Tag Archives: brunch

Part 11 – Last weekend in Welly

And with that, our time in Wellington was almost over. The first good-byes had to be said, though luckily just for now. Mat had to leave to the US for a work trip so we had a last brunch, all of us together.

In the afternoon, we rented kayaks from Ferg’s to explore Wellington harbour a bit. I first got to Wellington 19 years ago, I have lived here for three years later on and I have never been kayaking in the harbour before. It was about time. Plus, the kids are really keen on kayaking.

We had a blast, I got a blister, we got out of the kayaks quite happy. Some ice cream and a last visit to the kids’ favourite playground in Frank Kitts park later, we were back in Plimmerton for a last evening with Liz and Zeph. The evening saw lovely conversation, wine, chocolate and then a dog that needed to be rescued in a spectacular fashion through a lot of gorse.

After all the excitement of last night, we had a lazy Sunday morning. It was lunch time before we actually left Plimmerton. I was quite happy that we will return again for a couple of nights before leaving NZ as I will miss the very good company of Mat and Liz and the kids dearly when we live on the other side of the globe again.

Afterwards, we fullfilled on of the kids’ wishes: We went to Wellington zoo!

We decided to stay in town on Sunday night as the ferry to the South Island will leave on Monday morning at 8am and we have to check in way earlier than that. Instead of just parking at Te Papa, we’d stay overnight. Being right in the middle of town does have its advantages. We met up with Aaron for a stroll along Cuba Street festival which didn’t feel like it had really started. After a failed attempt for a coffee at Fidel’s (which was already closed), we had pizza and the signature hot chocolate at Scopa. The kids loved the hot chocolate and I managed to get this particular itch scratched. 🙂

Flo got the kids into bed, Aaron and I hung out at the waterfront and then we actually went out to the Library. It is one of Flo’s and my favourite places to go out to so we were very happy to be there. It’s a cozy little bar full of books and some live music. It serves great cocktails and also desserts so I had a lovely chocolate mousse while Flo sipped port. Aaron had the rocky road dessert which turned out to be a gigantic portion so he shared.

Bye Wellington, bye Aaron, bye Liz, bye Mat, bye former home!

is awesome. Also, the kids loved both of Mat’s and Liz’s “kids”
happy about her special drink
as you do as a kid
Flo’s favourite…a flat white
Brunch with the Plimmerton bunch
The statue is here since 2008
Many a young person jumping into the harbour
It has been in the same place since I’ve arrived 19 years ago
…sea shepard in the back
No shoes, a paddle and a life vest. It doesn’t need more
or floating
Lagoon paddling
The first time that we’re on the lagoon
What a day to be out on the water!
We love kayaking!
The monastery and Mt Vic as a backdrop
I am unsure which bird that is though
Much fun was had
This waka, also a favourite
very happy with the result
public “write what you want” stall
They’re such good cuddle buddies
is a lifelong friend. Flo and I saw it during the Hobbit artisan market being carved and then I have a photo of it with me on it from 10 years ago.
close-up
It didn’t want to stay inside the wooden cave
Red pandas are my favourite
looking after a playful young one
So far no eagle has been spotted
It was very insistened to try and rip the fence apart
This ostrich was picking at the fence
Even the kangaroo thought it was too hot to be hopping around
They are about to leave
Walking around in their enclosure
Self-driving Miss Daisy
the zoo had a lot of opportunities for play
he was looking at the chimpanzees
NZ sun is evil
A nap out of the sun
Even though they both wanted to be on the motorbike part of it
Very happy about the glass just about now
A tiger for a tiger!
The AoE loved to pose with all the statues around
I haven’t seen one this dishevelled before
Very common on the Cook Islands as well
hoping for some extra feed while the carer got the leaves out of the water
as a statue next to the playground at the zoo
next to Te Papa
through the streets of Wellington
Aaron found a book, the kids found many. We didn’t buy one on this occasion
There is someone dressed as a moa in the back
Kids-approved
for her hot chocolate
Waiting for the big one to tilt
with Aaron
as part of the Fringe festival, but I was just too tired for even more entertainment today

Day 226 – Traveler’s meeting

Epic food hipster shot - it was tasty, too.

Epic food hipster shot – it was tasty, too.

It was late yesterday…a nice long sleep-in was in order. Around 11am, we actually left the guesthouse in search of breakfast. Since it was so late already, we had the vague plan of making this breakfast more of a brunch and save on lunch. Arriving at Angel’s Secret, they had an extensive brunch menu and thus, brunch it was. Amazing brunch to be honest. We had everything from a big tea pot with apricot cookies to a French chocolate croissant, muesli with fresh fruit and yogurt to a big hearty egg sandwich. So yummy!

However, I didn’t feel too well today. Nothing serious, just likely that I caught Flo’s runny nose. So back to bed for more sleep and some home-y you tube shows.

In the evening, a big traveler’s meeting happened. Leonie, Peter and Chantal were still in town who we wanted to meet anyway and Chantal met more overlanders at her hostel who were happy to meet up, too. In the end, there were nine of us: Pia, Pascal, Frederic, Raphael, Chantal, Peter, Leonie, Flo and I. Quite the big gathering actually. First, I wasn’t sure if I’d be up for it but in the end, I was super happy that I went even if I left early to go back to bed. It was a nice meeting and our last chance to see off Amsterdam to Anywhere who will be leaving for Myanmar tomorrow.