World Cruise #7

Sat 5/25/2024 World Cruise 2018 #7 

 Off we go down the coast of New Zealand to the unique little town of Napier.  We’re now at 39 degrees south and it’s a bit cool.  That latitude is comparable to northern California but I think that Antarctica being the next land mass makes for cooler weather than in north America.   We had a high of 70 degrees expected and it is midsummer. 

Napier is now noted for it’s period cars, dress and art deco buildings but it used to be very different.  There was a terrible 7.9 earthquake in 1931 that destroyed the town and killed hundreds. They decided to rebuild using the simplistic art deco design, mostly because of the cost, but also the speed in which they could finish the work.  

A strange phenomenon occurred during the quake in that the town rose up about two metres.  Much of what was lifted was sea bed that became land so the town area was greatly enlarged.  

Today it’s quite lovely and the people are so dear and friendly, many of them dressed up like the old days. 

 Joyce had been here before and she had a surprise in store for me.....she hired a vintage car for a tour of the area.  She let me choose the 1931 Yellow Cab from NYC with Rob as our driver.  Super nice guy.  

I’ve included photos of a couple of the simply styled homes and the most photographed building in the town, the National Tobacco Company.  Very nice surprise with a super interesting and fun driver.  The car was great but I think it needs transmission work...lol. 

 After the tour we had fish and chips at an Irish Pub and did a bit of window shopping.  It was a Sunday so many of the businesses were closed early.  

Back at the ship there was a dixieland band and vintage cars lined up.....really nice ones!  These townspeople do this all the time and really seemed to be having a blast.  We could look down at them from our room and wave goodbye when it was time to go.  Great place to visit.  Plus, they have wineries so more to do next time!!! 

We had a day at sea before our next port and it was Super Bowl Sunday.  We did go down with Marshall to check out the party in the main showroom where it was to be televised on the huge screens.  It looked like fun but the three of us opted to go eat lunch in the dining room while Don enjoyed the game.  We had a fun lunch with a bottle of Prosecco and lobster rolls.  After lunch, with another bottle of Prosecco to go, we went up to the Crow’s Nest to play dice until it was time for Marshall’s craft workshop.  

He rarely missed it and we actually went along and participated this day.  I’ve no idea what got into me.....I don’t do crafts and this was certainly my only time.  I made a zipper puller....very useful....hahaha. 

 We had plans to meet John and Mary for dinner but we found them earlier up in the Crow’s Nest for Happy Hour.  They’re going home in just a few more ports when we arrive in Sydney and we were getting sad that we’d soon have to say our goodbyes.  Dinner was very fun with lots of laughs with our delightful friends from down under.  We’ve still got a few days to hang out. 

 Later, Gayle