Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in the south island of New Zealand. Between 2010 and 2012 the city has experienced some huge earthquakes. The quake which struck on the 22nd  february 2011, struck just 5km below the surface at a magnitude of 6.3. The quake struck around lunch time, and sadly 185 people lost their lives that day. Central Christchurch is currently under reconstruction and as we walked we could still see where people had been sitting eating in cafes as the event happened, their food and drink left where they had been relaxing and having lunch that day. I can't begin to imagone what that day must have been like...all around the city was evidence of the destriction caused, but there was also evidence of regeneration, hope and progress. From colourful graffitti with messages of inspiration and wishes, to the development of a re-start mall, where a new area for shopping has been established, this is a vibrant colourful place, where visitors can enjoy the sound of buskers from flute players to pianists (a 7 year old boy!) to circus and street performances from travelling artists. The shops have all been put into shipping containers which make the area very quirky. There are lots of cafes and boutique shops and also a cute little street market. I stayed in the yha hostel which was a 15 minute walk from the main shopping area. Christchurch is definately worth a visit, it is a city of contrasts and hopefully a positive future.