Christchurch of Canterbury and Gondola Ride

Tony's up and running again !  Eased into the intake of food at a local bar (breakfast for 2 $18.50 NZD... the cheapest we've gotten away from a table since we arrived in New Zealand).  Headed to the Info Center and booked our Transalpine Train for tomorrow (11/12/2009) and also a combo ticket which covers 2-day on/off travel on the trolley that travels to several city sites and the Christchurch Gondola Ride. 

We stopped at the Art Museum (yes, BC, P & L... a museum !)....  Saw some interesting art and some that indicated some very disturbed artists (in my opinion)..  We then then caught Bus #28 to the Christchurch Gondola.  The ride climbs 500 metres (1500 ft) - I even saw a brindal colored cow (that's a 1st for me...) on the nillside along with a lot of sheep grazing.  Once at the top the observation deck provides a breathtaking view.  To the west we gazed across the sparkling cityscape of Christchurch, over the Canterbury Plains to the high peaks of the Southern Alps.  To the south and east were dramatic views of the Banks Peninsula, Lake Ellesmere and Lyttelton Harbour formed in a sunken volcanic crater (a cruise ship was in for the day).  Looking north the beaches of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean unfold to the distan Kiakoura Peninsula. 

We stopped at a 7-11 type store on the way back to the hotel and I bought a Lotto ticket.... Keep your fingers crossed.... maybe we'll be winners ! 

Tomorrow's Transalpine Train will be an all-day affair so we're unkered down for the evening... Ironing is done and an early wake-up call has been set.