Barbara's travels continue 2018

Cwtch! Welsh for ' hug ' and there were plenty of them. What an emotional fortnight it has been here in Christchurch. I think we are more united than ever here. I hope that feeling remains. A break for the day to Akaroa, where Mark was heading on his 98 kilometre bike ride from Christchurch. It was great to have the chance to enjoy this pretty village with Emma whilst waiting for Mark At the finish line! Perfect weather for this gruelling race over the hills. A well- earned rest indeed after four hours on a bike! Well done Mark. Emma and I were so pleased to see you.  Then, next day it was back to contemplating the happenings of the previous week and Kerstin and I attended a low- key, but nevertheless moving service in Hagley Park. It was a sad but beautiful service with speeches from Head boys of high schools, Moslem leaders, friends and families. The crowd of several tens of thousands sat silently, people of all nationalities and religion joining together, supporting one ano

, This beautifully written poem by D.Johnstone really sums up what has happened and the feelings of virtually all the residents of New Zealand, particularly those living in Christchurch. It was a dreary, drizzly start to the day, but welcome rain was a positive sign. I was teaching in the morning, came home and sat outside to have a very late lunch. The peace was shattered by the constant sound of sirens and then helicopters flying overhead, but I thought it might have been a false alarm at the airport. How I wish it had been. I was unaware of the panic and chaos unfolding only 10 minutes away until I received a text from Mark asking where I was and if I was okay. Suddenly, the news was everywhere and city buildings were in lockdown and residents advised to lock doors and stay inside. This, in my beloved Christchurch, The Garden City, so peaceful, friendly and 'safe'.  Words cannot describe how I, and my friends felt at that time. Memories of the esrthquakes came flooding back

Almost there! Practically at the soithernmost end of New Zealand, certainly the southernmost town in the country, Bluff. Not a place to visit for the exciting town life, but there are magnificent walks to do and views to enjoy, like the one above, from Bluff Hill towards Stewart Island, our third biggest island. I must get there again one day. It is a truly unspoilt paradise and people see kiwis( the birds) during the day! Someone with a sense of humour has built this sculpture of a chain, supposedly making sure Stewart Island does not float away. A similar chain can be found on the island.  From now on, whenever I have sore feet, I will use e lovely Maori expression, Mate-a-Waewae! Very expressive when said with feeling. At Bluff, Jane and I set off on a gorgeous coastal walk, about an hour, to Maori Point. What a lovely path with views out towards Stewart Island and occasional glimpses of albatross soaring and gliding in the stiff  breeze. We watched spellbound by their grace and th