Earthquake Damage and Carving Bone

2015-03-20

Friday, our second day in Christchurch, was partially spent washing clothes. Our rented flat had a combination washer/dryer that had a single tub for both functions. I don't recommend you purchase one of these. It was really, really slow.

We drove around the city this morning to view the reconstruction efforts after the earthquakes of 2010/2011. Our tour book was published before the quakes and many of the recommended sights have been badly damaged. In particular, the city cathedral took a hard hit and will probably be torn down.

Christchurch clock tower

The cathedral was badly damaged in the quakes

Ongoing (re)construction in Christchurch

Shadow of a former building

The kiddos were sick of driving around and were in need of some outside time, so we took in a small zoo called Willowbank. They have a handful of Kiwis and we got to see several of them up close. Kiwis are nocturnal, so their enclosures are always dark and photos are difficult.

Beneath the surface are black eels

Steven likes feeding the animals

One of our favorite NZ birds, the Pukeko

Kunekune begging for food

Our afternoon was spent with John, the Bone Dude. John is a really pleasant Maori fellow who lost his downtown shop in the earthquakes. He has set up shop behind his house and we had a great three hours talking with John and working on necklaces. Laura and both the kids made carvings while I floated around helping those in need.

Lunch before carving

The Bone Dude's studio

Working hard

John and the finished products

As you may or may not know, I've made the switch to a vegan diet, primarily for health reasons. I've been taking a daily statin for more than ten years to control my cholesterol. After three months of no meat and no dairy, my blood chemistry numbers are all smack in the middle of the normal range. Funny how that works. I'm an apolitical vegan, however. I still have my leather belt and shoes.

Our dinner for the evening was at a vegetarian restaurant called the Lotus Heart. Laura and I have always marveled at the interesting people we see in Indian restaurants. Vegan joints take that phenomenon to another level. The food was wonderful despite the slightly mystic atmosphere.

Steven isn't so sure about Lotus Heart