Wellington

Anne and I flew to Wellington, the second largest city on the North Island. It was very busy with vacationing families and students, as school is closed for spring break. Many families were hanging out on the harbor where there were several playgrounds for for children. One of my pictures is of a rope climbing gym occupied by children of many ages. I was struck with how relaxed the parents were with letting the children clamber around on it, with a potential for a dangerous fall. I could not see American parents doing that! I think it relates to Kiwis growing up in a natural environment in which they quickly learn how to handle themselves in water, climbing on rocks and scaling trees. Anne and I left the harbor and climbed to view point above the city. One of my pictures shows the continuous fog bank that hovers over the two islands. The Maori people (indigenous group) refer to New Zealand as "the land of the long white cloud". I love to try and capture that cloud in its various formations.