July 1, 2002

I was housed in Christchurch by Bill and Rae Shae, the grandparents of one of our gymnasts. They have a comfortable home overlooking the Avon river.

Rae tried to fatten me up with amazingly diverse British meals. Cooked cabbage is a staple still in New Zealand.

One afternoon Bill and I strung catgut over the peak of the roof in an effort to deter defecating seagulls. No luck. Seagulls sit where they like.

Early on I was offered a flat up high on the hills overlooking Christchurch, rubbing elbows with millionaires and All Blacks.

It fell through.

Later I found a small house 1 minute walk from the Pacific, 1 minute walk from the golf course, 15 seconds walk from the Rugby club pub. It fell through too.

Finally I moved into New Brighton Student Residence, a spanking new block of student cells catering to the Asian market. Of the 10 spots available, at least 4 were grabbed by non-students or non-Asians. The location is perfect and rent low — about $55 a week.

During the World Cup the two Koreans were in a tizzy. Even the Swiss chap was cheering for Korea against Germany — of course he was chasing the Korean girl.

I walk 5 minutes to the New Brighton pier every day via Jacksons Bakery.

New Brighton Pier was built 1894, demolished 1964. One of many so far unsuccessful renewal projects, a new 300 metre long tourist pier was opened in 1997. The Pier Terminus building houses the modern New Brighton Library where you can sit and read overlooking the sea in a living room ambiance. I love it.

Fishers — including a student in my building — reel in Red Cod, Dog Fish and Mullet.

My first day in Christchurch I had happened on New Brighton — the closest beach to the gym. I immediately wanted to live there. I will look for a larger place nearby when the weather warms.

New Brighton beach is often deserted during the winter. I get the pier and the beach to myself in the evening.

The heart of New Brighton is a rundown pedestrian mall. It has a dilapidated charm. Eccentrics, Asian tourists and riffraff windowshop Two Dollar stores. Many businesses are out-of-business or possibly just emptied for winter.

We had a BLIZZARD on June 15th. Civic panic. Kids ordered home from the gym early. I did not actually see a flake myself but apparently there was avalanche risk in other parts of the city.

My disbelief regarding blizzards in Christchurch was dispelled when I saw a home video from 1992 — a foot of snow along the Avon river. Big snow fell in 1945 and 1918. The worst was 1867 when at least half a million sheep died.

view over the Avon River estuary

Ciao for now. Happy Canada Day!

– Kiwi Rick