It doesn't matter where you go in inner city Christchurch at the moment, you have to negotiate your way through and around road blocks, wire fences and lines of shipping containers - all the more so later the firm after-shocks that hit the metropolis on Boxing Day. 
Some of the city's finest heritage buildings are bruised and battered - but still standing - many with the assistance of fresh and scaffolding.Windows are boarded up and streets are narrowed by orange cones and barriers.
Earth Quake Commission staff have been working night and day to inspect city buildings and, with every sight of strong after-shocks (there have been over 4,000 since September 4's 7.1 quake), they frequently get to re-inspect structures they've already declared safe. After Boxing Day after-shocks, crews were inspecting all the buildings around Cathedral Square (above) to make certain the country would be safe (or otherwise) for the city's annual New Year's Eve party. 
Christchurch Cathedral took another hit on Boxing Day. Although the edifice has been earthquake strengthened and is structurally sound, pfinaler finishes and architectural details have 'quivered and shivered' in the last 3 months, and finally, this week, stonemasons removed the cracked cross from the roof, loaded into a small truck and took it off for repair. 
In a contrary form of way, I have enjoyed roaming the city with my camera over the final 3 months. Nothing is still in any city; in Christchurch, in fall of ongoing after-shocks, demolition, inspection and repair, it is still less so. And for every heartbreaking image of a destroyed, or demolished building, there are the quirky, amusing shots that always have me smile. even 'Elvis' has been rocked off his feet on his balcony perch beside Manchester Courts on Manchester Street. 
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