The family is now spread out over NZ. We stayed in a Motel close to his new residence, where we didn't sleep through the night. Not because of him moving but the alarm went of at 1.00 pm. One guest had been showering for about half an hour which apparently set the alarm off. Three fire engines arrived. The lady in question, dressed in a towel, entertained herself making selfies with the firemen.
The trucks disappeared again but the alarm kept going as the key of the shop below didn't work as the lock had been replaced. It took about two hours to track down the person with the key, so we could sleep in peace again.
I love the old buildings in Dunedin but my favourite is the Railway Station. It is said to be one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. It was first opened in 1906 and designed by George Troup. He was nicknamed Gingerbread George after designing this building.
Part of the beautiful interieur of the Railway Station with the original ticket office windows.
On Sunday morning we visited another treat: Larnach castle which is NZ land's only castle. It was build around 1871 and residence of William Larnach. The castle was restored by Margaret Baker.
The rooms inside are beautiful.
The best part is when you go through a winding staircase up into a tower and you end up on the roof , where you have breath taking views.
View on the front garden
Moi, entering the roof
Alice in wonderland
Quote from the book by Lewis Carroll
"I wonder if I shall fall right through the earth! How funny it’ll seem to come out among the people that walk with their heads downwards! The antipathies I think… but I shall have to ask them what the name of the country is, you know. Please Ma’am, is this New Zealand?"
The gardens are absolutely stunning and it was a pleasure to wander around on this beautiful summer day.
Oh and these views. William had a rest on this beautiful spot.
I loved Dunedin. I could live there. Maybe one day
It looks really beautiful there! I haven't been yet - I must! (What an awful night you had! Very peculiar that a long shower sets the alarm off!! )
ReplyDeleteYes you must It is a beautiful city Also see the Albatross colony there Lots to see
DeleteWhat stunning views Marja.. and I hope your Son soon gets settled.. I can so see why you fell in love with this place.. Love the old buildings ... And what a view that must have been from the top of the tower..
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful rest of the week..
Hugs Sue xx
Such beautiful photos Marja. You know I have lived my entire life in this country and sadly not made it to the south island yet. Maybe that needs to change, the scenery is spectacular. Is your son off to Varsity in Dunedin? My youngest is moving out next month to finally go flatting so our nest will be empty, but I will have a guest room!!! Oh and more food in the fridge, loo paper, and a much cleaner house.
ReplyDeleteAs always your photos are delightful Marja and your descriptions very interesting. You were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day.
ReplyDeleteDunedin sounds like a lovely place to visit but I don't think the weather would suit me to stay all year round.
How terrible about your disruptive sleep but a fun story to tell......woman having selfies in a towel with the firemen!
Take care and big hugs
Peggy xxxxxx
No it snows in winter but I am used to that from Holland. It has its own charm. Big hug Peggy
DeleteWhat a beautiful area! The city, the lake and the mountains – a photographer’s paradise I think. But that railway station is truly unique. I’d love to be back to the early 1900s and take a ride on one of the trains. I thought there were few trains in New Zealand?
ReplyDeleteme too In the beginning of the century there were 100 rides a day but now only one or two I think
DeleteOne guest had been showering for about half an hour which apparently set the alarm off.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I were in hotel in Atlanta, Georgia several years ago and something like that happened. Turns out a couple "forgot" they started the shower and sometime later the fire alarm went off. Scuttlebut had it that the firemen bursted through their hotel room door and found the couple still occupied with their activities.
Beautiful looking place, and the railway station is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh my, what an exciting introduction to helping your son move to a new residence … and in such a beautiful town. The children are leaving the nest and you look and hopefully feel like a princess in your own castle. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful town and I would love to visit it one day. We have been to NZ a few times but never to Dunedin. The railway station is a beauty and the view from the castle fabulous.
ReplyDeleteDunedin in fine weather is really beautiful. You chose the right time to go there. As for the sleepless night, oh dear those alarms are certainly a mixed blessing. I lived in Dunedin for a winter, and enjoyed revisiting with you. The railway station is a fine building, inside and out.
ReplyDeleteDunedin looks like a charming city, and I love the look of the trainstation!
ReplyDeleteHow hot was the water that lady was showering with?
ReplyDeleteProbably steaming hot
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place,your son surely will love living there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great photos.
Smiles
Dunedin is a beautiful place to visit.
ReplyDelete