DayTwenty-One - Miramar (Wellington)

I told myself last night, before I finally dozed off, that I would make myself a memory day for my last full day in New Zealand.  New Zealand is a beautiful 

country, but I could not live here.  I guess it must be what it was like kind of in the UK in the 1950's (and before any of you start, no I do not remember that!). The first thing that strikes you is that it is very quiet, as in no one around. OK I know I live in Central London and by default that is an overcrowded city.

Seatoun Beach

However, even the rush hour is a dozen cars at a red light. Other observations are (and in no particular order) it is very white, there are some Pacific islanders who wear the most amazing flowers in their hair.  The dairy or corner shop to you and I, are mainly owned by Indian/Pakistani people. The chip shops are also Chinese take aways and are run by Chinese people (are you keeping up?), the houses are mainly one level, made of wood and behind them, up the driveway to the side is normally at least one other house (with garden), food is very expensive.  I will leave it there as I really do not want to be negative of such a beautiful country and it sounds as if I am pulling it apart, I am not as these are just my observations.  I have had some wonderful opportunities and have some great memories; I just could not live here. Oh and there are not many men around either and the ones that are, if old, still have hair.  In fact, the Kiwi I dated a couple of times had a mop of hair. I have no idea how this happens as mine is falling out all over the place.

Anyway, back Friday 1 December.  Today is World AIDS Day something that I like each year to remember.  Unfortunately, I sent two emails to the local HIV charity asking what, if anything, was going on and did not receive a reply.  I

Seatoun - can you see anyone?

know they were doing a collection on Thursday in Wellington but I was travelling from Christchurch.  So I will have to remember it in my own little way. Sat in the host's beautiful garden eating my breakfast and listening to the birds. She really does have a lovely garden and so many different flowers.  I am literally staying the other side of the Airport from Lyall Bay; just a few km away. It really is a beautiful morning (unlike London which is showing 4 degrees) and I have checked the weather forecast and today is going to be my hottest day since arriving - 24 degrees.

So I was off out. I walked to the nearest 'town' (and I use those words very loosely and went to the deli that my host had recommended and had a coffee. They were very chatty behind the counter and we past the time of day.  I then

Maori School

walked into the next 'town' which was called Seatoun.  Blink and you would miss it.  I walked past the handful of shops and past a Maori school. It did look a bit bleak and I hope this segregation is through choice and not compulsory. Then I saw the sea. Wow. It was beautiful.  I walked along the beach, 1 December and I am walking along the beach in the waves.  I did have to pinch myself. The views were utterly stunning.  I continued to walk along the beach and then come to the next 'town' called Worser Bay.  I fell totally in love with it. So small, beautiful sandy beach and dunes, totally stunning. No shops, cafes just so beautiful.  I walked around and found a seat and sat in the sunshine, looking out to sea.  New Zealand really is so beautiful.  If I won the

Worser Bay

lottery I would buy a little beach hut in Worser Bay and go there for the winter months and just read, write, walk and take photos. Totally stunning.

I walked back into Seatoun and decided to catch the bus into the city. It was really warm by now. I did a lot of travel with Jackie on the bus and even if I say so myself, I have a good sense of direction. So it really was not a problem. On the bus and I got off at Cuba Street and had a walk around. Went to the lovely cafe Jackie took me into Midnight Espresso (I really like this place) then decided to have a walk along the seafront.  Even though I had Factor 50 cream I have still managed to have arms that now resemble a lobster!

I sat by the waterfront watching the boats come and go and just generally watched the world go by. It was so peaceful and relaxing.  I then walked back in the shopping are and back up Cuba Street and had a gin and tonic - I know,

Worser Bay

anyone would think I was on holiday. It was so lovely soaking up the last rays of sunshine.  I hear that London is really, really cold at the moment.  I am going to be so miserable when I get home.  I then decided to catch the bus back into Miramar. There was something going on at The Roxy (the cinema remember?) tonight as the red carpet was out and people were all dressed up. I decided to have dinner at the little restaurant opposite and was I in for a treat.  I had a delicious bowl of prawns, clams and mussels, followed by my feijoa sorbet and a flat white.  It was my last dinner in New Zealand and I wanted to have all the lovely food I have enjoyed the past three weeks.  There was a lovely French woman who was waiting on and she was so helpful.   It was a great meal and if you are ever passing through give it a go!

I walked back to my digs and had a shower and then checked my Fitbit; I had walked 8 miles.  No wonder I am tired.  I kind of packed my suitcase again, already for tomorrow.  I am really not looking forward to the journey home but I have no choice.  I told myself I was going to give myself a good day and I did. I did all the things again that I have enjoyed, the beach, the sea, good food, gin, ice cream, good coffee - reinforcing the memories.  All is well. But now I am tired - no wonder really.

I shall leave you with some more photos of the day.

As always, with my love x

Entrance to the school

The nearest I got to a penguin

Giving the feet a bit of a rest

Beautiful Worser Bay 

You see these signs and the ones in the road all near the sea. It is scary to think really

Final dinner in New Zealand