Moments in Time Travel

 Monday, March 24, 2025 Good Morning Christchurch! We recharged, repacked and are ready for Tahiti! We fly out at 2 from Christchurch to Auckland and then to Papeete, Tahiti…we have no idea what day we get there, due to crossing International datelines. Right now it’s Monday at 11:30 AM. We are being picked up at 12 Noon for a 2:00 flight.  We walked around a different part of Christchurch this morning and saw a different park, shopping area, and garden. Then back to pack up and get ready to leave for the airport. One thing we never did was high tea. As we walked back to the hotel, there is a sign at the entrance to our hotel that says join us for high tea. Oh well, maybe next time!  Off to Christchurch airport. It was a very smooth check-in considering we forgot to precheck last night! It was so nice to know our bags are checked through to Tahiti.  We arrived in Auckland. The walk to the International Terminal was about 15 minutes. It is a beautiful warm day in Auck...

   Sunday, March 23, 2025  We are leaving Franz  Josef. It’s overcast and can’t see the glaciers. We were very lucky to see them yesterday before the cloud cover settled in. Today we are driving to Greymouth where we will turn in our car and take the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch. The roadway is the same Route 6 which runs along the west coast. This side of the island is very lush and green. Route 6 runs along the Tasman Sea but about 3 miles to our left, so we can’t see it. It’s a rainforest with pine trees mixed in with ferns that look like palm trees.  We have passed small towns with 10-20 houses. All the houses are on 1 level.When I checked the internet as to why most houses are 1 level it said there are a few reasons. Over population hasn’t hit NZ yet. It’s very hot too and 1 level is more conducive to keeping it cool. Kiwis (nickname for New Zealanders) lead a simple life. They have pets and love easy access to the outside. I just think they don’t hav...