My City - Blog4 NZ

I am a Christchurch girl born & bred. I often say that I am a Cantabrian first and a Kiwi second - not that I am not proud to be a Kiwi, because I totally am, after all I do have the Silver Fern and Southern Cross tattooed on my back. But I am as One-Eyed as they come.

22nd February 2011 will be a day is forever imprinted on the hearts and minds of a lot of Kiwis, especially Cantabs, who have been living through quakes for 5 or so months. I wasn't there on the day - I live in Brisbane for the moment but I did experience the September 4th quake - along with pretty much all of my family who were all in Chch to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday on that day.

It was certainly a shock to the system to wake to a such a jolt out of the blue. Seeing the devastation in the news you wondered if it could get any worse. Then one month ago today it did.

I watched in horror from the safety of my office in Brisbane as the city that I loved and felt was a part of me crumbled. After checking on the safety of my family and friends, my thoughts turned to those who had lost family. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like in Chch that day and I hope that I never have to experience it either.

The day was defined for me with the images of the Christ Church Cathedral - that iconic building that has stood at the centre of Chch for more than a century. I remember a time when the Cathedral was the heart and soul of the city, when it was the tallest building for miles around. I think over the years we have lost that part of ourselves as the urban spread began and malls like Northlands, & Riccarton were built.

I know that I should be thinking about those who have perished and those they have left behind, but (and I know it sounds silly to say) my thoughts are of the buildings. The ones that I have grown up seeing, the ones that I have worked in and the ones that define the character of the City of Christchurch. I know that rebuilding has to happen and I hope that whoever is charged with the task will do the city justice. It was and is a beautiful city and I can't imagine it any other way than the way it was. I know we have to move forward and this could be our opportunity to really make something of ourselves.

What do I say to people who want to visit Christchurch - Just Do It! Christchurch is my favourite city in the world. Not only is it a gateway to the stunning South Island but it is an amazing city on its own and one that has a lot to offer. The Botanical Gardens, the Port Hills with its amazing views, wineries without an hour of the city,and of course the people - you would not find a more resilient people than the Kiwis. Plus they need our money :)

Where in the world do I want to go?

Ok, so I have been stuck at home for the past two days sick and now I am completely bored out of by brain - not that I really need to be bored to post this but I was just googling and thought I would write a post about where I want to go in the world

I crossed off a MASSIVE part of the list when I finally went to London last year - man I still love that place! I want to go back so much.. even after 4 months. So where's the next destination? Well I am hoping to go to Vegas later this year, but with everything happening at the moment, I am not sure I will be able to after all. Plus I need to save for NYC next year - for my big 4.0!!!

So anyhoo, where I want to go - well it might be easier to write a list (these are in no particular order):

• To see the Northern Lights - whether that is in Alaska, Iceland or Norway doesn't really matter as long as I see them
• Bavaria - mainly to see the Neuschwanstein Castle
• Antarctica - come on?? Who wouldn't want to go there
• Egypt - The Mummy... need I say more!
• Ireland - It just looks stunning, plus Irish accents ;)
  
• Canterbury, UK - actually I would like to see pretty much ALL of the UK, and of course I need to go to Canterbury - after all I have been to Christchurch in the UK :)
  
• Kronborg Castle, Zeeland Denmark - apparently this is where the inspiration for Hamlet came from - Hamlet being my favourite Shakespeare play
  
• Maine/New England in the Fall.. just want to see it, Autumn is my favourite season and the pictures of that area are just stunning
  
• Kenya - I would love to do a safari
• Capetown - it just looks beautiful
• Copenhagen - actually any of the Scandinavian countries would be great
• Scotland - well I guess this falls in the 'UK' section
• Petra - ever since I was little I have want to see the buildings in the rock
• Perth - everyone who has been says how great it is, really want to get over there
• NYC - hopefully cross this off the list next year
• York, UK - yep another UK one, this one is special tho. My dad use to put me on his knee and bounce me up and down whilst singing The Grand Old Duke of York when I was little. Ever since I have wanted to go to York

That is just some of the places I want to go. I would love to do a road trip in America -down Route 66.. I would also love to see the historic cities of Savannah & Charleston (I think this comes from being a huge Gone With The Wind fan). I would love to see the wide open spaces of Montana - I am not sure where it comes from but when I would little I always dreamed of having a ranch in Montana... - like I said, I have NO idea where that came from. I would also like to see San Francisco, San Diego and of course visit ALL my friends in the States.

I would love to go up to Canada and do a train trip across the state. Visit Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Prince Edward Island.

And I haven't even got to Europe yet!!! Germany, Italy, Croatia, Beligum, Czech Repulic just to name a few.

They say the world is our oyster.. well I wish it was cheaper & quicker to get around.. I need some of the floo power from Harry Potter!

At least dreams are free :)