Christchurch to Melbourne

Christchurch Arch of Remembrance

Our last day in Christchurch was spent having a fabulous lunch (best ever meal out, I think), and taking some last shots of the Arch of Remembrance. Fitting, I think, though it's not really our remembrance, but a memorial to the people who died in World War I.

I always love lions on public installations. They remind me of my hometown, D.C.

The Corinthian column tops were just outside the Botanical Gardens, on the Christchurch Museum building.

Lion Closeup

Finally, no horticulturist can fail to pay tribute to the tree ferns here and in Australia. The flora in general never ceases to inspire wonder.

We flew from Christchurch to Melbourne, losing 2 hours and arriving in Melbourne at about 8am. We had a hotel reservation at the Mantra Tulalmarine, which is a hotel close to the airport. A big Splurge. And lucky us, they let us check in early.

Corinthian column with a fox

We spent a last afternoon in Melbourne, shopping, have a great last lunch at a favorite called The University Cafe (greatest pizza in Melbourne, in general. . .they have crust AND topping down pat. . .), then picked up a suitcase that we had been storing at the University of Melbourne. A light room service dinner, early to bed, great night's sleep, and then up early again for the Melbourne to Los Angeles flight.

Corinthian columns with other beasts

Tree Ferns in the Native Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For better or worse, our first view of LA was that of a sprawling smoggy city. Fair enough, I suppose. And now we wait for 12 hours for that last flight back to The City of Trees. Thank goodness for the United Lounge. They almost turned us away, since our current business class tickets were domestic. But I insisted we had just come from Melbourne, and needed to be here. With the proof of our boarding pass from Melbourne to LA, we were granted entry. Travel, without a lot of money, is just so hard. I'm so glad we committed to doing this all business class. It really is The Journey of a Lifetime for us.

So Long, Melbourne, So Long, Australia

Hello, LA