Naked in Napier / Windswept in Wellie.

---

Hi guys...I'm still alive. Been let out of the boot after a long journey and am now in well named Windy Wellington. Last night in Napier, the art deco capital of the world, rebuilt in 1931 after destroyed by earthquake. Whole place seemed to shut down at 5 pm, except an Irish bar where we found some food.

Wish I was back in the Amazon, which was my favorite place so far. People were brilliant and wildlife not as scary as I thought would be. The earth moved for me in Iquitos when a couple of small tremors triggered the seizmo alarms in the airport whilst waiting for flight back to Lima. Didn't like Lima as too chaotic. Least said the better..a 4 letter word I want to forget.

New Zealand. Likes, landed safely.…Auckland OK...Bay of Islands great,...Mauri villages, cultural entertainment,...sailing Lake Taupo and BBQ. Wine tasting tour @Hawkes Bay, Napier...got our plonk for Xmas if it lasts. Loved last nights motel suite...ab fab..big spa bath IN bedroom!

Dislikes; raw catfish, Bay of Islands cruise for 2 and half hours in force 8 storm looking at inside of a white bag..though occasional dolphin sighting ( but see them in Port anytime!) ....smell of sulphur in Rotorua from geothermal activity and worried that whole place would erupt at any moment,

Overall, having a great time. Looking forward to a simple salad as eaten out too much. Developed liking for Cab Sav...esp Marlborough, which we will visit in a week or so. Going to South Island on ferry tomorrow....bit anxious as 2 hrs on Tasman Straight which can sometimes be a bit rough! More white bags?

Shirl's.X

---

Photos

Napier's 'little mermaid'
Maori maiden turned into a reef, apparently

A statue
Seem to have a thing about naked women in Napier! Must be an earthquake thing

Art Deco City
Fantastic architecture, born out of necessity after 1931 earthquake.

another fine example
You can only say so much...let the pictures speak for themselves.

Taxi !
Don't get in a flap....(flapper / flap...oh, never mind!)

ditto with possible cobweb on ceiling?
God, I miss the dusting....

Mission vineyards. Hawkes Bay
Finally found something useful for the missionaries to do..

Mission Syrah (Shiraz to us)
Mmmmm...good...but can I try the first one again?

Napier Cruise Liner
Eh.....forgotten something, Cap'n?