Thursday, August 14th 2003 – Day 177
I was lazy and did not get up until 10.00am. Too much mind work yesterday. It was a pity as the sun was out and no sign of rain. Today is supposed to be the best day for at least 4 days. I decided to head to Mount Victoria. It was about a 30 minute steep walk.
The high point on Wellington’s Southern Walkway, Mount Victoria, easily accessible by foot or vehicle, is undoubtedly the capital city’s favorite lookout. Popular with the tourists for its spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city and surrounds, the site is also appealing to locals. On warm summer evenings there is nowhere better to enjoy your fish and chips than with a glass of red wine and a view of the setting sun as it descends behind the surrounding hills.
The weather was great and the views good.. but a little fog. I stayed about 15 minutes. It was a quick down hill walk (10 minutes) back down.
I then went to the Old St Paul’s Cathedral which can be found on Mulgrave Street. It about a 20 minute walk from the city centre. This is a really nice church very different from the austere Anglican church’s in Ireland. Lots of decoration and tradition.
The Cathedral Church of St Paul built also to serve as the parish church of Thorndon, was consecrated in 1866. It was designed in late Early English Gothic style by the Rev. Frederick Thatcher, noted for the churches he built in the North Island for Bishop Selwyn. This, his finest work, was built in native timbers: totara, matai, rimu and kauri. It was altered and enlarged several times over the years by several architects including Christian Julius Toxward and Frederick de Jersey Clere, Diocesan Architect from 1883.
In 1954 a new Cathedral was begun, with the intention of demolishing the old one. After much protest the decision was finally reversed in 1966 and Old St Pauls, as it is now known, was taken over by the government.
The church has a superb timber interior, stained glass windows and memorial brasses, with a carved oak pulpit in memory of popular Premier Richard (“King Dick”) Seddon.
Old St. Paul’s attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a popular venue for weddings and other services.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Wellington – New Zealand – Old Saint Pauls (14-08-2003)
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Wellington – New Zealand – Old Saint Pauls (14-08-2003)
I then walked to the NEW Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. This is one ugly church. Built in 1964, its looks like a 60s nightmare. Its also very austere inside. Like a big shed. There is NO decoration except for the stained glass. Picture can be seen in their website. Didn’t stay long here. Ugly.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Wellington – New Zealand – New Saint Pauls (14-08-2003)
I then went to see CITY OF GOD at the Paramovnt Cinema. This is a great film.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Wellington – New Zealand – Flyer for the Film. (14-08-2003)
The main character in Cidade de Deus is not a person. It is a place. Cidade de Deus is a poor housing project started in the 60’s that became one of the most dangerous places in Rio de Janeiro by the beginning of the 80’s.
In order to tell the story of the place the film tells us the stories of many characters. But all is seen through the eyes of the narrator: Busca a poor black kid too frail and scared to become an outlaw but also to smart to be content with an underpaid job.
He grows up in a very violent environment. The odds are all against him. But he discovers he can see the reality with a different eye: the eye of an artist. Eventually he becomes a professional photographer. That is his redemption..
Buscap is not the real protagonist of the film. He is not the one who makes the story moves on. He is not the one who makes the decisions that will determine the main chain of events. Nevertheless, not only his life is attached to what happens in the story but it is also through his perspective of life that we understand the humanity of a world apparently condemned to endless violence.
This is a great film. I was glued to the screen (It was 12 NZD in). Having been in Rio and the favelas, not much has changed. See my stories from there. I see one of the stars (all street kids and amateurs) was arrested in Rio recently for stealing.
After that I went straight to a Comedy show called Section 8 down been held in Indigo on Cuba Street. I wanted to see some live Kiwi humor. It was 8 NZD in.
Featuring the creme of Wellington’s comedy talent
MC Vaughan King (Pulp Comedy) – Excellent smutty songs playing guitar.
Ben Hurley (Pulp Comedy) – good but short set.
Dave Smith (2003 Raw Comedy Quest) – Crap
Steve Wrigley (Best Newcomer – Laugh! Festival 2003) – Crap, retold the Bill Hicks joke regarding Christians and forgiveness. unforgiveable. Get your own material buddy.
James Nokise (Young Guns) – Excellent. He is from Samoa and had some good lines.
Looking forward to the All Blacks VS Wallabaies next Saturday night.
Anyway, the show ended at 12.30am and I headed home. No one else in the dorm . Sweet.
Post note about the Return of the King which sounds are been recorded for at tomorrows rugby game which I am attending.
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Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Wellington – New Zealand – Poster for the forthcoming 3rd Lord of the Rings Film called The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King . It will open here (Wellington) in a world wide premier on December 1st. (14-08-2003)