I left a little piece of my heart in Christchurch...

... and today that heart is breaking. The terrible devastation I see on the news after the earthquake this week, brings tears to my eyes and a heavy weight in my heart. We visited Christchurch briefly in July 2007, during our whistlestop tour of New Zealand. I fell in love at first sight. The buildings, the surroundings, and the people were just beautiful, welcoming, friendly.

I took many photos that day, and by making a scrapbook album of our visit, I was able to relive our time there. I took those scrapbooks down from the shelf yesterday, and once more I was transported back to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

The Chalice in Cathedral Square

Experiencing the storm room in the Antarctic Centre

Jemma and Tom outside the I-site in Cathedral Square

One thing I remember about our visit, was a slide show we saw at the Gondola. A little girl narrated the history of Christchurch and the Canterbury area. The European settlers arrived in the mid 1700s, arriving by boat, and having to endure very basic conditions both on the boats and when they first came to the settlements. from these first settlements, the city of Christchurch emerged, with it now being New Zealands second largest city.

Cantabrians are strong people, they are descended from pioneers, they have what it takes to rebuild their shattered city. They are proud of their heritage. I know they will do it, whatever Mother Nature has in store for them.

I always said if I won the lottery I would go back to New Zealand. I still want to. I want to go back to Christchurch, and see the garden city once more. I want to mourn their losses, and I want to be able to celebrate with them as they rebuild their city and rise from the rubble.

Christchurch, you will always have my heart.

TTFN

xxxx