Life's a Stitch

Akaroa, a quaint village (population 650, 33% being seniors), 80Km from Wellington, was first settled by NZ'a indigenous Maori,who were Polynesian settlers arriving by canoe in the 1200's. Long complicated story made short: the British arrived in the 1800's, skirmishes ensued, treaties were formed, French arrived a short time later, having bought part of the same area. Very confusing, but it seems to have been worked out. Throw in some German farmers to the mix and it is a very interesting place.

It's located in a shallow port requiring our ship's lifeboats to be used for tendering passengers into the port.

We followed our personal itinerary, avoiding the feeling of being herded during the tendering process. We had our breakfast at 8:00, then took it easy in our cabin and balcony for reading and writing until noon, then an early lunch on a quiet ship. Smart plan for at that point there was no wait for a tender.

The town was beautiful with blocks of little Victorian cottages and magnificent gardens containing roses in every colour imaginable, plus some I didn't know existed. It was a feast of colour, green pastures dotted with white sheep, yellow Scotch Broom, right up to the blue blue sky.

 The town's war memorial was spectacularly beautiful. And the poppies were blooming in time for Remembrance Day

 In a public garden we found this sculpture, enjoyed by all who passed it.

Back onboard, we switched up our usual dinner plans. We usually opt for a table for two, given C's hearing difficulties coupled with the noisy dining room. Tonight we requested a table for four and were seated with an older-than-us couple from England who shared with us details of their recent trip to China on one of those super inexpensive tours that are regularly offered from Vancouver for $1499CDN for 14 days, covering most everything including a four day Yangtze River cruise. Like us, only one of them was interested in going, but both had a good time. C can consider himself forewarned.