Ghost town - Blogabond

Had a fairly long drive up the east coast yesterday to Napier, a city that was flattened by an earthquake in 1931, and has subsequently reinvented itself as "the world's leading art deco city" as a result of the rebuilding style. I don't know whether they're expecting another earthquake imminently, but there was nobody here as we drove into town. We expected to see tumbleweeds blowing across the road and saloon doors swinging in the breeze. Even when we went out for dinner there was nobody bar a couple of waitresses in any of the restaurants. But in spite of that all accommodation options seemed to be fully booked. Very strange. So we ended up staying in Napier Prison, which thankfully has been converted to lodgings now. Although sleeping in a cell less than 20 metres from where 4 people were hanged didn't make for the most peaceful night's sleep. Anyway, it is the most architecturally attractive town I've seen in NZ, not that it's got any stiff competition for that mantle.

Hired some bikes this morning and headed out round some of the Hawke's Bay wine estates to sample their wares. At the first place we visited, it didn't take our host long to figure out we were no connoisseurs but did know our cricket and rugby, so he proceeded to regale us with tales of his playing days, and how many famous sportsmen he knew etc. Thankfully accompanied by several wines. The bikes weren't looking such a good idea. But managed to wobble our way around another 3 estates.

written by

phileasdogg on December 14, 2008 from Napier, New Zealand

from the travel blog: Planes, Trains & Taxiwallahs

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Good to read that you've been hitting the mtb trails in NZ - hope the body has recovered.

Have a good Christmas
Andy

written by Andy Pearson on December 22, 2008

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