Today we woke to sunshine and warmer temperatures. This is a tender port. We have no tours scheduled. Our plan is to learn from other passengers which tours seem best, and book those on the return voyage. So, after a hearty breakfast, we took a tender to shore. This was an orderly process. The tenders are large, so they move the large volume of passengers very efficiently.
As luck would have it, we went ashore in pouring rain and dropping temperatures. We popped into the first shop on the pier in Akoroa, The BluePearl. This featured exquisite jewelry made with Paua shells and "pearls." We chatted with the owner for quite some time. He explained the growing process, and that all of the designs are created in this very shop. He had a shop in central Christchurch that was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. That is when he opened in Akoroa. The piers in Christchurch were also destroyed. All passenger operations had to be moved to Akoroa. We also learned that his wife and two daughters worked in the shop as well. Another gentleman helps it's the design and fabrication.
The jewelry is outstanding. The best we have seen so far. We will be watchful in our remaining New Zealand ports for other local products of quality. We may return to The Blue Pearl to make a buy.
As the rain seemed to let up, we moved from the pier into town. The rain picked up. We managed to stay under awnings as we walked the old French settlement. It is very picturesque. After bobbing in and out of the shops on the waterfront, we braved the rain and walked into the neighborhoods. This was very pleasant. Without the rain it would have been ideal.
After a couple of hours we returned to the warmth of the ship.
February 4, 2015 - Wednesday - Wellngton, NZ
We docked very near to downtown Wellington. The nickname for the cit is Windy Wellie. We would discover why. All of the tour books say Wellington is a very walkable city. We set off on foot to the cable car that would take us up about 400 feet above the city center. This was built years ago to provide a link to the suburbs on the hill. Midway it stops for the university. We did not explore here. Our goal was to walk down from the top through the botanical gardens. The ride is short, but very steep. At the top we visited the cable car museum.
We started down through the gardens. It was quite nice, but mostly trees at the upper elevations. As we. Moved along more blooming plants appeared, but it was not until we reached the bottom that we found the rose gardens and begonia house.
With 500 rose varieties, the scent was fantastic. This was true even though many of the blossoms were already spent. At the far end of the rose gardens was the Begonia House. This pair of connected hot houses housed numerous fabulous begonias. There was also a pond full of water lilies. The multiple varieties of each of these varied in color and size. Impressive.
We left the gardens, and took the downhill path to the city. This led us through an old cemetery before crossing the expressway on a high bridge. Our target was the cathedral. Our path took us past the old parliament buildings and the new government building known as the beehive. Some call it the ugliest capital building in the world.
When we arrived at the cathedral, we were among fewer than 10 tourists. Our timing was perfect as a very helpful volunteer encouraged us to go through the cloister and up to the altar. She also told us about a chapel with beautiful stained glass window. It is tucked away at the end of a long hallway beside the cathedral.she also explained that the art behind the altar is called a dossal hanging. Their's is muted grays and blues. The artist took 3 years to find the fabric. Then it took over 600 hours to sew it. Lovely.
As we left, we asked Jan for the best way to Old St. Paul's. She took us outside to direct us, and warn us that high wind warnings had been issued. This is an infrequent occurrence , and dictates walking with extreme caution.
As we left the shelter of the cathedral, we were greeted with wind blasts that actually moved us, despite planting our feet firmly. We worked our way to Old St. Paul's, and we're glad we did. This old church is all timbered, and very well maintained. Again we arrived after the ship's tours. One other couple was here. The docent said she had over 400 guests in the morning. That made it the busiest morning of her tenure.
She talked about the huge carved wooden tower that covered the baptistery. The baptistery had been relocated to the very rear of the church. In its former position there was a cable and pulley system used to raise the tower. She said it is still removed for baptisms. Now it is removed by hand. She invited me to push aside with her. It is indeed heavy. It must takes two men to lift it off. We jus slid it part way. We thanked hr and left to brave the wind.
We had planned to walk from here to Te PaPa, the famous museum. After a quarter mile of fighting the w no, we hopped into a cab, and $9 later we arrived. This museum is free and FABULOUS. It is six expansive floors of art and history. It goes back to prehistoric times and works up to date. A large portion of the exhibits is dedicated Maori history and culture. The tours spent half an hour here. We spent two and a half hours and barely scratched the surface. Most of our visit was spent in the Maori culture exhibits.
We left to return to the ship. The wind had lessened some, so we decided to walk back. It was gusty, but manageable. Not like before. The walk back paralleled the waterfront, but was slightly inland. A row of buildings helped shelter us until we got closer to the harbor. About halfway back we approached two aardvark looking structures. The long snouts seemed to have vents in them. We guessed they were air intakes for an underground garage or building ventilation. Imagine our surprise when we rounded these buildings and found signs for ladies and gents. They were public toilets. What conversation pieces.
When we got to the ship, the passage to the gangway was situated between the terminal building and the ship. The wind just howled through here. As we walked up the many turns of the gangway to get to deck four, we were again severely buffeted by the wind, and hung on for dear life.
We were home safe and sound.
February 5, 2015 - Thursday - Sea Day
Today provides a chance to recover from the last four port days. We attended lectures, had another iPad class and did some shopping onboard. The iPad classes have been very helpful. They have taught some tricks that, as the instructor explained, are in the manual that nobody reads. I qualify for that. Helpful, indeed.
Before dinner I called Guest Relations to ask if the Specialty Dining gift we received from Bonnie at Cruises International could be used on the next segment. I was told it must be used on this segment. We have just three nights t use it. Tonight is formal night and too late to book a specialty. Saturday is our final night with Kathryn & Mitch and Barbara & Rex. We do not want to miss that dinner with them. That leaves tomorrow. Time to call Karen, our concierge. When I explained our dilemma, she immediately said she could arrange for us to use the gift on the next segment with jus a few days notice in order to get the best reservation. What a big plus that is.
This evening was the last formal night. Lobster was on the menu. Baked Alaska was the featured desert. All was excellent, but the entrée was almost cold. This has been a downfall of most dinners regardless of our choices. Tasty, but tepid. Sad.
The table talk was cheery, but the other couples are sad they are coming to the end. Just two days to go. We are all looking froward to Tauranga tomorrow.
The entertainment tonight was an illusionist. He was very, very good.
Tomorrow we have a shore excursion that leaves at 8:30. We will be visiting mud baths and geysers, pronounced geezers by the Aussies and Brits. Morning tea will be included as it is a six hour tour.
Sleep came quickly!
February 6, 2015 - Friday - Tauranga
We awoke at 6:45, our scheduled arrival time, to partly cloudy skies and high winds. Our ride was steady, but white caps with the wind blowing spay off their tops were everywhere. Just as I was getting into the shower there was a public address announcement that because of the high winds the port authority had closed the harbor. They would give an update at 10:00. If for some reason we were not allowed to dock all shore excursions booked though the ship would be refunded automatically. There were many private tours booked through cruise critic. I wonder how there costs will be refunded.
We continued our preparations, dressed and went to breakfast. After breakfast we spent a short time in the room. Then we left so the attendants could service the cabin. For the first time this voyage we went to the Sky Lounge. This is the area at the front of the ship on deck 14. It is similar to the Crow's Nest on the Holland America ships. It is larger, used for more activities and much noisier.
Alice started reviewing documents we had picked up along the way in preparation for doing her journal. I caught up on this blog. I am still unable to upload pictures, so you are stuck with my verbosity.
At 9:00 came the announcement that the port will remain closed for the rest of the day. We are departing for Bay of Islands. That was to be tomorrow's destination. Will we crawl there, or arrive tonight and overnight on the hook. This is a tender port.
Again, we are really happy that we will return this way on the next leg. Hopefully the weather will be better then, and we will get ashore. Will keep you posted.
Until next time, at least we have no snow. Our neighbor sent us pictures of our house covered in snow. Sorry , but we don't miss it. Even if our weather is not so good.
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