Christchurch

I was almost tempted to start writing this the way it was done before wifi  and blogs (a diary!) after waiting for free wi-fi these past 3 days and/or crashing at the end of a sight seeing and activity packed day; not to mention all that goes along with kids and jet lag combined!!

Checking into a hotel the first time we arrive in a new city is almost always filled with a miraculous evaporation of all the tiredness from the long flight and replaced by a sense of urgency to get out of the room and check out the city. However, Christchurch did not qualify, the spirits were dampened by the dampness and overcast skies outside! After freshening up, we headed out to the I-site center to plan our 2.5 days and start exploring the city on foot. The Heritage hotel where we stayed at has a wonderful central location, right on Cathedral Square, all the attractions are within an easy walking distance. The city has several trams running frequently between the attractions; a fun way to explore with the children. We took the tram to the old Dux de Lux restaurant next to the Arts Center and the Botanical Gardens. It was a well-deserved laid back and delicious dinner; thanks to the Fodors travel book and the local recommendation for this vegetarian-friendly place.  Chinmay's Mediterranean pizza and my Enchilada were incredibly mouth watering. Eating out is definitely pricier anywhere in NZ compared to the US; that being said definitely not disappointing so far!

Although day 2 began with an overcast morning; it cleared up by the time we hit the road in the morning. More later...