Saturday, 11 Feb.  The International Antarctic Centre has various displays that gives the visitor a sense of what Antartica is like.  It’s less about the history than I thought it would be.  The Canterbury Museum that I visited yesterday has more of the early history.  But it was fun.  They had a cold room set at 17 degrees, then added a strong wind to get the wind chill down to zero.  They have a penguin exhibit that contained only disabled penguins.  They even listed each one’s disability.  One didn’t like to swim!  There was a ride in an Hagglund all terrain amphibious vehicle over a simulated Antarctic track, which put to shame all roller coasters for bumps.  If it wasn’t a real life example of an actual experience, I don’t think a safety inspector would have approved.  The driver pointed to the warning sign in advance and stressed “Read it!”

I found a fine whisky store.  Bought my souvenirs.  I mentioned my trip to Scotland and my visit to the Douglas Laing offices.  The shop manager was well aware of the company and the people that I met in Scotland.  Small world, the scotch community.

Went back to the Canterbury Museum to don Oculus VR headsets for a three minute demo presented by Air New Zealand.  They “remove” the airplane to give you a simulated view of just hanging in air.  Other virtual views follow. Very cool.  Also visited the Antartica exhibit again.  I walked into the Art Centre, but didn’t go through it.  Abstract art makes my head hurt.

Had dinner at the Astro Lounge, which is dedicated to all things scifi.  It’s behind “Cook N with GAS” restaurant.  They really know how to name things here.

I walked around the grounds of a big outdoor event featuring the city’s symphonic orchestra, whose last number was to be from Fantasia with synchronized fireworks.  Food everywhere.  Very green; cardboard boxes, wooden forks, etc.  I left before the concert.  I’ve got an early start tomorrow.  Christchurch is simply fantastic, but I’m hankering to get into the countryside.