August 23, 2024

Things still a wee bit upside down!

I am hoping today was the last day I have to visit the Ship in the Belfast, Harland & Wolff Shipyard. I am flying back to Philly tomorrow for one niece's wedding in Ocean City, NJ and the birth of another niece's little one, any day now! The ship continues to work through the certifications and inspections and hopes to be doing the final sea trials next week. Fellow residents are heading off to Amsterdam and Hamburg to explore and will be picked up by the ship, once they set sail as the first ports. Many are also staying in Belfast, because they want to be part of inaugural sail. I have already spent a good amount of time in both Amsterdam and Hamburg, and I would rather soak up some sunshine and family time in one of my happy places, Ocean City, NJ. So bye, bye Belfast!

CHRIST CHURCH via LYTTELTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Pat Patrick • March 17, 2026
CHRISTCHURCH, was my favorite city last time I visited New Zealand in 2016, and it didn't disappoint, for a second time! We had a gorgeous day to take in all the sights. Christchurch is on the other side of the volcanic mountains, from the charming port town of Lyttelton , a quick 20 minute uber ride through the tunnel. The area was devasted by an earthquake in 2011 and is still rebuilding, but the progress has been striking since I was last here. 

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 4, 2026
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!