Back to New Zealand, 2015-16: Feb. 9-15/16: Nelson (Chch quake, Opera in the park)

Sadly, yesterday there was another earthquake in Christchurch, a week short of the 5th anniversary of the big one in 2011. Christchurch is 400 km. south of Nelson, so I did not feel it here but it has certainly dominated the news. There were thankfully no injuries but definitely some damage, particularly near the coast as the epicentre was about 15 km. offshore. But it must be so discouraging for those who remember all too well the last big one. The Christchurch Cathedral, which was seriously damaged in the 2011 quake, sustained further damage, but it was very vulnerable, as no work had been done on it since that quake, pending decisions on its future. Apparently the buildings that had been constructed, or reinforced, since the 2011 quake held up.

Christchurch Cathedral (A picture I took

at the end of December, 2015. It must

look a bit worse today.)

The weekend's events in Nelson were much cheerier. Saturday night was Opera in the Park. Not the usual setting for an opera, but this was Nelson's version of opera. Complete with fireworks, and Darth Vader lookalikes conducting and performing. The programme included mostly popular opera pieces by the likes of Mozart (from the Magic Flute) and Rossini (from the Barber of Seville) but there was also some more serious opera, as well as a few popular songs. And of course there was some Maori music, performed by the Modern Maori Quartet. Check out this selfie they took at the event. I am sitting very near the front, but not visible here.

And, a few pictures I took there.

Darth Vader's contribution

Hard to see, but the stage just

as it was getting dark

The Modern Maori Quartet

Sunday morning I did a two hour shift as greeter at one of the area's earliest grand homes, Isel House, built in 1849. Guess they aren't concerned that I have a Canadian accent! Takes close to an hour to cycle there, almost the whole way on cycle paths. This is such a treat. A few final pictures, for this post.