Well here it is - the last day of our journey. We took the convenient city bus into the central business district this morning. We knew about the devastating earthquake in February 2011, but didn't know what we would find. The CBD had a large area called the Red Zone where no cars or pedestrians were allowed. This enormous area was totally ruined, with many buildings totally demolished and others in various stages of rubble. There were signs of reconstruction, but many buildings were supported by freight crates stacked high to prevent them from falling over. We could not get close to the cathedral but saw where they were rebuilding a "cardboard cathedral". There were 115 people ( out of 186) killed all from one building and a monument of white chairs were set up in their memory. Very moving. In the center of all this, however, REstart has put containers with many shops and cafes, to revitalize and keep alive the center if the city! We also visited a Quake museum that retold the story ( visions if Katrina..).
And so it is, a sad note to leave this beautiful country. People are still suffering from the tragedy here but it will come back!
In my final review yesterday, I omitted to mention another highlight if our visit and that was the reunion if Stephen with his Pitcairn penpal Elaine! It was truly a magical day never to be forgotten.
Thanks for coming along on our adventure!!
