We're Off To See The Wizard...

Christchurch has an official Wizard, and he now has several understudies.  The Wizard used to give talks from a step ladder in Cathedral Square, but since the earthquakes destroyed the Cathedral in 2011, he has just been making appearances at various events, rather than giving talks from the ladder.  This changed last weekend when he showed up complete with ladder and one junior wizard.  The local fairies were also passing out fairy dust and all were posing for photos.  This was part of a Central City Street Party.  Lots of kid activities were also included in the party. 

The Wizard, back at Cathedral Square

Wizards and Fairies

Kids inside inflatable balls over water

We’ve been busy finding events around the city.  A city-wide walking festival included a Chinese National Day Celebration with a short walk, flags, pandas, Tai Chi and dance. 

Tai chi demonstration

Two musicians playing erhu and guitar, accompanying "Red River Valley" sung by a Kiwi

An Opening Antarctic Season week signals the start of research flights to Antarctic for the year, and celebrates Christchurch’s connection to the Antarctic.  We stood in line in the rain with 4000 others to go inside the New Zealand and U.S. Antarctic planes.  We saw a photo of Flight Lieutenant Henry B. Fanshaw and later met him in person. 

Royal New Zealand air force transport plane

Flight Lieutenant Henry B. Fanshaw, pilot and mascot, now lives in contented retirement at the Air Force Museum.

Tramping was rained out this week, so Cindy went for a walk and stopped at Le Panier Bakery. 

Note all the butter in the background - no wonder their bakery is so good!

One weekday evening we attended Pechakucha Christchurch – an event held in cities around the world with speakers limited to 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide.  One of the speakers talked about a new company turning insects into food.  Samples were given out at the break. We didn't try them.

Another weekday evening we attended a performance by Jolt Dance, a group for people with varying physical needs and their mentors.

  

The Vegetarian Society in Christchurch held their annual Vegan Expo, and we volunteered at it, helping with the cooking demos. 

Roast spice pumpkin soup with chia seed croutons

As part of Heritage Week, we took a ferry to Quail Island for a tour of the island and learned its history as a quarantine island for sailing travelers who arrived ill and for people with leprosy.  The island also was used to train dogs and ponies for Antarctic expeditions.  Quail Island now is a recreation reserve.

Another day of Heritage Week celebrated Christchurch as a city of cycles, and included cycle movies, a bike decorating contest, the Be There Bicycle Band and food trucks. 

The winning child's bike 

Be There Bicycle Band

Waffle with blueberry compote, yogurt/lemon curd, and hazelnut white chocolate crumble - yum!

Carving on desk in old lecture theatre at Christchurch Arts Center (old University of Canterbury)

Last Sunday we went to the Riccarton Race Track market, a market with everything from garden plants to crafts to used pans.  We even found a mug from Beldenville, Wisconsin, a small city about 60 miles from our home in Eau Claire – we wonder about the story behind how it got to New Zealand. 

Need a pair of scissors?

We usually walk to the local Saturday market.  A couple weeks ago we finally tried Posh Porridge – and now we understand why so many people queue up each week to buy it. 

Posh Porridge with oats, vanilla custard, whiskey-soaked raisins, and cream on top

One of Cindy’s friends from the Newcomers' Group has three adorable daughters who are quite photogenic so we are including a photo of them. 

Robyn, Esther, and Lucy