43. Christchurch Tribute 2011

It's been a long time since last I wrote. Instead of writing the next part of my travels in New Zealand, I write this as a tribute to those who lost loved ones and those who suffered or were touched in some way by the terrible earthquake which hit Christchurch in February this year.

I was in Laos at the time and having gone back to my hotel, put the telly on and settled back to watch a show. The first thing I saw and heard was about the earthquake in Christchurch and I couldn't understand why they were reporting something that happened five months previously. It took a few minutes to realise they weren't. I sat there shocked as I learned of the earthquake that had all but destroyed a city. It had happened that day - February 22, 2011.

I felt so sad and just cried at the devastation and destruction. My memories of Christchurch are of a beautiful city with lovely parks and gardens - brilliant flowers, tall, stately buildings and wide, clean streets.

Below is a collage of some of those memories.

Christchurch before the earthquakes

2. Christchurch - Accommodation

Monday 1st January

Reception Desk

The staff at reception were very friendly and helpful and a few basic items of food are sold here.

In the lounge area are two massage chairs, although I didn't use them those who did said they were marvelous - a good cure for aches and pains!

The Kitchen

The Christchurch Central YHA boasts a well equipped kitchen with the dining area to the right leading to the lounge area.

The Beds

All the bunks here are split level bunks, so there's no-one sleeping above your head. Mine is the one at the bottom - yes that's right - the messy one!

Christchurch City Central YHA Click on blue marker for photo

View Christchurch City Central YHA in a larger map

1. Christchurch - Arrival in New Zealand New Year's Day 2007

Monday 1 January 2007


Airport Christmas Decorations

Monday 1 January
The plane arrived fashionably late - 30 minutes late. It took forever to get through customs, so many people, so many suitcases. It was exciting and exhilarating at the same time. As it was still technically the festive season, the airport was decorated with lovely Christmas decorations, tinsel and statues. Meet Father Christmas and Mrs. Christmas - Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. It was welcoming to walk past them as I made my way through the airport to the exit.


The Wishing Well

The wishing well at Christchurch Airport is to wish people well who are leaving the country - you throw a coin in for good luck - for a safe trip.
Had a smoke outside and nearly froze to death! The wind was icy and I could feel goosebumps - in fact I had gossegumps on my goosebumps. I remember thinking This is summer? Considering it was about 20ºC when I left Melbourne it was a real shock to find myself in winter conditions. Met a very nice chap named Richard, he was Maori and we stood chatting, deploring the weather and he told me a little about New Zealand.


Christchurch City Central YHA

This is where I stayed when in Christchurch. It's in Manchester Street and quite near the city centre. I caught the free city shopper bus down to Pack and Save (a NZ supermarket) to buy some supplies - apricots, tomatoes (they tasted wonderful)corned beef, half a dozen eggs, bread, marg, cherries and chips. Cost - $20. Not bad, I found the food prices were a bit cheaper here than back home.

Christchurch Airport map Click on the blue marker for photo.

View Christchurch Airport in a larger map