That drive from Napier to New Plymouth was amazing. The beautiful Lake Taupo, the mountains, steaming thermal springs visible in the distance, but best of all was the Forgotten Highway: 100km of winding precarious track, remote, eerie (no phone signal in case of problems!) and spectacular. That's what I hear, 'cos only the violins were daring enough to take that route, (they're used to altitude;)...) us more lowly players being boring and sensible and definitely missing out. Idiots! (Well, someone had painted me such a black picture of this one-lane track I honestly felt it would be mad to try it!)
New Plymouth was lovely, in the quirky and wonderful boutique hotel aptly named the Nice Hotel, because it is, well, nice… Eccentric, generous and fascinating host Terry and his brilliant chef make for a great team. The concert was especially fun as lots of young people turned up - always such a pleasure.
Next day we flew down to Wellington and had the joy of being able to totally unpack the suitcase as we were staying for four days in one hotel! (Good planning, CMNZ -thanks!) What a fabulous city Wellington is, with the splendid waterfront, fantastic Botanical Gardens, great venues and restaurants. And of course, the best coffee in the world. We had a short drive up to Palmerston North for a concert where, amongst others, were an old university buddy of Ian's, Paul's brother-in-law's family from Ireland, and my art teacher from secondary school 35 years ago! What a surprise and a joy to see her… That's what's so great down here: so many people have come from Europe or have links there, one really feels part of the culture. The evening was perfectly rounded off with a delicious curry cooked and transported to the venue by Jenny with fantastic forward planning, knowing no restaurants would be open that late!
Also a bonus of being based a few days in one place, on a free evening we were able to go to a Real Home! Lovely Peter and Catherine Walls invited us for a fab dinner in their gorgeous house with spectacular views over the city, sea and mountains.
In Wellington we were able to spend time with our excellent hosts, CMNZ, in their great new offices, where we spent a few hours rehearsing and doing interviews. Also hoola-hooping with the girls - an activity I'm told is quite popular to clear the head after a typical day of logistical headaches organising tours for string quartets and the like!
The concert at the wonderful Michael Fowler Centre was rounded off with a lovely reception with all the team as well as many old friends from the chamber music world, including members of the lovely New Zealand String Quartet who we first met over 30 years ago at Banff.
On we went the next day (through the Middle Earth that is Wellington Airport, see below)
and on to the sun trap and sleepy hideaway English-style town of Nelson. Simply lovely. Great organisation by the local hosts and a fantastic Japanese meal in the hotel after the concert.
On today to Christchurch. What can I say? The devastation inflicted on this lovely city four years ago is still very much in evidence, but the spirit of community and determination shines through clear and bright. Most humbling.
Fantastic auditorium for the concert at St Margaret's College - and another lovely audience, one of whom had been a supporter of CMNZ since 1960! - and, joy of joys, Jenny brought another of her fantastic curries. Yum!
Back on the road tomorrow for the southern-most reaches of this amazing country.
Cellfies update
Hello again fans. I've been so busy these last days I haven't had much time for Cellfies, but here are a few I hope will amuse you.
A bit of downtime at CMNZ just hanging out with the gang…
we artistes can have fun too.
Posing with more Middle Earth celebrities at the airport.
Finally, a car that knows how to treat me!
My own seat - and I don't have to be upside down!
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