Smorgasboarder_11_May-2012

TRAVEL
SURF TRIP
PHOTOS: BEN VOS
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED:
CHRISTCHURCH
We awoke early and headed towards Christchurch’s City
Mall, the central business and retail precinct that was
devastated in the September 2010 quake and then dealt
a killer blow by the February 2011 event. Words can’t
describe the scale of the devastation. The clean up effort
one year on is still massive.
It’s heartbreaking to see the aftermath of such a tragedy
and the destruction of so many beautiful buildings and
monuments for which Christchurch had been renowned.
Parts of a once-bustling city still appear eerie and desolate.
The people of Christchurch however are iron-willed and
with such determination present, the city has already
begun to be rebuilt. Emerging from the rubble is a newer,
vibrant and funky city centre that features sturdy, low-level
shipping containers used in creative ways. The Restart
Container City that’s sprouted next to the former City Mall
features some 30 high-end boutiques, shops and cafes. We
grab a coffee and danish from one of the coffee shops on
our way out and the mood of the young lady who serves us
is nothing but upbeat and friendly.
TOP: Direct impact on the Christchurch surf community -
the Sadhana Surfboards factory, soon to be demolished.
RIGHT: Sumner styling
may/jun 2012
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