This is the final entry in the adventure blog. We are heading home in two days. We did one last trip to South Island, this time to Christchurch where Terry gave a talk at University of Canterbury. We left early on Saturday morning to fly into Christchurch, arriving at 7:30am. We spent the weekend with Columbus friends who moved to New Zealand almost two years ago. Ed Adelson and his wife Kim provided us with a wonderful relaxing weekend. Ed retired from OSU to take on the role of Pro-Vice Chancellor at University of Canterbury. Kim retired from Ohio Weslyan and is teaching education and psychology classes at the "Uni."
We went to Akaroa on Saturday, a quaint French seaside community set on a fiord. Beautiful views of the mountains and seaside. On Sunday Beth Hume (former OSU professor, recently relocated to University of Canterbury) and her husband Jon joined Adelsons and us for a wonderful brunch and then we went on an amazing hike through Waipara Valley. New Zealanders would call our hike "easy," but certainly not by Ohio standards. Up and down the hills, sometimes through mud and deep puddles. A beautiful day and quite fun to spend time with Columbus people. It has been almost 19 months since the first major earthquake hit Christchurch. The second major quake came 14 months ago and did even more damage. Every aspect of normal life as been affected. One lady told me that even the birds aren't singing like they used to. Rebuilding has started but there are still a number of buildings marked for demolition that need to come down. Cranes operate dawn to dusk. Chain saws and hammering is heard all over. Some people have left Christchurch and many engineers and construction workers have taken their place.
Monday night we had an enjoyable dinner at Beth and Jon's new home, located high up the mountain with beautiful views of the ocean. They are waiting for their furniture to arrive any day now. They are settling into their new life.
I think we're ready to come home. One more lunch today with a friend from church, a little more sorting and packing, one more lunch out to use the last GrouponNZ coupon, and probably one more gelato. Goodbye New Zealand - we are so thankful for opportunities God has given us to enjoy your beautiful country. It's been amazing.
We went to Akaroa on Saturday, a quaint French seaside community set on a fiord. Beautiful views of the mountains and seaside. On Sunday Beth Hume (former OSU professor, recently relocated to University of Canterbury) and her husband Jon joined Adelsons and us for a wonderful brunch and then we went on an amazing hike through Waipara Valley. New Zealanders would call our hike "easy," but certainly not by Ohio standards. Up and down the hills, sometimes through mud and deep puddles. A beautiful day and quite fun to spend time with Columbus people. It has been almost 19 months since the first major earthquake hit Christchurch. The second major quake came 14 months ago and did even more damage. Every aspect of normal life as been affected. One lady told me that even the birds aren't singing like they used to. Rebuilding has started but there are still a number of buildings marked for demolition that need to come down. Cranes operate dawn to dusk. Chain saws and hammering is heard all over. Some people have left Christchurch and many engineers and construction workers have taken their place. 
