I am just nearing the end of a quick trip to Christchurch to visit my elderly uncles. Worthwhile on that side of the ledger.
And as a bonus I got to visit as a tourist the areas devastated by the 2011 major earthquake. In particular the 150 year old stone cathedral was badly damaged and is now in the process of a major and V E R Y expensive and lengthy restoration. The bell tower and steeple crashed forward but amazingly the Rose Window survived. One bell was irreparably damaged and needed to be recast but the others are safe and in storage awaiting the completion of their new home.
So many of the landmarks I remembered have been obliterated and I got increasingly sad as I wandered around the city centre. Until, eventually I arrived at the Transitional Cathedral - a “temporary “ structure designed by Shigeru Ban - the roof constructed from large cardboard cylinders reinforced with steel and walls made of steel shipping containers.
I was surprised at how beautiful it was but at that stage in my wanderings it all got too much and I sat for some time in the very uncomfortable chairs and attempted to regain my equilibrium.
Tomorrow’s bonus is a visit to Broomfield’s Embroidery which since the earthquake has been operating from “temporary” premises i.e. the owners home. Hopefully I can be reasonably restrained as I have no immediate needs for any more stash :)
Then afternoon with the remaining elderly relatives and home to my own house and bed!
![Fabric Bomb](<center><a href="http://elizabethsquarters.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="elizabethsquarters" src="http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg496/mail133/FABRICBOMBSBUTTON_zps712e564f.jpg"/></a></center>)
6 comments:
Oh, I do hope you aren't too restrained! It would be such a shame to go to a great shop and come away with virtually nothing!
A testimonial to the human spirit to see the reconstruction going on...
life goes on, bless them. I would imagine your visit to the elderly uncles has been a comfort and joy to them. Another star in your crown.
I cannot believe you can darken that needle shop and walk away emptyhanded....lol. There is always SOMETHING new.....
The Transitional Cathedral's construction is fascinating. It looks like a permanent structure, not temporary at all. Enjoy the embroidery shop visit!
I’m glad that you got to spend some time with your Uncles and see the rebuilding too. The Rose Window is beautiful from the outside, I’m sure it’s stunning from the inside.
Both those cathedrals are stunning on their own, but to see the contrast between the modern and the more traditional is amazing! Glad you are having a good time, although it must be heartbreaking to see the reminders of the desaster everywhere.
I visited Christchurch in December 2011, at that time a lot of shops were operating out of open sided containers and there was devastation all around.
Hope you enjoyed your visit to the needlework store!
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