A Return To Hokitika

Hokitika, perhaps the most storied of the gold rush towns (see esp The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton), is one of the friendliest places in an already uber-friendly country. And on this 60+F day with full sun, we walked into town and everyone said hello.

Sign seen in an op-shop (secondhand store). Whingeing is such a good word. I had to look it up to remind myself it means whining.

We sipped creamy, flavorful flat whites outside under a raging blue sky. Spring is appearing with a vengeance as we make our way to the top of the South Island, where it's always warmer anyway.

Barista on her game

Bookstore stop, as always. I purchased the Instant Maori book (lower right), which has pronunciations I definitely need. "Upsize Your Reo" is a shorthand way of saying get better at Te Reo Maori, the indigenous language of NZ. More here.

 Cold steak, vegetables, and fruit + cheese for supper. With chocolate.