yes it is so horrible, i am in tears writing this, i live in the north island , this is the south so i am far away, but still it hits one so hard, even if you don't know anyone, they are fellow NZer's and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them, 65 dead so far, and it is rising, i just am stunned, i cannot quite believe it.

I am so relieved my sister did not go shopping today in the CBD today as she planned, thank god they changed their plans, or they would have been in it, and god only knows what would have happened.

They are staying in hamner springs for the night,and then they have no idea what to do from then on, they will ring the motel in christchurch re their luggage, that is if it is still standing.

Yes some beautiful old buildings, all gone.