February 12
My best iced latte of the trip so far came from Belle cafe and micro roastery. I sipped it enroute to the Christchurch Art Gallery where we spent a few hours getting cultured.
The original gallery, built in 2003, suffered significant damage to its foundation after the 2011 earthquake. Amazingly, only one piece of artwork fell off the wall but even that wasn’t damaged. For seven months, the museum became the Civil Defense headquarters during the relief efforts and then closed for a few years for refurbishments to repair and reinforce the foundation.
We enjoyed our guided tour with only two other people, so lots of opportunities to ask questions. My favorite exhibit was called String Games, by the artist Maureen Lander.
It was a UV installation based on string games, a form of play in many cultures and often accompanied by stories and songs. It was cat’s cradle! I played this all the time when I was growing up with my hands and feet too. Good old fashioned games that didn’t involve technology.
Another exhibit that I enjoyed was called Bebop by Bill Culbert. You wouldn’t think it was music related by looking at it, upside down Formica tables and chairs, but it is sound in a quiet space, a loud start with a soft finish, floating over the gallery stairs.
We hit up Riverside Market in earnest today, eating lunch and also picking up dumplings and fish to cook back at the apartment for dinner. While I watched the Super Bowl, Mitch watched the construction work going on across the street, which admittedly was much more interesting than the first half of the game.
After the game we wandered around the city to stretch our legs. I feel like we have a pretty good sense of the city at this point.
Tomorrow we hope to explore Lyttelton, a nearby port town.
Hi Krishna. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Regards to the family.
Hi Victoria,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the effort and attention to detail you are writing. Your words are truly captivating. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all these details. Have a wonderful day!
Krishna. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Regards to the family.