Since our ship was docked at Lyttleton, our driver “chippered” (transported) us through the tunnel into Christchurch, “The most English city outside of England.” Because it was springtime there, the rhododendrons. azaleas, Icelandic Poppies and other flowers were in bloom – thus the nickname, “Garden City.”
At Mona Vale, an historic Victorian residence situated on the Avon River, we walked past more fragrant buds and duck-filled ponds on our way to the Homestead for a Devonshire Tea which meant more scones and clotted cream. Back in the bus we climbed the Port hills for an overview of Christchurch at the “Sign of the Takahe”; on our descent we were surrounded by hillsides blanketed with yellow broom; andd passed through the central city filled with neo-Gothic buildings.
Futch caps were waiting for us in the dining room to wear while eating our typical Dutch dinner consisting of Westland sla (green salad), Blefstuk van de Haas mit Peper Saus(fillet mignon) and pommes noisette (potatoes) followed by Appel taart (dessert).
