Sunday 22nd: Wellington

Uber proved to be very efficient and inexpensive for the trip into, and back from, Wellington on Saturday. They offered various options including the use of an electric scooter which did not appeal to the LLW. We had a good wander around the city and experienced why Wellington is known as the windy city whilst having a beer at a waterfront bar. Ray later discovered that Wellington is officially the windiest city on the planet based upon average wind speeds.

Supper was at a good pizza, and very popular, restaurant on the corner of Cuba Street which is at the heart of Wellington's cafe and restaurant scene. Later Sadie informed us that, currently,  this is one of the in places to eat in Welly.

Sunday morning was initially dominated by Ray checking the online commentary on the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United game. In spite of dominating the game, unfortunately the Mighty Magpies could not get a goal so it finished 0-0. There was some initial disappointment but the LLW reminded Ray that being 3rd in the Premiership, with 39 points already and, along with Arsenal, having lost only 1 game all season, and having the fewest goals against of any team in the league, NUFC have done very well this season. I don't expect that many of you will have known that the LLW is such an expert on football.

After the football excitement, Ray cycled off along the Hutt valley with the river to his left and cycling upstream with a light headwind. Knowing that I would be returning along the same track, it is encouraging to know that it will be easier coming back (providing that the wind does not change direction with the tide!). 

  

Ray had thoughts of reaching Upper Hutt a city higher up the river but having cycled about 7 miles the signpost below was encountered and Ray decided that adding another 14 miles to the ride was a step, or should I say, a cycle too far.

After a short rest, we summoned Mr Uber, who arrived almost too quickly, and we were driven into Welly to meet with Sadie and Ash. We had arranged to meet outside the TSB Arena which is on the waterfront in the centre of Welly. No sooner had Mr Uber deposited us than Sadie and Ash arrived and after a short discussion we sat down at a waterside bar for a drink. Luckily, the wind in Welly was much lighter than yesterday and it was pleasantly warm. After a quick drink, or two, we walked off towards Cuba Street to find an Asian restaurant. Being Sunday evening we knew that lots of restaurants would be closed and even more so since tomorrow Monday is a public holiday being Welly's anniversary day. The area is full of restaurants and cafes of all types and after checking out a couple, which were recommended but closed, we came across a Malaysian restaurant which was newly opened but already busy. We had an excellent meal with huge portions of each dish. We spent a lovely few hours with Sadie and Ash and learned that they are planning to relocate to the UK in Spring 2024.

Welly is still a very "edgy" city and has a strong bohemian feel about it. Sadie explained that the city is big on equality and diversity, even to the extent that the little green person indicator at pedestrian crossings appears in a number of guises. After this being mentioned we examined the next green light and discovered it was a depiction of a drag queen! How very Welly!