all sorts of weather…
After a scenic bustrip all the way down to Wellington I arrived safe and sound at Wellington. It was still sunny and as the weather forecast wasn’t very promising for the next view days, so I decidad to go up straightaway to Mt. Victoria.
It was a lovely path leading up with downhill bike trails, panoramic paths longer and shorter of all sorts. The view was definitely worth the steep climbing up. I felt satisfied and happy about my decision.
Before heading back to my hostal I had some nice Thai Food in a cosy restaurant. I was looking forward again to be in a hostal to exchange experiences with fellow travellers. This time I was sharing my room with only one other woman. I have never felt so “sad” sharing a room with a stranger. The vibe was far from right as this woman did not speak one single word to me. If I asked her if it was okay to switch of the light she would only nod her head. I first thought she might be in some kind of Vipassana Silent retreat or something… after 3 days I asked her if she was sick or not feeling well. I got a “no”-head shake for an answer…. . Sometimes you just have to leave people alone, I guess.
Out & about in Wellington
On my first day in Wellington definitely lived up to its nickname. It was grey when I got up already. I had a quick peak into the St Mary of the Angels church just across the street of my hostal. I thought it was the perfect day for a treat, so I invited myself for a lovely Cappuccino in a snug cafe. As I couldn’t stay there forever, I stepped back into the rain.
Reading about all the FREE activities in Wellington I decided to go for some Art Galleries and bookshops. Got myself the “I Ching” book in a lovely second-hand bookstore and visited a small Art Gallery, passed over the bridges at Whairepo Lagoon and crossed Frank Kitts Park untill I couldn’t get more soaked.
At the Circa Theatre I got myself a ticket for the play“Robin Hood” that night. The girl at the tickets desk told me it would be a fun play, where you wouldn’t use your head at all. I believe this was an understament. I have never assisted to anything alike.
It was a satire kind of play, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, sometimes like a musical… I certainly couldn’t get my head around it! But the public was going mad!
Surely a very interesting night out – sometimes you just have to roll with it…as the Kiwis would say!
Te Papa Tongarewa
Another must-see is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a Nationalmusum & Art Gallery. It was’t cheap with it’s 35 NZD for foreigners. But Ohhh it was worth it’s money so much! They told me my ticket was valid for 48 hours. “That seems like a lot of time” I thought, but I judged to soon. Where to start was the question…. so I just went into the Gallipoli War exhibition. Very well done, truly emotive and with a fresh water tap at the end to “clean off, the heavy overwhelming energy”. Probably the best history class I have ever had on this dramatic war.
Next was the “NATURE” section. Amazing for kids, but also for adults. I just had to touch every single display and figure out how to generate a tsunami or cause an eruption of a volcano by playing with density and pressure. I was in AWE and wished I had my nephew and niece with me here today!
I could write a book about this place,…. I spent 6 hours here on the first day… but I recommend GO AND SEE for yourself. It’s the BEST Museum I’ve been to so
Wellington Botanic Garden
After all the impressions at Te Papa I craved for NATURE. I couldn’t think of a better place to go than the Botanic Garden. Instead of using the touristy Cable car I fancied a walk. It was a lovely walk to get there. The Botanic Garden itself was nice, although somehow I was less excited about this one. Anyway… it was nice to recharge my energy under the huge Kauri trees.
