Christchurch was a sad town to walk around, repairs from the earthquake are still progressing but many buildings and areas are still in ruins and fenced off. The Cathedral and the square surrounding it were restricted but one could tell that it was once a beautiful building but now like much of the town a victim of the devastation. There is a new shopping area called "Fresh Start" which is essentially constructed from ocean containers, painted brightly and housi...

Strong cross winds and aeroplanes are not a good combination for nervous flyers and so it was on the Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Christchurch on the night of the 24/1/13. Two hours into our flight, the plane started to shake violently upsetting the coolest of travellers, the flight attendants looked visibly tense. Heather, sensing the tension aboard took command of the situation and said loudly "we are going to die". The flight attendant release...