Sunday, February 22, 2015

Time to dust off and reboot this blog

Been a while.A long while.Fitting then I begin blogging again on the fourth anniversary of the February 22 2011 earthquake back here in Christchurch,New Zealand.Four years ago the city was hit by a 6.3 magnitude quake that killed 185 people and levelled many buildings.Much has changed in those four years since the quake. For one thing Ive changed occupations and hemispheres.I'm no longer teaching in Shanghai and instead work outside as a landscaper for a large firm here in Christchurch.I'll write more about my career change in later blogs.














As for Christchurch's landscape and the rebuild in some places such as the end of High Street (pictured above) there is little sign of any movement.In this once vibrant area near the local polytechnic college ( CPIT ) there were a number of cafes and alternative clothing shops.Now its very quiet,deserted and decaying.













Meanwhile,in the Square,the Anglican Cathedral continues to moulder and provide a refuge for pigeons as various groups decide its fate.Four years on it is not looking any the better for its exposure to the elements.



















On a more positive note, the 2015 Cricket World Cup has started with some games being played at the newly opened Hagley Oval cricket ground - a so-called 'boutique cricket ground'.Theres an area set up for fans in nearby Victoria Park which includes a stage, a large screen for viewing games and various food trucks and vending stalls.Bring on the Australia-New Zealand game this coming weekend.