This Saturday morning was the start of a very exciting day. We got the chance to head back to the farmer's market at Riccarton Bush. We all shopped around to find new and familiar goodies from the vendors. It was perfect market weather, bright and sunny with a cool morning snap.
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| Nico enjoying traditional boysenberry porridge |
After the market, we headed to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in Hagley Park. We met up with Colin there and he gave us a tour around the gardens, taking extra time in the native plant section! We also got to see many exotic plants including a few tropical plants that were familiar to us Floridians; the warm and humid greenhouse that housed the tropical plants also reminded us of home.
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| Ryan not participating in garden activities |
Veronica in front of a Veronica (aka a Hebe)
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| A bunch of tree huggers |
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| We all ate lunch around a neat water sculpture (Regret Fountain) |
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| Haiden found her true home at the fern house! |
After the gardens, we went into the Canterbury Museum just down the way. At this point, Colin had to leave us, but we had a good look around the museum. We all sorta split up at this point and explored the museum at our own pace stopping at the exhibits that really caught our eye.
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| Maya conducting a business transaction with an old-timer |
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| A wall of Paua shells in the Paua House |
After the Canterbury museum, we headed just a little farther up the road to the Art Museum. I was amazed that the Botanic gardens, Canterbury museum, and Art gallery were all free! (America, take notes)
The Art gallery had a moving Māori Moving Image exhibit that was absolutely mesmerizing. There was a moving river piece that was particularly enjoyed by our very own Dr. Hostetler.
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| Us just outside the gallery |
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| We spotted the Christchurch Wizard on our walk to the gallery |
After the gallery, we stopped back into C1 espresso for a quick to-go tea time so we could meet back up with Colin at the University of Canterbury for a little tour of a section of the 360 trail that cuts through UC. We also got to spot Kate Sheppard's, the suffragete, house from the trail and see the UC's community garden.
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| Colin explaining the significance of the 360 trail koru marker |
 Kate Sheppard's humble abode  |
| Nico and I (the vegans) enjoying miner's lettuce from the garden |
It was a great day spent in the heart of Christchurch!
See y'all tomorrow for Quail Island
- Ashley
