11/11/06 - I had a look around Christchurch briefly yesterday afternoon after checking in. It is a lovely place. It reminds me of Stratford, the river is even called Avon! I had a lie in today and after breakfast headed out to have another closer look at the town centre. I sat by the river for a while soaking up the sun, until it started to get a bit windy, when I headed back up the street. I sat and updated my journal for a while, only to discover there was no 'Save' button showing on screen for me to save it all! Very frustrating! Had dinner back at Stonehurst (where I am staying) and ended up watching two Nicole Kidman movies, 'Bewitched' and 'Stepford Wives'.

12/11/06 - Walked into the centre and got a tram ticket for the day (it was actually valid for two days, bargain!) and took the round trip to check where everything was. As it was Remembrance Day there was a service going on at the Cathedral and by the time we came back round to the beginning they were just coming out into the square. Everyone looked very dashing in their different uniforms. I then stayed on the tram so I could get dropped off at the Art Gallery, where there was also an outdoor market. Had a good look around and then wandered down to the Botanical Gardens. I then noticed the Museum, so went in there and boy, am I glad I did! It was fab! I saw the huts, etc. that had been dismantled and brought back from the South Pole Base Camp. There was an Antarctic exhibition with lots of memorabilia from Scott, Shackleton, Hilary expeditions. The Warner Hotel, here in the square is where the likes of Scott and Shackleton stayed before heading out on their expeditions. There were also exhibitions about the Maori people and how they were effected when European settlers first arrived. It was just fascinating and if any of you ever visit Christchurch, you must go and see for yourself. Spent about 3 hours uploading my photos, I think it was worth it, see what you think! I then headed back and sorted out hiring a car with Aaron the Duty Manager. He was really helpful and showed me some suggested routes to take to get me round both the South and North Islands. Some English lads overheard us and they chipped in, as they had just toured round the South. I picked up alot of tips, thanks guys! They were a bit down, as the British Lions had been slaughtered apparently by the All Blacks the previous night! The All Blacks had done it again today, but this time to the French!

13/11/06 -Car Hire company (Ace) came and picked me up at 10am and I got my car! Hurrah, I have wheels, a definite feeling of freedom! Spent a few hours checking out maps, deciding on stop off points and looking up possible accommodation places. Updated my journal again and this time was able to save it, hurrah!   THIS HAS DUPLICATED AGAIN READ SECOND ENTRY TO SEE LATER DAYS!!!!????