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Wellington
Dec. 29th, 2003 06:30 pmThe last days at my mother's place were somewhat strained. Just prior to my arrival she took up an internet account, which was very handy allowing me to start work on the disabilities website for connect.ie - however she then became convinced that because I actually used the connection (which was freely offered to me) that she missed a real estate sale (i.e., the people in question were prepared to spend hundreds of thousands on a motel, but not a couple of dollars on a mobile 'phone call). This is dubious to say the least. Neverthless she took the opportunity to delete all my files (and only my files) from her computer - including several hours work that I had done for the website. Fortunately recovery was relatively easy and I've managed to avoid being particularly effected or upset by this childish behaviour. On my last day in Palmerston North, she started accusing me of "inviting myself" to visit her over Christmas and New Year - which is contrary to the facts of both our email and telephone conversations. She has asked that I stay in Wellington for new year, a decision which I am more than pleased to accept.
Wellington, I must say, is quite wonderful. Yesterday consisted of the delights of the enormous and complex national museum, which included a spectacular Chinese dinosaurs exhibition, then an afternoon and evening with kimeros, beagl, dcarson and kehua. Today included a tour of the national parliament (very much like the Victorian one in style - but very different in the earthquake proofing), a visit to the civic centre art gallery (Wim Wenders and and Stanley Spencer exhibitions), a visit to "Fidel's", a somewhat famous leftie cafe in Cuba Street and to the Wellington library - which had a booksale on (yes, I couldn't resist, I purchased several books - including an interesting introduction to Quantum Theory which I'm currently reading).
I've been staying in the Downtown Wellington Backpackers, a beautiful, enormous deco hotel, which was graced by the presence of Her Majesty when she saw fit to visit the colony back in the fifties. It is opposite the equally magnificant Wellington train station and my room has fine views of both the train station and quay. The city seems to be designed with a sense of consistency in stylem, with planning and just a touch of nostalgia (the trackless trams - basically buses with electrical overhead power - are a case in point). There is certainly plenty to do in Wellington - I'll be quite occupied over the next few days - and the MAN makes Internet connections amazingly quick. Although a small city, it is hemmed in by mountains (and on two fault lines) giving the impression that the city is a lot bigger than its population of some 450, 000. It is certainly the sort of city I would be very happy to live in.
Wellington, I must say, is quite wonderful. Yesterday consisted of the delights of the enormous and complex national museum, which included a spectacular Chinese dinosaurs exhibition, then an afternoon and evening with kimeros, beagl, dcarson and kehua. Today included a tour of the national parliament (very much like the Victorian one in style - but very different in the earthquake proofing), a visit to the civic centre art gallery (Wim Wenders and and Stanley Spencer exhibitions), a visit to "Fidel's", a somewhat famous leftie cafe in Cuba Street and to the Wellington library - which had a booksale on (yes, I couldn't resist, I purchased several books - including an interesting introduction to Quantum Theory which I'm currently reading).
I've been staying in the Downtown Wellington Backpackers, a beautiful, enormous deco hotel, which was graced by the presence of Her Majesty when she saw fit to visit the colony back in the fifties. It is opposite the equally magnificant Wellington train station and my room has fine views of both the train station and quay. The city seems to be designed with a sense of consistency in stylem, with planning and just a touch of nostalgia (the trackless trams - basically buses with electrical overhead power - are a case in point). There is certainly plenty to do in Wellington - I'll be quite occupied over the next few days - and the MAN makes Internet connections amazingly quick. Although a small city, it is hemmed in by mountains (and on two fault lines) giving the impression that the city is a lot bigger than its population of some 450, 000. It is certainly the sort of city I would be very happy to live in.