Let me count the ways...

Well here is my bit for Wellingtonist

I arrived in Wellington in 1985 at the age of 12 from Christchurch. I had no say in the matter and remained miserable for at least 3 months. Since then I'm pleased as punch to live here and can't ever imagine leaving.

When we arrived we stayed at the Sharella Motor Inn on Glenmore St. Here was the first highlight of living in a new town - restaurant meals all day (well, until we got a house). I still remember the chicken breast with garlic butter. Luxury.

I went to Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School. The school was new, and little was known about it. Consequently of the 17 students in my class, about 12 had severe behavioural problems. It was very different from my nice Christchurch Steiner school.

The following year I went to Onslow College - bless. Cool school, lots of great people. We were regarded as a bit of a rebel school back then, which is quite good when you're a teenager. You can be considered a rebel without actually having to rebel.

Following secondary school I spent more than a few years getting a BA in politics and Art History. This is where I found out that there really aren't many people who originally come from Wellington. I spent plenty of time at Bodega and at Trekkers consuming $2 pints. I saw loads of great bands and met many bosom buddies (gotta love the word bosom).

Since then I've worked as a florist, a caterer, a wine ho, a business owner, a receptionist, a historical researcher, a marketing researcher and a mother (amongst other things).

I love Wellington because it has everything. It has snazzy bars and dingy bars and good museums and art galleries and festivals and great food and great coffee.

There isn't much I don't like. I'm with Alan in wishing Wellington was located a bit further south, but what can you do?

The big downside of Wellington is that lots of people have left for bigger pastures. While I enjoy the comfortable nature of the place I don't think it has quite the glamour that a lot of people aspire to - nor the publishing industry. All my good journo friends have ended up in Auckland or overseas.

I don't rate the weather much either. Perhaps we should look at relocating to Samoa or somewhere nice and toasty. Like they say though, you can't beat Wellington on a good day. And now we have our new gas fire - well, our place is dead nice. Which is another good thing about Wellington - we have gas on tap. Many places aren't so fortunate and have to heft around gas bottles if they want to cook well. Poor bastards.

I really like the fact that when I resume a night-life that doesn't involve people under 3 I'll know where to go, and I'll see people I know. I like that Wellington is on the news everyday and that National Radio is here (now that I'm middle aged!).

Anyhow, here are a few of my favourite things:
The sandpit at Te Papa
Clarks Cafe
Miyabi Sushi
The waterfront
The crane boat Hikitia
Wanting to drive onto the ferry when you drive into Wellington in the morning
Cuba St in the weekend
Moore Wilson's Fresh
The zoo
Petone... of course.

And I like this newfound blogging community that feel like good mates.

Cheers.