Day 8

Napier, New Zealand

We weren’t sure about this stop.  The primary highlight seemed to focus on New Zealand wines and wine tasting.  Tasting wine at 9 am seems unnatural.  But there was interesting food, and that won us over.

Napier, NZ, suffered a major earthquake in 1931.  It was decided that they would encourage Art Deco architecture during the rebuilding.  This is a relatively small city with a focus on the good old days. We liked this town so much that we both said, “We could live here”. 

I rode an electric bike shortly after the very short wine tasting and rode past this theater.  It seemed like the students exiting the theater were from a bygone era.

There were lots of signs that the past is still present.

I don’t think I mentioned that there is tree that the NZ population calls the NZ Christmas Tree.  It flowers around December 1, the first day of summer according to the Kiwi’s, and it has nice red flowers that last up to January 1.

Also, I don’t think I’ve mentioned much about our ship, crew, and food.    Mike, Pam, and we typically eat dinner together at one of the ship’s restaurants.  

The food is excellent with a great deal of variety.  Last night we had several fine foods including lobster and chicken wontons as well as Peking Duck.  

The desert was a sampler which I love because you get a taste of several deserts.

We both will try anything but want it to be good, or if lucky, excellent.  We have not been disappointed.

Our lecturers have been entertaining as well as informative, and their answers to our many questions were always helpful.  Top to bottom, the ship staff is very friendly and helpful.  

The only missing things from this cruise are visit(s) to the high mountains.  During a few of the talks, lecturers presented the high country of New Zealand.

Onward to Auckland, NZ tomorrow.

Cheers!