Christchurch
I've wanted to visit Christchurch since I arrived in New Zealand, and was lucky enough to have the opportunity on our way home from Queenstown. Even though I had seen the extensive TV coverage since the 2011 earthquakes, I was still shocked to see the devastation firsthand. Entire city blocks were fenced off, whole streets of businesses and apartments abandoned. Buildings being temporarily supported with stacked shipping containers, and huge empty lots where buildings had been demolished. There was an eerie quiet in the worst hit areas, and hardly anyone around. It was fascinating and very sad at the same time. At the edge of downtown, there was a striking memorial set up to remember each of the 185 people who lost their lives in the February 22nd, 2011 Canterbury earthquake. 185 chairs sit on the site of a fallen church, each one unique to the person it represents. Visitors are encouraged to walk amongst the chairs, which range from office chairs...
Hi Barbara, that are wonderful pictures of the landscape in New Zealand! Reminds me of the great time I had when travelling there in 2008/9.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you a great year with many happy moments at the other side of the world. We are thinking of you very often and talk about the fun we had when you visited us in Mannheim last year. Many greetings from Germany from Steffen, Kristina and Theo
Thank you, Kristina! :) I think of you guys often, and have many happy memories of my time in Mannheim. I hope to meet little Theo one day.. XO
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