The Quirky Side of Kiwi Life

As today only featured "strong northerlies" (tomorrow's forecast promises they will "turn to gales"), we decided to explore some of the offbeat sides of life in Wellington. First, a drive through an area known as Brooklyn, allegedly named to assuage the homesickness of an American who lived in the neighborhood a century ago, with local streets given such names as Washington, McKinley, Taft and Cleveland. We will be returning here tomorrow to the art deco-style movie theater to see an encore screening of "Aida" from the Metropolitan Opera. Amazing how these performances have caught on around the world (for about the same price as we pay at Mazza Gallery in Washington for Met encores).

Lest you think the '60s are long gone, I would suggest a drive down Happy Valley Road, whose very name connotes memories of cannabis past. It is impossible not to stop at the studio, if that is the correct term, of a certain Mr. Carlucci, who fashions art out of all types of materials and objets trouve. Eccentric or visionary artist? You be the judge:

And the increasingly bizarre...

And the SUV-perched-on-the Butte award goes to:

The southern-most end of the peninsula presents a rather bleak front, given the battering it receives from the southerlies (which are apparently even worse than the northerlies, given that they come up from Antartic regions). There is a marine preserve with a few hardy scuba divers in wetsuits. A view of the Red Rocks from Sinclair Head:

Finally, could any mention of quirky Kiwi life be made without reference to the jogging Santas? More anon on the role of sport in Kiwi life.

And who needs a jog bra with such a wind to uplift you?

(Posted by Joan on Dec. 9)