Wellington,
New Zealand
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Overlander train to Wellington is not what I was expecting , the narrow track gauge makes for a rocky ride, and this is very hilly countryside. It is green and beautiful though (think the Shire in Lord of the Rings). This is however the milk run, it stops very often to pick up more passengers; even when moving it goes very slow. After great train trips in China I was expecting a direct route and I am sure that all these stops were not mentioned in the brochures that I read when planning this trip. We finally reach our lunch stop, the National Park.. We buy some very bland sandwiches and sit outside in the sun and enjoy beautiful views and our bootlegged beer. It has been overcast all morning but the sun does break out for a short while as we sit out on the deck. We are scheduled to arrive in Wellington at 7:30 p.m. We arrive after 9:00 exhausted . It has been a 2 ½ hour bus ride, followed by a train trip that lasted more then 10 hours. Waiting for our luggage is an ordeal and when we finally emerge into the main body of the train station, no driver is waiting for us, and no taxis are waiting either. Soon taxis arrive, but still no shuttle. I finally locate a payphone but it only takes prepaid cards ,which I do not have and nothing in the station is open. Feeling as though I have hauled my luggage all over the train station at least twice we go back to the taxi stand and take a taxi to our hotel - it is now 10:30, we have not had dinner (and no longer care) but we are in Wellington at last.
Comments
Interesting comment re the NZ wines ...
Got a kick out of the picture of you two drinking what seems to be beer on your lovely patio, especially when the caption is referring to NZ wine! Not that I doubt for a minute that you haven't been tasting the wine whenever you can. Sounds like you're having a great time; sorry I haven't responded sooner. As always, I'm greatly enjoying the pictures and narratives; enjoy the Cook Islands ... I look forward to sharing a beverage or two on your return and hearing all about it.