Wellington, Featherston, Masterton, Martinborough

August 31, 2022

Another day, another beautifully framed dawn. 

Heni picked us up promptly at 8:30AM and we drove to Wellington! We learned she doesn't like museums or walking! We visited a museum all about Wellington. 

                                                        Always love art! 

Mom walked into this exhibit/room and said: A poker table! 😂. Governance and politics were on display. 

Heni- Hangi- traditionally cooked Maori dish (meal cooked underground on stones)

Mom- fish and chips

Me- chicken burger

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Karaka Cafe owned by Maori and Pacifica decent people.

            All dishes were so yummy. Mom and I ate half and had the other half for dinner!

Outside the Karaka Cafe. Roof is super cool. 

We then took a drive around Oriental Bay. This picture is taken from the car because we didn't get out to walk around. Heni had to get back to Featherston to pick up her grandchildren, friend, and daughter for a pottery class in Masterton. 

We drove to Featherston, met Heni's family, and hopped into a van so that she could transport 

more people. 

I asked Heni's husband to show me the Hangi where they cook food underground on stones. It was kind of funny when I saw this. He said: "we just dig up the dirt and put the wire baskets into the ground onto stones." The family is Jehovah's Witness and when they have large community gatherings, they cook food in the Hangi for up to three hours to feed a large group. 

Heni and her family went to Masterton to participate in a pottery/ceramics class. She dropped us off at the Sheep Museum! Mom got dad a wool vest and a small white sheep wool rug. She seemed pretty happy with her purchase. 

These are lifelike statues of the shearing process. 

                                            

It was a lot of fun looking at all the wool products. 

We took the 3:45 bus leaving Masterton for Martinborough. The bus driver dropped us off at the driveway. What service! We arrived home before dark. Yay...

I'm so grateful for Heni's hospitality and kindness. She's a pretty cool human being. 

Today mom is grateful for:

• got to treat Heni to lunch
• got to meet Heni's family
• got to go to The Sheep Museum
• coming home safely after driving on the narrow roads of the mountain to and from Wellington

Today I am grateful for:

• a chance to video chat with dad, Victor, Corinne
• warm clothes and heat
• friendly and kind New Zealanders
• my family (dad, partner, kids, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncle) who make it possible for me to leave home with peace of mind. 

Goodnight. 7:52 PM (always feels much later than it is. I'm ready to hit the sack).