Wellington Absolutely Positively gets under your skin … it’s a city that wraps its self around you like a favorite well-worn sweater. John and I both grew up in Karori. We went to opposing primary schools in the same neighborhood. We went to colleges that still remain a part of our family heritage. Wellington College has in fact provided John with life long friends and business networks that still hold strong today. School reunions in the past few years have been particularly awesome… even if we had to turn the lights out earlier than when we were 18! While all our children were born within the wider Wellington area we only have one child (son) back living there…but we do still have other family members that remain true to their roots… blown back by the wind every time they thought of leaving.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city. It is nestled within a basin of hills, surrounded by water. Flying into Wellington airport is an experience all on its own..I remember my sons inaugural flight, as a young boy, watching the rocks and water reach up to us as the wind buffeted the plane sideways he yelled “we are all going to die”. The ‘corporate suits‘ all reached for their Sav Blanc and sculled the remaining drop of alcohol with their eyes tightly shut….I think it ranks among the most exciting airports to fly into..I love landing and taking off there now but I have had few hairy white knuckle moments.
Wellington is a cultural city…a Capital of Cool..its Vintage, Grunge, Arty and Sophisticated all at once. It’s the home of Weta Workshop..our own mini Hollywood. WOW..now resides in Wellington, a must see on the cultural calendar. Te Papa Is New Zealand’s National Museum.
We love that everyone still toots their car horns driving thru the Victoria Tunnel and that you can walk from one end of the city to the other. That Kirkcaldie & Stains still has a doorman in top hat & tails. That you can ride the Cable car to the Botanic gardens and Trolley buses still run ..even if they are bright yellow & modern now. That is takes 20 mins from the airport to Caffe L’affare for a latte..and that Moore Wilson is next door when you need fruit,vege and a bottle or two to go with the fresh cheese you just brought…oh and shoes.. did I mention shoes…I still think Wellington has the best shoe shops!!
Wellington has its own scent, honeysuckle, salty sea air, gorse and damp earth. The weather is always unpredictable.. but every true Wellingtonian will tell you ‘You cant beat Wellington on a fine day’. I have too many favorite places to mention but if you come to NZ…put a visit on your ‘must do’ list..you wont be disappointed.
I was in Wellington last weekend. My sister was over from Sydney to represent the Pittwater Dragons..for the Dragon Boat Festival.
My sister is a survivor you see of a cancer that affects more women in NZ than any other cancer. Every year we lose 650 women.. mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, granddaughters, daughters, wives and best friends to Breast Cancer.
It is a humbling experience to witness the strength, courage, kinship and zest that these woman have for life. Each has their own story to tell and one of the loveliest moments during the regatta was the Flower Ceremony where the 4 cancer boats rocked together in a moment to remember those who had passed, those who are still battling and those that have survived.
We had a mini family weekend, my sisters and I ..accompanied by our Dad this time. Family moments made all the more precious because we are still together….a family celebrating Pink and all that its stands for.
Turn Right 2 Go Left 