Our prolonged stay in Wellington has been the closest thing to rest and repose we’ve had since 3 AM on November 16th when we piled in a plane and took off to the Albertan Mountains.
We’ve had time to spend our days window shopping, getting lost in the concrete jungle, and drinking flat whites (latte-like things) in the city’s dozens and dozens of hip cafes; dreaming about the future and reflecting on the past.
The hostel we stay at, the Hotel Waterloo, has a massive industrial kitchen with a walk-in-fridge, and army of cast iron skillets, and gas grills a plenty.
We’ve enjoyed cooking every meal; a lot of our thought goes into what to eat day to day. It’s a fun way to go about existence.
The farmer’s markets are also a blessing.
There’s a high turnover rate- wellington being a port city and the landing point of the only ferry between NZ’s two islands, many people from all walks of life lay their head at Waterloo backpackers for a day’s rest. We’ve met some, let’s say, characters, during our stay. Best to leave it at that.
There’s a pleasure to be had in a ‘slow’ lifestyle. Not necessarily a passive, lazy, or reactive lifestyle- but one of slow, deliberate movement; of not rushing to one point or another. A life of appreciation for all the things around us.
Whether it’s taking a half hour to smell all the unique smells of the Botanical Gardens’ Herb Garden or reading two books in a week (Ovie has become a regular bookworm) we’re enjoying this time of reflection.
It hasn’t all been lazing about and contemplating life, though.
Hiking Mount Victoria sustains our need for a steady flow of awesome New Zealand views and Wellington is a hotspot for some good ol’ fashioned Lord of the Rings-themed Tourism.
Not to mention Nightlife.
Wellington has more bars and restaurants per head than New York City.
And perhaps the best part is each and every one is unique- you’re hard pressed to find a franchised, corporate owned restaurant in NZ beyond McDonalds, Subway, or Burger King. Each spot sports its own unique fair, it’s own unique decor and aura. A foodie could sure go broke here real fast (read: Kevin).
Whether it’s sipping the Salted Caramel infused Rum at CGR Merchant & Co , drinking old fashioned’s while surrounded by vintage books at “The Library” bar, or sipping our spirits straight while we play cards at the speakeasy-style “Hawthorne;” the sound of plonky 40’s jazz reverberating of the low, dark ceiling: each building has it’s own character. Every scene is represented.
And of course there’s always time to get sunburnt on the beach.
Wellington’s been a slice. A good way to blow out the cobwebs and lose ourselves in coffee culture, nightlife, museums and learning, and all sorts of eclectic people (blue hair seems to be a trend here).
With New Years Eve around the corner, we’re looking for one last hurrah before we lose ourselves in the wide open spaces of the south.
See you on the other side!
Cheers,
-Kevin & Bryan