September 18, 2012

  • Sunday 16th September

    I was awake early enough to visit with Alvin before he headed off to work.

    He makes sure he is very visible & warm  happy

     

     

     I headed into the cbd to meet up with the kids later in the morning.

    It was a glorious Spring day.

    Blue skies, sunshine and a light cool breeze.

    We met in the Cashel St Container Mall and wandered about.

    Had to take this pic especially for my sweet niece Ruby winky

     

    Bri, Nick & Shasha had souvalaki's for lunch.

    Jesika, Evan & I found food at Hummingbird that appealed so we ate there.

    I spotted Shand's Emporium as we walked across the carpark.

    It is so sad to see it standing there so lonely with all the large buildings surrounding it already demolished.

    But it is also great to know that it is being saved.

    It is the oldest commercial building in Christchurch and it was built by Tim's great, great grandfather.

     

    Then we had time to go for a power walk.

    Followed Bri & Nick along the river, evading the blockades to get to where we wanted to go.

    Nothing is straightforward in Chch anymore.

    We walked up Gloucester St and saw what was left of the Farmer's Department Store

    And this one in the next street over - not too sure what building it is, but it is soon to be was bummed

    So much emptiness and yet still more to come.

    The Isaac Royal Theatre - looks like they are trying to save this building.

    And the Cathedral - looking very sad.

    We had to go so left Bri, Nick & Sasha to walk around the other side of the blackades to where they had left their car and we went back along the river to where I had parked.

    The reason I so love walking along the river is that in amongst all the destruction there is still so much beauty.

    We zipped out to the airport and met up with Jesika's godparents, Pam & Paul, at Cafe Raeward.

    It was a great cafe - must reference it for another time,

    They had driven up from Dunedin and were on their way back home so were glad of a lunch break and chance to catch up with Jesika and meet Evan.

     

    They had to carry on so we said our goodbyes and then cruised off down Harewood Rd.

    I asked Jesika what she wanted to do.

    When she realised Louisa lived just around the corner she was happy to pop in for a visit.

    We had a lovely time with Louisa and the 3 children.

    She told us about this memorial so we went to see it.

    It is on the ground where this church once stood.

    Jesika was bridesmaid for her friend Ruthie many years back & had remembered vividly walking the aisle there so had been asking about the church.

    From there I took them for a drive around Avonside so they could see for themselves the damage caused by the earthquake.

    Jesika had not been back to Christchurch since the February quake so was very moved by it all.

    This is the twisted broken bridge that speaks volumes to me whenever I see it.

    The power of nature!

    It was a beautiful calm evening and the reflections of the sunset were beautiful.

     

    They had seen enough so I took them back to Bri & Nicks.

    I drove to Vonnie's via Starbucks - picked up a snack for my dinner.