The Starks go South

 Finally we have internet again so I can update this blog!


July 30
After spending a comfortable night in Matamata, we had to be on the road early to drop off the rental car near Auckland airport and catch a flight to Christchurch. We weren't sure how bad the morning rush would be but all in all, not too bad. Only one stretch of highway that was at a standstill. Nice flight to Christchurch on Air New Zealand; the seats were way more comfortable than those on the international flight!

Christchurch was an interesting place. They are still recovering from the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated the city centre in 2011. Our shuttle driver told us that about half the city was untouched and that it's a very easy place to get a job if you are in the building trades. It s been good for the young people leaving school as they have jobs lined up and they are looking to keep a gradual rebuild so that hopefully employment remains steady.

 We stayed at a nice hotel next to a park. No evidence of any earthquakes. When we walked down town, it was a different story. Many of the streets were closed or under construction and there are many lots with torn down buildings or just foundations dug into the earth. We saw the remains of Christchurch Cathedral.

Just the tower fell down but I think the whole building is unsafe and they just got permission to demolish it. In spite of all this, the people here seem to have a positive attitude and are making the best of the situation. Many businesses are operating out of shipping containers. We visited on called the Re-Start Mall and it seems to work out pretty well.
 

Another place on the must see in Christchurch was the C1 cafe. Sam saw it on Daily Planet on Discovery channel. They send the food to the tables by pneumatic tubes (not the drinks though :) ). We had great coffee and the best Chai latte I have ever tried. The curly fries were good too.

One observation about the people in Christchurch. They seem very fit. I don't know how many people jogged by us when we walked through the park and there seemed to be many running on the city streets or biking.