The Unbalanced Libra..

K, baby and I had a fun filled day yesterday at Port Ahuriri, a small port in the town of Napier.

We had picked up a brochure at the tourist information center some time back, and knew about this Art Decor festival going on this weekend so we decided to go and take a look.

We left the house with Ah Ming and A around 9am in search of the buffet brunches in the brochure. However, all the buffet spread were disappointing for the prices we were expected to pay, so we decided to postpone breakfast and went for a free Jazz Liturgy at this cathedral in Napier instead. The band from the Navy was playing in the cathedral, and we soon realized that it was more a Sunday service than a jazz performance. They simply had the Navy band to play some jazz to accompany their hymns and songs. The four of us did not stay throughout but
left halfway in between. K and Ah Ming weren't too comfortable, i think. And A is a believer so i think she didn't mind. As for me, well, i actually liked it cause it was all very peaceful and calm, and i like listening to the church songs!

After we left the cathedral, we went in search of breakfast again, and ended up at Cafe DMP, where i had my favourite banana pancakes and iced chocolate. = ) After breakfast, we headed to Rebel Sport to check out the winter sale, but came out empty handed. Because the next activity only starts at 1pm, we decided to go for makan again. This time, we had Ma poh beancurd, chicken wings and BBQ pork bun at this Chinese restaurant. A's craving! = )

By the time we finished our lunch, it was past 1pm, so we headed to the National Tobacco Center at Port Ahuriri for the Ahuriri Family Day Carnival. We kinda got all excited when we arrived, cause we were greeted by lots and lots of vintage cars lining the street, and small crowds of people all dressed in their high society clothes to match the vintage theme of the day. K and I felt so so poorly dressed amidst all the people in their suits, hats and fur coats! We spent nearly 2 hours at the carnival, taking pictures of all the vintage cars and people watching. A and I also had a fun time learning the basics of lindy hopping, while K and Ah Ming stood on one side and laughed at us. The 4 of us also took a ride in 2 absolutely gorgeous vintage cars for $2 each, all proceeds go to charity. Here are some photos that we took at the carnival:








We left the carnival around 3pm, and headed to Port Napier to board and tour the Navy's new ship. We had to join a long queue to get on board, but fortunately, the queue moved fast.. On board the ship, we were lucky to witness a huge oil tanker sail off from the port, with 2 tug boats pulling it along. It seemed like such a difficult task!



After the whole Navy ship touring, we headed back to Port Ahuriri to secure ourselves a good spot to watch the fireworks display later in the evening. We parked our car by the railway tracks, and went to this bar restaurant beside the port where we ordered drinks and snacks and waited for the fireworks. We had deep fried squid rings and wedges with cheese with hot chocolate in the cold wind for nearly an hour before the fireworks started. There was a prize presentation ceremony at the restaurant as well, where prizes were being given out for the various activities held during the carnival, and also for the lucky draw.

At about 545pm, the fireworks finally began. By then, i was totally numb sitting outside in the cold.. but the wait was well worth it. The fireworks display lasted for almost 20 minutes, and it was spectacular. Haha.. another unexpected. I never expect i can get to watch fireworks here. I told K this was to make up the fireworks that we will miss in Singapore for National Day next month.. = )

After the fireworks, the four of us had Thai food for dinner. The food was above average, but cost us $100, which i felt was pretty expensive. We had tom yum soup, chicken satay, phad thai, chicken curry, stir fry vegetables and squid.

All in all, yesterday was a happy day for baby and me! = )