“Just you?” The waitress asked confused.
“Yep, just me. Can I sit anywhere?” I asked. She nodded, and said I could sit wherever I wanted.
I had one goal this Sunday afternoon: To eat at Avida, the spanish restaurant I’d seen the day before. I’m spending only a couple hours in the city these last few days. I find I’m just too tired and the less I plan, the easier it is that it’ll go well. WRONG. So very, very, VERY wrong.
The morning brought a visit from Morgan, Frank, and Sammy, otherwise known as “Driving Miss Daisy”, “The Tender Trap”, and a replay of “The Wild Wild West”. Also a visit from the migraine fairy, but I was getting used to it.
Eventually I dressed, and left down for the bus around 1. Maybe it was 2, I wasn’t really paying attention to the time. Either way, it took over an hour to get into the city, everyone was busy getting their last minute gifts. Which was weird, because it was rather dead for the bus taking so long and stopping at so many places. There was really no one around. Maybe the city closes down on Sundays? Who knows.
I got off on the right stop, I headed down the right street, and tadda!!! The Avida, was closed.
*Sigh* So. Not. Fair.
I proceeded onwards. I still wanted to eat out tonight. I had plenty of food to eat in the next few days, but it was Sunday, and I was determined not to spend a full day in New Zealand, inside, in bed, if I can help it. I crossed the street and was back at the Museum of City & Sea. Well they were open! I saw the entrance arrow pointing around the tall, old, brick building and followed it in through more sliding glass doors. They’re everywhere I tell you.
There were four floors, and entrance was free. I love free. Who doesn’t love free?? LACMA should take a lesson. The first floor was all about the history of New Zealand and Wellington. There were pieces from ships and buildings, as well as some clothes, a phone, sports equipment, paintings, dishes, and other historical artifacts. Each floor had parts of ships, such as entire cabin, life jackets, and I remember one particular floor had an entire row of rotary phones, and very old hats. One of the hats was a exact duplicate of the gatsby hat my grandfather used to wear – it’s now hanging happily at my home over a broom.
One area had ropes to pull on, and windows to open. Clearly meant for kids but I found it fun. As did the little girl and her father, as she directed him that she was the Captain and he should clean the deck. I slowly wandered away to the next floor, chuckling to myself.
One floor was dedicated to the ship the Wahine, which had fallen into the sea. It had stories of the people trying to get off, and a memorial for those that couldn’t. I remember a large dog sculpture as well, seems the dog had lost its way after it’s owner, a little girl died. I forget its name, but it found a home on a ship. Another floor was in original condition and where the harbor board used to conduct meetings. The building itself had once been used for all business in and out of the harbour.
I didn’t watch any of the videos, it was about 4 now, and they closed at 4:30. There were three families and a few other groups along too. The girls were getting restless now, and running around. I decided it was time to find some food.
Outside, the waterfront restaurants were empty. Much better than they’d been on Friday when I’d tried to eat there. I went over to the first restaurant and checked out the menu posted on the side wall. All the boat sheds on the waterfront have been converted to restaurants or rental facilities ( well ‘hire’ places, they don’t say rent). I saw a possible option for dinner. I went back around, through the wooden patio where several families and a few couples sat, making my way into the “One Red Dog” restaurant.
The “One Red Dog” restaurant, was surrounded with glass windows, and pretty much everywhere inside it was floor to ceiling wood panels. Behind it was a larger restaurant, with a second floor and similar interior. I went up to the host at the counter on the right. After a few exchanges, I pointed to a spot near the window, in the back and walked over.
I sat down and pulled out my book and watched outside. The nice blonde, uniformed host brought me a menu.
Pumpkin Cannelloni? I’m there I thought. I never know about alcohol. I decided, maybe a wine today? I dunno. It’s just not my thing, but parts of my trip were declared to not be me so I was having it whether I wanted it or not.
A few new groups, a couple, and a boy playing leap frog with the silver pillar on the dock later, the waitress brought my food. It was pretty epic. Probably the best meal I’d had here so far. Seriously… good. The Oyster Bay Merlot wasn’t too bad either. I’m hungry now just thinking about the awesome food. I watched a group of kids playing outside the window, and totally snagged a photo of them. I think one of the couples caught me, but that’s okay. I’m not a creepy person, I’m just a girl, sitting alone, eating dinner, reading Gatsby, which I was about to finish. And did finish. I’d read both my books, and now I needed a new one.
And, that was it. I waited another hour for a bus, for some reason they just weren’t running that day. I sat on the Lambton Quay bench watching bus after bus come, but not mine. Soooooo tired of buses. I can’t wait to be in control of my traveling again – and just watch, I’ll end up on the couch watching Sherlock, and applying to jobs instead. I’m not ready to go home yet, but it is fast approaching.
Another hour on the bus, and I was back, traveling up the hill. A few cameo shots of myself. Figured the fam would like some, since I really don’t have any growing up, because I hate photos. I will take photos of myself when I want, but if anyone else tries, well, just imagine my hand pretending to slice my throat right now. No photos.