21/2/15

Dear Diary,

I have a free day to explore the city a bit more so I decide to pick up my ‘top ten things to do in Wellington when you have a free day challenge’ and head into town to the City Gallery. There is a Yvonne Todd photo exhibition on called Creamy Psychology and it’s free admission so I give it a go. Some interesting ideas via the medium of photography are exposed to me. I’m not sure I ‘get’ it all but its an interesting way to spend an hour. Keeping with the culture theme of the day I head over to Museum of New Zealand or ‘Te Papa’ as it’s known for short. Some interesting displays tells me about tectonic plate shifting and the geographical history of New Zealand and there are numerous displays regarding native wildlife and flora both extinct and still existing. The highlight is the simulation of the strength of the earthquake that did some serious and major damage on February 22nd 2011 (exactly five years to the day tomorrow ... when I’m due to fly into it for the Scotland V. England game). I experience the simulation and at first I didn't see the big deal, but by the time the 2nd wave of shocks rumbled through I had imagined myself back in my flat in Edinburgh and if my little flat shook as much as Christchurch did I would be absolutely terrified. And so would you.

I’m in Te Papa so long that it’s closing time when they kick me out and my feet are killing me so I decide against walking around to Oriental Bay (it’s always good to save something for the next time you're in a city!) and instead head into the night markets in Cuba Street. Some street food which included deep fried ice cream fills me up nicely and I wander over to the cinema under the stars event in civic square. Showing tonight is ‘Fire in Babylon’ which I’ve seen before but is so awesome I brave the chilly night air to watch it again. The event is sponsored by Cadbury's and before the film even starts I have acquired at least five chocolate bars of different flavours from the promotional girls wandering around at the event. I’m not really that much of a chocolate fan but I’m sure I’ll eat them before my journey is done.

Before and after the film I chat away to many Kiwi cricket fans and am surprised to find that many of them are still doing the math regarding how many points they need to go through to the semi finals. The general consensus that three wins, which they already have, might be enough if other results go their way. I can't understand this way of thinking especially considering how emphatic each victory has been for them so far. Surely the Kiwi fans think that New Zealand can go through the group undefeated and maintain that momentum through the quarters and semis ... but the fear is Australia in the upcoming match next week. Australia has had the wood over New Zealand for so long that the fans would rather play their knockout games in Australia than at home against Australia. I am convinced that new Zealand have it in them to go all the way no matter where they play their games but most homegrown fans remain sceptical. I’m sure the New zealand team are confident they can beat all comers and are ready to take on the world and the conversations just make me look forward to the upcoming clash even more.

After the film I head back to the accommodation taking several long last looks at the amazing city light twinkling below me, then pack my bags.

Tomorrow I head to Christchurch in preparation for the Scotland V. England match.
I don't really want to leave Wellington, but I cant wait for this game !!!




"Look for the ridiculous in everything and you will find it." Jules Renard - (1864 - 1910)