Ancient Trees, Sheep on the Street, Space Invaders, and Queen Bey

Our New Zealand day began once again as yesterday had before: 16 hours ahead and with a lecture by Dr. Colin Meurk. Today we learned about the theory, principles, and practices that go into ecosystem restoration.

We were reminded again that only by connecting people with the nature around us would we truly be able to revive our natural ecosystems. After a short pit-stop at the Coffee Culture in Lincoln, we traveled via Gator Waka to the Riccarton Bush. 

This ancient floodplain forest is one of the only sanctuaries with untouched native New Zealand flora left in this area. It is surrounded on all sides by a predator-proof fence, keeping out rabbits, mice, cats, and other exotic land mammals (including unwanted humans). Within the bush was a variety of podocarp trees and native vines. 

As we traversed the path Dr. Meurk would often stop to teach us about the species we were encountering. We learned that the Riccarton Bush was formerly used as a kiwi sanctuary, but due to potential non-native diseases from pigeons, the practice was stopped. 

After a quick lunch in the Gator Waka (it was a bit too rainy/cold/windy outside), the Florida kiwis took downtown Christchurch. 

 Here we played a ginormous Space Invaders game projected across the street. The game's levels focused on saving downtown from the aliens. The Gators brought home the win of course.

We also encountered a number of strangely colored sheep on the sidewalks. They gathered in small flocks and insisted on staring at us from afar. Not a single "baa" was uttered. 

At our final stop for tea downtown, we visited C One Espresso. This quirky coffee shop sported a hidden passage behind a moving bookshelf where Harry Potter audio books played over the speakers in the restrooms (I never thought I could enjoy using a public restroom so much!) The shop also had a novel way to transport food: ordered chips were shot through pneumatic tubes to the tables! 

Full of scones and tea, we visited a gift shop, a sporting goods store, a warehouse store like a Walmart on steroids, and yet another coffee shop (this one had the Dr. Hostetler Seal of Approval). On the ride home, we jammed out through the Gator Waka Bluetooth speaker to none other than Beyonce's "Love On Top". Dr. H remarked that we were mostly in key before bidding us goodnight. 

-Paige

P.S.: I have included the link to that song for your enjoyment.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob7vObnFUJc