Out of the ashes, a Phoenix has risen. Not literally ashes in this case, but volcanic nevertheless. In 1931 an horrendous earthquake ripped Napier to shreds. The subsequent rebuild encapsulated the period forever and the town is generally considered to be the best collection of Art Deco buildings in the world.
Last time we stayed here a couple of days, today we have just a morning to do it justice. So we won’t be venturing to Hastings, just a few miles along the white cliffs round the bay, or heading inland to any of the world famous wineries of Hawkes Bay (of which there are many - Cloudy Bay for example!)
Instead we do an intensive cross grid walk around town checking out each and every street and building, they are a joy for us as we love this period. Every one looking like an old cinema or theatre (in Britain many cinemas, even if they are now bingo halls, still retain their thirties hey-day look.)
It isn’t takes two hours to exhaust the town, so we then walk along the promenade for a few miles before returning to the ship, once again requiring a bus for the last few yards as independent travellers are forbidden to enter the port here too.
Back on ship so early, we raid the Neptune for lunch on our balcony and then head upstairs to nine to enjoy our sailaway and some sunshine.
A lot of chatting with the railway gang both onland and onboard, but otherwise we while away the afternoon variously reading, writing and messing with photos One potentially good outcome is trying to move some photos to Google Photos which will allow some none-FB friends to view them, however they will now need a Google account which will no-doubt cause additional issues.
After a while it's time to dress for dinner, which being a formal night means the full DJ experience again, although sadly our corsages have withered and died so they are not getting a second wear. Tonight is another special dinner, this time the chef-patron of Pinnacle, Rudi Soderman has lent his hand to Sel-de-Mer which as you'll not be surprised to know in eight characters is his French fish menu.
It's not just a fish menu, but starts with a plump scallop amuse, orange foam, truffle and seaweed green vermicelli which just sets the tone for a wonderful evening of paté, snails, duck and sole. These are followed by more classics - tarte tatin and crêpes suzette. The only underwhelming dish was the tatin, which was OK but not as good as mine, otherwise it's an all-round magnificent menu
After a while it's time to dress for dinner, which being a formal night means the full DJ experience again, although sadly our corsages have withered and died so they are not getting a second wear. Tonight is another special dinner, this time the chef-patron of Pinnacle, Rudi Soderman has lent his hand to Sel-de-Mer which as you'll not be surprised to know in eight characters is his French fish menu.
It's not just a fish menu, but starts with a plump scallop amuse, orange foam, truffle and seaweed green vermicelli which just sets the tone for a wonderful evening of paté, snails, duck and sole. These are followed by more classics - tarte tatin and crêpes suzette. The only underwhelming dish was the tatin, which was OK but not as good as mine, otherwise it's an all-round magnificent menu
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