Downtown Christchurch

After visiting the Canterbury museum, we walked through downtown Christchurch.  In 2011 there was a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the city (the epicenter was just a few miles from the business district).  Its did significant damage and killed over 180 people.  One building that suffered a lot of damage was the Cathedral, seen below.  The front facade with rosette window collapsed into the square, and the bell tower and spire also collapsed.  They are in the process of restoring it, but it will take time and a lot of money.

If you look closely in this picture, you can see the extent of the damage to the stone work that is still intact. 

This is the surviving roof to the spire/bell tower.

A lot of buildings around the area were held up by these steel girder frames to prevent further collapse until they can be repaired.

This is the temporary home of the cathedral's congregation.  Its a very temporary building, made with giant rolls of cardboard (think paper towel rolls on steroids) that support the clear plastic awning material that covers the roof.  Its meant to be temporary to support the eventual return to the original building.  

I love to stroll in public spaces and see what people do in their down time.  This cafe space had bouncy balls seats that were very popular. 

We saw some fun window dressing for Christmas in Auckland at a department store.  This one was great too.  It was a convey belt that 'wrapped presents'.  The Elephant, bee and other gifts went in one side and came out the other wrapped (see below)

Memorial arch for WWI and WWII soldiers.

Public art - a shipping container with the letters cut into it.