More Spring in Christchurch

Victoria Park

Monday, Oct. 25:  This morning Courtney and I decided to venture into the beautiful city of Christchurch again and ride the cute vintage tram around.  It was a very relaxing day.  I finally got to explore the art gallery, Te Puna O Waiwhetu.  There are so many exhibits, we could have spent all day there, but it was nice taking a slow walk around appreciating the amazing art.  We then shopped at the  cute Art Centre market and then continued along the tram to Victoria Park.  Victoria Park was a nice grassy area in the middle of the city where we got delicious kiwi sundae vanilla ice and laid in the grass beneath the warm sun.  Mmmm I love spring :)

Christchurch Art Gallery

Space of Love Ayurvedic Cooking Lesson

Tuesday, Oct. 27:  Today Court and caught the bus to New Brighton.  We spent a few hours studying for exams in a cafe and library overlooking the beautiful shore.  Even studying is beautiful here!!  Then we went to the Space of Love. Wow.  One of the best experiences in New Zealand, and that's saying alot!  The Space of Love is a unique, relaxed, and friendly vegetarian cafe that aims to provide healthy, balanced, and nourishing meals freshly prepared daily from local organic produce.  They allow their customers to decide what they want to pay into the anonymous magic donation box.  It is the most chill environment.  We went there to take an Ayurvedic cooking class by Sruti, the owner.  He described to us the Ayurveda is a system of traditional Indian medicine and every ingredient we use is used to benefit the body.  There are spiritual aspects to it too.  We made samosas with coconut chutney and tarmarind and date chutney.  The first samosa filling was spinach and cheese, and the second was potato, cauliflower, and peas.  We used so many spices too!  We were cooking for four hours and it is the best food I have EVER had!!  I cannot wait to come home and try cooking it again.

delicious samosas and chutney we made

The best part of the night was talking with the people.  There was one girl there named River who was so awesome and from Rhode Island.  She is only in her twenties and has lived in Alaska, Hawaii, California, and New Zealand.  She just loves to travel, sleep on beaches, and meet people.  Court and I also received light therapy.  They shined different wavelengths of light on different parts of our body.  We felt so amazing afterward!  Apparently it is an alternative medicine used to treat many problems.  We received basic treatment that boosted our immune system and overall well-being and energy.  Awesome!!  We stayed late into the night after our meal sipping on herbal tea and talking to River and Sruti about life.  The best part of traveling is meeting amazing people and opening my mind to new ideas.  We had deep conversations about traveling, energy, religion, love, and balance.  It was an interesting, eye-opening, healthy hippie night.  A night I will always remember!