Jim_Iain

When I read of the population I was expecting a really small place. It is much more developed than anticipated. The town is immaculate and the locals are very engaging.

That would have really been exciting to see.

Tiny penguins were having a fun time. IMG_2385.mov

We were lucky and my bucket list and see a real Kiwi He was hard to spot but then came out of hiding.

We took a rest and did a google as map had an arrow to the Penguin and Kiwi exhibit that we finally figured out was in the National Aquarium of Napier Went in and inquired and they had many penguins but only one Kiwi that we might or might not see as ithey are nocturnal. The keep him in a dark display and have feeding a couple times a day.

After exploring the 3 main streets of the shopping district we headed to the sea front. The Famous Mermaid- pania of the reef

We strolled along Art Deco streets and enjoyed exploring the little shops. Street art adorn many empty walls giving the town an artsy vibe.

We ended up doing a visit to Napier on our own, due to Ames’s up on our tour. Napier, a coastal city on New Zealand's North Island, is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade the Marine Parade, the Pania of the Reef statue depicting a Maori maiden, is a symbol of the city. Population approx 68,000

Sometimes we have to roll with the punches. Mother nature doesn't negotiate with us.

Thanks for the post and jump in any time. Send our regards to Marcus. He is indeed a stellar staff member in any capacity.

Really no comparison so far. They are both unique in their own way. Australia and many of the city are so much larger than those of Australia. I was saying today that Sunnyvale is almost 3 times the population of Napier but Napier is much more commercially developed while Sunnyvale has a very high density.

It was a short stop but we arrived early and Captain Matt extended sail away by an extra hour. Didn't see any pies but wasn't looking.

Looking forward to Napier. Our tour is suppose to include a "Drive Through" the Art Deco area. We took a ships excursion because of such a short stop -- 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Looks like a beautiful day with a high expected of 73 F. Nice blue skies and the winds have subsided.

Last night was rather quiet in Luminae. Kumar has been asking us to look at all of the dining menus and wanting to have the chef make something that Iain is in the mood for -- A Guinness and Beef Meat Pie. That will be coming up in two days. Tonight I had the Aspargus (cold with a nice Hollandaise Sauce. For dinner we had the Lamb Shanks from Cyprus. They were perfectly cooked and nicely reheated by the Chef in Luminae. It was interesting that a close by table the Maitre 'd asked how they found Luminae. The man politely said I usually don't complain but you asked. He said that there were lots of misses and that on the B4B they had eaten at MDR, Blu and Luminae 2X. He said that things just didn't flow. A fine dining experience is like a dance where things are smooth and choreographed. He felt like Luminae was just learning to dance. He said things were choppy - long waits between service and not choreographed at all. Menu come - after a while bread shows up but the Sommelier doesn't show up quickly and the waiter constantly asks if you need a refill then goes an finds the Sommelier. Many dishes come out in piping hot plates but the food itself is warm to cold in the middle. I would say he hit the nail on the head. He said that Celebrity Sells a "Fine Dining Experience" but felt the waiters should be sent to Cosmopolitan where things just seem to flow. The MD was fidgeting and wrote down the comments in his little notebook. He was both eloquent and direct and said he wasn't complaining but you asked. Wow --- that's the total feeling I get on EDGE throughout. Was a beautiful evening and we sat outside for pre-dinner drinks. They had silent disco in Retreat.

Thanks Claudia...All caught up until Napier... Maybe a couple Food Porn from last night.

Iain made me promise to keep an eye on my Pulse Rate and rest when it got to high. I did take a number of rests along the way and had water to sip and keep hydrated. Along the way I saw a number of exercise freaks jogging both up and down. I've decided to do what I can as long as I can. Walking 10 Miles (20 km) a day help keep me agile.

New Zealand has surpassed all of my mental images. I want to see one thing and will see if we have time in Christchruch. ---- I WANT TO SEE A KIWI. Their is a captive breeding park about 30 minutes from Christchurch. We will see if i can make my dream come true. It's like going to Alaska and not seeing an American Eagle.

LOL... Actually he asked me to take his picture so I shot on my camera and airdropped it to him. I did have to give Iain a little kidding since he didn't join me. I started to say this is me after I took my shirt off.

Considering the natural beauty it is impossible to take a bad picture.

Your are 100% correct - After posting Iain said.... oops... it's the 5th larges. Thanks for showing the actual population. Obviously I can't trust my trusted source. LOL

Departure was no problem at all - thankfully. We just came around the western point heading into Napier. We have some pretty heavy swells causing a pretty good roll from side to side.

Finally the hike video uploaded.

It is an incredible journey - New Zealand has surpassed my wildest dreams. I love it.