March 13, 2014. Christchurch, New Zealand. The Earthquake.

There were actually three series of quakes, all unexpected, as Christchurch is not on a major fault. But the series of tremors destroyed most of the downtown area of Christchurch. Once upon a time, Christchurch was charming with a central Cathedral Square. Now the city is one large zone of constructions. Where once stood stores and shops, now you shop in places housed in containers, all painted in bright colors. The whole downtown was full of rubble but the whole country arrived to help, including 3500 volunteer university students from Christchurch. As soon as the rubble was cleared away, the packing cases/containers were installed and soon the commerce of the city was up and running. They are still in place. In two weeks, the containers will be moved to a parking lot, while construction will begin to build the large stores. They are cute and decorative and certainly useful. It remains to be seen what happens with them after proper buildings are ready. Today, Gill, Ken and I toured the films and displays about the earthquake. It was well worth a visit. When you walk the streets, many buildings still are yet to be demolished. You can tell by the signs and the fences. Now I want to return in five years, to see the real Christchurch.