Hello and welcome to this week’s update to the mrlukeniktravels blog. I am writing this on the afternoon of Christmas Day, no rest for the burdened! Unlike my imagined Southern Hemisphere Christmas of cloudless skies the rain is pouring down outside. Once I have fashioned this blog I shall brave outside for some much-needed fresh air. I am currently in Picton at the very north of the South Island and looking forward to exploring more.
I arrived on South Island on Saturday by ferry from Wellington.
Whilst alongside in Wellington there was a good view of the rugby stadium affectionately known as the ‘Cake Tin’. A bastion of sporting excellence! In view of my visit to the Wellington Museum detailing the numerous shipwrecks in the Cook Strait, it was with some trepidation I boarded the ferry. However, the sea turned out to be calm and the ride pleasant. I am fortunate enough to not suffer from seasickness, though I imagine the winter sea offers considerably more resistance. The ferry was full of locals and tourists heading south before the Christmas period. Seeing the ferry decked out in Christmas decorations with summer sun beaming down outside was a strange juxtaposition!
Spending the Christmas period on the other side of the globe from home has been a great experience. Firstly, not having to work over the festive period is something new to me. I managed to avoid a last-minute rush to the shops last night. Secondly, the (usual) difference in weather it is nice to break from the strains, traditions and lack of daylight afforded for a winter-based Christmas. Whilst of course there are positives to being in your home country at this time, it is nice to break habits too! Coming from a country that is rarely treated with a ‘White Christmas’, there is not much difference here. Being able to BBQ in the warm sunshine seems to be a bonus to me! I did consider a swim in the marina today, but decided against it as I do not have a wet-suit with me. I will defer until New Year’s Day I think.
Tomorrow I shall be heading west to Nelson until the New Year (or more traditionally, Twelfth Night). No sleeping off a food and drink-induced coma for me! Mind you, I am not on holiday from work, so I shall allow those who are a break. I hope to be able to get some adventure activities and other excitements in over there, including seeing in the start of 2019 (maybe a swim too?). There is much to be achieved in the new year and it seems impossible that 2018 is nearly at an end already.
That is all for this week from the lovely town of Picton in the Marlborough Sounds. As usual, for more up-to-date news there is my Twitter feed @mrlukeniktravel. For picture-based gratification there is my Instagram feed @mrlukeniktravels. So all that remains is to wish you all a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and from now until next time, stay safe and travel on!
