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Wellington 16/10/11
Arrived in Wellington and headed to town. Wonderful meal at a super restaurant on Wellington waterfront called St John's. Housed in a former ambulance station, the food and wine were superb (the latter overpriced, but it was from the Gimblet Gravels, so we knew its background)
Our table was in an excellent position, situated as it was next to a window overlooking the BIG screen, outside in the Fan-zone. We were able to keep an eye on the warm-up and also learn that the Wallabies had thrashed NZ in the rugby league international.
After eating, we made our way outside and stood and watched the match with about 3,000 other fans. It was an exciting game and a fantastic atmosphere with cheering and singing as good as if we'd been at Eden Park!
Many of the 'older generation' however, give the ABs a hard time. They're of the opinion that they need to come up against a really hard team to make them realise they are not as good as they think they are. They believe that the present ABs are not tough enough. The ABs from years ago were rough, tough men from hard, working, sheep farming stock. Today's All Black works out at the gym whilst checking their reflection in the mirror!
17/10/11
Ian is in his element, as a small convoy of classic cars has arrived at the site including a Shelby Cobra, Land Rover, Ford Mustang etc.
Te Papa museum in Wellington is a great place to spend a day. Extremely interesting and rated the best 'interactive museum' in the world. We wandered around and soaked up the knowledge, ready for regurgitation at some appropriate moment, like now, for example. Did you know that Kuari forest trees (travelled through the areain the dark) can grow up to 16 metres in girth and that the oldest one, Tane Mahuta, was but a twig 1500 years ago.
I also discovered the name of the 'R2D2 sounding bird. It's a
Kokako, distinctive by its clucks, buzzes, long organ like notes and very occasional meowing sounds!
We took the cable car up to the Botanic gardens and walked back down to the city, then availed ourself of particularly efficient and punctual public transport, back to camp.
18/10/11
Catching up whilst waiting to board the ferry over to the South Island. Very early start this morning! It's freezing cold and blowing a gale! It also rained all night, very little sleep and...I'm not very good on ferries....
- comments
John I for one cant wait to see your slideshow Chez it sounds as if you are having a fantastic time xxx
Lynn Burton Loving your blog. Just catching up and read 4 at once! Very articulate writer Cheryl - I take it most of your ramblings are written before the consumption of some of the finest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc! haha. Keep enjoying!