Everything is illuminated

The annual Chinese Lantern Festival makes Christchurch feel quite exotic. Sunday night in Victoria Park was beautiful. This is Mel and a flamingo, on the banks of the Avon:





It's not often you catch a glimpse of the urban Christchurch hippopotami, especially not at full illumination. I have Mel to thank for her expert advice which resulted in all of these photos turning out, especially this one of my favourite lanterns:





For all its flaws, there are moments that I love this city to bits.