A Little Time Travel

We didn't just escape the rain; we also embarked on a time travel adventure! At least architecturally – and thankfully ONLY architecturally – we've landed in the 1930s. We have arrived in the Art Deco city of Napier. Napier was largely destroyed by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 3, 1931. During the unprecedented reconstruction, 160 buildings in the Art Deco style were erected within 2 years, of which 140 are still preserved today.

Even during our first visit 10 years ago, we were captivated by the city's special charm. This time, we have a bit more time and opportunity, not only to sense the charm of the city but also to admire the Art Deco buildings more closely.

We're taking a city tour in a 1940s Packard convertible (Packard 110 Drop Head Convertible Coupe), complete with a chauffeur dressed in 1930s attire. John not only drives us through the city; he also introduces us to the unique characteristics of Art Deco, the buildings, and the city’s history. Highlights include – besides the actual ride – the Art Deco theater and the foyer of the former tobacco factory. The tobacco factory was run by a German philanthropist, who particularly supported those in need after the earthquake and charged lower interest rates for rebuilding loans than the New Zealand government.

Our visit to Napier is crowned by arguably the most beautiful camping spot of the tour…with a fantastic sea view! By the way, it's at the same campground we visited 10 years ago. Back then, I barely managed to prevent our little camper from going up in flames while preparing the appetizer – the flaming shrimp flew out of the opened back hatch along with the pan….

The pitfalls of cooking with gas in the little castle were something we learned about on the very first evening this time. While the sauce simmered and I handed the doll some dishes, I thought the paper towel was poorly positioned and urgently needed to be moved. Not having thought it through completely, a gust of wind swept through our little castle, and the paper towel caught fire. True to form…out with it! However, I wasn't willing to let the whole roll become an offering to the flames. Frugal as I am, I tore off a few sheets. They were quickly caught by the wind and threatened to be blown under the little castle. Bravely, the doll sprang into action and stopped the flaming paper with her little foot, even getting a burn blister! The fact that the events are portrayed differently in the doll's version is probably obvious…since I'm writing, I get to decide the story! How lovely!