Christchurch
Dear Ann and Paul, Thank you so much for a lovely time together despite the heat! It was such a joy to have the time with Claire, Owen, Mick and Mark. Owen will give you all so much happiness in the years ahead. We have indeed arrived in the land of the shakes and been given advice on what to do - it seems you stay where you are and check for anything which might fall onto you! The evidence of what happened is appalling. The two cathedrals stand ruined and we have already seen much evidence of buildings either gone or rebuilt or just left covered in graffiti some of which is very impressive.
I must say the flight was excellent - the staff especially the more mature ladies very helpful and no problems at all with the wheelchair. I watched 3 excellent BBC earth films Wild New Zealand and had a muesli breakfast and Liz had scrambled eggs. We came through very quickly with dogs and X-rays checking the bags. Malcolm arrived soon after and drove us round the centre of the city an area which was out of bounds for 3 years. We saw their new home being built and it looks most impressive. They have moved seven times - imagine that with 3 children. This house is very pleasant and roomy. We planned out the week as rain is on the way and then went swimming in the nearby lido 33 metres long. I managed 10 lengths but it just seemed to get longer everyday time. After a delicious steak BBQ with the duty free pink champagne we walked along the river. It really is quite idyllic which makes the events even more horrific. Because it was so shallow the quake was even more deadly and Malc described cars and houses lifted up. Later in the week we will visit the display about the quake and the memorial wall is nearing completion. on Saturday Ursula and Aidan will return from the Jazz school so we will go to Mass and take them all out for dinner. Emily has a job in a legal office dealing with the finances as she hopes to do law. we heard a great CD with an excellent singer and Emily playing trombone in the big band this was at school but very professional. Bernard is the youngest and he was only 9 when he saw us in UK.
he was attention deficit syndrome for which he takes medication before school.
Malc is the same as ever chatting away about orchestras. Would you believe that this city which has the same population as Croydon 200,OOO has a professional orchestra and 3 amateur orchestras plus university and youth orchestra! Malc is chair of the Canterbury orchestra and plays second oboe. He gets asked to play a lot in other groups.
Today we go to Akaroa!
Thanks too for the lovely photos and the scans. There is a piano here so I am sure there will be music. There are also 3 pet rats! I slept right through last night Liz still asleep!
Love from John
Sent from my iPad
I must say the flight was excellent - the staff especially the more mature ladies very helpful and no problems at all with the wheelchair. I watched 3 excellent BBC earth films Wild New Zealand and had a muesli breakfast and Liz had scrambled eggs. We came through very quickly with dogs and X-rays checking the bags. Malcolm arrived soon after and drove us round the centre of the city an area which was out of bounds for 3 years. We saw their new home being built and it looks most impressive. They have moved seven times - imagine that with 3 children. This house is very pleasant and roomy. We planned out the week as rain is on the way and then went swimming in the nearby lido 33 metres long. I managed 10 lengths but it just seemed to get longer everyday time. After a delicious steak BBQ with the duty free pink champagne we walked along the river. It really is quite idyllic which makes the events even more horrific. Because it was so shallow the quake was even more deadly and Malc described cars and houses lifted up. Later in the week we will visit the display about the quake and the memorial wall is nearing completion. on Saturday Ursula and Aidan will return from the Jazz school so we will go to Mass and take them all out for dinner. Emily has a job in a legal office dealing with the finances as she hopes to do law. we heard a great CD with an excellent singer and Emily playing trombone in the big band this was at school but very professional. Bernard is the youngest and he was only 9 when he saw us in UK.
he was attention deficit syndrome for which he takes medication before school.
Malc is the same as ever chatting away about orchestras. Would you believe that this city which has the same population as Croydon 200,OOO has a professional orchestra and 3 amateur orchestras plus university and youth orchestra! Malc is chair of the Canterbury orchestra and plays second oboe. He gets asked to play a lot in other groups.
Today we go to Akaroa!
Thanks too for the lovely photos and the scans. There is a piano here so I am sure there will be music. There are also 3 pet rats! I slept right through last night Liz still asleep!
Love from John
Sent from my iPad
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