Couchsurfing in Napier
Although I could have stayed forever at Sue & Ray’s the time came to move on.
In the end that’s what travelling is all about. Going places. Embrace the kindness along the way and let go. Gratefully nearing a new story.
Couchsurfing was on the menu again. This time I arrived at a “men’s – home”. I was welcomed by both father and son and the fit boy Trevor, a rescue dog. Sheba the cat is the queen of the castle – what else?!
Art Deco & cycling Napier
Knowing already that Napier is famous for its remarkable preserved Art Deco architecture, I was not surprised at all arriving at the busstop. The long-strechted coastal side was very inviting for a ride by bike. As if reading my mind, my generous host offered me one of his bikes for the next day. I happily took his offer and off I went the next morning.
The bike was small. It was kind of worn-out. As if it had seen the coastal side a few times too many. I started to pedal down Kennedy Road towards the Marine Parade. Just when the traffic light turned red, I all of a sudden realised that the squeaky sound came from the brake of the bicycle. Or should I say the lack of brake? I stopped just in time by using my feet. Thank-God for my Dutch roots!
Pulling myself away from the busy main street I had a closer look at it… the right part of the brake was NOT CONNECTED and totally lose. The left part was completely out of sync and would therefore even brake if I wouldn’t pull the brake! Turning back home was an option, but I decided to just go for it and adjust the bike to the road while exploring. In the end this would be a little adventure! So while cycling flat parts or uphill along the Marina Parade I would have the brake off. We would be shuddering together, but it was faster then walking anyway. As soon as I would go downhill it was urgent to put the brake together though!
Exploring the sunny coastal side was spectacular. I got myself a cycle map at the Visitor’s centre and went off to the Centennial Gardens first. A quaint charming spot with a lovely little bridge and waterfall. Seen it all I continued pushing the bike uphill to reach Napier Hill. Matamahon Bluff look-out was packed with school kids… not too happy about the fitness workout they were forced too. The view was gorgeous and the huge wood storage along Napier Port reminded me at home.
At the compact seashore of Ahuriri I stopped for a swim. The temperature of the water chilly but fine. After a refreshing dip I fancied grabbing some fish (without chips) on my way to The Urban Winery as this is one of the must-see Art Deco properties of the area. It was a lovely setting of buildings indeed.
Napier Botanical Gardens
The Botanical gardens were only a decent uphill ride away now… so there was some Fitness involved. Exactly what I had wished for as I am putting on weight staying at all those homes with Chefs! Not really the kind of backpacking life you would think. Not complaining here – just for the record…
I arrived at the Botanical gardens at the highest part and lifted the bike over the fence. Carrying it over the steps down and walked it along the immense historic trees. Still awestruck by their hight and the diversity of plants growing together, I started to feel tired and had a rest at the pond.
Late afternoon I was finally back again. Meanwhile my host was preparing a mouth-watering curry with heaps of fish. I offered to take Trevor for a walk along the stream.
A perfect end of the day!
