It was *not* the best of times

Slightly late on the posting, but then having been forced to move house (and having a two week holiday! – less of the forcing there) there has been quite a bit going on.

So, we had a fairly massive, destructive, scary, violent and altogether nasty earthquake. There have been lots of pictures and video’s – some of my friends (Veronica and Richard have written good accounts which are worth a read.

My own story – well, I was on the 6th floor of a city centre building when the 6.3 happened. Apparently we’re pretty unlucky that it was as destructive as it was.

Violent, unprecedented ground-shaking, unusually high levels of energy release, a fault pointing at the city like a loaded gun and trampoline-like bouncing of ground layers under the city combined over about 20 seconds on February 22 to cause the disaster.

I knew it was bad straight away because all of the car alarms were going off and the dust. Looking out the window there was just dust clouds rising all over the place. There was some screaming, but by-enlarge everyone was shocked and calmish. It’s very interesting the responses that humans have in these situations. I’m more of the “indecisive/fight” rather than “flight” response. One of the guys was out of the office and down the stairs *instantly*. Didn’t take keys/wallet or anything.

So, after some condiseration about a dozen of us decided to stay upstairs for about 40 minutes. This was a *good idea* as there were aftershocks which brought down more buildings. I figured that as our office was still standing that at least it was probably a safe place to be. We gathered up laptops and other belongings which we knew would be useful and got ready to leave (also a good idea as the CBD is likely to be closed until December).

During this time I was trying to text Maaike – but hadn’t actually managed to get through.

Then walked out with colleagues and headed to a local square (no buildings to fall on you). Reports were coming through of collapsed buildings – but I don’t think it had quite registered how bad things were. I met Paul – Shelly’s fiancee and together we walked to CPIT to join our girlfriends. Cars were everywhere and pedestrians walking about pretty shell shocked. It was a mess.

Met up with Maaike and by then – about 2 hours after the quake had happened, we decided to try and drive home. Pointless exercise – traffic was totally jammed so ditched the van and walked home. It was great mentally to be walking rather than stuck in traffic. Scary though with decent aftershocks happening at regular intervals.

People everywhere – just a mess. My initial gut response was “lets get the hell outa town and not come back for 5 years”. Part of me still thinks that’s an entirely appropriate and sensible response. It is going to take *years* before there’s any semblance of normality.

Somewhere along the way Steve & Michelle from the house had texted to say the “house was in bad shape”. That wasn’t good to hear. It was one of the saddest moments coming home and seeing the home that wasn’t going to be home any more. I loved 39 Fendalton road. I really loved it. It was community, family, friends, safe and very very happy (if cold). I don’t think I will ever find a place like that again… and of course, I am just happy to have had such great times – and at least the place went out with a bang.

That’s what the old place used to look like – 40 odd years ago. Hasn’t had a lick of paint since. I will take another picture sometime and update this – not that it’s too obvious from outside what the destruction is like.

This is what it’s like on the inside now.

The second picture is after we’d mostly packed up.

It was a lovely evening – at least as much as these things could be. I had a phone call from my friend Maeve. Hadn’t talked to her in ages.. it was.. lovely.. to get that call. Thank you! Also, we had a massive BBQ and a few beers. It was sociable – but sad – we all knew it was the end.

It really was a blur for those few days. A blur of boiled water, hand sanitisers, helicopters and heavy planes flying overhead constantly and alarms. Maaike and I had 3 days to get everything packed and also get ready to leave for Tasmania. We would have had a hard time without Maaike’s friend Annique who was staying. Some holiday for her! I also had to go into work – which I found really hard mentally. The scary thing for businesses is what happens next. I’m sure Egressive will be fine, but its definitely a stressful time for all.

Still, I count myself blessed that none of my immediate friends have been hurt though relations of friends have died, and some hurt badly. Yeah, this one was just so much more serious.

I don’t think I’ve really done the whole thing justice.. it was a very scary time – and I still feel unsettled and tired. Still, I’m happy to be here now even if I have to cycle a mountain bike to get to work

(that pic was taken this morning on the way to work).

So, sorry for the slightly rambly post – I’m still not quite in the best mood for blogging… especially as I don’t have internet at home (yet). Still, alive and whole and well – so have to be happy about that!

Finally, a video of the house