Wellington, New Zealand

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They call each other kiwis, the letter z is zed, skim milk is trim milk and the girl scouts were selling guide biscuits. The New Zealand accent is charming and the people more friendly than anywhere we've been; well, the Irish come close. The hospitality began with incredible service on Air New Zealand. Our trip was almost derailed when our flight out of Medford was delayed. A call to Air New Zealand assured us that they would do all they could to hold our connection in San Fran. When we got off the Medford flight, an Air NZ rep was waiting to usher us to the waiting trans-Pacific flight. Our fellow travelers, who checked luggage, would be waiting two days to get reunited with their bags. We were glad that we had only carry-ons. The flight to Auckland lasted 13 hours and we enjoyed it thoroughly. After so many years on US carriers that declared bankruptcy, one forgets that economy class can come with real wine glasses, delicious food and personal entertainment systems. Maya and Skylar have begun rating each of the nine carriers we will use; Air NZ sets a pretty high bar.

We arrived in Wellington at 9am March 3rd and were allowed to check into our hotel room right away. We freshened up and headed to the cable car; this is where the similarities to San Francisco began: the red cable car with wooden seats and brass fixtures moving up a steep hill. The harbour front walk to the Te Papa Museum only lacked the sea lions. There is an island in the middle of the harbour, not Alcatraz, but a close relation.

With approximately 36 hours to devote to Wellington,we enjoyed these highlights:
1. Intercontinental Hotel (club level)
What a posh way to launch our next two weeks in a campervan. Breakfast, high tea, wine tasting and high speed internet all inclusive.
2. Cable car to Botanical Gardens, human sundial and walk down to town.
Special note: If one were to ever get lost on Terrace Street, ask a local lady and she'll escort you to one of the hidden elevators required to take you to the quay level, no matter what your map says.
3. Watched a cricket match at a local park and still don't understand the rules.
4. Te Papa Museum (means Our Place in Maori)
The girls did lots of school projects at this unique and inspiring museum. We most enjoy the lessons we've labeled "Get Curious." They are learning to pose their own questions and find the resources to answer them.
5. Dinner at One Red Dog Restaurant
6. Pick up a campervan and take the ferry across to the south island. That is tomorrow's adventure.

- Michelle