Napier, New Zealand - 18 January 2019 - Friday - Noon to 6:00pm


Napier on the east coast of the North Island has a population of 64,000 and is known as the Art Deco town.  In 1931 this town experienced an earthquake measuring 7.8 and lasting for more than two minutes -- 256 people died.  Everything within 5 blocks of the downtown area was destroyed  -- not from the actual earthquake but from fires caused by the earthquake that could not be extinguished because water was not available.    The earthquake also raised 10,000 acres of land above sea level enlarging the downtown Napier. 

Pat and Colette by Hawkes Bay Express

After the dust settled -- four architectural firms in town got together to rebuild the town in the Art Deco style.  The reason for Art Deco was:  fashionable at the time, cheap and a non-controversial design.  It worked.  At the time there were only two people on the City Council so decisions were made quickly and the town was rebuilt in record time.

Phil waiting, patiently, on the train.

Today we have signed up to take the Hawke's Bay Express on a tour around the town.  This is a "trolley train" owned and run by a husband and wife team with the help of her father.   We travel through:  marine parade along the waterfront, city center, the Hill, and the Old Custom House -- built in 1895 -- a survivor of the earthquake.

Our Guide and Engineer on Hawkes Bay Express.

This town isn't very big, our guide tells us:  "If you get lost in Napier, you've worked at it".   We see people driving around in vintage 1930's vehicles and dressed to compliment their cars.

Vintage Cars and their owners in Napier, NZ

After our tour -- Colette and Marc head to a museum and a walk on the beach.   Phil and I each go our own way and are back on board in time for our scheduled tour of the Quest's Galley at 4:00 pm.  

When we arrive at the appointed place at 4:00 pm for the Galley Tour, we are by ourselves.   Then, Arnold, the Sous Chef comes out and looks around wondering where the other 29 people who signed up are.

Prep Station for Chicken on left and Meat on the right.

He's says if we are still interested he is -- so off we go for a private tour of the Azamara Quest's Galley.   We see all the stations from prep to pick-up as Arnold explains some of the systems like the color coordination.    For example:  yellow cutting boards are for chicken, red for meat and blue for fish.    There are also photos of each dish at the room service station to be sure the correct plate is being sent.

Line Cooks saying "Hello"



The Room Service Station.


We both, particularly Phil, enjoy the tour and are glad the other 29 passengers didn't show.

After dinner the show is a medley of show tunes by Brad and Tanya, of the Entertainment Team -- both very talented.  In fact, one of Azamara's strong suits is their entertainment.   Of all the ships we have traveled on -- this is the best entertainment I have experienced.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat

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