We reentered the busses and proceded to leave town, this time passing through some of the weathier residential areas in the main city. Rather than returning through the tunnel, we went up the mountianside through increasingly wealthier areas, with houses perched on the steep sides of the mountain, some rather small nestled underneath the larger, mansion-like homes. The driveways typically were steep, diagonal cuts up through the mountain, with narrow walkways separate from the driveways. Unfortunately, by this time the fog and mist had arrived, so we could see less and less of the city as we went higher.
Near the top, we found a very nice restaurant in a building modeled after a small British castle. It was the Sign of the Takahe, which I understand is very nice. We found a small park next door to it, with platforms for viewing the city below. Unfortunately, all we could see was gray mist and the nearby neighborhoods. I did notice a shining suit of armor in the window of the castle, however.
The Sign of the Takahe, on hills over Christchurch. Note armor in lower picture, second floor left of center. (above)
We continued up the mountains, through progressively narrow and steep roads winding along the sheer sides of the mountains. With us driving on the left side of the road (the opposite of what I'm used to), I really was beginning to feel unsafe... We reached the top, found another restaurant, and started down the other side. There were some spectacular views down the valley from this side, and not as much mist obscuring it. Lots of sheep in the grassy areas (and a few goats), a nice harbour for a large number of sailboats, and pine trees being cultivated in patches on the mountainsides. Looking back up at the summits of the mountains, often very craggy and pointed, was really an inspiring view.
Looking down toward Lyttelton from the hill road
It was really too bad that we only had a couple of hours to see this area. I found so much of interest, and so many neat places and things to see... The people of Christchurch were very beautiful, and the average age seemed very young. Such a contrast to the people on the Marco Polo! I really have to come back here and spend some time. The land and the people are much too interesting to leave it at this.
This evening we'll be having our last dinner on the Marco Polo, and tomorrow morning (at 8:00am) we'll be leaving our cabins for good. By 10am we'll be off the ship and on our way to the airport, where we'll fly to Auckland. At Auckland, we'll check in at the airport, recheck our luggage, and then (probably) go on a tour of Auckland while we wait for our flight home. (It's a wait of several hours, I understand.)
In less than 36 hours, we'll be back in Detroit. In 48 hours, I'll be home in Ann Arbor. I guess I am looking forward to it, now that we've seen everything we could see, and done everything we could do.
Thanks, Michael!