In a central Christchurch bar a group of regulars are having a beer, sharing quake stories. They are jovial, the atmosphere relaxed.
Outside a crowd has gathered, cameras in hand. They're there to watch the demolition of yet another building.
The CBD has become a tale of two citiesbut no amount of rubble can dent the optimism of business owners and the punters in the bars.
The Irishman pub reopened on Friday night and manager Susan McCann said business had been "nice and steady. This is a local and most of our customers are regulars," she said. "It's been a traumatic time for everyone."
Ian Longhorn said yesterday he was glad to be back on his usual stool at the Irishman. "Opening up again for us, was like closure. It's like we're back to normality."
Russell Forster said the quake had paved the way for "the new face" of Christchurch.
"It's going to be up and running soon enough, but it will certainly never be the same.
"People are trying to get new stores close by. They are familiar with where these shops are. It's a normality thing."
A few blocks down in His Lordship's Lane things were eerily quiet. At 5pm on a Saturday the precinct is usually full of people. Yesterday, just a handful of people were wandering around.
Cartel, one of the smaller bars, opened on Friday night and business was "very quiet". "Everyone is still a bit edgy," said owner Gregor, who didn't want his last name used.
"It's just really sad to see the demolition of so many buildings. The place will be like Swiss cheese when they're done - full of holes."
