Sunny Nelson



     Our last stop on the South Island of New Zealand was sweet city of Nelson, also known to be the sunniest place in the whole country. And Nelson did not disappoint! It had relaxed, happy, and safe feel that reminded Steve and me of simpler times. I felt like I was back in the 1980s, and I can't explain why. Perhaps because the downtown district had an old-fashion feel and I didn't see people walking around with cell phones. There was just a special calm and tranquility in the air that made both Steve and me feel happy and good.

     We also loved having two nights in the same hotel. The difficulty with a two-week bus tour that crosses an entire country is that you are always on the go, always having to pack up your suitcase early each morning.
     Our second day in Nelson included a catamaran ride to Abel Tasman National Park.

Split Apple Rock

     We loved having the chance to stretch our legs and take a hike up to a suspension bridge.

     Afterwards, it was nice to relax in a beanbag chair!

     On the outskirts of Nelson we visited a most unusual museum known as World Of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum or WOW (www.wowcars.nz). The name says it all -- half of the museum features amazing fashion statements and half is a car collector's dream. I focused on the fashion side. Take a look...



Dress made entirely of zippers!

Close up...

Dress made largely of pill capsules.

Close up. 

     Apparently, each year in Wellington, NZ there is a worldwide wearable art competition. Since 2001, the WOW Museum in Nelson has been displaying the fashions from the previous year's show, allowing the public to see the extraordinary, wild creations up close.
     Now it's time to head up to the North Island!