Apparently I only update when there's a disaster or when I'm drunk...
I wonder what that says about me.
I have been reflecting on the earthquake. Well, more precisely, I've been thinking about the rebuilding. Especially the rebuilding of heritage buildings - like the ChristChurch Cathedral.
I have no desire to go into the CBD. I don't want to see places where people have died. I've looked at photos and seen video footage and I feel sick everytime. Especially knowing there are still bodies trapped in the rubble. I'm not sure when I'll go back to the CBD. Presumably if my work reopens but, like a lot of people, it will be a long time until I'm comfortable walking those streets*. I definitely have no desire to be in a multistory building right now and won't be using elevators for awhile.
What really bothers me is the rebuilding of places like the Cathedral. I can see that it makes sense to rebuild ...and I want them to. But the ChristChurch Cathedral is a tourist attraction** and I'm going to find it very hard to reconcile a rebuilt tourist attraction with a place where 22 people died. I know this happens in a lot of places - like memorials - but I also know I'm going to find it difficult.
I do hope though that they rebuild heritage buildings like the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
*That makes me sound like a prostitute.
**I realise it has a lot more meaning than just a tourist attraction but that is one of its facets.
I have been reflecting on the earthquake. Well, more precisely, I've been thinking about the rebuilding. Especially the rebuilding of heritage buildings - like the ChristChurch Cathedral.
I have no desire to go into the CBD. I don't want to see places where people have died. I've looked at photos and seen video footage and I feel sick everytime. Especially knowing there are still bodies trapped in the rubble. I'm not sure when I'll go back to the CBD. Presumably if my work reopens but, like a lot of people, it will be a long time until I'm comfortable walking those streets*. I definitely have no desire to be in a multistory building right now and won't be using elevators for awhile.
What really bothers me is the rebuilding of places like the Cathedral. I can see that it makes sense to rebuild ...and I want them to. But the ChristChurch Cathedral is a tourist attraction** and I'm going to find it very hard to reconcile a rebuilt tourist attraction with a place where 22 people died. I know this happens in a lot of places - like memorials - but I also know I'm going to find it difficult.
I do hope though that they rebuild heritage buildings like the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
*That makes me sound like a prostitute.
**I realise it has a lot more meaning than just a tourist attraction but that is one of its facets.