February 12
Wellington
Another good night's sleep. Not much difference from a normal one at home. Outside it was cloudier than yesterday but still pleasantly warm and, by Wellington standards, almost windless.
After a lengthy breakfast, we went our various ways. There was some cloud but also lots of blue sky. I completed chores at the Post Office and walked towards the cricket ground. The grass banks were packed but there was still lots of room in the stand. Tickets for the first three days, were sold out.
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Regional Wines, an ugly converted petrol station but a wonderful wine shop, had lots of sloe gin in stock so I must remember to visit on the way home.
As I neared the waterfront, the breeze rose to more normal Wellington standards. I took photos of Hikitia, the old floating crane, currently being renovated and of the container craft shops, which have sprung up over the last couple of years.
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I finally stopped at a waterfront café for my first proper long black. A combination of my phone and the free wi fi told me that it was a good job that I wasn't at the cricket as Australia was doing rather well.
From there, I did a quick route march through the main shopping area, collecting information and purchases as I went. I lunched at length with my travel agent friend before resuming my shopping, including the sloe gin at Regional, before catching a bus back to the house. It was increasingly hot although, in typical Wellington fashion, the breeze provided a cooling effect.
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Once in the house, I played on the computer and sent lots of emails. We had a quiet evening, eating lots, watering the garden and relaxing.