Wednesday 9 May 2012

Sunny Nelson (well not today!)

Despite the inclement weather we ventured into Nelson this morning to re-acquaint ourselves with the city. First up was South St, a preserved street of 1860 Tradesmen's cottages. The cottages can actually be rented as holiday cottages.

South St Nelson.South St Nelson.

Christ Church Cathedral was next on the visiting list. This building was originally designed similar to Cathedral's in the UK with tall spires. The main part of the building was completed but the bell tower or spire was put on hold until 1964. A redesign was called for and the tower was changed to it’s present design. Made from Takaka stone, it is a very impressive building. While in the Cathedral the organist was having a practice session so we had a free recital thrown in.

Front doors Nelson Cathedral.Front doors Nelson Cathedral.The Rose Window, Nelson Cathedral.The Rose Window.The Font, Nelson Cathedral.The FontThe bell tower, Nelson Cathedral.The Bell Tower, Nelson Cathedral.

It was pleasing to see old and art deco buildings surviving in the CBD among new and refurbished buildings. Dot and Jenny even found a sale on at Millers with everything under $20  which they both took advantage of.

Art Deco State cinema building Nelson.Art Deco State Cinema building Nelson.Stained glass windows in the dome.Stained glass windows in the dome.IMG_7772Three in a row.Nice food here.Nice food here.Symons Memorial gas lamp in Nelson CBD.Symons Memorial gas lamp in Nelson CBD.

On the way home we called into see my daughter and family for a while. Returning to the camp we found visitors hoping to catch up with us. It was Gilbert and Jude who owned a narrowboat in the UK who we apparently passed several times on the “Cut” but never actually met. They sold their boat two years ago to return to New Zealand. They are flying out in a few days time to start a new adventure with a Swift motorhome that they have arranged through Paul and Diane at Castle European, Tauranga. Good luck guys.

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