Whales hunt close to the shore. They feed on squid deep in the Kaikoura Trench and, as mammals, have to surface to breathe. These animals can weigh up to 65 tons and are mainly males as the females prefer warmer waters nearer the Equator. They are magnificent creatures even though only a small proportion of their body is visible on the surface. Seeing their tails rise before diving thousands of metres into the darkness to feed is wonderful. On the return to harbour I was also able to see Dusky and (not that) Common Dolphins as well as New Zealand Fur Seals. Watching the dolphins riding the bow wave was great fun and some of the seals appeared to be waving! Unfortunately, there were no Orca (Killer Whales) around or breaching whales which is apparently quite rare. I suppose wild animals can’t be scheduled to make appearances for the humans to gawk at.
To bring things back down to earth, this morning I had a visit to the doctors. It is not all fun and games! Despite being pretty healthy overall and able to self medicate for minor issues sometimes I need outside help. My general rule is that if plasters (Band Aids), painkillers, ice/heat, cold remedy or rest cannot resolve the situation then I need help. Thankfully I was able to see a local doctor and, hopefully with the help of a prescription, the issue will be resolved soon. I also try to take precautions to avoid accidents to keep me out of hospital and without the resultant bills to be paid! One of the most important aspects of health for me is teeth. Keeping them clean and well looked after avoids lots of pain and expensive dental treatment. Toothache is just the worst feeling. An electric toothbrush (with a manual for back up) is a must in my hygiene bag. Four minutes a day isn’t much of a sacrifice for avoiding pain, inconvenience and expense.
That is nearly all this week from Christchurch. Next week, as previously mentioned, I shall be travelling by car and heading west away from the coast and into the mountains. Who knows I might bump into some hobbits, beacons and a Balrog (don’t worry if you’ve no idea what any of those things are). I will also be driving for the first time in nearly eight months- hopefully I can remember what to do! As always, before next time there is my Twitter account @mrlukeniktravel. For photographic gratification there is my Instagram account which can be found under the handle @mrlukeniktravels. That is all for now and, until next time, stay safe and travel on!
