Omaramu to Dunedin

We slept in. So cozy in our down comforters and we awoke to a bright blue and blessedly windless day. A gift. We made an itinerary but first hit the bakery. Treats! Then, we went to Janet Frame's house in Omaramu. I tink her story is so poignant. Did you see Jane Campion's version of her autobiography, Angel at My Table? I recommend her books and the movie. Omaru's Public Garden, first opened in 1876, provided a great morning walk. Ron announced that he prefered them to the gardens in Christchurch. They were quite different - more rustic and very quiet. A beautiful place and with the expected plethora of rhoddies. We came further into town and took a short ride on a small diesel railroad which wends down to the harbour near the famous blue penguin colony. These come to shore only at dawn and dusk, which we knew, but couldn't quite deal with the too early and too late time frames. The train ride was about 1/2 hour which included a stop along the water. A staff member must have felt kindly toward Ron because she asked if he'd like to see a blue penguin sitting on her egg. She comes back yearly to this small spot and it was quite thrilling to see her. The species is quite rare. Back in town, we walked through the historic district with its elaborate building faces from the early 19th century and saw the shop owners in Victorian costume. I so wanted some of the carvings made from Omaramu rock (sandstone containing many fossils) but these were far too heavy to lug home. I did consider it, though. We happily spotted a cafe featuring a $10 lunch and a live piano performance which entertained us throughout our meal. Two charming ladies sat at the next table, obviously long-time friends, who were so proud when they ate the flowers decorating their desserts. I complimented them on the adventure to which one replied that she might have to go home and eat some of her pansies, it was so tasty! We left for Dunedin, Edinbourough's original name. The people here are proud of their Scottish heritage. We forego the congested and confusing town for the moment and luckily drive by one of the hotels suggested in my guide book. We check in, wash a few loads of clothes and tend to other necessities. Time to rest.