Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral

Having visited more churches than her father could shake a bible at, Margie isn't one to head for the nearest Cathedral in any city we visit, however, this one is an exception and had to be seen. It was built after the previous building was declared unsafe following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and in the interests of speed of erection it was built using cardboard amongst other materials. It is an uplifting building, impressive in design and execution and epitomises the spirit of regeneration that is prevalent here. I also think it highlights the New Zealand spirit of getting on with what needs to be done. The Re-Start Shopping Mall we visited next was another good example of the same "Can Do" spirit that we have experienced. After the centre of Christchurch had been destroyed and cleared, new malls were opened quickly using shipping containers as the building blocks. As the building work goes on round about them, they seem to be resisting the move to replace them with more permanent concrete structures. There are examples everywhere of rebuilding and regrowth and it would be interesting to visit again in a few years to see the outcome. We only had time for a limited visit and a tour on the Tram network before we dumped Sheila, Ally and our hired Juicy Mobile van at the airport before heading to the coast at Akaroa for some French influences and some dolphin experiences (hopefully).