Last weekend we took a trip down to Christchurch to celebrate a friends 30th. We took the time to check out the city while we were there as we hadn't been back properly since the major earthquakes of 2011. It was a really sobering experience to see so many empty lots where buildings had once stood and you could tell that there is still a lot of work to be done to get the city back on its' feet.
An amazing part of this recovery process can be found along Cashel Street where the Re:START mall has been set up. Retail stores have taken residence in modified shipping containers and the old mall area has been re-opened.
It is a truly special place to go and visit if you are ever in Christchurch. The mall speaks volumes of the resilience of the locals as well as their determination to rebuild their city. We headed down there to have a look and saw the area was in full swing heading into the Christmas period.
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| Christmas Tree outside the coffee shop - ISO 100, 18mm, f/8.0, 1/400sec |
Here is a double story coffee shop, with fully functioning services and all! I love how the Christmas tree has been put together as well.
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| Pizza Oven in a container - ISO 100, 33mm, f/8.0, 1/40sec |
Here is a closer look at the inner workings of a container, a full on pizza production system. There is a pizza oven in the back ground and all and I love how they have added the bricks to the inside of the doors so when they are open it gives the container more of a building feel.
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| Yesterday is History - ISO 100, 40mm, f/8.0, 1/320sec |
There is is interesting graffiti to be seen as well, some pretty deep lines above.
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| Lunch in the sun - ISO 100, 18mm, f/8.0, 1/400sec |
The colours of the containers are superb. They are vibrant and contrast really well with each other and this colour scheme gives off energy and really adds to the life of the area.
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| Shade covered walkways - ISO 100, 25mm, f/8.0, 1/200sec |
As I said earlier in the piece this mall is an amazing place to visit. There is an energy about the place that is calm and tranquil while at the same time uplifting. It shows the true spirit of the people of Christchurch and how they have come together to overcome difficult circumstances and tragedy. I have huge respect for the citizens of the garden city, they have had to put up with a lot in the last few years. Cashel street is a great advertisement for the city.
Hope you enjoy and have a good one!
