Day 2 - Te Papa

So easy to lose time when on the road. I really intended to drop a few words every day if possible and already it is Tuesday late afternoon.

OK the Taxi WAS on time, brand new Camry so the driver and I talked cars (as if I knew anything about the subject) but I think I carried my end and I learnt a lot about the new Camry and much more interesting, all about Uber. Fascinating stuff.

I had done the online preflight so the ticket machine churned out our baggage passes and we were into the security queue. Of course Lloyd had to go through TWICE. A smooth flight down and to our delight, since we were seated at the very end of the plane, a door opened at the rear and a mobile stairway awaited us.

 When we got into the terminal it was about 11-45 and tummies were rumbling so we picked up a couple of sandwich packs, settled at a table, grabbed our kindles and quietly started to eat. We had been there about ten minutes when Anne exclaimed "we haven't collected our luggage" and a very fast but loooong trip to the ground floor ensued - it is quite a large terminal and here was the empty conveyor going round and round - no luggage. I went to the adjacent office and was just relating my tail of woe when Anne called and here were two very lonely suitcases emerging from whatever dungeon lies behind those black flaps.

We found the bus stop, a very helpful driver who obviously enjoys his work and we were off. Alighted in wonderful Courtenay Place and after a short walk to the YHA, here we were.

We dropped off our bags in our room and then popped over the road the the New World to get fresh milk and something for tea.

Dining here is great fun, a continual procession of interesting looking people, lots of different languages and some delectable smells coming from some of the meals being prepared. The kitchens are very large, an enormous gas stove with about 8 hobs, four microwaves, umpteen toasters, a full range of kitchen equipment and refrigerator and freezer space freely available.

We were both pretty weary so it was an early night. unfortunately something I ate must have been a bit off as I had an uncomfortable night and most of today has been less than exciting but as I write this things seem to have settled down.

We have booked for the Gallipoli exhibition for the Monday of the week we return to Wellington after the Southern Tour. It was fully booked out this week but we decided to go to Te Papa anyway because my tummy was not to be trusted and it is only a ten minute walk away. We know from experience that you can never do justice to Te Papa in one day only and we had an interesting and relaxed wander around. We had a nice early lunch, a further browse around and at about 1-00 we both had been on our feet long enough so we set off to the beautiful waterfront and sat watching the world go by while basking in the sun. Dear Wellington had turned on one of its glorious days for us.

Back home and an afternoon resting.

A rather small room, just enough for two beds, a desk and that's it but everything is spotless, the shower and toilets are very clean and the beds warm and comfortable,

Someone here has a great sense of humour.