Clear blue skies and a clear site of the Southern Alps on the horizon. Now that's what I'm talking about!

After brekkie and a Skype with Gary (still can't get used to getting up when he's off to bed!) I headed out into the sun.

My first stop was the botanic gardens. I got a little distracted on the way by a sound garden, where old items have been used to make instruments which lots of people were stopping to play. It was lots of fun and I giggled lots. I also stopped to look at a fab sculpture called Tree Houses for Swamp Dwellers. I don't get the name, but I quite liked it!

Back to the garden... Oh dear, I'm becoming a garden connisseiur, but I have to say these are the best gardens I've visited in NZ. The rose gardens were spectacular and the herbaceous border was incredible. Gaz, I've got another rose for the garden... Sorry it's not a white one!

My second stop was the Canterbury museum who had a street art exhibition called Rise. I discovered that my favourite artist is called BMD. There were some pretty cool normal exhibits too, including two stuffed huskies from Scott's pole expedition.

My third stop was Canterbury Cheese Mongers where I got to go into the cheese fridge to choose my roll content for lunch. I ended up with Windsor Blue, a melt in the mouth, super creamy, smooth, blue cheese.... Delicious! I made myself comfy on an artificial grass seat on cathedral square to eat, soak up the sun and watched the world go by.

I took a long walk down Columbo Street to the mall. I made a quick exit in preference for a pop up box art gallery, part of Christchurch Art Galleries work whilst their building is being restored. The exhibition called Bodytok Quintet consisted of movement activated films shown on 5 large screen TVs. On each screen was a series of short clips of people making noises with different parts of their bodies. I was a bit sceptical at first but really enjoyed it, except the chap who made dolphin like noises when grinding his teeth together!

My fifth stop was quite moving. The 185 chairs all painted twice in white paint represent the 185 people who lost their lives in the quake. The child's chair and baby carrier particularly stood out.

On the opposite side of the road I visited the Transisitional Christchurch Cathedral which is predominantly made of cardboard tubes. I was surprised at how nice the atmosphere was inside. It felt more substantial inside than I had expected and was light, airy and provided a real sense of calm.

On the opposite corner was the site of of the CTV building, where 115 people died in the quake. I have to admit to shedding a few tears reading the tributes to those who were lost.

My next and final stop was Quake City. An exhibition about the quake from all aspects and included some remnants of significant buildings.

I love this place and have had an incredibly warm welcome wherever I have been. Christchurch, I'll be back to see you again!