My Day as a Tourist!

I spent the day touring Christchurch, NZ as our ice flight had a 24 hour delay. I traveled with 2 firefighters and the new base doctor. We hopped a bus and went to the city center. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised by the new life there! The last time I was there all I saw was the devastation from the earthquakes that occurred in September 2010 and February 2011. This time the area had vibrance and life! Don't get me wrong there were still plenty of buildings that were still injured but there were also many new buildings and construction abounded! We spent some time down there and then hopped another bus to go to New Brighton Beach! It was so nice to see the ocean again! The boys told me it was the Pacific. 

The Church of Christchurch 

Me at New Brighton Beach 

New Brighton Beach Pier

Our Bird for tomorrow-the C-17 

An Extra Day in Christchurch!

My room in CHC.

My flights were long but thankfully uneventful. I had an 11 hour layover in Sydney and tried to get into the Qantas Lounge but the evil lady at the door wouldn't let me in! She was just plain nasty. I was with 2 other "ice people" so we went to the Air New Zealand lounge and the Kiwis being the friendly people they are, allowed us to spend our hours in their lounge! Once inside we had the run of their buffet, drinks (including beer, wine and hard liquor) and best of all, the showers! I'm not gonna lie that was one of the best showers I've ever had! And I really needed one! It's always bad when one can smell oneself! Lol!

I arrived in Christchurch at 0030 Sunday morning 9/28 and had to be at the CDC ( Clothing Distribution Center) at 0900. Oh and there was a time change-Spring Ahead. By the time I got checked into my hotel it was 0130 and with the time change it was 0230. Ugh! But I woke up in time after a short but satisfying sleep and got my gear and attended orientation. We were done at 1500. I met the new doctor, Jane, and we went to dinner. Went to bed at 1930. I know, such a party animal!

We were supposed to be on the C-17 this morning and 15 minutes after I got out of the shower I received a call from the desk that we were on a 24 hour delay. That means I'm going into the city center today and playing tourist! I'll post some pics later! Woot woot!

My new Big Red!