Wild Hope Homestead

It was Anzac Day on Wednesday last week, the day that we remember those who fought in the wars. We were in Christchurch, and although we didn’t make it to a parade, we learnt a little about the wars from visiting the Air Force Museum of New Zealand as well as the Canterbury Museum. Our Anzac motto is ‘Lest we forget’. Let’s not forget the anguish that people and their families went through in order for us to have freedom.

The Canterbury Museum had poppies that could be placed into a slot in remembrance of those affected by war.

The Airforce Museum had all sorts of planes and related things on display and some that could be sat in and ‘flown’.

‘Lest we forget’ could also be applied to Christchurch. Many people are unaware of how much brokenness still exists in Christchurch after the earthquakes. It takes a lot of time to fix things that have been so broken. Having lived in Christchurch through the earthquakes, we understand the situation to some extent, so I like to remind people outside of Canterbury, and even those in minimally damaged parts: let’s not forget. Come with me for a walk through one of the red zones, where houses are no more. And remember, this is only one small part of the brokenness.

There used to be houses and backyards all along these streets.

Forgotten driveways lead to nowhere. In many places you can’t even tell where driveways used to be.

Prime spot by the river? Not so much.

It is beautiful and dysfunctional at the same time.

Time to stop and smell the roses?

You can see how close this road used to go to the river by following the white centreline, which isn’t so central anymore.

The birds like it.

River views from a bridge.

I still love Christchurch, despite it’s brokenness, or maybe more because of it. The city centre is slowing growing upwards again and there is a lot of innovation going on. There are so many beautiful trees and outdoor spaces, and we were awed with spectacular Autumn leaf colours. The Botanic Gardens is always a must and we simply had to find some piles of leaves to play in.

Christchurch has loads of beautiful mature trees, especially in the Botanic Gardens.

The colours of Autumn are not to be missed.

We were not disappointed in the amount of fallen leaves.

We almost lost The Little Fulla in the leaves after a leaf fight.

We were pleased to find that Cuningham House, the old heritage conservatory building, was open again post-quake, along with the smaller conservatories.

One day we found ourselves walking in a forest.

McLeans Forest.

Must not let small child eat toadstool.

There is something extremely pleasant about walking in a forest. This is where we really discovered that The Little Fulla is worse at collecting things than I am. Hands and pockets have been filled with stones, pinecones, shells, leaves, pinecones, acorns and more.

Another day we found ourselves over the hill in Corsair Bay and clambering around on the Port Hills. I will have to do another post with more photos, as there are just too many for one post!

Corsair Bay, showing us why there are so many beautiful paintings of South Island scenery.

Do visit Christchurch, to see both its beauty and its brokenness. Find someone who can point you in the direction of the most damaged parts. Support local businesses. Pray for the city. Love the people. Play in the leaves.