Avon River - Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

 The Avon River runs through Christchurch, New Zealand.

This part is along the Central Business District which was severely damaged during the Feb. 22, 2011 earthquake.

There is a mood of peace and tranquility here just a few steps away from quite another mood.

This guy shows no particular signs of stress.

Christchurch, New Zealand

November 26, 2012

Re: Start Shipping Container City - Christchurch, New Zealand

 Christchurch, New Zealand had a devastating 6.3 earthquake on February 22, 2011.

Most of the central city and neighborhoods were destroyed and red flagged for demolition.

We toured the city in disbelief...it's been nearly 2 years and there is still so much recovery needed.

This post shows how the CBD (central business district) has become the  "Re: Start Shipping Container City" as life must continue!

 These men are working on the central air system for a 'container' store to open soon.

There are several blocks of stores, banks, cafes and restaurants working out of 'shipping containers'.

 They are colorful!

 They have colorful shades between the rows!

 ...and, here is a small cafe!  Someone is upstairs enjoying a window view.

The parking structure in the background is heavily damaged and not functional.

It will come down eventually.

 Here is an impressive little shopping street!

All the latest stores that would be in any mall or downtown area.

 Just off to the side is the remains of a building heavily damaged.

 C for coffee!

 Tempting!

 They have very attractive window displays!

 Fencing separates the danger zones.

These  flags dress up the chain link a bit for the Christmas Season.

 

 They brighten a gloomy day!

 Westpac Bank complete with a security officer.

 A little outdoor shopping for variety!

The popular tram system is scheduled to resume service in mid-2013.

The large business buildings must be completely down before service can begin again.

 Across the way is the KiwiBank.

 Restrooms!

 Advertisements to include "Big Ideas" for re-development for those who have a Big Idea!

 A restaurant!

 Container City is squeezed in between 'danger zones',

but, it serves the purpose for the time being. The popular trams will lift spirits when they resume service.

The War Memorial is also off limits due to damage.

Christchurch, New Zealand
November 26, 2012

Catholic Cathedral Devastation - Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

 We visited more of the earthquake devastation before leaving Christchurch.

This sign shows how the Catholic Cathedral looked before Feb. 22, 2011 @ 12:51 p.m.

 and...after

The containers are literally holding up the side.

Catholic Cathedral

Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

November 26, 2012

John & Sandra - Christchurch, New Zealand

This man can sing!

John and his wife, Sandra, are from a small college town near Dublin, Ireland.

We discovered very quickly that John sings with an Irish band in local pubs.

Our guide borrowed his granddaughter's guitar for him to entertain us with each night in the bars of our hotels.

GREAT MEMORIES!

This photo was taken in Christchurch, New Zealand

November 25, 2012

Taking a Walk in Christchurch, New Zealand

After checking into our hotel in Christchurch we decided to take an 8km walk in search of a particular restaurant we read about.  Our walk took us past even more earthquake devastation.  In this area a church was heavily damaged and a home across the street was spared.

 ...but another home a few blocks further was crumbling.  

 Overall, this part of the city fared well compared to other parts.

We eventually made it to the restaurant to find it closed...it was a Sunday.

Should have done a little more research about their hours, etc.

DUH!

But, we found another nearby and we had a fabulous meal which included some New Zealand wine!

Fox & Ferret Restaurant

Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

November 25, 2012

We Have Arrived - Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

We have now arrived in Christchurch after a full day on the road from Blenheim.

A day of beauty and anticipation of the devastation we will see here in Christchurch.

Our guide is from this city and said that, "Christchurch has lost her soul."

The earthquake that struck on Feb. 22, 2011 @ 12:51 p.m. was a magnitude of 6.3 with a depth of 5km.

Most of the CBD (Central Business District) has been destroyed as well as neighborhoods nearby.

This was our first 'sobering' view as we passed by.

 Most streets are closed to traffic.

 Buildings are either just sitting, partially torn down or gone with only empty lots left as a reminder.

 another random scene...there were so many.

A happy and joyful bunch of people turned quiet and somber as we witnessed the devastation.

We eventually reached our hotel, the Copthome Commodore Hotel Christchurch, which was spared any serious damage.  There are only a few hotels open these days!

Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand

November 25, 2012