The 21st birthday party took place outside in a large courtyard at the back of the family home. One of the windows overlooking the party had been decorated with these lava lamps- inviting and quirky at the same time.
The second photo shows some of the damage to the catholic cathedral. The broken window here was part of one of the towers at the front of this building- which used to have a small dome on its top.
The combination of these two photos speaks to me of the way friends and family in Christchurch are seeking to support each other with warmth as they live with the devastation wrought on their city.
sad to see the damage
ReplyDeleteYes, very much so. A couple of years ago my friend's daughter was married in this church, and everyone posed for a big photo on the front steps. Inside, a huge bunch of flowers sat in front of the altar, which is on a magnificent marble floor. Many people have so many memories that were tied up with this church.
DeleteYikes, two very differing emotions captured here.....
ReplyDeleteThe people of Christchurch are faced with seeing such things each day.... but their normal lives go on in the midst of it all.
DeleteIt's really amazing how huge portions of the church are in ruins while some delicate panes of glass remain intact. Speaks to what you noted about human resiliency - people may see this damage everyday and feel it within them, but they'll carry on supporting each other and moving forward.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these!
The earthquake certainly struck 'unevenly', and damage varied from one property to the adjacent one. "Resilience" is not a word my Christchurch friends like to use about themselves though- they are exhausted by the efforts it is taking them, especially when dealing with insurance for rebuilds/repairs. It is a long process.
DeleteOh my, you open with such a warm glow in the first photo, and the next a new bright day, but oh the sad times for them right now. May things work out quickly!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I think for some people 'normality' returned quickly. But for those facing repairs/rebuilds, it has become a long wait.
DeleteMy condolences, K.N.
ReplyDeleteDealing with insurance companies is no fun.
But lava lamps are fun! I remember when they first came out.
~
I was just visiting- it's friends of mine who have spent the last two years trying to deal with insurance... Yes, these lava lamps added a really fun touch to the evening.
DeleteSuch devastation - and the sadness and loss goes on long after the earthquake has left the newspapers and media. I have NZ relatives and although they do not live in Christchurch, I know they feel the sadness.
ReplyDeleteI love your symbol of hope.
Christchurch was such a beautiful city. Some of the loveliest parts, near the river Avon, or in the central city, have been lost forever. Everyone hopes there will be some beautiful replacements.
DeleteYou have given us a sad contrast between the lava joy and the ruined cathedral. The resilience of Christchurch can only be admired.
ReplyDeleteThat second one captures the devastation very well. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteBob, and Max, thanks for your comments. It is incredibly sad, and though I know I live in a land so close to where tectonic plates meet, I never expected to see such a thing in my lifetime. Here's hoping the people of Christchurch don't have to experience much more loss.
ReplyDeletethey are both great, but the second one is gripping and also sad. How insignificant we are compared to nature
ReplyDeletelava lamps make everything more fun :-)
ReplyDeleteThe church pic is amazing...all the different angles and peeling facade...it looks like a piece of art, instead of a damaged building!
We were there in February this year,so very sad to see the damage,let alone the impact on peoples lives.Your photos are great,both capturing significant moments.
ReplyDelete