Now that I’ve had a few days to explore, wander, and get a feel for the city, I can conclude that Wellington is my favorite city in New Zealand (so far). I have 2 more cities to visit over the next 11 days before I head to County #28 on November 12th. Even with that strange introduction into Wellington (my harrowing experience of experiencing an earthquake in the sky), I can see that this city is awesome! Although a bit too cold for me (and even some locals commented on the weather). Today was mostly 47 degrees. Fahrenheit. Damn cold.
I didn’t realize I planned to be here for 3 whole days so yesterday I split the map into 3 sections and figured I would take a tour of each section each day. When I was done touring, I’d spend my afternoons napping, reading, or watching Netflix (Season 2 of Fargo is excellent). I still haven’t been to an observatory on this side of the world yet so that’s on the list but its only open on Friday at 4pm. And hopefully the weather cooperates – in Sydney, it was too cloudy to go to an observatory and look through the telescope. I’m hoping New Zealand weather will be better.
Yesterday’s map section included Cuba Street, Courtenay Place and the Civic Square/Harbor. I don’t have any pictures from Courtenay Place as I think it’s just a destination for every type of cuisine on the planet and it didn’t really interest me. I got an up close and front row view of Courtenay Place since I had to go to NZ’s version of Kmart to buy new shower sandals. On the evening of the earthquake, as I sat reading the article published online about me, my flip flop strap just broke. Like one epic ending for a very strange day. And since I’m still in hostels for this country, I need shower shoes. I don’t have health insurance and can’t afford any kind of infection. Yuck. Ok, back to my summary.
Here are some pictures from Cuba Street (a pedestrian only zone):
And here’s some pictures from the Civic Square and Harbor. It was nice to see the harbor from the ground and not from the millionth time we circled in the air before the “all clear.”
Today’s map section included Lambton Quay (Quay is pronounced “key” as I was taught in Dublin) and the Beehive & Parliament buildings. However it’s the coldest day in Wellington at a max of 51 degrees and the wind was blowing so it never felt that warm. At all. I’m through and through Californian – my bones know that because they refuse to get warm. So I didn’t leave my room until 10:00a and was back “home” by noon, including a stop for lunch.
Here are some pictures of the Beehive and Parliament buildings:
And some pictures wandering around Lambton. Nothing too spectacular but I always manage to find some interesting things along the way.
It’s almost dinner time and it just started raining again. Wondering if I should just forgo dinner tonight and eat whatever I have in my possession. Or brave the cold for a Subway sandwich. I’ve been disappointed with 3 out of 3 real meals I’ve had in Wellington. I don’t think it’s the city’s fault. I think my Google roulette luck is running out. And thus, I need to eat somewhere I know I will find something I like. Plus, New Zealand believes in “streaky bacon” like us Americans. So that makes it an infinitely better country than Australia.
There She Goes... 