A year and a half ago, Franny helped organize a school fundraiser to aid the victims of a substantial earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. For this reason, we made sure that Christchurch would find a place on our itinerary. When we got to the city, we were all shocked, saddened, humbled and inspired by what we discovered.
Very Nice Franny! Excellent and inspiring. A testament to the fortitude of the citizens of Christchurch!
It’s good you went there.
I was truly amazed at the present state of Christchurch which you showed so wonderfully… that it remains in ruin and will take about 15 years to rebuild, perhaps! We were there in 1979 and the view of the river is what best remains in our minds. It was busy with kyakers enjoying the tranquility of the city.
How meaningful for you, Franny, and so sad, too.
Franny, I’m Sam’s grandmother and I am so thrilled every time I read a letter about your family’s trip. I’m proud Dawn & Sam have such friends as your family. You are an incredible daughter to know all about the world around you, an education that can’t be taught. Besides the education you are getting, it is a blessing to us all at home! Nana
wow, thanks.
I never know if by the time a video is up if you have left town. But I hope you looked into a little bit of building code and (static) structures. There is a reason the entire city was destroyed, and there is a reason that a similar quake would not do that sort of damage to Los Angeles. (Important information for people growing up or living in Los Angeles, I think.)
Did building codes change in Christchurch after the quake?
Also, you might want to visit Napier:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napier,_New_Zealand
It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931. Leveled. So the entire city was rebuilt and since it was all being done at once the buildings are almost all in the Art Deco style that was popular at the time. This makes it a fascinating place to visit.
We try to keep up as best we can. We left Christchurch a couple days ago (we need time for post-production). Thankfully, LA building code is better than the building code or lack there of in 1930’s Christchurch. This does not mean, of course, that LA is immune to the destructive force of a powerful quake. The real takeaway for us was the resiliency of the people who remained in the wake of such a catastrophe. (The new urban plan for the city of Christchurch is eco-friendly with a green belt surrounding the city and all construction built to the most up-to-date code.)
Such a beautiful report about a very sad subject—the sudden and tragic loss of a city’s infrastructure. Franny’s sweet face and mellifluous voice, Finn’s hard-nosed reporting and Mark’s investigative journalism….what a family package! Where’s Jenn? Producing behind the scenes?
Listening to the local bike rider talk with such heart about “his” city, made me think about what Los Angelenos might say in the aftermath of their city’s destruction…something tells me “complaint” might be part of it.
xox, #1 FANNY
Franny and family: Thank you so much for this poignant and inspiring report. It really helped to raise my consciousness. I appreciate what you have done to help this city. Continue on with your excellent work and reporting. love, GreatAunty Wendy
Thank you to the likes of Fanny who helped Christchurch to even think of rebuilding. I know that my son (the bike rider) is very proud to be living in this amazing time of readjust. Thank you, you guys, for keeping in touch with us. Regards Tony and Frances
Franny and Finn, this is such an amazing report. I knew of the earthquake, but had no idea until now how devastating it was and still is. The people there are impressive. I felt very sad. Good for you Franny, to help the folks of Christchurch.
Wow i had no idea that the earthquake caused that much damage, yikes! Thanks for the eye opening report. Kudos to all.
good for you, franny, and all of you. i feel like i’m learning so much by following your blog. don’t go dark for too long! xxx
Franny this was so moving and you are such a wonderful person – I still remember the day I met you and look at you all grown up and somehow exactly the same. Your family is truly amazing – but you know this. Wonderful story. I was very touched by your fund raising efforts.
JazzyLuv
Truly touching video. Beautifully done!