With 2014 comes a new year and another new start, this time with my work location about to change yet again. A site placement with Fonterra in Hamilton for 6 months means I will spend limited time at the weekend in Christchurch. Knowing this, I was keen to capture a snapshot of Christchurch as it is at the moment for comparison when I return later in the year.
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| The view from our new flat in Mt Pleasant, the sun and moon simultaneously setting in the west |
We visited Rapaki Beach (Lyttelton Harbour) to celebrate Em's 30th with a game of Kubb and a swim.
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| Shaun, Amy and Bob at Rapaki Beach |
The following day, Amy and I went for a ride through the CBD to check out what has changed in the past few months. As always, some things were still in a sad and sorry state and others were well on track towards being rebuilt.
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| 'The Frame' project lines the Avon River, a cafe / office area in a sought after location |
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| Tradies pour the slab while vibrant colours border the site |
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| The Ellerslie Flower Show has brought a wealth of colour to Cathedral Square |
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| Temporary murals have popped up in Cathedral Sq for the Ellerslie Flower Show |
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| Kiwi |
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| Giraffe |
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| Bright and dark, a post-EQ contrast as the Anglican church battles local residents for demolition |
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| Sunny days = good times |
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| A well recognised vista to all Christchurch locals and visitors alike |
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| The tram in front of the (hopefully) soon-to-be-demolished cathedral |
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| This old Scot was oblivious to this photo but happily chatted to us pitching for his local Highland Dancing group which we were lucky enough to see dancing shortly after |
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| Local Highland Dancing group using the 'Dance-o-mat', a coin operated washing machine which triggered speakers, connected to your iPod. It was LOUD. Another GapFiller initiative. |
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| With damage and devastation comes a lot of blank canvases - buildings transformed, often to prevent graffiti. |
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| New Regent St, with a heavenly gelato cart on the right (orange) |
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| The city tram at its turn around point. With only part of the city's tram network operational, the tram drivers change direction at key drop off points. |
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| There are many vacant sites still throughout Christchurch, hardly any buildings to be demolished however. |
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| A mark of hope, every road cone across the city was adorned with flowers for the third anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquakes |
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| This structure is the spire of the Chirstchurch Cathedral, mirrored and suspended in Latimer Square. |
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| The CTV Building site finally looking tidy to mark the third anniversary. |
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| This ceremony was in memory of those who died at the adjacent CTV site, three years ago today. |
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| An this, a memorial to the 185 lives lost in the Feb 22 2011 earthquake |
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| But not all hope is lost... |
The day following the third anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquakes, I went to the Canterbury Agri Park to watch "the happiest 5km on the planet, a charity event also known as The Colour Run.
That afternoon, there was a massive electrical storm in Christchurch, this was the only shot I got:
To wrap the week up, we had a farewell dinner for Tim, a close friend who is off to Wellington on business for three months. A fitting farewell, we dressed up and had a rip-roaring good time!
