Being in the country for so long, the big city can be a
drastic difference. When Brian and I unpacked our bags yesterday even we initially
wanted to immediately leave Wellington. The big cities hostels always attract
more of a party crowd and are generally way less homely and welcoming then we
had been used to. The streets were packed with cars and people all in the busy
rush of city life. We were a couple raggedy country boys who just didn’t fit
anymore.
This
morning we were feeling in better spirits, we ate some free pancakes provided
by the hostel and were willing to give the city another chance. With no plans,
save possibly getting a haircut, we set to the streets to see what Wellington
could offer. Our initial rushed judgement couldn’t have been more wrong.
Although Wellington had people going about their busy lives and work, the rush and
haste that is so normally associated with big cities was one existent. Everyone
seemed eager to help if you looked lost and just generally happy to be around. After
wondering around for a while more and grabbing some greasy food court Chinese food,
I felt in the mood for a nice cup of coffee. Google led us in the direction of
The Flight Coffee Hanger, a small high end café and coffee roaster that
apparently served the best black gold in town. I ordered a personal drip coffee
that was, according to their signs, a must have for black coffee drinkers. As
we sat there, enjoying our beautiful coffees, our friend Natalie joined us to
explore more of this beautiful city. Natalie now in tow, we set off once again
in search of more great Wellington culture. We walked down towards the water
and came across the Parliament and some old government buildings, we took a
tour through an old historic building, and walked through the train station where
Brian and I would be grabbing a coach tomorrow. Stopping outside the railway
station we decided to grab some sushi, it’s everywhere here, before we were
bombarded by a tour group of eastern Europeans who pushed through to the front
and bought the entirety of the deep fry cabinet. Finally getting a chance to
pay, we enjoyed our sushi and reflecting on growing love for the city.
Continuing on we made it to the waterfront walk and what a walk it was. The
waterfront was bordered by old wharf sheds that had been repurposed to accommodate
a bustling entertainment and dining district. In the water people out in kayaks
and canoes exploring the harbour. One more time I fell in love with New
Zealand. Wellington was everything you could ask for; great food, upbeat and
friendly citizens, and a location oh so beautiful I almost had to pinch myself.
As the
hour was nearing six and the free dinner at the hostel was running out of time,
we parted ways with Natalie so we could check in to our rooms and eat. Which is
where you find me now watching Brian getting a hostel haircut. Day 14 0km on
bike but a few falling in love with this city.
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