Bobby's Birthday in Wellington

When we arrived at the Ferry terminal we were advised that there was a one hour delay. Joy, as we had no where to go but sit in the car and wait. The crossing was fairly calm and uneventful. However in the 3 hours we had fairly much used up all of our phone charge . This proved awkward after we had landed and tried to find our accommodation. No SatNav !

After resorting to the old fashioned map and directions we arrived at our accommodation in Wellington and we were not disappointed. A beautiful two storey, 3 bedroomed luxury apartment. On entering the apartment we were pleased to see that the large balcony from the lounge overlooked the ocean and that the bedroom had double windows with the same view. What a way to wake up the next morning on Bobby's birthday !!

After birthday wishes and calls we journeyed into the CBD district for a day of sightseeing and shopping (well it was Bobby's day!). Wellington is a diverse city based around a harbour. Our problem was

that there was a very cold wind blowing that made our exploring less enjoyable than it could have been. The surprise of the day for Bobby was that we had a private tour arranged, with tastings, at the Wellington Chocolate Factory. This is a small company that makes its single bean chocolate from beans delivered from different countries in the world direct to the factory. The manufacture process was interesting and gave us a greater understanding when we had the tasting afterwards. Our favourite was the one made from the beans from Samoa. The hot chocolate made from it was also very impressive. I think Bobby was sad to leave, but the sun was out and more shops beckoned.

In the end we adjourned to a harbour side bar where we watched a bit of the Rugby League World Cup, oh and the amusing antics of a stag party that arrived while we were there. Watching the large bearded prospective groom being given a green dainty cocktail was cruel, but funny.

We had a table booked at Shed 5 that was just the other side of the dock from the bar we were at. Entering thru the bar we made our

way to the restaurant behind. A popular place by the look of how busy it was. Menu was mouthwatering, and the food we ordered was a feast to both our eyes and taste buds. Suffice to say that we left the table feeling that we had banqueted well. The only negative thing that could be said was, like an awful lot of establishments, when the chef's became hot, window's were opened and the temperature for the guests dropped. Not good if you were near the kitchen where the draft was. When we came to pay we were suprised at how reasonable the price was, given the quality. The downside with the way we are travelling is that we wont be able to comeback this trip. Pity!

We were pleased that we had parked in the same area of the city so our walk back to the car was short after the meal. As was our drive back to the accommodation.

Next day we had tickets to Toast, a wine and music festival, in Martinborough . A town about just over an hour away. As expected the journey was longer. Busy Sunday traffic. Our departure was delayed as we both ended up doing other things, me watching the highlights of the Autumn Internationals (well not Eng v Aus

thankfully). Headed out after lunch and after after being breathalysed (spot check on way to wine festival, I can pass that one!!) we parked up and discovered that the festival consisted of 8 vineyards, each with their own wine tasting and live music. Free transportation was available between each so we decided to head off to the one at the end of the road and work our way back.

As part of the entry fee we were given glasses and a wristband that we could purchase credits with which could be used to buy food and wine. We were tempted by soft shell crab taco's and calamari and went to find a seat on a balcony to enjoy these. Unfortunately, Bobby took a stumble and fell face first into a door frame. (lf only she drank she would have fallen better). Anyway the non drinker was cared for by the festival staff, whose first thought was that she had imbibed too much!

Luckily Bobby did not seem to have done too much damage to herself, however the inside of her mouth was a bit messed up, and it took a while for her to get sorted out and ensure there was not much swelling. By the time we were ready to leave that vineyard the rest were all starting to close down and the crowds were emptying and trying to catch the bus back. So our journey was now a combination

of a walk, bus and then taxi back to the car, prior to our drive back to Wellington.

Next day we woke to beautiful blue skies. Which is becoming the norm on the day we have to move on. This however motivated us so we had a bit of time to sit on the balcony and relax before we had to leave just after 10.00am. Next stop was Scorch O'Rama a local cafe for brunch opposite Scorching beach. Good food, coffee, music and art (Pictures of Tintin and DC Heroe's). Then it was onto State Highway 1 and the West coast.