Art Deco town Napier: 1931 - 2012

This is the only city completely built in the Art Deco style.
The Art Deco weekend is a must, more fotos here.

Look closer at the fox and the parasol!

For more information have a look also at the Art Deco Trust Napier.

A lesson in History: New Zealand the first full democracy

Hier mal wieder eine kleine Geschichtsstunde: New Zealand war das letzte Land, was von der Menschheit besiedelt wurde, und das erste Land, das die vollständige Demokratie (Wahlrecht für Frauen und Männer) eingeführt hat.

Cycling gets exciting ...

Since yesterday I cycle to work. A bit tough when the northerlies blow but have to get prepared for the Tui competition.

Today is Waitangi Day

6th February is a public holiday each year and actually NZ's national day! New Zealanders of all ethnic backgrounds and creeds gather to commemorate the first signing of the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840. Waitangi Day is a generally optimistic focus for debate on national identity and multiculturalism in New Zealand.
At the Treaty Grounds a peaceful family-oriented celebration prevails.

It was in 1840 when English settlers (the Crown) and Northern Maori tribes signed the so-called Treaty of Waitangi: 'We are one people now!'.
It is the birth of 'New Zealand' and some refer to the previous period as the days of Aoteaora!

Bella Italia in Wellington Bay

Well, it is not really Italy in New Zealand but the taste gets very close.

The restaurant is called Bella Italia, what else?

The restuarant offers authentic Italian foods and dishes. The chefs create real Italian pizza with prosciutto di Parma! The pasta is tasty, meat is of highest quality.

Unfortunately, they do not serve zabaione and the mousse au chocolat is made with NZ chocolate which does not stand up to the Italian standards!

Ciao Bella Italia, we will be back soon!