Terror and Carnage in Christchurch, New Zealand

On a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand, we arrived to witness the horrific carnage created by two major earthquakes and the thirty-one major aftershocks felt between February 22, 2011 and January 15, 2012. Each of those aftershocks registered between 5.0 and 6.3 on the richter scale. Plus there have been numerous other minor aftershocks felt by the people of this earthquake prone country.

The first earthquake in September, 2010 measured 7.1 on the richter scale with the second large earthquake in February, 2011 measuring 6,3. Besides the damage done during the two large earthquakes, additional carnage resulted from the aftershocks.

The center part of the city continued to be cordoned off even by Spring of 2013 when we made our trip there. It resembled what I would imagine a war zone to look like. The hotel we stayed in, although the kitchen and dining room had been renovated, was still in the process of being repaired. There was scaffolding erected around the exterior walls where cracks could still be seen. In many places inside the floors were down to concrete and many small and a few larger cracks could be seen in the interior walls as well.

Our room, however, was in good condition, as were the rest of our group's rooms. Initially only those hotels at the airport were relatively unscathed with others receiving varying degrees of damage. These were assessed for safety and had since either been repaired or were in the process of being done. Most damaged was the Hotel Grand Chancellor, standing twenty-six stories tall, which collapsed.

Inner city attractions, such as Cathedral Square, were hard hit by the quakes. As we walked around the city, in the areas we could go, we found many closed and damaged stores, restaurants and attractions as well as cracked sidewalks. We had to watch where we walked as some of the roads and sidewalks had lifted or were sunken. Workers rebuilding Christchurch were evident everywhere.

When visiting the Botanical Gardens, we saw no damage and nor did we when visiting the Canterbury Museum. However, we were told there had been some damage done to the facade of the building. On a visit to one of the families in the area, we were shown some of the damage they had sustained and heard harrowing stories that they, as well as others, experienced. They did escape the worst of it, they said, because their location was somewhat outside of the main earthquake zone.

We visited other homes as well, most with damage to walls and surrounding sidewalks. Many were without electricity for a while following the earthquakes. One of the oldest homes in Christchurch was severely damaged. It was obvious that it had previously been a beautiful home but when we saw it it was covered in tarps and was enclosed in a safety fence because repairs had not yet been completed.

It was heartbreaking to not only see the damage two years later but to hear the stories about people returning to their homes to find that the earth surrounding them had become liquified. With the earthquakes there was estimated to be 400,000 tonnes of silt because of the liquifaction. Many were unable to enter their homes, thousands were without power, but most horrific was the loss of 185 lives.

But when those we met talked about their experiences during this time, they neither complained nor felt sorry for themselves. All had a very stoic attitude towards their situation. Since the last two major earthquakes, Christchurch has become better prepared for any future catastrophes. Since we were there in early 2013, there have been other, although minor, earthquakes. It is a fact of life in this earthquake zone area.

In spite of the earthquake risk in New Zealand, there have been many years without even the slightest tremor so one should not hesitate to go there because of a 'what if'. New Zealand is a lovely place to visit and I would not hesitate to go back again.

Vancouver, British Columbia - A Popular Destination for Tourists

Vancouver, British Columbia is a coastal seaport with a population, in 2011, of 603,502 people. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in all of Canada with 52% of the population having English as their second language. Because of this diversity, there is a vast assortment of ethnic restaurants making eating out a taster's delight and with a meal to tantalize every appetite.

Vancouver is the fourth most densely populated city in North America behind New York City, San Francisco and Mexico City. As of 2009, Vancouver has been considered to have the busiest and largest port in Canada and the most diversified in North America. Forestry is the province's largest industry with tourism coming in second place. In recent years, Vancouver has become known as Hollywood North becoming one of the largest film production centers in North America.

Tourists visiting the city will enjoy its mild weather, lush, green beauty and mountain and ocean vistas. There are many attractions and activities that make Vancouver popular with tourists. Besides the opportunity to enjoy an ethnic food experience, there are many fine dining restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters and wine tours that can be taken. Because of the proximity to several mountains there is the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike at Grouse or Mount Seymour Mountains, Cypress Provincial Park and Whistler, a relatively short drive away.

Also because of the ocean and many lakes there is an opportunity for swimming, boating, or spending time relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches in the area after a busy day of shopping. There are many parks in Vancouver and the outlying district which include Stanley Park with a chance to walk or bike along the Sea Wall. (There is a bike rental shop at the entrance to Stanley Park).

Among the many attractions available there is the Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Lonsdale Quay Market; the Aquarium at Stanley Park; a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge; Granville Island Market; a visit to Canada Place with a view of Stanley Park across the water and an enjoyable experience on 'Fly Over Canada'; MacMillan Space Center; Science World; Playland; the Vancouver Game Farm; Chinatown; Museum of Anthropology; U.B.C. Botanical Garden; Vancouver Art Gallery; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden; Nitobe Memorial Garden; Van Duesen Gardens, and Burnaby Village Museum.

Besides this smorgasbord of attractions, a visitor can take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, go to a casino or a sporting event, go camping, caving or play golf at any of the many golf courses in the Vancouver and outlying areas. Available also is skydiving, gliding, bungee jumping, a chance to go on a wildlife exploration or enjoy Vancouver's night life.

Occasionally there are concerts, if your timing is right, or you might even catch the Bard on the Beach Festival. Hotels and B & B's are plentiful and are situated making the many attractions easily accessible.

No one could be bored on a visit to Vancouver and the variety of attractions and activities would keep any visitor busy, only wishing they had more time. I have lived in the Vancouver area almost all my life and still have not tired of seeing what Vancouver has to offer. Although Vancouver has much to offer its visitors in the way of entertainment and enjoyment, these probably will take second place to its beauty.

As a Vancouverite, and on behalf of other Vancouverites, we welcome you to visit our city. There are many who come, and many who stay.

Whistler, British Columbia - A Year-Round Playground

Whistler, where you can ski, snowboard and toboggan in the winter and bike, hike and golf in the summer; where the village welcomes visitors with its arms outstretched while you enjoy the restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. Whistler is the place to go all year round.

Whistler is in the southern Pacific ranges of the Coastal Mountains and is 125 km north of Vancouver. We recently enjoyed a visit to this all-year playground while the snow lay light on the ground in the Village, Christmas lights twinkled and music set the ambiance for an enjoyable weekend getaway.

This mountain village is known world-wide for its skiing and snowboarding with more than 200 marked runs, 37 lifts, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tobogganing can also be enjoyed.

There is also the heart-stopping Peak-to-Peak gondola ride that can be taken during both the summer and winter between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. On the Peak-to-Peak there are stunning views of Blackcomb's alpine, the surrounding peaks, Whistler Village and all the ski fields. For the price of one fare, unlimited crossings can be enjoyed between the two mountains. There is a distance of 1.88 miles between each tower and in most places it is about 436 meters above the ground. And once on top of the mountain, you can enjoy the vistas while you dine.

In the summer months there is hiking, mountain biking, walking, various day trips, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting and fishing. There are also numerous lakes where one can swim and windsurf. There is the opportunity to go ATVing, ziplining and bungee jumping. And for those who are interested, there are treetop adventures and ecotours. Many people will also be happy to know that Whistler is a golfer's haven with several courses in the area.

Whistler is relatively new, not opening to the public until 1966. In recent years the area has become very popular and there have been many upgrades including on the Sea-to-Sky Highway which was completed for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village offering fine dining, night life, boutiques, spas, entertainment and luxurious hotels.

While we were there we stayed in a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom suite at the edge of the village but there are accommodations right in the village, even ones close to the ski lifts. Most hotels have swimming pools and hot tubs and many have complimentary coffee which one can partake of while sitting in the lobby in front of a roaring fireplace.

Whistler also hosts many events throughout the year, both winter and summer. This mountain community is not only very popular with tourists but also for those of us who live in the province of British Columbia. As a result there are times when accommodations must be booked considerably prior to the date you plan to be there.

Begin now to plan your trip to this incredible place. You will be glad you checked it out.