Christchurch New Zealand

Everywhere in downtown Christchurch the devastation from the 2011 earthquake is still visible.  However, the mood I sensed in the city is one of rebuilding and optimism.  I hope I'm right.

The main street leading to the cathedral tells much of the story.  The tram is running.  On the right is scaffolding where the beautiful old buildings that housed the arts center are being restored. (In this city, scaffolding is a welcome sight.)  On the left is a vacant building awaiting deconstruction.  In the center, like a huge scar, is the cathedral.

The cathedral ruins.  It is heartbreaking that this former place of worship seems to be treated with so little respect as it awaits the decision on its fate.  Surely a tarp over it to keep the pigeons out would not be too much. 

This photo was taken from the top of a moving double decker bus.  This theatre is awaiting deconstruction, and I imagine this is how it looked the day of the earthquake.

The ReStart Mall was erected shortly after the earthquake in an effort to bring people back to the area.  It is a mall that is made up of shipping containers.  It has become a popular tourist attraction, and spoke to me of the optimism and resilience the city has.

The facade of the Christchurch Art Gallery is made up of well over 1000 panes of glass.  Not one pane fell out, was broken or cracked during the earthquake.  At the time of construction in 2002, it was built to withstand seismic events.  However, currently there is structural work being done to earthquake-proof it to current standards, and the gallery is scheduled to reopen in late 2015.

I hope I'm able to see this beautiful city again in a few years.

"Man never made a material as resilient as the human spirit."  Bernard Williams