Legs and Borders

Two rest days spend in Wellington over Christmas and Boxing Day, I've tried to use the time somewhat efficiently. On Christmas Day in the morning I called my relatives with wishes, it was still Christmas Eve in Europe. Then I left the hostel and went to check the path to the ferry. Employee at the backpackers told me that I will have to take a taxi there because of the roadworks in the area. It turned out to be partially true, building works were going on but the bypass for walkers has been made to access the ferry. After that I've climbed Victoria Hill on the coast of Wellington, it had an observation point and was teeming with tourists. I took few snaps of the city and found a bench in the quiet spot on the remote side of the hill where I've cracked open a bottle of wine and chilled for a bit. One hour later I made my way back to the hostel along the coast. Here I've watched Home Alone with other ...

6:30 in the morning. I'm sitting outside The Perching Parrot in Paekakariki eating croque monsieur. Stray dog is wandering the street, sparrows are landing on the table hunting for breadcrumbs. It's raining. I'm waiting for Patsy whom I met half an hour ago standing by the beach holding a colourful umbrella, wandering if she should have a swim or not. There's too many dolphins in the sea this morning so the swim will have to wait. Patsy promised to come over and give me a lift through the next road section towards Wellington. She is the first person I've met today. Barrister comes out with my latte and informs me that the dog belongs to the dairy next door but it wanders around town every morning and that I shouldn't worry about it. Patsy comes earlier than expected buys me a tea and a coffee for herself. We sit outside and talk about her Irish heritage and how she lived in Paekakariki for 30 years with her partner. They decided to buy and live in double decker ...