Then two days in New Zealand
Wellington 2nd October.
Michele, Chip and I headed into town and up to the observatory.
We visited a perfumery – which was really interesting. He has a giant still and makes essential oils in it. It takes about three bathtubs of the appropriate flowers to make maybe 50mls of essential oil. They are the mixed to make perfume.
And then walked down through the Botanical Gardens. Stunning! But I didn’t remember quite how steep it was. I must have looked funny shuffling down with my 250 steps. I got my 10,000 steps in but wow – I knew about it the next day.
We then headed down to Cuba St – the trendy area.
And got to drink the wonderful – Honey, Lemon and Ginger drink.
Down to the waterfront was next to meet Andy and JD for lunch.
Important world issues were solved here.
Picton – 3rd October
After a wonder around town and a great hot chocolate I did a trip on the Marlborough Flyer. The historic steam train that is now a major tourist attraction. It travels between Picton and Blenheim. It’s a historic World War I Memorial Locomotive, Passchendaele (1915).
The train may be a big attraction here but the locals still stand out on the porch’s and watch the train go by.
The aftermath of the pine industry.
A huge wetland was overtaken by Willows. A massive eradication program has been successful and the native plants are fighting back.
And into wine country.
At the train station I did a wine and cheese tasting.
The town of Blenheim has a great river walk. So pretty.
Great day….followed by the always amazing Malborouough Sound!
Poor pool guards had to be there at all times the poo was open. Even if no one was thinking of swimming.
That night there was a huge party. “Almost home”. Great decorations and then heaps of top Aussie song. A giant balloon and confetti drop had cleaning staff up half the night. 
After watching for a bit I went back to my room — and got to listen to all of the music.
October 4th and 5th
And then we were on the way home. Sad Face. But still two fun sea days to go.
Choir.
Pinnacle Lunch.
Chocolate globe! With salted caramel sauce.
Just cause!
One of only two occasions where the Captain was seen in public, 18 days!
Galley luncheon. Very flash.
Back to the lounge.
Then it was GET OFF MY SHIP DAY!
Disembarking was painless. Andy sat under the ‘waiting tree’ with the luggage while I went up to Avis.
They gave me the smallest ever SUV!
But with some help…and a serious game of tetras was got it all in.
But we were at at 5pm. No ship! No lounge! No Minguel!
I tried to make myself a cocktail…… but made a huge mistake!
Life is hard off a cruise ship!
Now is time to do some washing and to pack for my next trip. 16 days time!
And now……16 days later, the next adventure begins.
Barcelona and Symphony of the Seas – newest, biggest and flashiest cruise ship in the world. Then through the Panama Canal on Vision of the seas, with a few side trips in between.
Click below to go there.