March 18, 2014. Christchurch, NZ. Construction.

The more you walk in downtown Christchurch the more you see the construction. This city is one big construction zone. We three walked to the Recharge business area, the first commercial space open after the earthquake. It is very cute, made to look like an old fashioned main street. It provided the people a place to gather for coffee. The tram runs right through the center, which adds it's own charm. While Gill and I drank a cup of coffee while sitting outside, Ken had his hair cut, so the place was useful to us too. while we walked, we saw buildings going up and buildings coming down, and many big holes full of water where large buildings have already been taken down. One tall building, 15 stories high, seems intact, except it is tilted so must come down, The building is sound but the ground under it has shifted so is not stable. Much has been done in Christchurch but much yet has to come. But they have a good plan and the people seem determined to finish their task. Ken hopes they complete the task before another earthquake hits the area, but it was 400 years since the last one, so time is on their side. Gill has been in Christchurch since January 3, so she has served as our scout. With the map, she kept us going in the right direction. Having your own Tonto has been extremely helpful to us and we were grateful for her presence with us in Christchurch. Once again, good friends are a major asset in our lives!!