Wellington

I had a fantastic time re-discovering Wellington over the last couple of days. The city is rich in culture, from brilliant restaurants, to seaside trails, to a diverse population. Wellington is the center of government in New Zealand and holds a lot of corporate power as well.

Describing Wellington is difficult. It is small and compact stretching across hills right down to the sea. It has a vibrant city center concentrated around Lambton Quay, Cuba Street, and Courteney Place. There are also many stage theaters around the have everything from Wayne Brady to Puppetry of the Penis.

Then there is sport. The Westpac Stadium holds thousands for rugby games. I saw kids playing the street. Dad's teaching their young son's and daughter's how to skateboard. Plus there are the skate parks, as well as trails all through the city for those of us that love to run.

Oh, and I must speak about the restaurants. I had a delightful experience at my favorite restaurant Hummingbird. I also went to a place recommended by my friend Ursula Mensen called Monsoon Poon. AMAZING!!!!

So, Wellington is the size of Des Moines, the landscape of San Francisco, and the feel of New York - I can describe it after all!

Oh, check out Facebook, I put heaps of pictures on there.

Wellington is Like Des Moines, Des Moines is Like Wellington

I have been thinking about Wellington a lot lately. Granted, I am in Wellington right now. I love Wellington, but I also love Des Moines. Maybe a comparison is due:

Similarities

1. Waterfront: Wellington, Tasman Sea - Des Moines, Des Moines and Raccoon River
2. Center of Government: Wellington, National - Des Moines, State
3. Population (regional): Wellington, 504,000 - Des Moines, 525,000
4. Weather: Wellington, Cold, Hot, Windy - Des Moines, Frozen, Hot and Sometimes Windy
5. Cultural: Wellington, Te Papa - Des Moines, Science Center and Historical Society


Differences
1. Theaters (stage): Wellington, Heaps - Des Moines, Civic Center
2. Mass Transport: Wellington, Ferry, Train, Bus - Des Moines, Limited Bus
3. Suburbs: Wellington, none - Des Moines, Way too many
4. Shopping: Wellington, City Center - Des Moines, Corn Fields
5. Nightlife: Wellington, Like New York - Des Moines, Getting Better

To conclude, if Des Moines had a more vibrant city center, fewer suburbs, and a bit more culture it would be like Wellington. If Wellington were more spread out, had less mass transport and malls it would be like Des Moines.

They are both awesome cities.

I am in Wellington

After a very enjoyable last night in Taupo I have made it to Wellington! I am staying at my favorite hostel in the entire world, it is GREAT! Last night, I went out with some mates to celebrate a birthday and me leaving town. I got home pretty late which means I am totally tired today. Anyway, I will be spending time at Te Papa, hiking around the city, looking at the government buildings...And plain enjoying myself.