Kia kaha Christchurch
One year ago, today, the city of Christchurch was struck by an earthquake, the first of many. I was living overseas, in a training session. It was just after midnight. I was told of the earthquake by a teacher who had been pulled out of bed. It was then I decided to return home. The high intensity training session was cancelled in memory of Christchurch. I received many messages of support, which was heartening. China knows earthquakes too. This was doubly significant as I was living in Sichuan.
Christchurch was soon overshadowed by similar events in Japan. The country was able to look back at the wisdom of the popular anti nuclear policy, followed by all political parties, mainly because they know it would be political suicide to do otherwise.
My immediate family live a long way away from Christchurch and I was soon assured of their well being. I have lived in Christchurch and love the charm and the character, but was always aware of the toughness of Canterbury. It is a friendly place, people still smile and nod.
My Cantabrian friends were all fine, and stood strong. One of those friends was Jack of Mortician fame, hardly the word I am looking for, [infamy?], a friend from primary school. Jack's claim to fame; he was never late for lunch. Sparse contact over the years, but it was good to know he was well, along with all the others and their families.
I saw another old friend on TV. He is now a policeman and I laughed as I saw him sneaking a cigarette with two firemen. I remember stealing apples with him. Guess people change.
Life went on, soon went back to as normal as could be. They are a tough lot and the whole country stood by Christchurch. Since that fateful day they have had something like 5000 aftershocks, but life goes on.
The TV coverage I saw was negative, focusing on death and destruction, neglecting the heroes, the ordinary people who did so much and are still doing it. A year later, life goes on. The face will change, but the heart and soul grow stronger.
Today we are having a family lunch, a rarity due to distance, then my father and I are off to the rugby, a meat pie or two and a Steinlager afterwards, no doubt.....perhaps a meat pie and and a Steinlager or two.
I will soon visit Christchurch again, not to mourn, but to celebrate a great city and a greater people.
The world may forget, but we will remember them.
R I P
Kia kaha Christchurch
Go Crusaders go.
Christchurch was soon overshadowed by similar events in Japan. The country was able to look back at the wisdom of the popular anti nuclear policy, followed by all political parties, mainly because they know it would be political suicide to do otherwise.
My immediate family live a long way away from Christchurch and I was soon assured of their well being. I have lived in Christchurch and love the charm and the character, but was always aware of the toughness of Canterbury. It is a friendly place, people still smile and nod.
My Cantabrian friends were all fine, and stood strong. One of those friends was Jack of Mortician fame, hardly the word I am looking for, [infamy?], a friend from primary school. Jack's claim to fame; he was never late for lunch. Sparse contact over the years, but it was good to know he was well, along with all the others and their families.
I saw another old friend on TV. He is now a policeman and I laughed as I saw him sneaking a cigarette with two firemen. I remember stealing apples with him. Guess people change.
Life went on, soon went back to as normal as could be. They are a tough lot and the whole country stood by Christchurch. Since that fateful day they have had something like 5000 aftershocks, but life goes on.
The TV coverage I saw was negative, focusing on death and destruction, neglecting the heroes, the ordinary people who did so much and are still doing it. A year later, life goes on. The face will change, but the heart and soul grow stronger.
Today we are having a family lunch, a rarity due to distance, then my father and I are off to the rugby, a meat pie or two and a Steinlager afterwards, no doubt.....perhaps a meat pie and and a Steinlager or two.
I will soon visit Christchurch again, not to mourn, but to celebrate a great city and a greater people.
The world may forget, but we will remember them.
R I P
Kia kaha Christchurch
Go Crusaders go.
Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path