Christchurch (Chch) and, finally, Home!

Lyttleton Harbour, south of Christchurch(Chch)

We arrived in Christchurch after several hours of driving in the rain from Dunedin.  The downtown portion of Christchurch has been cordoned off since the earthquake in February.  Recently, a few of the streets had been opened.  We parked the car, needing to stretch our legs and went in search of a place to spend the night.  The experience of walking on the outskirts of downtown was chilling.

The lovely old churches were the worst damaged buildings

Fences surround the business district of Chch. No traffic.  The empty streets are eerie.

Seeing buildings that had crumbled and still appeared as they did months ago, bricks scattered across the road, attested to the extent of devastation.  It was voyeuristic in some way, like watching the scene of a traffic accident as you drive by.  Buildings still had their spray painted signs that they had been searched and cleared.  All the buildings in Chch bear a sign denoting its safety status.  Red: danger, not fit for entry.  We walked for quite some time before reaching the motel area as we had to skirt the city entirely.  Most of the motels were full and we retraced our steps, jumped into the car to start our search for other motels.  We were lucky to find something close to the park and settled in for the night.

If you were to only see part of the building, it would appear completely normal... then you turn the corner and see that half of the building lies on the pavement that was once a sidewalk.

Workers are overwhelmed. Rocks still strewn as they fell 3 months ago.

Our last day on the south island was clear and warm.  We decided to try one of the many tracks for which Chch is known.  One of the favorites is the hike connecting Chch with Lyttleton, a small township south of town, over a small hill.  Our plan was to drive to Lyttleton and hike over the top of the ridge, then return and enjoy lunch in Lyttleton.  What we found was a small town that had been uprooted by the earthquake.  The local pub had opened in a trailer parked on the side of the road.  The other businesses did not look at all ready for customers.  We parked to hike the Bridle trail but after climbing several streets to the signpost, we found the track was also closed due to earthquake damage.  Instead, we walked the hillside streets, finding rents in driveways, some homes that appeared sound, yet marked by the dreaded red sign.

One of our planned hikes...

Caleb did get to meet with David once more before leaving the south island.  Our flight home was uneventful.  Once home, we had the pleasure of a visit from Morgan's friend Jillian, who cooked a curry dinner while I started on the mountainous pile of laundry.  Lovely to be home.  Spoiled by having dinner prepared for us, we returned the gesture by giving Jillian a ride to the airport on a clear starry morning.  Over dinner and on the ride to the airport, we reviewed all the things she might miss about NZ, and all the things that it would be lovely to return to see and experience.   " A new adventure awaits!" said Jillian...

I would have loved to hike this track, whose entry is adorned with a Maori carving...

Tomorrow, I will be back at work.

Only 3 weeks until my dad's 80th birthday celebration & family reunion in Sicily!!!! The whole family will attend.
Yes, I truly am blessed!