Christchurch
March 16, 2016
58°F
100% Humidity
Showers
58°F
100% Humidity
Showers
March 17, 2016
60°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
60°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
Christchurch is the largest city ( 382,000 ) on the South Island. It is a city undergoing enormous change due to a recent history of earthquakes. In fact just the week before we left for our trip they had a 4.2 after shock and a month earlier a 5 something.
In 2010 and 2011 they had huge earthquakes which leveled 1,700 of the 2,700 buildings.
The devastation was noticeable as soon as we started to walk downtown. This is part of a huge all boys school.
In 2010 and 2011 they had huge earthquakes which leveled 1,700 of the 2,700 buildings.
The devastation was noticeable as soon as we started to walk downtown. This is part of a huge all boys school.
March 18, 2016
64°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
64°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
This building has been condemned since 2010. Its razing hasn't started yet due to priorities.
As you can imagine, the people could use a morale booster.
I'm amazed... This is the second bridge club we stumbled onto while out randomly walking around.
We were tempted to play but discovered they not only don't have bidding boxes but you must write your bid on a bidding pad and add a + if it's alertable.
They also require you to play the "Acol" card whatever that is. No fancy stuff like transfers, etc.
We were tempted to play but discovered they not only don't have bidding boxes but you must write your bid on a bidding pad and add a + if it's alertable.
They also require you to play the "Acol" card whatever that is. No fancy stuff like transfers, etc.
March 17, 2016
66°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
66°F
85% Humidity
Cloudy
A bit cold and windy this morning but we are up early to take the double-decker bus tour of the city.
It was bitter sweet to tour the city because we saw an enormous amount of destruction and valiant efforts at reconstruction. Here are just a few photos to convey the situation.
This building came down and is on a long list for reconstruction.
Here are two buildings waiting their turn to be reconstructed.
Notice the use of shipping containers to keep the buildings from collapsing.
Notice the use of shipping containers to keep the buildings from collapsing.
Most of the destroyed buildings have been removed and the land turned into parking lots.
Perhaps the most devastating loss is the iconic Christchurch Cathedral.
Before
After
Today
Christchurch is built on a major fault zone where two continental plates are slipping past each other resulting in relatively frequent cataclysmic earthquakes.
Incidentally, this same fault runs right through the SF Bay Area.
Rather than move, the city has decided to rebuild based on the rationale that imposing stringent new building codes will prevent destruction from future earthquakes.
Notice the rubber disk in the picture below between the piling and the main building support structure. Hard to believe the whole building sits on rubber.
Incidentally, this same fault runs right through the SF Bay Area.
Rather than move, the city has decided to rebuild based on the rationale that imposing stringent new building codes will prevent destruction from future earthquakes.
Notice the rubber disk in the picture below between the piling and the main building support structure. Hard to believe the whole building sits on rubber.
The good news is that the city gets to reinvent itself.
The modern architecture is fabulous.
The modern architecture is fabulous.
Many people were put out of their homes and businesses.
The city's solution was to provide shipping containers which were made into temporary shelters and store fronts.
Most are gone now but there is one area in town that has retained the feeling of "container city".
The city's solution was to provide shipping containers which were made into temporary shelters and store fronts.
Most are gone now but there is one area in town that has retained the feeling of "container city".
Below is a video of the temporary memorial to the 185 people who lost their lives in the 2011 earthquake.
Visit to the beautiful museum of art.
Next is a guided tour of the Botanic Gardens
Last day in New Zealand.
Time for some serious shopping.
Time for some serious shopping.
Ballantynes is the Harrod's of Christchurch.
Its store was destroyed in the earthquake. So they started an online business which became a great success. Today it's a bigger profit center than the rebuild store.
Barbara couldn't resist this fancy haute couture dress, nightie, blouse, smock with pockets for gardening tools...?
Steve got this cool spatula with a kickstand.
The city is alive with new construction.
March 19,2016
82°F
40% Humidity
Sunny
82°F
40% Humidity
Sunny
Our last day in New Zealand
Just enough time to get our final Flat White at our favorite cafe before heading to the airport.
Just enough time to get our final Flat White at our favorite cafe before heading to the airport.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand people have been wonderful.
Always friendly and helpful with a big smile and easy laugh.
Always friendly and helpful with a big smile and easy laugh.
One feels very safe here.
Hardly ever saw the police.
At the airport security check point no one checks your ID, water bottles, or shoes.
Hardly ever saw the police.
At the airport security check point no one checks your ID, water bottles, or shoes.
Never saw a homeless person.
Instead of US congressman taking junkets to Hawaii,
they should come here and learn how NZ solved the homeless problem.
Instead of US congressman taking junkets to Hawaii,
they should come here and learn how NZ solved the homeless problem.
This is what 30 days of mail looks like.
After 20 hours of travel we arrived home.
