Christchurch, NZ

On our way to Antarctica we are fortunate to get to travel to Christchurch, New Zealand, and leave from there.  It is my favorite city and I love the entire country of New Zealand.  Christchurch is the largest city on the south island, but has a small town feel to it.  The residents, or Kiwis, are very friendly and neighborly people.  The Kiwi society has very little crime, especially compared to the US, and this makes them very trusting people.  There are some really great businesses that "Ice people" patronize on their way to "The Ice" and the Kiwis look forward to seeing us and catching up. 
Unfortunately, Christchurch was hit by a series of major earthquakes during the past couple of years. They devastated the whole city.  Downtown Christchurch where I could wander around and look in the little shops was completely destroyed.  All of the tall buildings are gone and the other buildings are condemned. There are also flowers on the street corners where loved ones were lost. There is a fence around the entire area and all the businesses are gone.  Many of the businesses are relocating.  Some will never be back.  Many of the buildings were very old and cannot be replaced. 
They are very resilient and are rebuilding the city but are saying it will take over 20 years.  The use of shipping containers for businesses is a great idea.  They are very sturdy and many shop owners actually said they really liked them. Christchurch will never be the same.

The arts center where they used to have the Saturday
morning arts show

Most of Christchurch looks this way, some buildings tore
down and others in various stages of demolition.

The cathedral, which is over 100 yrs old is probably going
be demolished

Not many tall buildings and many tall cranes are
the sights now



One of our favorite restaurants to visit on the way down.
It is hopefully being repaired.



The huge botanical garden is still beautiful.

One of my favorite bookstores relocated to
"container city"

Some buildings are even two stories

Shops in container city

Container city even has greenery and a food court

I had to add a picture of this silly cat.  I went to the
Coffeehouse and had a wonderful dinner.  The owner had just opened it the week before, after repairing the building and I enjoyed talking with them.  This cat was so cute and loveable and wanted to share my food, but would turn around every time I went to take his picture.