Walking around

Potentially the best weather day of the week was made the most of by being out and about by foot ably directed by our Tikitour guide Helsa. A lush green canopy below the spectacular abode covers the steep slopes all the way to the water far below.

With modern day houses perched on the crests above, the canopy hides a wonderland of ecosystems, nicely linked by recently made paths that make exploring the area very accessible. Helsa showed us around the area by plowing downwards into the greenery below her house and we gently lowered ourselves over and through the vegetation following roughly defined tracks and we were subsequently in awe of the effort people have gone to over the the years in order to carve their own little piece of history into the hillsides. And then ever so quickly nature comes along and erases it all. The trek through the forest and beyond revealed a myriad of vistas out over the waters and to the high mountain peaks beyond. Skirting the steep hillsides we kept popping up into yet another new estate perched on the top and eventually wound our way back over to home. An amazing back yard anyone would love to have.

We then piled into the car with Sam and picked up Paige (ex English exam) on the way into town. The walking tikitour continued as we explored the sight, sounds, steep hills, smells and other sensory soak ups of downtown Wellington. Dumplings for lunch with disinterested staff were great and then headed up the hill via a freeway disrupted cemetary, botanical gardens, sculpture park to the observatory covered hilltop and then a splendid cable car back down into the heart of the city.

Cuba street is full of eclectic people and shops. We refreshed ourselves in Fidel Castro's cafe before wandering down to the waterfront for a relaxing drink on beanbags whilst watching the local kids learn how to row in the inner harbor surrounded by art, sculpture, architecture, waterscapes, landscapes, blue skies and a warming late afternoon sun. Needless to say this was a memorable experience.

As the sun faded over the distant hills we headed back up to the palatial abode to have an all in cook up which was dutifully devoured as the waters of the sound below shimmered in the still evening air. No idea why they call the place windy....