I had a little time today to explore around Christchurch and originally thought that all I would do was to go to the Royal Botanical Gardens and walk around a little. I did this on my first visit in 1988 and again in 2010, so I thought it would be a good way to spend a brisk late autumn afternoon here. I did this for a while, but decided as well to see how close I could get to the city center where the Feb. 2011 earthquake did significant damage. I was expecting to see a good bit of damage, and I did see multiple cranes, abandoned buildings, piles of rubble, etc. during my time there. There are signs of life, however, as they have brought in truck containers to serve as makeshift stores where there used to be a shopping mall.
After going back to the Gardens, I took a walk through neighboring Hagley Park. I knew that there was a golf course there, and I assumed even on a cool afternoon that it would be pretty crowded, but I didn't really see anyone there, so I paid about $25 US to play 12 holes. Yes, 12 holes. You play 1-6 again to make 18. I just played 9, however, so other than using golf clubs circa 1970, dodging goose poop, and watching out for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, I had a pretty good time here.
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