NZ is so like Ireland - it's uncanny. The rolling green pastures, the sheep, the chill in the shade even though the sun is shining warmly. Booked my 'Stray' trip this morning, then went to meet bus to Akaroa, a French-flavoured village, recommended by Keith & Emma and the tourist board.
Dave, our driver, gave us a running commentary on the way out, and stopped for photo ops. The village is in a sheltered bay, formed from a caldera - a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano. The water is sparkling, and a deep bluey hue. I head indoors of course, and potter around the museum. Interesting story of Frank Wolsey, a local, who was captain of the Endeavour on Shackelston's ill-fated 1914 attempt at the Trans-Antarctic.
Up to the French cemetery, climbing halfway up a hill to find a single monument - 'tidied up' by the government in 2005. Disappointing. Further up the hill was a disappointing view. Made brief friends with an older Australian couple, in off the cruise ship - Graham and his wife Michelle. Walked down the waterfront, enjoying the breeze, and visited the Anglican cemetery by the lighthouse. Next to it is the RC and Dissenters' cemetery, where a small but extremely territorial bird made me leave sooner than desired - didn't want to distress it too much.
Enjoying an orange now, bus home leaves in a short while.
Dave, our driver, gave us a running commentary on the way out, and stopped for photo ops. The village is in a sheltered bay, formed from a caldera - a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano. The water is sparkling, and a deep bluey hue. I head indoors of course, and potter around the museum. Interesting story of Frank Wolsey, a local, who was captain of the Endeavour on Shackelston's ill-fated 1914 attempt at the Trans-Antarctic.
Up to the French cemetery, climbing halfway up a hill to find a single monument - 'tidied up' by the government in 2005. Disappointing. Further up the hill was a disappointing view. Made brief friends with an older Australian couple, in off the cruise ship - Graham and his wife Michelle. Walked down the waterfront, enjoying the breeze, and visited the Anglican cemetery by the lighthouse. Next to it is the RC and Dissenters' cemetery, where a small but extremely territorial bird made me leave sooner than desired - didn't want to distress it too much.
 |
| Presumably earthquake damage |
Enjoying an orange now, bus home leaves in a short while.
No comments:
Post a Comment