On the 16th November we bought a Christmas tree online and a few decorations in some stores. We actually put the decorations up on the 11th December. We have a few interesting decorations such as a Christmas Pukeko.
We visited the Antarctic centre. It wasn't a bad place to be fair, but it certainly wasn't worth the tourist prices. They had penguins though. They were the best bit. There was also a big snow room at -8°C, which blew snow around somehow. The 4D film show was okay I guess. It 'took us' to Antarctica and jolted our seats during the boat scenes. It was only a 15 minute video, but a bit of fun. There was a ride on a tank like vehicle that drove around a purpose build track outside. I went on it but Sabine didn't. It jolted my spine a few times going up and down the steep mounds, so its not for the faint of heart.
We have used the barbeque a few times. Its a bit tricky making sure the gas is lit as the wind can easily put the fire out, but it seems to work just fine otherwise. We cooked corn on the cob which was a winner. I haven't eaten that in years.
On the 22nd November there was a cosplay party at Riverside Market so we attended that. There was a giant Pikachu walking around which was awesome.
We have visited two places that set up awesome outdoor Christmas light displays. One was in a normal residential street which completely decorated their garden in lights with music, the second was in the country and was outrageous. Totally over the top. Its actually quite incredible. The second house is kinda secluded so they go all out and have music on at full blast and display as many tall light stands as they can. The best one was the death metal band singing among killer clowns. I talked briefly to the owner. He said he loves both Christmas and Halloween, but hasn't got the time to decorate both in the same year, so one area is dedicated to Halloween each year. I think the most impressive thing they had was a giant inflatable Santa that was nearly as tall as the conifer trees it was up next too.
Last Sunday we visited Steam Scene at McLeans Island, which is only open every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. It was a lot more busier than I initially thought it would be. They had two train circuits, one for a proper steam train, and another for a miniature train. They both followed similar paths through the wooded area. So much cooler than Paradise Parks.
We have also visited Papanui library for baby song time. It was really great but there are a bunch of NZ baby songs I now need to collect somehow.
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| The penguins in town is the same concept as Brightons Snow Dogs from 2016. They are dotted all around the city, painted in different patterns. This is one of my favourites. |
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| The real penguin enclosure at the Antarctic centre. |
