Editor’s Note: The joys of travel
I’m back after a relaxing three weeks in the land of smiles (Thailand), and dealing with the trials and tribulations of international travel.
‘Many of us fly north for a spell during the colder months, and often find that international travel can be a testing time. Border and customs control vary from country to country, and even from region to region, including in New Zealand.
Different bag scanning machines, different operators, and even different requirements sometimes create problems when there really aren’t any. Take for instance a half a tube of toothpaste setting off alarm bells, or a surfboard-shaped beer bottle opener being mistaken for a knife. Lynda Papesch, editor
As travellers, it is mostly a case of shuffling along in a queue, and then a ‘grin and bear it’ attitude with customs so you can make your flights on schedule, and chill out either on holiday, or on your return home.
For me, one of the joys of travel is returning home to New Zealand, and to Christchurch; remembering all over again why I love my country and where I choose to live.
I’m not alone in making this city my home; the latest Census figures show that almost 400,000 people reside here, and that may swell to 445,000 within 10 years. Neighbouring Selwyn and Waimakariri districts had an estimated combined population of 150,300 at June 2023.
Cultural diversity, economic development, and a lot of new beginnings have all been part of the equation helping Christchurch grow. Seeing how other countries are developing in comparison shines a light on how well we are doing. Keep it up!
to ensure there are no nasty tax surprises when you decide to sell your property.
