Christchurch

It was a fairly short drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, through lovely rolling farmland with lots of sheep and then onto the broad coastal plain.  We are in an urban campground which is landscaped with lots of roses.  

Although we were prepared to see earthquake damage here, it hit us pretty hard.  The center of the the Central business district is in shambles 2 and a half years after the first of the two big quakes.  It's surrounded by wire fencing and extreme danger signs, and nobody except construction and demolition crews are in there.  Many buildings within the "red zone" and surrounding it have been demolished and parking lots are plentiful.  Other buildings that they are attempting to save are propped up with steel framework.  75% of the buildings in the heart of the business district will be torn down.  They are still debating whether or not their cathedral can be saved, after citizens protested against its demolition.  Visiting Quake City, a small museum brought me to tears.

Around that museum the hopeful, forward thinking spirit of the city is evident.  Re:Start is a small temporary mall area with cafes and shops housed in brightly painted, cleverly stacked and arranged shipping containers.  There are large topiary animals and canvas sunshades between "buildings".  One of the shopkeepers said they expect to be there for another year.  (The other place we've seen shipping containers used for buildings in a city was for a medical clinic in Lima.  The upbeat vibe of this place was lacking there.)