Our day in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city (the world’s southernmost capital) was unremarkable. Completely so. When in New Zealand, skip here. Situated on the south-western tip of the North Island on Cook Strait which separates the two islands that comprise this country, it is a city and nothing more. It was here however, in 1893, that this became the first nation on the planet to grant women the right to vote. That alone excites us.

 The city surrounds a “harbor” that flooded the center of an extinct volcano; every citizen of this place lives within 2.5 miles of the sea. For a tourist who does not opt for a long ride out of town there is nothing to do but look at buildings. Since it is Saturday, a lot of what is here is closed
because it is not a work day. We took the shuttle from the ship to center city where a volunteer told us that the most exciting thing to do was to take the cable car to the top of Mount Victoria and walk back down. Incline declined.

 Back to the ship, G is feeling icky so she naps and I walk. The movie is “Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy” staring Gary Oldman and just about every other British actor. I was not the first, confused and befuddled, to walk out. So, I read and then walked for ninety minutes. We sailed 45 minutes late for Tahiti for no apparent reason. I was first told that two passengers were missing and then told that all of us were on board. We’ve five days to sail to Tahiti so one must ask, “What’s ninety minutes more or less?” 

 (Gloria here…I absolutely agree, Wellington was a disappointment. Other than Auckland where we were so happy to meet Barry and Patrick in the city, all our ports have been small and quaint. Mostly short walks off the ship to start exploring our new port of call, or short shuttle rides, we have been met with such friendly people, unique places that make us feel as though we have truly travelled half way round the world. Not so in Wellington. It could be any city in any country, only when the locals speak is the location apparent.
 

 A longer ride on the shuttle, it’s a little chilly although nice and sunny. I know I mustn’t complain that it’s cooler while most of you are in the grip of a winter storm, but what the
heck, this is about us ! Our first stop ashore, as has become the norm, is a cup of coffee with complimentary WiFi. We find Woulcotts, the equivalent Barnes and Noble. Complete with a “coffee corner” a la Starbucks, we venture into Gloria Jean’s Coffee and get the Password. Excited to chat to Paul and Mandi as I do on Port Days, I am bummed to find out there isn’t enough bandwidth to accomplish that. Next thing, a visit to the Ladies
room but it has to be done under lock and key, with an escort from an employee. A bit weird. And oh yes, WiFi is only for thirty minutes. No hanging round and making a cup of coffee last an hour here. Wellington is a bustling city but being Saturday, incredibly some places are closed.   

 It is very expensive here, one example: For the women that wear OPI nail polish which costs $6.95 or so in the states, in Wellington it is $25, no Midnight in Moscow for me. After a couple of hours we decided that having walked the streets, and riding up to the top of the hill to walk down didn’t sound like a fabulous option, we opted to return to the ship, have lunch and consider the 2pm movie or going ashore again. I felt really yucky after lunch (the Plaice?) so I opted for the cabin, and as already mentioned Paul opted for the film. Enough said. The rest was miraculous, and I am showered, dressed up and ready to meet our new friends for dinner…talk to you later)