You can't beat Wellington

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The sun was making its daily descent over house speckled hills that encompass the city, as we sat high on Mount Victoria with a bird's eye view of prescedings, the softening light offering a chance to reflect on our surrounds.

The panorama stretched across the Cook Strait from whence we had come only days before. Aboard the InterIslander ferry, we had seen the faint hues of the sun at the beginning of it's cycle paint the jagged, curving inlets of the Marlborough Sounds a swathe of reds and purples. Reaching the glare of the open sea our eyes fell closed in anticipation of a new island.

Nestled in the heart of a glorious harbour, Wellington is on the battered sea fringes of the world but equally at the centre of it too. The South had blessed us with an intrepid remoteness befitting of its population, but already the North Island felt more connected. A refreshing breeze of culture swept over me as we explored the exuberant sprinkling of galleries and museums, intensifying a city that positively abounds with interest. From the impressively gargantuan museum of Te Papa, to the small personal space of the New Zealand Film Archive, we roamed, free of charge, appreciaiting the range of interactive and emotive displays. Of particular note was Brian Brake's 'Lens on the World' photographic exhibition which transported us to the captivating, bright colours of India and to the immersive city scenes in China.

The museums may have been a catalyst for thought but the city's buzzing cafe culture certainly rivalled its stimulus. The rocking Cafe L'Affare grinded with a sophisticated New York cool as we watched the morning work crowds hanker for a fix. Wandering, we found arty types bustling with buskers on the bohemian Cuba street. Here the multitude of ethnic restaurants matched the city's multiculturalism and enticed our Asian tongue. The Malaysian, KK Restaurant served delicious Curry Laksa that churned up our metabolisms and fired us back on to a scorching tourist path that ended in ice creams.

The weather in 'Welly', as the locals affectionately call it, is always given great licks by the affable Wellingtonians. The Cook Strait creates all sorts of havoc for the those charged with predicting rain or shine. Tune in at ten past the hour to a radio and one station will inveriably be saying the opposite to the other. What is known, and what we felt, is that the wind certainly blows in this part of the world. Tucked up for the night in a car park on a pier, we felt the full onslaught of gale force winds that tried to blow our car off the edge. However, it is when the sun shines that Wellington turns into a true utopia.

Brightly coloured houses beam towards the water as the sun warms their hardened edges, the city collectively smiles at the pleasure now upon them. Families line the long Oriental Parade that straddles the length of the harbour, where parks fill with the promise of a picnic and beaches patter with pondering paddlers. The dynamic of the city encourages outdoor living whilst continuing to be the business hub of the country. Beaches mix with the unobtrusive high rise offices in the background, like a martini after work.

There is an energy about Wellington. A city of action reflected in its inhabitants who pound up and down the harbour front exercising their work life balance. The parks are scattered with a football scrimmage or ruckus of rugby whilst out in the harbour people of all ages toe the line in rowing boats, some happier than others. Yachts chime with excitement as the wind blows in from the Cook Strait, tempting those who dare to battle against the elements.

Wellington may not have an iconic landmark like Sydney to bridge the worlds eye, but what it does have is an intimacy harboured around its inhabitants. Wellingtonians have a city that has been well planned, small architectural gems enhance the mood and space of it's areas that are made to be used. A plaque over a bridge by the harbour reads:

"It's true you can't live here by chance, you have to do and be, not simply watch or even describe. This is the city of action, the world headquarters of the verb"

Having climbed to the top of Mount Victoria, the height giving perspective on our time, we felt connected with the city's active morals. A beer eased the aching legs and enabled our minds to wander over the city we had fallen in love with. So captured by the moment we almost missed the faint song of a passing women. "You can't beat Wellington on a good day...or a bad day too". Our thoughts exactly.

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Comments

[Mouty]

wishful wanderings of wonder in Wellington
There we were restfully relaxed in bed on a saturday morn when alluring alliterative energy exploded into eyes and ears! Wellington sounds fabulous and travellers tales transported us there. The roaring forties not far from shore were kind not to pitch you into the harbour. How do seasoned sailors come to drop their cars anchor on a pier in a gale?! Great blog,believe us,beautifully balanced between reality and romance Mouty William and Saskia

[D MJ Binkley]

Very nice writing
I like the photos of the ice cream and the lovely sky! Amazing sunset.