Christchurch, New Zealand part 2

All aboard! Let’s see where this trolley takes us.

Cathedral Junction…this is where the tram will turn around and head back.

Aside: Pre-earthquake, the tram did a circular loop through the downtown but not all the track has been repaired (as of April, 2014). So the trip is shorter than before but still worth taking.

The tram’s seven stops are interesting (but most people could easily walk between them).

 However walkers would be missing out. One takes a “step back in time to a grand era of transport” by taking a ride on these beautifully restored trams.

Stop 3 is Cathedral Square…not to be confused with Cathedral Junction…

The Square is where earthquake damage is obvious.

 ChristChurch Cathedral sustained a lot of damage. The whole North Tower is gone!

(and yes, I believe ChristChurch  is spelled correctly in this context)

Look at the chalice sculpture on the right. (Hint: click on the photo) Amazingly it was not damaged in the earthquake.

The Chalice was created for the Millennium. At first I though it looked out of place in this setting but then we learned that this sculpture (by NZ artist Neil Dawson) was inspired by the leaf patterns of  different native plants. So it started to make sense in my mind…the ancient symbol of a chalice, done in a modernistic style, using nature typical of New Zealand. 

(Hint: Click on the photo to enlarge it.)

There…can you see the leaf patterns now?

Now really look around the square. Yes, it is depressing to see all the devastation BUT look again.

Like in the photo above. When you enlarged it did you notice the distinctive art work on the fence?

And over there…see that art work?

I believe artists Chris Heaphy and Sara Hughes are the creative force behind these signs of hope.

There are signs of hope everywhere…especially when you speak to locals who are so up beat and unbeaten.

Back on the tram…let’s get off at New Regent Street.

Yes, there is a lot of on-going construction in the area but look…

if those delightful planters along New Regent Street are not a sign of hope, I don’t know what is! 

New Regent Street was badly damaged in the earthquake.

Someone told us the street just re-opened a year ago (April, 2013)

A short stroll (taking us by little cafes and boutique shops) leads us to Cathedral Junction.

Now this is interesting! This whole area is covered by a huge glass dome…and the tram goes right down the middle of it. I like it.

Let’s have lunch here. Right over there in the Swiss Bistro.

Aside: This turns out to be a good choice… the food is delicious, the walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from Switzerland…and since it is not that busy right now, the owner (pictured above) has time to chat.

We learn so much about the trials and tribulations of the business owners of Christchurch as they attempt to rebuild the downtown. His Swiss Bistro had been closed for 3 years and has just reopened. He told us many business owners are still not even allowed to go inside their buildings to collect their belongings. We had noticed some stores that looked fully stocked and some cafes that had tables all set…yet there was a huge sign saying the business was closed. Now we have a better understanding why. 

But there is so much more to see and tell you about Christchurch.

Click here to join us for part 3, Christchurch, New Zealand.

or click here to go back to Part 1.

To visit other places in New Zealand… click here.

To visit other places in the world…click here.

Happy travels!