Earthquake update

I keep meaning to post some photos taken around the CBD, as it is pretty crazy right now - we can see about a dozen cranes from our house, and there is a constant rumbling and grinding noise as you get close and can hear the diggers, nibblers and trucks. There is still a large cyclone fence around the central city (the Red Zone), and only authorised people (construction workers, engineers etc) are allowed in. The local newspaper posts updated videos taken from in the Red Zone regularly, and for those who are interested - the latest link is here:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/7179100/Fresh-footage-from-inside-the-red-zone

Even people familiar with Christchurch now find it difficult to orientate themselves when watching these videos - it is a totally flat city, and without many of the landmark buildings navigation is almost impossible.  The more astute of you will recognise the Sons & Co site at around the 20 sec mark.

The Best

We spent last night at our pals' new pad out in Omihi. So awesome. We like to think we have a pretty nice view at home, but it has nothing on these guys...

From one extreme to the other...

We have just had an epic weekend with out-of-town guests. And the weather really came to the party - beautiful sunny days, and even a sunny (but chilly) walk on Sumner beach yesterday. 

A couple of photos taken this morning of the snow...

Waters Above Waters Below

The Christchurch Art Gallery has been doing its best at operating without an actual gallery since the quakes.  They are running multiple outdoor installations, and regular smaller exhibitions upstairs at the NG space in town.

Right now, they are showing Hannah and Aaron Beehre's installation Waters Above Waters Below.  In simple terms they are showing a real-time projection of a CCTV view of the Red Zone landscape, but upside down (for a better, more artsy explanation see this blog post). It is awesome. I could stand and watch for hours. The kid was mighty impressed too.