Just when I was congratulating myself that I was leaving a sodden UK it has rained heavily here this afternoon for the first time in many weeks. I thought the ground looked dry and scorched as we descended through fluffy white clouds over a tranquil and sunny silver sea with waves gently breaking on the huge sandy beach bay into which the Avon River that runs through Christchurch drains.
As I remarked on this to my Taxi Driver he said 'look over to your left' and there the dark clouds had descended and it was clear that rain was falling. As I stepped into a very smart Tesla – phone required to start the car!! – the first drops appeared on the windscreen and by the time we were in Central Christchurch, some 20 minutes later, it was raining heavily and has continued to do so for the rest of the afternoon.
A shame since the drive in revealed a green and colourful city of flowers and no high-rise buildings after the Earthquake of 22nd February 2011 devastated Christchurch, killing 185 people. Most is now rebuilt apart from the Cathedral where renovation work continues as I hope to see tomorrow.
The forecast is for the rain to stop by around 6.00pm when I hope to escape from the hotel – the Rydges Latimer – that is only 100 metres from the centre of the city in search of some food. The hotel is very comfortable, but the restaurant is also very reputable and the most expensive in town.
I have most of tomorrow to myself. The Welcome Reception is at this hotel at 5.00pm. So I think it's the Hop-on Hop-off Tram for starters and then the Museum and Botanic Gardens. The forecast is more encouraging for tomorrow! It better be since I haven't brought an umbrella and full weather gear.
The photo form the aircraft as we came into land demonstrates so clearly why they chose this area for the setting of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit. The actual area is part of the tour later in the week.
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