Sumner

We were up early showered and porridge eaten before walking into the city devastated by an earthquake in 2011. The city is a mixture of building sites, roadworks, huge cleared areas awaiting rejuvenating and some new buildings dotted around the area. We had a look around Re:Start Mall and area of where businesses are operating out of shipping containers.

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Bank in a container

Cathedral being held up by girders.

Re:start Mall.

We met up with with our old mates Keith & Pam who took us on a trip to Sumner where we saw some of the devastation to homes over looking the beautiful bay, after being  treated to lunch we had drinks back at our hosts handsome residence. Here we met with K&P's daughter Amy who I haven't seen for 20 years, grand daughter Grace and hubby Steve.

Sue Keith & Pam

Amy Pam Grace Keith Steve and Sue

It's was good meeting up with our friends, stories of the old days flowed during the day. One story I forgot to mention today but will do so here. I worked with Keith at British Airways and when my dear old mum flew to Chicago to visit my sister, Keith met her in departures got her an upgrade to business class took her by the hand on to the aircraft made sure she was comfortable and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he said "goodbye have a good flight". When I visited mum on her return I asked her if she remembered  Keith at the airport. "No" she said . Do you remember the guy who helped you onto the aircraft and gave you a kiss goodbye. "Was that Keith ? 'Oh' I thought that was all part of the service".