Winter 2019 - NZ 26 Days in Christchurch, NZ

NZ 26   Days in Christchurch, NZ

The Distinction Hotel

We did find the perfect hotel for us. The Distinction Hotel, smack in the middle of town, near everything. A bit pricey but we felt jubilant to be off the bike, to be done with the “Deluxe” Fred Rau Tour. 

Life is good, so we smiled all the time while we explored Christchurch. 

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley

We were near the trolley stop, a good tourist system for Christchurch, a HoHo (hop on/hop off) way of traveling and as you can see, even the trolley driver smiled back.

I like to be in cities because there is so much to see, so much to do. 

Let me give you a bit of information about Christchurch that is essential to know.

Much Damage Was Done

The city suffered a series of earthquakes between Sept. 2001 and Jan. 2012, with the most destructive of them occurring at 12.51 PM on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011.  

Museum Pictures of the Aftermath

Improvisation Necessary With Disruption of the Sewage System

185 people were killed during that big quake and thousands of buildings across the city collapsed or suffered severe damage. By late 2013, 1500 buildings in the city had to be demolished, leading to an ongoing recovery and rebuilding project.

But the city is like the phoenix; Christchurch is rising from the ashes.   While a lot has been rebuilt and reconstructed since the quake, some of the rubble is still around, serving as a reminder that nothing is permanent. 
Not even life.

A Very Moving Tribute to the 185 Victims

Part of the Memorial

A memorial to this earthquake, of 185 white, empty chairs was created and on display behind the new Cathedral, in memory of the people who perished during the earthquake. It was a somber feeling to look at all those empty, different chairs, even highchairs, and to contemplate what all the lives that had been taken could have been.

Museum Photo of the Aftermath

Christchurch now has an earthquake museum to show some of the aftershock pictures and the buildings that were destroyed. This museum had an amazing display which gave me a deeper understanding why some buildings collapsed but the neighboring building was unaffected.

The Road Was Destroyed

I like Christchurch, there is a vibe in the city that permeates your psyche, without you being aware of it, and the city is working its magic to keep you in town; to tangle you in.

It could be that all the activity to rebuild; the hope for a better way of living is driving the city forward now and is making new ideas so exiting. Christchurch has a very positive outlook for the future, despite sitting on a major fault line.

Immediately after the earthquakes in 2011 there were many businesses that were damaged. 

Ben & Jerry's Still Using a Shipping Container

What to do?  

The ingenuity of the people in NZ is great. The ability to do things fast but also right, to do them artfully, is visible all around. Shipping containers were used and converted for many different uses. It’s like people played with Lego’s in a big way after the quakes. Shops that were damaged used a shipping container as a store. Windows were cut out of the shipping container, doors were added and electric lights were strung…voila, the store was back in operation with a totally new look. And it looked chic!

Christchurch Cathedral Held Together With Canvas Cords

The Cathedral, the main church of Christchurch was severely damaged. It still is just hanging in there. Literally, the people used ropes to hold the rubble together. It looks like the city wants to rebuild the old relic but I ask myself why? There is a new Cathedral already in place!  

So what did Christchurch do with no church? Well, the folks of Christchurch built a ‘temporary’ Cathedral made

Side of the Temporary Cathedral - Using Shipping Containers

from?  Yes, Shipping containers…and some basic building material like concrete-filled paper tubes and see through plastic roofing that lets the light in. The new Cathedral building is very sturdy now. The way the new Church was built allows for a quick conversion of space. Rooms can be added by using dividers in the large congregation hall as needed. Nooks and private rooms can be put up in no time. The ‘new’ Cathedral is very modern and contemporary, with the word ‘temporary’ built even into the concept. It’s not stodgy, it’s hip. You can certainly pray here, too, you don’t need the ‘old’ proud relic that was destroyed.

Entrance to the Temporary Cathedral

Inside the Ceiling, the Cross, the Pulpit, and the Backs of the Chairs are Cardboard Tubes

A Cardboard Cross

Pulpit Made From Cardboard Tubes

Public transportation in Christchurch is a Green Scooter. One just scans the QR code with a cell phone and the bike is yours to ride. The bikes are everywhere, just take one you see not being used and off you go. You scan with your phone app to get on; you scan with your phone app again when you drop the scooter off; easy as can be. It sure saves a lot of gasoline, frustrations finding parking, etc. 

Green Scooters

I don’t see why this system cannot be used in any large city, worldwide. The controversy about ‘mis-management’ or the ‘dangers’ of using these scooters on NYC streets, for example, is ridiculous. I bet behind all the hoopla of NOT using them are businesses that would get hurt, like taxi or Uber drivers. Well, folks those scooters are progress, live with it. Get that Lime scooter… whoopee. No, they are not dangerous, but one has to be, at least mentally, young to ride them. And yes, riding courteously and according to the traffic laws is a given. Common sense prevails.

Art on the Side of a Building

 

Graffiti is a big thing in Christchurch. With all the abandoned, decrepit, rubble buildings throughout the city, artists have a gold mine. We saw many very good examples of true art. How do you like this brick wall… great, right?   

Glow-In-the-Dark Graffiti

And then there are even graffiti the town put up, those glow at night symbols shine when car headlights sweep over them. 

Painted Doors as Construction Barriers

Construction crews used old doors they found in the ripped down buildings to use as barricades. True to form, Christchurch’s artists painted them in all kinds of colors, and… it’s a nice art collection to look at wherever you go. 

Parking lot dividers had art dots painted on them. They are not just concrete blocks. 

Parking Lot Barriers

Huge Spray Paint Cans

There are huge spray cans near a playground, full of graffiti art. Yes, those spray cans are artfully displayed and seem to encourage the graffiti works. The whole of it, in summary, looks like an art collection, it’s not trashy, but the art created by the community adds to the color of the City.

Near our Hotel was a kind of a flea market, each night the booths have to be moved so the plaza can be cleaned but each morning the vendors put their stalls back up. Christchurch is organized, is vibrant. 

The Cone In Front of the Flea Market

There is a huge cone-shaped art statue near this flea market, don’t ask me what it represents, but it’s a spot where one can meet. “Meet you at the cone”: I heard someone shout.  Everybody knows where it is.

Some things are a bit strange, but I looked at them, shook my head and moved on. How do you like this windmill?  The video below shows a strange contraption, right?  But intriguing to look at? I’m not sure what it means or represents.

A Strange Windmill

This artsy ‘stuff’ helps to cover up the work that still has to be done, the buildings that are still unsafe to use need something so people don’t see eyesores, but see ‘art’ in a good way. I liked it.

A Long Line For Whatever They're Selling

I also liked the long lines for a food wagon! I wonder what they sell. I know its food but what kind? The line sure was long… no; I did not stay in line. I went to the museum… read next!    But the food stall shows, life goes on in Christchurch!

And That's the NZ Philosophy