Lemonade out of Lemons

Our day yesterday didn't turn out as planned. Unfortunately, Dad awoke with a tummy bug and we decided it best to spend an extra day in Christchurch and give Dad a chance to rest and show that tummy bug it is not a welcome passenger on our ride. I spent the morning researching route options and looking into plan Bs and what not. We decided to take the TransAlpine train, http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz, across the alps and start riding on the West Coast and work our way North. We will be leaving on this train Wednesday at 8am. They allow our bikes onboard for $5 US. Deal.

This hotel has been a champ. They are all so friendly and helpful. Breakfast is served at 7am and it is delicious. I enjoyed the cosmopolitan feel as I ate and listened to conversations in French, German, Japanese, and English. Ah, the people watching opportunities are amazing while traveling.

I headed into the town center, Cathedral Square, to run a few errands and enjoy the sights. There is an international flower festival going on in Christchurch right now and everyone is excited about it. www.festivaloffloowers.co.nz

Inside the Cathedral there were dozens of women making lovely flower arrangements for the flower show. I was inspired and impressed with their creativity. The cathedral's ceiling is all open wooden beam construction. Looks like the inside hull of an old tall ship. Beautiful.