Lady in Red

While today could be viewed as a moving day it is a moving day with bells on.  Read on.

I have been informed by Mrs Verno that I need to let it go with respect to the prolonged wet washing snafu. And never one to ignore the indomitable Mrs Verno - 36 years and who’s counting? - I have lowered the line, collapsed the clothes horse and put kit all away in the airing cupboard of my heart. 

We had an early start and sealed our cases quickly, checked out - this was our seventh checking out - and took a quick taxi ride to Wellington Station.  We arrived at 7am for a 6.55am departure.  We entered the station and before we even reached the information booth a member of staff guldered at us, Platform 7.”  We clearly had a look.  That brought a tear to my eye as I have long prided myself in striving hard to look like an obvious tourist.  It seems I have finally cracked it.  Or maybe it was Mrs Verno.  Anyway the place was already bunged with all manner of crazy insomniacs. Every single one of them wearing disgustingly dry clothes.  But to the left I espied a small sign, “Scenic Plus.” No queue and an expectant attendant. Like the fabled priority plus with Ryanair.  We bypassed the hoi polloi and had our luggage taken from us and our seats in the special carriage allocated.  This was going to be good.

Well, without boring you, I am writing this after eight hours of the best grub, stunning views and most excellent beverages.  Chilled out travel taken to the limit.  The staff are brilliant and cannot do enough for you. It has taken me ages to write this as I keep having to stop to take a photograph or order a beverage.  I know.  Don’t feel sorry.  It is my burden to carry.  Mrs Verno seems to be coping better than me if truth be told but don’t say.  

I’ll pause here as there is more food coming and a different beverage to try. Until something else happens.

A thought crossed my mind in my reverie as I am alone with my own thoughts as Mrs Verno is determinedly ignoring me. We avoided the hotspot that is the Middle East due to the fact that we went via Istanbul.  We had feedback on the blog from Michael’s daughter Amy.  She was on a flight back to Doha for her work.  Her short evacuation was over.  Our thoughts go with her and we hope she stays safe.

While we are at it we FaceTimed the Vancouver Vernon’s and surprisingly they are looking forward to our sojourn with them.  Isobel and Ciaran will be home with Sean and Andrea so look forward to some great adventures. 

We’re pulling into Auckland Strand Station soon and it’s last orders for the Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

We are at the hotel now after haggling with a taxi driver who took us to the wrong hotel initially. A grand day out and a wonderful way to get from Wellington to Auckland.