"A Beautiful City with many Bears" Christchurch by Kimi_the_Bear

11 - 11 - 11

Of course, our beautiful Christchurch has changed dramatically in the three devastating earthquakes since 4 September 2010. I have not posted a lot of information lately but on a date like 11 - 11 - 11 I feel inspired to show you pictures and tell you stories from the new Christchurch. Just have a look at my travelogues from time to time.

Christchurch is famous for its cathedral, called Christ Church Cathedral which you see on this photo. But there are also other fantastic churches, like the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Michael and All Angels. There are wonderful parks where humans and bears can run around. The best ones are Hagley Park and the adjoining Botanic Garden. Mama's other two favourites are Riccarton Park (Dean's Bush) and Mona Vale. We often go to a wildlife park named The Willowbank to have a chat with New Zealand's birds - including the keas who are afraid of me...

The Wizard is a symbol of Christchurch. On sunny summer days he comes to Cathedral Square in his veeeery strange red VW Beetle and speaks to the people and bears. I think he does not really like softies - and I am one... :-( So I have not talked to him yet, only Mama does.

Christchurch is the biggest city of the South Island and the second biggest city of New Zealand. But the atmosphere is very relaxed.

Some more things I love to do here is hiking in the Port Hills (in Mama's backpack...) and have a look over the city to the Southern Alps, and over Lyttelton Harbour where we now live. You have the best views from the summit station of the Gondola, and from the Sign of the Bellbird on the Summit Road.

The Teddy Bear Picnic in the Park (see my travelogue about Meeting Friends) is another reason why I love it here.

• Pros:Many Butcher Shops and the Teddy Bear Shop in New Regent Street
• Cons:I am not allowed into the City Centre at Night
• In a nutshell:A beautiful Place for Bears and Humans