Nostalgia

Saturday 8th
OK, so there was a bit of motion last night but this did not disturb us and we woke just after 6.00 with sun shining as we sailed past Tologa Bay and down the coast.  Early morning cuppa and did our mile as round the deck (3 times around).  I was not dressed warmly enough as I only had shorts and shirt and it was blowing from the south at more than a gentle breeze.  Coffee was required before breakfast.

After breakfast we went back to the cabin to make sure everything was put away as we had to be out by 10.00 so they could replace the carpet.  Vivian was sceptical that they would replace it but when we got down, sure enough he was laying brand new carpet in the cabin next door.  So we have been "upgraded" from basic blue to gold circles !!!!!!

We went down to Promenade to read/do this blog (don't ask), however after 10 minutes a bloke asks me how to get the internet on his iPad.  Surprisingly there is no one in the Internet cafe, so we go through the process and help him get his emails etc.  He stays and chats for another hour, so just about time for lunch, as we are due in Napier at Noon.  We are however half an hour late and have a great view of the Bay and our entrance to the port.  There is fresh snow on the ranges and a brisk southerly, but a perfect HB day.

Lunch today is in the MDR and we sit down with a couple of women from.....Matamata.  Yes, they are part of the Matamata group.  What is more strange is that they are also our cabin neighbours.  Apparently their dinner table has been rearranged, so looks as though we we will be down to just 4 tonight.  Anyway, great company.

We have a free shuttle into Napier and spend time wandering around town, including the old Public Trust building, where I first met Vivian 46 years ago (more or less to the day or at least the month).  So I got a photo of her on the steps, which is special.  We then did a trek up Bluff Hill to our old home in Priestley Terrace.  I can confirm that they have made it much steeper than when we used to walk it ☺.  Back down and had a drink in the old Masonic Hotel, which is where we spent the first night of our honeymoon - was surprised that they didn't remember us.  More wandering around the "old town" and found the Possum Shop, where I bought a new possum/ merino jacket at a very good price.  Most of the stock they had were made in ,..........Warkworth.

Fantastic to sail out of Napier on such a perfect evening.  A bit bumpy as we make our way down the east coast.

Sunday 9th
You can't beat Wellington on a good day.  That was a saying (mainly/partially relating to rugby) that was current when I lived down here 18 years ago, and today was no exception.  OK there was a chill in the air, but it was clear and looking great.  We walked into town to meet my aunt Lois at Astoria, which still has great coffee and enjoyed a pleasant time catching up.  We then returned to the ship, had lunch and then headed back into town to meet our friends (x Vivian's school) for afternoon tea.  Great that they had booked at the Botanical Gardens, which is opposite my old apartment.  The whole experience is like a step back in time - 40/50 years yesterday in Napier & 20 years in Wellington today.

We (at last - still don't ask) are up to date &  sailing out of Wellington on our way to Akaroa.  Wellington looks great, the sun is shining and the sea smooth.  Life is great!