Publisearre: 13.12.2023
Today was actually supposed to be a hiking day, but the weather put a damper on the plan. While yesterday the volcano was clearly visible in clear to sunny weather, today it is shrouded in thick fog. The temperature dropped from around 20 to 5 degrees overnight and we turned on the electric oven in the small but not at all insulated hut. Climate change or not, if you're cold you don't care about the CO2. Since the weather at over 2000 meters was even worse than in the valley, we changed our plans and went to the National Army Museum. I got in for free because I said I was a reserve officer. No proof required, but the 7 euros were money well invested for the travel companion. You learned something about the wars from 1840 to 1880 against the people who originally lived here and then no longer. But the New Zealanders also had to take part in the First and Second World Wars, although not with as many people as the countries in Europe or Asia. What was striking in the museum was that around half of all exhibits came from the holdings of the Empire and the German Wehrmacht. Somehow Germany probably has a lot to offer. But the museum was less about weapons and more about all the things around it, such as sutlers, medical personnel and uniforms. While the travel companion tried out the uniforms - I think the hat (I meant Barrett) is made of Merino wool - I occupied a machine gun position in a bunker. Such a traditional understanding of roles is correct.
Conclusion: On an island with a lot of water around it, you don't have to worry so much about being attacked or run over. Another plus point for New Zealand.