Hastings/Napier

 This is the Avenue of the Oaks in Hasting.  When you drive down this street it is like driving down a tunnel of trees.  This is located in Hastings which is a beautiful and immaculate town.  They actually sweep the streets and sidewalks at least three times a week.  Everyone's yard appear as if they all have professional gardeners. Hastings has a spanish mission style architecture.  It was largely rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and has many beautifully landscaped parks and gardens.  Elder and Sister Farnes are serving their mission in Hastings and the surrounding areas. We had the privilege of going out of dinner with them on Friday night.  Sister Farnes entered a convent when she was 15 years old.  She spend 4 years there and before taking out her vows to become a nun she decided to take a year off and experience the world.  Just before she was to go back into the convent and take her vows to become a nun she met the Mormon missionaries and joined the church.  Someone told her once that instead of becoming a Mother Superior she had become a Superior Mother.  She is a fascinating person to know. She and Elder Farnes arrived in New Zealand the week of Thanksgiving 2011 and within 2 weeks of their arrival he had a stroke which affected his eyesight and he was unable to drive.  Sister Farnes had to immediately learn to drive on the opposite side.

Dinner with the Farnes and the McVey's at the Masonic Lodge in Napier.

 The Farnes  went with us Saturday morning to have our picture taken outside of the Napier Courthouse.  Sister Farnes was gracious enough to take our pictures even though it was raining.

 The courthouse was recently moved to a new location shown above but this was the original courthouse.

Fountain in Napier

Napier is considered the art deco capital of the world.  It was also devastated by the 1931 earthquake and has since been rebuilt.  They have a Art Deco Weekend which is held in February where the local folks and visitors polish their vintage cars, dress up in their best art deco gear and get into the spirit of the festival.

 When Don was working at the archives he digitized a probate of a sheep farmer.  When he died in 1896 he deeded his property to the town of Napier for a 9 hole golf course.  Of course, Don needed to see this golf course.  It is now a 18 hole golf course that extends on three sides of the road (north, south and west).  It is beautiful with the lush green scenery.

April 7, 2012