After A While

After a while you learn

the subtle difference between

holding a hand and chaining a soul

and you learn

that love doesn't mean leaning

and company doesn't always mean security

And you begin to learn

that kisses aren't contracts

and presents aren't promises

and you begin to accept your defeats

with your head up and your eyes ahead

with the grace of a woman

not the grief of a child

and you learn

to build all your roads on today

because tomorrow's ground is

too uncertain for plans

and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn

that even sunshine burns

if you get too much

so you plant your own garden

and decorate your own soul

instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure

you really are strong

and really do have worth

and you learn, and you learn

with every goodbye, you learn.

Veronica A. Shoffstall

Shaken and Stirred

I'm quite sleepy. Shake, shake, shake. This isn't a dream! 

First, I align myself with the wall. Then curl up in a ball. Then flop over the side of the bed onto the floor. Grab the torch, skip the glasses, skip the shoes. Run into the valley and hold onto the fence. Look up at the swaying trees. Hear the donkeys running my way. Try to wake up! I run toward the house but I don't go in... where is everybody?? Why is it STILL shaking??

Christchurch, NZ was hit with a huge earthquake yesterday morning. I hadn't been so scared in a long time. The after-shocks are still here and coming. I had been staying at Okuti Garden, on Banks' Peninsula, WWOOFing through my last days in New Zealand.

From Wanaka to Christchurch

My accommodation at Okuti Garden 

(I was sleeping in here during the earthquake)

Nutmeg's little tongue

Tom, fellow WWOOFer

Being drawn in Akaroa

 Collecting mussels

A fudge party! 

Everyone was invited... where were you?

Tom's accommodation

Hardly working ;)

On the day of the earthquake, I headed into the city as planned. This is what I saw:

Look closely. Half of the lamp under which I parked had broken off.

Here it is on the ground.

Flooding

More photos

Then, I heard some truly terrible news. It made me want to cry: Nine dead in Fox Glacier plane crash

It's all so unbelievable.

For those who are worried about me, I am in a pretty safe area outside of the City Centre, in Addington. I am staying at Jailhouse Accommodation, in a highly earthquake-proof building.

I have 3 more days left in New Zealand. Needless to say, it is an emotional time for me for many reasons. Thank you for everyone's support...I had intended to spend my last few days collecting souvenirs for everyone, but since everything is closed, cordoned off, and unsafe, it won't be possible. So please don't think that I didn't think of you!! My safe return will have to suffice :/

If you are in the Christchurch area, please remember to boil your water for at least 3 minutes before drinking it. Stay safe.