creatures of christchurch

Christchurch is filled with Ice people. It is nearly impossible to walk two blocks without running into a familiar face. It is nice to see people before we all redistribute ourselves across the globe.

The first morning in town, I met my new friend, Lucas for coffee before he took off for home. We went to the Coffee House, where their drinks and breakfasts are an art. I had a vanilla mocha with real milk and marshmallows, too! Before Lucas departed at least ten more people arrived to this place and I sat around while people came for breakfast. After spending the last few weeks with only one day off, it certainly is wonderful to sit back and relax with no time constraints!

A group of us also went to Lyttelton to take in a street fare. We spent some time by the water (much warmer than the open water near McMurdo). We also sat around town and took in the hills and boats around us. Lyttelton is a small port town near Christchurch. We all applied for bus passes so we can scoot around the area much cheaper than taxis and shuttles all over the place.

Today, I'm visiting the CDC (Central Distribution Centre). Because we are with the United States Antarctic Program, we have access to the Air Post Office, free internet access, and discounts at the Antarctic Centre. I went to Starbucks this morning and finally drank the Coconut Mocha Frappucino I've been waiting for (usually, it's a Grande, Almond, 1/2 fat, no whip, Mocha, but the weather is pretty toasty around here today)! This afternoon I intend to run the Botanical Gardens and smell the roses blooming there. Tonight a group is getting together in the city square for dinner. And, finally, tomorrow, we get our rental car and get out of town!