baby driver: February 2012

The day after I experienced my first earthquake whilst sleeping (a really strange and scary experience), Alice and I headed off to the land of earthquakes: Christchurch. Its been a year since the devastating earthquake that killed many people and ruined their city, but there are still reminders of the disaster in every direction you look. The pavement is cracked and rippled, and houses remain in disrepair, roped off and spray painted to indicate their condemnation. The downtown area is a completely fenced off ghost town. Everything is as it was in February of 2011. Stores' summer sale signs remain hanging in the windows, and tables in restaurants are still set and waiting. It was one of the most eerie sights I have ever seen.

Not only are there reminders of the earthquake everywhere you look, the city is also continuing to feel aftershocks on a weekly basis. My first night there I felt another sleeping earthquake accompanied by a loud noise that sounded like a very strong gale wind. I had a hard time sleeping the rest of the night; I don't how the Christchurch people live like this, I am not sure I could do it. 10,000 people have left the city since the quake, and hundreds of businesses and offices closed their doors and have not yet reopened them.

Regardless of all of this, Christchurch is a beautiful city. After seeing the dilapidated and abandoned downtown, Alice and her mother lead me through a beautiful park and rose garden; a place that makes it easy to temporarily forget all of the mess that lies beyond the park's willow trees, winding creek, and groves of sweet smelling roses.

That weekend I continued my mission of being constantly consumed with delicious foods, we walked along the beach, and attended a James Bond themed party. Despite the sometimes depressing surroundings, I had a really wonderful weekend.