We’re making a renewed effort to get out more.  It’s so easy to get ensconced in our own little world that it does require a little effort.  I could happily potter on in my little bit of paradise but that would make life a little predictable and my scope of conversation limited to gorse, chickens, bassets and vegetables. Sound familiar?

With the first truly beautiful Spring Day since we returned from our big trip it seemed right and proper that we ventured out.  I was also keen to make a second visit to the City Market that we enjoyed a couple a months ago.  I’d read on their email that my favourite pie maker was going to be on show and that sealed the deal for a trip to the big smoke.

And boy was I glad we did.

First up the parking nightmare.  It seems that the market has become so popular that finding somewhere to park close by was a challenge in itself.  Just as I was starting to sulk some kind soul decided to leave and there was a perfect spot on Oriental Parade for us to snatch.  It also meant we had the opportunity to enjoy the harbour view and join the crowds of other people enjoying the Spring sunshine.

It was such a beautiful day it seemed rude to walk past the cafe  so we stopped for brunch and got into the groove of Wellington cafe culture.  Luckily most of the rest of the crowds of people were too busy jogging, power walking, cycling, line skating or some other form of athletic activity to notice the fantastic coffee and pancakes being served!

Now I don’t want to lull you into a false sense of security.  This is Spring in Wellington and that means that even sunshine comes with the requisite wind.  Enough to make the harbour a little choppy.

The benefits of having wind in the harbour does at least mean that you can enjoy the sailors doing battle with their sails as the choppy winds change direction at a moments notice.

But when things start to blow in the right way, it’s quite something to see the yachties in action.

They are certainly braver than me to be out in such winds.  You’d probably find me quivering at the bottom of the boat not feeling very well.

As I understand it from friends, Wellington sailors are a hardy breed and think nothing of sailing in a gale force wind.  In fact, the windier the better.  Each to their own I say!

It was a short but sweet trot around the market.  It was humming with people all chatting and handing over plenty of cash.  We did a whistle stop tour and bagged:

• Sausages – two types
• Black pudding
• Steak
• Gammon – hallelujah, this is the first time I’ve found gammon steaks in New Zealand
• Pork Pie
• Book about New Zealand Fish
• Broccolli, spring onions and fresh asparagus.

The best thing about these stall holders is that they are increasingly selling through websites rather than just through suppliers.  I can tell you I’m starting to salivate over my Pork Pie and Mince Pies from Penny Lane Pies.   So for this week our domestic catering is going to be designed with what I’ve bought rather than choosing the recipes and shopping for the ingredients.  It’s a new culinary adventure that I’m really quite excited about.

Clearly, I need to get out a little more often……..!