Nelson, New Zealand - 16 January 2019 - 8:00am to 9:00pm

View from our Cabin Balcony in Nelson, NZ

We arrive this morning in Nelson, the second oldest city in New Zealand having a population of 50,000.  The only unusual thing we find here is the WOW Museum (World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars).  

Tools of the Trade - New Zealand Designer

Colette, Marc and I are headed to the museum.  We board the ship's shuttle to the bus station, then a local bus to a stop along the main highway where we walk through a neighborhood, under a highway and through a parking lot -- a bit further than we thought but here we are.

Crimson Devil - Hong Kong Designer

The National WOW Museum has two distinct collections -- clothing and cars to  "celebrate design, innovation and wonder". 

Bee Whisperer - United States Designer

The World of Wearable Art Awards Show is held in Wellington every Spring.   This competition began on a small scale 30 years ago -- now it displays the talents of designers from more than 40 countries worldwide -- a true spectacle.   Todays exhibit displays finalists from the 2018 competition.

1950 Studebaker - My parents had one -- it was black and it was not a convertible.

The Nelson Classic Car Collection, "100 Years of Motoring" includes more than 140 classic and vintage vehicles showing how the car is intrinsic to changing times, technology and events.  All vehicles are in pristine condition dating back to 1908.

Marc is delighted to discover most of the museum is taken up by the cars.  Colette and I find the cars interesting, but we expected to have more fashion items on display.  

All in all it is a good stop -- we take cab back to town.

Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson, NZ

Downtown Nelson is a lovely place to walk around which is what I do -- Colette and Marc have lunch.    When I see the Nelson Cathedral way up on a hill -- I decide I need the exercise.   Also known as Christ Church Cathedral, it is the Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese of Nelson.  

New Zealand SPCA Christmas Tree

 Designed in the 1920's, the cathedral is art deco style.  It faces north out to sea -- unusual since most Christian churches face east to west with the altar to the east end (so I'm told).   The dedication of the nave of the church occurred in 1932 -- with completion of the entire cathedral in 1972. 

Close-up of the Christmas Tree from New Zealand Genealogy Society

As I enter the church, there is an attendant who gives me a brochure describing the Festival of Trees in its last week.  Local organizations and commercial enterprises each decorate a Christmas Tree  -- they are put on display for about 5 weeks around the perimeter of the entire cathedral.     Each tree is so pretty and so different from all the others.  I spend more time here than expected.

As I leave the cathedral, going down the steps is much easier, after which, I wander down Trafalgar Street popping into a couple of stores but nothing catches my eye so I continue walking to the bus station for the next shuttle to the ship.

Colette, Phil, Pat and Marc at White Night on Pool Deck of Azamara Quest

Tonight is another White Night Alfresco Dinner on the pool deck.    Phil, with help from Marc, has procured a great table near the stage.   This is a buffet with fabulous food -- too many options to list.

Native Dancers at White Night on Azamara Quest

Entertainment is another native group dancing the Haka -- then after dinner, the entire entertainment team including our Cruise Director and his assistant and the band get everyone dancing and singing.   It is a very fun evening.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat