Back On Track

Kylie Hall Visits a City Rising From the Rubble

My last real visit to the beautiful Garden City was in 2012, a year after the earthquakes that rocked the foundations and hearts of Cantabrian communities. Fast forward to 2019 and the buzz of the “new” is all around. New pathways, new markets and new hotels sprout as construction crews continue the rebuild.

Strolling towards the Avon River, I pass the remnants of floral tributes laid following the March mosque attacks. Signs note that the now-dead flowers will be composted to support new plant life, a nice way to honour the tributes.

Carrying warm thoughts for those who have suffered and survived the tragedies of this fine city, I step into the quaint Antigua Boat Sheds.

There, I’m greeted by my punter, who will hopefully keep us out of the sun-dappled drink as we explore the Avon.