Wellington

You can't beat Wellington on a good day, it is said. We would agree however that doesn't cut the mustard for the other days. Wellington has shown us all its variations and vagaries in the weather over the last fortnight.But what it lacks in a settled climate it makes up for in its variety.
We have been here since prior to Easter variously staying with Nick & Jacky moteling for 2 nights and most recently staying with good friends John & Sarah (recently of Nelson) Being situated 5 minutes from the Ngaio rail station and with also the generous use of their car we have been having a good look around the city.
Catching up with kids & Theatre & shopping & trekking & shopping its been a full two weeks.
Whilst Sheryl lunched with the girls I visited the Maritime Museum on the anniversary of the sinking of the Wahine, which I do recall (tho only 10 years of age) The museum was doing a commemoration which was low key but some survivors on hand and and some very brief words by the curator before the Victoria String Quartet entertained a small gathering of perhaps 40 people for an hour of superb classical music selected to reflect the gravitas of the occasion. I was in my element reflecting on our good fortune in not having been in any disasters at a personal level and our time & place in this tumultuous world. This with my good fortune to have happened upon this fine hour of beautiful reflective music, I think sums up my expectations of our busy capital. It is a place we would suffer if the need ever arose. But not any time soon as the days tick away to our leaving NZ on the 4th May.
Rochelle flew back to Perth, Shannon went to Gisborne and Nick put his head down to study and work with Exams imminent and work pressure whilst we spent the week looking around & I did some work for John & Sarah.
The plan has us now moving on to Nelson for 2 weeks before a flight to CHCH 3rd May, then onto Singapore for 4 nights, then arrive Heathrow on the 8th May.
We will be leaving Sunday the 19th April, crossing on the ferry with Vicki & Trevor as they return from a week also in Wellington, primarily to celebrate Michele's Graduation.
The Bannings & Tylers (minus Rocky & Nick) all brunched together Sunday AM before  saying our farewells and meeting at the ferry terminal, having got lost on our walk to the terminal and losing our way round the CakeTin concourse, then having to back track for 40 mins. Luckily we did have a few mins up our sleeve.
So Nelson here we come or as you may glean from the published date "We are here"

Lovely view from Shannons

Happy Birthday Nick