Not Japan too

What is going on! Christchurch and now Japan - I don't know if they are connected, but I really hope the earth has finished releasing pressure and has realigned itself!

My thoughts first turned to my Contiki friend & fellow Tweeter, Emily, who teaches English in Okuma.

Only two hours earlier she was celebrating graduation with her students and now it sounds like she's stuck at the school following the massive 8.9 quake.

Thanks to Facebook we know she is safe, but scared. "I'm still at school do I stay here is it safe to be in the gym." 

It seems like txts are being sent, but calls aren't connecting. 

Thinking of everyone in Japan - a beautiful country. I hope they manage to avoid the horrible loss of life that we saw in Christchurch.

Stay safe.

Good time sir

Well, that was interesting! I was just about to start typing when an email flashed up on my screen titled "Good time sir".

I may not be a Sir, but I'd sure like to be. What a weird way to greet someone.

ANYWAY!

This is rather a nothing about nothing blog, because I haven't been inspired by anything loosely resembling a theme.

The most common occurrence these past few weeks has been birthdays, birthdays and more birthdays.

Four last week to be precise and my very own date of birth is this Saturday.

I share my special day with one of my very best friends, Anja. I'm hoping that makes being so far away from home a little easier.

The boyfriend's birthday was last week and he was a little down because his favourite restaurant, Lara, was closed for refubishment. We did find a suitable alternative in the Oriental Brasserie where we tucked into a selection of tasty Asian treats.

I can't rave-on enough about their coconuty-chocolatey dessert! It's a ball of ice cream with meragin through the middle and rolled in chocolate, coconut and chopped peanuts - heaven!

***

A week on and Christchurch is never far from my mind. As more and more stories come out, them number of deaths climb and the level of destruction becomes more apparent it's hard to grasp just how big this whole disaster is.

My thoughts are with all the peeps in the Garden City & anyone with friends or family there.

My heart is breaking for Christchurch

I woke up this morning like any other day... walked to the bathroom, poured myself a bowl of cereal and put on my radio to BBC London.

Nothing out of the usual at first, but then the news update said earthquake in Christchurch - oh no, not another one - 65 dead.

I still, 5 hours later, can't believe 65 (possibly more) of my fellow NZ have lost their lives. 

The spire on the Christchurch City Cathedral that I climbed only 3 years ago is gone, highrises collapsed and the CBD is almost unrecognisable.

Like everyone, my first thoughts were for my two friends who I know live in the city.

It turns out I received a txt during the night from a friend in NZ who let me know one of them was okay. 

Thanks to Facebook I quickly learned the other was safe too. 

Whatever you think of social media it is at it's best in times like these. Friends and family are quickly reassured and can pass on news in a split second.

Benefits can be set up, fundraising campaigns publicised and blood-drives can receive much needed support.

Twitter too is spreading news and helping those far away reach out to loved ones.

The media is doing a stunning job of covering the unfolding events - it's comforting to know what is going on while I'm so far away.

If you are able to donate please go to redcross.org.nz

The garden city has a long road ahead - Kia Kaha xxx