Wednesday 23 February 2011

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


6 comments:

Jennifer said...

Lovely pages. It's awful what has happened there. My thought and prayers are with the people of Christchurch.

Pam said...

A woman I used to work with went to New Zealand on vacation one year. She absolutely fell in love with it and wanted to go back. My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by the earthquake as well.

Danielle said...

beautiful layouts. keeping the people there in my thoughts.

my4blessings said...

Such a fitting tribute. Gorgeous layouts of a lovely place.

Mrsjobee said...

We have old friends in Christchurch and I found out last night they are all OK - their house is badly damaged (hadn't done all the repairs from the last quake) - but the 2 boys think it is all very exciting!!

Erika said...

Great Lo's Sarah.
I've always wanted to visit NZ and still do. My heart too goes out to all affected by the earthquake. x