So this has been playing on my mind for the last week since having not one but two major earthquakes (a mag 5.7 and 6.3 all within a span of an hour and a half) on 13 June, Monday.
Christchurch earthquake damage in Central City. Taken on 19 June 2011
You would think that after having 2 rounds of major earthquakes in the past 9 months, Mother Nature would leave Christchurch alone for the next 600 hundred years or so.
To be honest, when the 2 quakes struck Monday last week, I was frightened, yes. But more than that, I was overwhelmingly over the whole tremor thing.
We’ve been extremely lucky that in the last 3 major earthquakes we’ve had since September 2010, our house survived it virtually unscathed (we had very minor damage to our property), our little street free from liquefaction of any kind but the emotional and mental stress borne from these quakes are finally taking their toll.
On me at least.
So yes, after the quakes struck on Monday, all I wanted was to leave not just the city of Christchurch but New Zealand as well. We had well-meaning encouragement from our friends overseas to move to their own cities where it’s ‘safer’ and quake-free.
I even had a “spirited discussion” with my Husband about this. I wanted to leave, to escape while he didn’t. Our daughter was initially excited about the prospect of living in another city but in the end, she wanted to stay.
While I wanted to escape, I knew, in the end, we wouldn’t. Our life is here in Christchurch and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in New Zealand.
Christchurch is where Simon and I REALLY STARTED OUR NEW LIFE together. Christchurch is Bea’s hometown having lived here more than any other place in the world.
Christchurch is where our families are. My sister and her family are here. Simon’s sister and her kids are in Christchurch.
We also can’t bear to leave New Zealand. So yes, while there a lot of reasons to leave Christchurch, there are a thousands other reasons why we should stay.
I just wish the shaking would stop!
Where the CTV Building used to stand
I want to feel safe again and not have to worry about emergency kits or water storage or ensuring that all breakables are tied down.
I miss going into any building and not having to look at where the quickest exit is or where I can dive under in case of any quakes.
I just miss living. I miss our life pre-earthquakes.
So what about you? If you’re reading this and are based in Christchurch, are you staying or leaving?
