First impressions of Wellington

I've been in Wellington for 24 hours, and I really like this city. Despite being the capital, it's a bit funky. The downtown is very compact and walkable, and it feels like a small-ish city. The topography (hills cupping a bay), architecture (many Edwardian houses), and weather (today is drizzly and very windy) all remind me of San Francisco. I immediately feel at home here.

Many people we spoke with in NZ questioned (to say the least) our decision to come to Wellington, but I have no doubts - I'm really glad we came here. There is no bungee or skydive, and for that, I'm thankful.

Thus far I've visited the Te Papa museum (a great free museum on New Zealand history and culture), gone on a long run around the bay, and walked around Cuba Street. I ended yesterday by watching the last bit of Hot Tub Time Machine, a ridiculous and awesome movie. (Two nights ago I watched a bit of Terminator 2)

Photos below are:
- panorama of the bay during my run
- skate park near Te Papa
- lobby of our hotel, the Amora.
- mural of Biggie. His legacy looms large
- Edwardian architecture