Christchurch

M

We were late arriving in Christchurch, so we had a rather rushed tour of the city. It was late, the place was practically deserted and very eerie and quiet, just the sound of pedestrian crossings beeping. The centre of the city is either in the process of being rebuilt or waiting to be repaired. The cathedral is in a sorry state and there is a debate as to what to do with it. Some want it rebuilt the same as before. Others want it left as a memorial and the original plan for the cathedral, which was in wood to be built. It will be interesting to see what they do in the end. 

There are lots of art installations around the place. The most moving is the 185 white chairs for each person who died in the quake.

But there is hope there as well. One thing about Kiwis, they are a resourceful bunch. Shipping containers are being used to hold up old building fronts, and for shops. 

They also have a cardboard cathedral, seriously! 

We drove around again in the morning. It was odd to see business men in suits drinking coffee outside a hut on waste ground. There is a lot of plans for a new city. I hope it works out for them.