Wellington
Trip Start
Jul 31, 2005
1
24
116
Trip End
Feb 18, 2007
Wellington,
New Zealand
Monday, January 16, 2006
This will be about as far away as we can get from our home countries, so it's a strange feeling to be going there.
Before getting on our flight to Wellington, we used our frequent flyer cards to get into the business lounge at Melbourne airport, to experience some unusual backpacker luxury.
It was difficult to be discrete whilst sitting amongst the dozens of businessmen, as after months of living off beer and Asian food, we were able to help ourselves to a whole manner of fine wines, champagne, gourmet foods, magazines and spirits. In a way, it was a shame we had just two hours there, as we could have stayed all day :) On the other hand, it started to get embarrassing, as by the time our flight was called, our table resembled a commercial refuse tip :)
The flight over lasted almost 4 hours, and was entirely over ocean until we were almost about to land
01 Welsh Dragon Bar, Wellington
. It really made us realise exactly how far New Zealand is from anywhere else.When we arrive, we quickly get our bags and make our way to the hostel, which is situated in Courtney Place, the main nightlife area of Wellington.
Although we were tired, the lure of having all these trendy bars on our doorstep was too strong, and we promptly headed out to explore. One of the bars which we came across, and Marc got very excited at, was a Welsh Bar, which claims to be the only Welsh Bar in the Southern Hemisphere.
As we curiously make our way in, we are presented with a display of more Welsh flags than Millenium Stadium on a match day. The atmosphere in the bar was just great and it was amazing to find a Welsh Bar so far away from home.
We enjoy a pint amongst dozens of Welsh expats and sign one of the many flags, before heading off to explore yet more bars.
I wonder what it is that draws so many Welsh to New Zealand? Maybe it's all those "Super Furry Animals":)
When we finally explore Wellington the next day, our first impressions are good
02 Welsh Memorabilia everywhere at the Welsh Bar
. It's laid out in a haphazard sort of way, as opposed to the boring planned grid systems of so many of these New World cities. It has an arty feel, a complementing mix of different architectures and dozens of trendy cafes and bars. All this combines to give the city both character and a very European feel.
After the intensive tour around Tasmania, we're a bit knackered to say the least, so we've decided that we'll leave the Wellington site-seeing until we come back in a few weeks time.
So we spend a few days chilling out and planning our great South Island Adventure.
