Waffle

Sightseer.

So now get up.

And I did get up, to a day that stretched from waffles to green-lipped mussels, breakfast and dinner, both in Leuven. Between times, when not quoting from a Booker prize winner, I walked along the sea front, embarrassed or inspired by the 10,000 people doing the many events that make up the Round the Bay half marathon. One boy was a particular symbol of the morning; he was about twelve, his running number pinned to his red T-shirt, as he chased his family in his electric wheelchair, a huge grin on his palsied face.  A celebration of summer and what a beautiful day it was, and it was a beautiful day in Wellington.

I needed to keep out of the sun after gettting a little too much yesterday so I went walking several times for just a couple of kilometres. People took full advantage of the cold water; swimming, kayaking, sailing, diving, fishing and rowing. Others took full advantage of the promenade; walking, cycling, jogging, strolling and generally lolling about. Lots to see as powerboats and helicopters entertained the posh while cross-harbour and cross-island ferries maintained communal ties. More traditional Moari links are clearly illustrated through the excellent Te Papa museum and perhaps less succesfully, the newly embattled Wharewaka, a wharfside building alleged to be too small to house the waka for which it was built.

Just another summer Sunday to Wellingtonians but a wonderful respite from winter for me.