Captain Launching Off The Moeraki Boulders
The day started off upbeat with a lovely drive from Dunedin to Christchurch via Hampden to visit the Moeraki Boulders along the way.
But the mood changed upon arriving in Christchurch.
Images From the Christchurch CBD – February 2015
First, I was taken aback by the extent of the destruction still evident nearly four years after the February 2011 earthquake.
No! – Tony Fomison
Then I was silenced by the multitude of street art tributes and other memorials (such as ‘185 Empty Chairs’)
Ballerina – Rear Of The Isaac Theatre Royal – Owen Dippie
But as the Captain and I wandered Christchurch, and spent some time with a friend there, I began to see a city in transition…..
Transitional Cathedral Made From Cardboard
…a city rebuilding…
…..reopening…
Christchurch Tramways Operational Again After 1000 Days Suspension
…restarting…
Restart Container Mall
…reinventing
First Thursdays Art Walk
Theme – Lost In Space
…and welcoming new residents like my friend and fellow sailor, Dr Charlotte Daker, who recently relocated to Christchurch after sailing to New Zealand from Ecuador and LOVES it here.
Dr Charlotte Daker Walking Among The Spectators At A Recent Robot Parade
I was invigorated by the rebirth of this city and learned that while Christchurch will never forget the past, it is looking to the future.
Christchurch is a place to be.
Karen Thurman February 13, 2015
I loved Christchurch so I’m very happy to see it rebuilding.
Lisa Dorenfest February 13, 2015 — Post Author
You need to come back for another visit Karen to see Christchurch transformed 🙂
nowathome February 13, 2015
The murals are stunning!
Lisa Dorenfest February 13, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for your lovely compliment Aletta. There were so many stunning murals it was difficult to limit it to only two for this post.
Terri Webster Schrandt February 13, 2015
These are great photos chronicling Christchurch’s resurrection. So nice to see this city reinvigorated and the testament to its citizens 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 13, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for saying so Terri! The city and its people are most certainly impressive.
yprior1 February 13, 2015
quite a moving post – and the street art is exquisite – well done – ballerina was my fav. I also like the street feel of the tramway one – how you caught the cyclist – but each photo was a nice tour – and Dr. C has some cool hair – I bet she will love living there –
Lisa Dorenfest February 14, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your lovely comments as always Yvette! Always a treat to receive your feedback. And Dr C was the one walking behind the woman with the really cool hair. But I loved the hair and thought Dr C looked radiant walking in the background so that was the photo I used 🙂
restlessjo February 18, 2015
Do you follow Gallivanta (Ann), Lisa? She lives in the neighbourhood and keeps a very beautiful blog. The resurrection must be such a struggle. What a heartbreak it was for so many.
Lisa Dorenfest February 18, 2015 — Post Author
I do follow Gallivanta (Ann) and love her the simple beauty and in inspiration she shares.
While the resurrection has been a challenge I was greatly impressed by how the residents have risen to it.
rosemaylily2014 February 20, 2015
I have found these photos so interesting Lisa as my uncle lives in Christchurch and we went over for his 80th birthday nearly 7 years ago now. My goodness what a difference from the Christchurch centre we saw then – I took a photo of the tram in front of the cathedral and it’s so sad it had to be demolished. However at the same time it’s inspirational to see the way the city is regenerating! Thanks for sharing your photos 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 20, 2015 — Post Author
I hope that you have an opportunity to return to ChCh soon Rosemary. The regeneration in the aftermath of such extensive devastation is very moving.
rosemaylily2014 February 21, 2015
Yes hope so too Lisa there have been other priorities since then so have been going back to Europe each year to see family but one day we really hope to go back to NZ and Christchurch especially 🙂
luciledegodoy February 27, 2015
Wonderful post, Lisa. Captivating story and you shared wonderful street art. Thanks! Getting to know NZ through your eyes.
Lisa Dorenfest February 27, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for traveling New Zealand virtually with me Lucile!