Travel Notes: Wellington — Day 7

Wellington, the Windy City — except not today!

Sunday, 23 October 2005

Dear Family & Friends,

I’m seven whole days into this adventure, with ten more to come, and I find myself in Wellington on a Sunday.

This morning, on our city sights tour, we went to the top of Mount Victoria and enjoyed a 360-degree panorama with blue skies and no clouds. Wellington reminds me of San Francisco—a city built on hills, with a huge harbor and a wonderful mixture of old and new architecture, right down to the “gingerbread houses” painted in multiple colors.

We also visited Old St. Paul’s Church, a beautiful old wooden church. The stained-glass windows came from England, but the entire church is built with native New Zealand wood. I can’t remember ever seeing a church built entirely of wood—it’s really lovely.

Our city tour ended at Te Papa—the People’s Museum. I only had time for a quick glimpse, but I’m looking forward to having a better look the next time through. I wouldn’t have cut my visit short, except that I had tour manager homework to do! Yes… there’s homework.

I did make time to ride the Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Gardens. Again—very much like San Francisco, except Wellington only has the one. Still, it was fun, and I enjoyed it. And at only about $1.50 for a round-trip ticket, it was a bargain.

Tomorrow we make the crossing across Cook Strait to the South Island and head for Franz Josef Glacier. Part of my homework is a talk I’ll be giving on the glacier: Everything you always wanted to know about Franz Josef Glacier, but were afraid to ask!

I’m still struggling a bit with my cold, but I know I’m on the upswing. I truly appreciate all the prayers, good wishes, and positive energy flowing my way—keep it coming! And I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying these snippets from my tour. You’re all traveling right along with me.

Love to all,
TJ