Napier, Hastings and Hawkes Bay

We decided to stay in Napier for our visit to Hawkes Bay this weekend. The weather was a bit challenging, with sunshine and showers, and it was chilly! We stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast owned by a New Zealand couple, Peter and Wendy, who made us very welcome. Napier is a very nice city, the Art Deco capital of the world so they say. We got some lovely views of Hawkes Bay from Bluff Hill, and then went on to visit two of the many wineries of the region. Bought a few supplies to keep us going! Saturday evening we decided to try a restaurant which had been recommended. Well, the smoked eel porridge was passable, the fried pigs ears were rather nice, but I wouldn't recommend sea urchin if you are thinking of trying it. A slippery consistency like that of a flambéed banana, with a strong taste of sea water!

Left Napier on Sunday and got some more lovely views from Temata peak. A walk to the top had to be abandoned due to the weather, and we drove up instead - I was really upset about that ;). On then to Hastings and a visit to Kate's school friend Karen, who lives there with her family. (Derek, if you are reading this, Karen Fisher). Had a lovely afternoon with them all, including the new baby, Emily.

Kiaiwi beach

As I'd mentioned our beach and its black sand, I thought I'd add a couple of photos so you can see.

August 24th - back to Wellington

Back to Wellington today for the All Blacks match against Australia. Glad to say that Wellington appeared to be back to normal after last week' s earthquake with no visible signs of damage. All Wellington hotels were full so we stayed in a small town called Porirua ( still no idea how to pronounce that) about 10 miles north and took the train in. Well, I appeared to be the only person on the train in pink! We were surrounded by people dressed in black, with black temporary tattoos on there faces saying 'All Blacks' plus the silver fern logo. These Kiwis take their rugby seriously! Wellington was heaving and I actually felt sorry for the few Aussie supporters who were vastly outnumbered. But it was a very good humoured affair. The match itself was a bit disappointing, as the Aussies were completely outclassed, but it was a great experience for us.

Sunday was a glorious day and the temperature reached about 21 degrees, so we decided to amble back home via the beach at Titahi, which is beautiful, with views towards the mountains of South Island. The sand there is yellow, unlike the black sand of our local beach at Kiaiwi.

Planning a trip to Hawkes Bay for next weekend.

16th August 2013

Experienced and survived my first major earthquake today! I was in the supermarket, bending over the cheese counter debating which grated cheese to buy for our fish pie this evening, when all of a sudden I thought that I was having a dizzy spell.  I looked up to the exclamation of 'Holy Sh*t' from the man next to me and the whole supermarket aisle was swaying. Eggs and bottles crashed to the floor and signs swayed worryingly. I held on to the cheese shelf and like everyone else just stood and waited. The shaking slowed, but the ground continued to sway for several more seconds - which felt like minutes, before everyone went back to normal and continued with their shopping! I have to say I have never experienced anything like it and I hope it's my first and last earthquake. My legs carried on shaking for nearly an hour afterwards!

Later learned that the quake measured 6.2 ( One TV) or 6.5 according to my earthquake feed app! It was centred in the Marlborough region of South Island but felt as far north as Auckland with Wellington suffering earthquake damage for the second time in a month. Thankfully there are no reports of loss of life so far, just damage to buildings and a lot of scared people.

Winter in Wanganui

It's 20 degrees today and spring doesn't start until next month!  Can you see the lemons on our tree?

21 Godwin Crescent

Moved into our house yesterday, and it is very nice. Plenty of room for all the family when they come at Christmas, especially if the boys want to share with their uncles!

We also have a smart new car for the six months we are here. Despite the warm weather, we would like to go and investigate the local skiing at the weekend. However, there is still no sign of the box of winter clothes we shipped - last located in Auckland.

Wanganui

We've finally arrived at the place which will be our home for the next six months. Can't move into the house we are renting until next week, so for now we are in a lodge in a beautiful position just opposite the Whanganui river. There is a lovely park running alongside the river and play park which the boys will love when they come for Christmas!

Fortune has treated us favourably, we avoided both the flash floods in Las Vegas and the large earthquake which struck Wellington. However, we have felt a couple of disconcerting aftershocks. Wanganui lies right on the Ring of Fire, and people seem to just adjust to the odd tremble. We have downloaded an earthquake app to keep us informed! Beautiful though it is, New Zealand is just one earthquake or volcanic eruption away from disaster.

Today, Andy visited the hospital and has come back with favourable first impressions. We hope the next six months will be enjoyable.