My gap year adventure: Christchurch

I arrived in Christchurch yesterday at about 10. A load of us from the stray bus shared a taxi and then the four of us walked to Foley Towers backpacker hostel. The hostel is really nice, the rooms spacious and the people are friendly. We stayed there for about an hour before me and Laura went out to explore Christchurch.

I am actually amazed at how bad the damage is from the 2010 earthquake. Seeing it on TV is completely different to the reality, it really is.

I walk around these deserted streets in what used to be a city filled with life, noise and activity. Don't get me wrong Christchurch is still moving and improving every day with the support of its enduring and determined inhabitants but there is no doubt it has been rocked by the earthquake and its aftershocks and has changed dramatically.

Memorial to the 185 people who died in the 2010 earthquake

Christchurch cathedral

Despite the damage of the earthquake I still believe Christchurch is a very nice city, the botanic gardens and the various pieces of art scattered throughout the Garden City are centres of activity.

Me and a gum tree