In the distance the now familiar sound of the rolling-roar signalled that another shake was on the way, seconds later the glass and ornaments in the restaurant began to shake, and the large commercial drink fridge that stood beside were I sat moved, worrying some that it was going to fall on me. the 4.9M aftershock was the strongest we had had for a few days.
The staff were running for the door, the locals were tentative and waiting - but in all their eyes was the familiar look of fear - the quake lasted only a few seconds and then it was past, leaving in it's wake the sound of nervous laughter from those of us gathered. As Kiwis and Aussies are prone to do: the (probably) tasteless jokes followed soon after as people allowed the tension to vent from deep within their souls.
Much attention is focused on making the city, her buildings, her roads and public places safe. It is essential that these visible forms of society, especially significant symbols such as the Cathedral and sports grounds are restored: but the spirits, the souls of Canterbury's people these are not so easily healed, these will not so easily trust again - and it is this healing to which the Sallies are tasked.
Soon (March 18) massed people will meet to remember, many will see the reality with their own eyes rather than through the lens of a camera - some will weep openly for their city and the lost, some will harden their minds to the reality and bottle up their emotions - but all will tread through the city as if through the most magnificent cathedral - in awe and reverence.
The staff were running for the door, the locals were tentative and waiting - but in all their eyes was the familiar look of fear - the quake lasted only a few seconds and then it was past, leaving in it's wake the sound of nervous laughter from those of us gathered. As Kiwis and Aussies are prone to do: the (probably) tasteless jokes followed soon after as people allowed the tension to vent from deep within their souls.
Much attention is focused on making the city, her buildings, her roads and public places safe. It is essential that these visible forms of society, especially significant symbols such as the Cathedral and sports grounds are restored: but the spirits, the souls of Canterbury's people these are not so easily healed, these will not so easily trust again - and it is this healing to which the Sallies are tasked.
Soon (March 18) massed people will meet to remember, many will see the reality with their own eyes rather than through the lens of a camera - some will weep openly for their city and the lost, some will harden their minds to the reality and bottle up their emotions - but all will tread through the city as if through the most magnificent cathedral - in awe and reverence.
