Last year I was sitting in heavy thought over Wellington and entered the new year in a calm way. This year, which was the most exciting and great in my whole life by far! Back then I could only have guessed and it went all different anyway. But it was all very good this way! I think I have found some answers to the question: What makes oneself ‘grown up’?
So I had 2 trips left on my bus pass that had to go. Thus, I decided for a little trip to Christchurch and was on my way on the 31st. We took a longer break in Oamaru, which I used for photos…
Christmasy, aye?
Having arrived in Christchurch in the evening I first went to the hotel, only to wander off to the botanic gardens with my new pal, the tripod. I still don’t crave the company of partying younger folks and that made me end up in a quiet corner in the gardens. Though music still came through, I was not being disturbed.
Alongside some sweets from home, some cups of tea and my camera gear (camera + tripod, try not to gasp) I started experimenting. The tripod has a much steadier hand than I when it comes to longer exposures. 🙂
Unfortunately the stars, or more like the earth, don’t stay still…
Wheee, the earth is moving! 😀
At the hour of midnight I walked to the place where the fireworks were supposed to go up.
And I found it! When last time I wasn’t in the midst of many people, this time I was part of a crowd. I let tell me where the fireworks were supposed to go up, set up my camera and waited.
3, 2, 1..HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I was satisfied. Great shots, some balance between tranquility and crowd for the night and I finally saw Christchurch. 🙂 Besides, I slept alone in a room for 20 dollars. 🙂
A few words on Christchurch: The city was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in February 2011 in great parts and you can still see it to this day. It must have been a wonderful city, buzzing with history and culture! But today it only lies smashed in smithers. Building sites everywhere, collapsed houses, road blocks, site fences… Sad.
Maybe the city will bloom again in a few years. I hope it works out well for it.
In the morning of the new year I went towards my bus and with that I wasn’t for more than 12 hours in Christchurch.
I hope you are also happy with your start into the new year! 😉
