Peace Park and Ride

As if Christchurch hasn't suffered enough, as it attempts to rise from the rubble of the earthquakes of a decade ago, the city has just become the latest site of hideous extremist attacks. Two consecutive terrorist shooting attacks occurred at mosques during Friday prayer: 51 people were killed and 49 were injured. The gunman live-streamed the first attack on Facebook.

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, was asked what people could do in the wake of increasing right-wing terrorism. She replied, "Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities". She continued,

"Our values provide a guiding light in our darkest hours.
We stand together in representing diversity and inclusion. They are us.
We stand together in kindness and compassion. They are us."

To the killer, she said, "You may have chosen us - we utterly reject and condemn you."

In solidarity with the New Zealand Muslim community, Kiwis and Canberrans gathered at the Nara Canberra Peace Park in a memorial vigil to share grief, despair and anger while paying respects and honouring life. It was emotional.

Later in the week we celebrated the wedding of Louise and Chris. Her bouquet was beautiful (as is she) and was made from hops (as she is not). 

Louise with her hoptastic bouquet

Apparently these are hot cross buns. Can anyone spot the trade-descriptions error?

Buns

We headed off to the Snowy Valleys for a bike race, which involved carbo loading the night before in Adelong.

Apparently it's not rained in this part of rural NSW for four years, but the morning of the bike race...

Him Outdoors was doing the big ride, while I did the mere 26km. This meant I could take photos of him and the start and finish.

And here he is with a post-activity beverage from Tumut River Brewing Co.

Little bits of Lyttleton

Twelve months on from the earthquakes, Lyttleton is still full of piles of rubble,remaining scaffolding-clad buildings and hastily cobbled together containers. It all makes for a curious atmosphere that seems to suit sombre black and white photography.

Great Kiwi Beer Festival

Friends and I went to the Great Kiwi Beer Festival in Hagley Park in Christchurch. The event was completely sold out (9,000 tickets) and it seemed as though a good time was had by all. There were 33 craft breweries selling their wares, and many food stalls as well.

Apparently there was music too, and some people just came for the bands. Others came for a good day out in the sun where they could spend time with friends and not worry about anything until the next day. And the sun shone on us all - God likes beer!

It was quite quiet to begin with before the crowds arrived and we were able to casually stroll up to whichever beer tent we liked (not to mention split our infinitives willy-nilly)...

I was taking notes and photos and still managed to carry beer without spillage - and I thought I couldn't multi-task! I could even read my notes later and have typed them up on Kate's blog for your edification.



Ginger Jerry by Wigram proved to be one of my favourite beers of the festival



We stopped by to say hello to the good people at Arrow Brewery. We didn't imbibe any of their lovely brews, although we know that they are lovely because we live just down the road and drink them frequently. I do reckon they had the best stall though, and I also like the nifty use-again packaging!

Him Outdoors stopped for a chat with Mr Mike of Mike's Mild fame. Their brewery is the oldest one here (at 23 years strong).

The Brew Moon lady saw us standing alone

I heart hops

One of 'our lot'

Him Outdoors looks serious

They start them young at the Twisted Hop

random people drinking

Wide Boy Steve - He Likes Beer

Witch 3 - She doesn't, but we're working on it

There was music...

And laughter...

The bacon butty girls

And happy ever after...

WBS is starting to look a bit like Bez from The Happy Mondays

Another one of 'our lot'

When you've got a camera, random strangers pose for a picture - I can hardly disappoint now, can I?



I've no idea who these people are



or these ones



I was impressed with the mixture of clientelle. By which I mean there were folk of all ages (over 18 of course), and lots of women as well as men - women drink beer too, you know!

The Black Seeds, apparently

Happy hoppy people

Getting towards the end of the day, as you can tell...

Time to go home