Tuesday December 1

The wedding was truly a grand event – Rosemary and Graham went all out to celebrate their marriage, and we who were guests benefited from their open-handed approach to the festivities. The wedding service itself was held in St. Andrew's on the Terrace, a Presbyterian church of some note. About 100 guests were present, and the ceremony was presided over by Rev John Murray, a long time friend of Rosemary's – he approached the service as an informal one, speaking in both English and Maori through-out the proceedings. One of the songs we sang during the proceedings was written for the event by John's wife – Shirley Erena Murray, whom First United folks will recognize as a writer of some of our favourite hymns. The ceremony was followed by a champagne and cake reception – the wedding cake was a dark chocolate, substantial, not fluffy – truly yummy.

After the reception, we gathered again back at the hotel, for nibbles, then a buffet dinner. Again, about 100 people. The food was marvellous – seafood including at least 3 types of salmon, shrimp; beef, ham, endless salads; pastas; and a separate dessert buffet provided us all with lots of opportunity to overdo it. Wine accompanied each part of the dinner. Rosemary's brother Richard em-ceed the event, and kept all on track; it was a well-managed affair. It was interesting to see the Maori custom of people coming in and out of the dinner - one brother would stay for the first course, then he'd leave, going off to another engagement; but replaced by a sister and her child. That's the way things are done, I'm told. I can't imagine our 'upright' people following that method of proceeding! Dancing followed, but I'd had a full day.

Sunday we were included in Rosemary's family breakfast at the hotel – a good chance to talk to people I hadn't met, and eat a little more – as if I hadn't had enough the night before.

Spent the rest of Sunday, and Monday touring – visited the Wellington City and Sky museum, and saw again a film of a shipwreck – this one in the Wellington Harbour, as recently as 1968, where 50 people died – the storms are so severe, that no ship can withstand their fury, with winds sometimes exceeding 150 mph,\. As in the film from last week, the tragedy was filmed – because the ship was trapped in the middle of the harbour, it was less than ½ mile off shore, and within easy camera distance; but those on shore were powerless to rescue some passengers. Many lifeboats capsized as they were launched due to the huge waves. I think that Mother Nature often reminds New Zealanders of who's in charge. One of the TV news clips showed the then-mayor saying 'we can take 70 mph winds in our stride – it's a usual event; but no one can withstand 150 mph winds.'

Toured by some govt buildings - the 'beehive' on the left is the Parliament building, and that beside the beehive is another administrative building - interesting contrast in architecture, don't you think?

Also visited Old St. Paul's, an early church nearby city centre. Built of many kinds of wood, the interior resembles the ribs of a wooden ship. Dating from 1846, it has somehow withstood the earthquakes – I'll have to look into that – was the wooden construction more flexible than stone or concrete? I wonder.

Couldn't resist showing the contrast between Old St. Paul's and the new construction going on in the background.

Am doing internet from the local library – it is very expensive in NZ, and I haven't found free access anywhere. The library is cheapest, as $.10/minute. For me who is used to spending an hour at a time several times a day, it's quite a shock. One of the things I appreciate even more now is the free internet access I enjoyed in any public library in Canada or the U.S. I've visited.

We're moving on now to Wanganui, about 200 km north of Wellington to visit with Rosemary and Graham. It should be warmer there, and less wet - as we move away from Antartica, the weather improves!!!