No need to wax lyrical, suffice to say that February 22nd was just intense. I don't think you can experience something like that and not feel like the city is a part of you, and you a part of it. One of the things that really struck me most about the whole thing was during the Hagley Park memorial service, when John Key was talking about the terrible loss of life at the language school in the CTV building - a huge number of those who were killed were foreign nationals, and the words he spoke really struck a chord with me. If I had been unlucky enough to be one of those who didn't survive the day, I'd like to think that my family could have drawn some comfort from them. Here is an excerpt;
"Above all we remember those who lives were abruptly taken because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
There is no justification for their deaths.
No fairness for why it should have been them.
Instead we must join their families and loved ones in remembering the lives that were lost.
They came from all walks of life and were mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers.
Many were foreign students who had chosen to pursue their education and dreams here.
Some were travellers.
They were only visiting for a short time.
New Zealanders have come to know many of the stories behind the names of the dead.
We mourn their loss and our hearts in particular go out to their children, spouses, parents, friends and families.
I know there are many of you here today.
We do not know your pain as you do, but your experience haunts us.
I can only say to you that New Zealand is here for you, and we hold you in our hearts.
We are conscious that we are united in our loss with families in more than 20 countries whose fate was to have a loved one far, far from home at the time the earthquake struck.
We say to those families that we embrace them as part of the wider New Zealand community.
Your family members have become part of the story of this city, and of this country, and we will remember your loved ones as we will remember our own."
Anyway. I found a place in Christchurch, much more so than I ever expected, and made a lot of friends I will miss a lot. But there was always a plan, and the opportunity came up, so here I am in Queenstown!
I have organised my season pass for the Queenstown mountains, and am fully ready to get amongst it. This winter should be a belter!
Other things of note:
- Now the proud owner of an ex-JUCY 1999 Nissan Sunny. Big Love, CHR.
- Double fun, doubly.
- Last time catch up drinks are not the same when fuelled by Fanta alone.
- Moved in to Cote du Lac with the girls. Communal nail polish FTW haha!
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