A strange day

Yesterday to the centre of Christchurch, a city I have not visited for six or seven years.    The bus stopped - seemingly in the middle of nowhere and the driver announced this was the terminal.   I asked which way to cathedral square.  Last time I was here this was a bustling, beautiful, busy public space with shops, offices, fine buildings, many young people sitting around in the sunshine - a vibrant happy place.

Today is was like being in one of those disaster movies where 98% of the world's population has been destroyed by an epidemic.   It was deadly quiet and empty.   A caravan has a young lady in it answering questions from those who come to visit.   She explained how the plans are shaping up very slowly to regrow the city from the dust.   10,000 buildings to be or already demolished.   Just one static from an overwhelming welter of them.

12:51 pm - 22 February 2011 - 185 dead and a city destroyed.  

Poor Christchurch.