Hummingbird Coffee

In February 2011, Christchurch was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. Almost three years later, the city may still have an unmistakable post-apocalyptic vibe but signs of recovery are also very visible, especially with the cluster of new cafés, shops and galleries appearing around “Container Mall”.

Coming down here from Seoul, the light was almost otherworldly. Like last time in 2008, New Zealand is somehow a window into what the planet may have looked like before humans. That, plus good coffee. Originally, Jon and I had great plans for a train ride with the TranzAlpine but in the end we spent most of the time writing at the University of Canterbury's faculty club and exploring Christchurch Botanic Garden with rhododendron that made me think of Sofiero.