Rainy Friday

The forecast is rain for the next few days.  Although we are not exactly Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds singing in the rain, we decide that a positive attitude towards the rain is in order.

We start the day equipped with raincoat and umbrella.  First stop is the Portrait Gallery.  There are approximately 60 pieces of art, centering around New Zealand artists.  I'm particularly fond of Leo Bensemann's "Portraits of Rita Angus" where she is made up as Cleopatra, "Luncheon Under the Ash Tree" by Evelyn Page and Rita Angus' "Portrait of Leo" (Bensemann).

A couple of blocks away is the Wellington Museum.  The first floor takes an interesting approach providing insights on events in Wellington in a timeline from the 1800's through the current day.  The other floors showcase the dockside and shipping/naval history.

We leave the museum to see some other point of interest within a 3km distance.  These include the bucket fountain on Cuba Street, the Opera House and the St. James Theater.  Our destination is the Embassy Theater, a classic theater building which has been converted into a multi-screen movie theater.  It also houses a jazz club/lounge and separate bar.  The seats are comfortable as we settle in to watch the movie LaLa Land.

On our way back to our apartment we stop at Pizza Napoli, a small well-known local place.  We arrive at just the right time to be escorted by the owner to a table next to the windows.  The pepperoni pizza and bottle of Sangiovese is perfect as we watch the constant heavy drizzle and the people of Wellington bustling as they leave work and make their way to the bars and restaurants or to start their commute home.