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.
First, I was taken aback by the extent of the destruction still evident nearly four years after the February 2011 earthquake.
Then I was silenced by the multitude of street art tributes and other memorials (such as ‘185 Empty Chairs’)
But as the Captain and I wandered Christchurch, and spent some time with a friend there, I began to see a city in transition…..
…a city rebuilding…
…..reopening…
…restarting…
…reinventing
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.
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.
I loved Christchurch so I’m very happy to see it rebuilding.
You need to come back for another visit Karen to see Christchurch transformed 🙂
The murals are stunning!
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.
These are great photos chronicling Christchurch’s resurrection. So nice to see this city reinvigorated and the testament to its citizens 🙂
Thank you so much for saying so Terri! The city and its people are most certainly impressive.
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 –
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 🙂
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.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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 🙂
Wonderful post, Lisa. Captivating story and you shared wonderful street art. Thanks! Getting to know NZ through your eyes.
Thank you so much for traveling New Zealand virtually with me Lucile!