Wellington, New Zealand

February 18, 2015
Wellington sits on the southern most tip of the North Island, obviously a compromise location, for it is neither the center of New Zealand life nor a climatically hospitable location for foreign diplomats. It could be any American city situated on bluffs overlooking a cold, windy strait. It does offer a nice upper-level hotel room and good beer. The medical clinic is easy to get too, reassuring, and said Mary did not have go to a clinic in Auckland. She could get her arm looked at when she returned home.

I am probably a little too critical of Wellington. Our visit is short, but first impressions can be lasting.  "The Lonely Planet" rates as the top fourth Best Place to Visit in 2011, that was 2011. Those who rely on The Lonely Planet for unbiased travel advice, beware.

View of Wellington harbor (harbour)

Our hotel room view (interesting how URL is used to identify building rather than name or logo)

Woe be to these apartment dwellers whose once spectacular view in now a concrete wall

Restaurant break after cable car ride to gardens

David B. as "Sundial of Human Involvement", time 2:05 pm, GMT+12

With industrialist Mr. Plimmer and dog, Fritz

Street promotion for upcoming movie "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

New Zealanders love Americans and our cute accents (what accent!) Here is t-shirt for Minnesota Bears.