The Gypsy Rose Tea Museum (Part 2)

Part Two of this story as I found it such an interesting place and took so many photos.  The photos I used yesterday and today are only about half of what I took.  To see yesterdays story go here.

I spent a pleasant hour in the tea museum.  It was such an trove of treasures.  Deane was so nice and helpful too.    

When I edited the photo preceding this one I found that the plate in front has a picture of Marine Parade in the very early days on it.  I was aware that there use to be houses on both sides of it however until I found this picture I hadnt seen them 

I had an aha! moment when I saw these.  My mother had the tin with the pink label on it.  I remember it from my early childhood.   

Some other information Deane told me a bit about was tea leaf grading and how to find it on a box of tea.   

Mr Twining himself!

A New Zealand ration book 

This museum is well worth a visit.


The Gypsy Rose Tea Museum
319 Gloucester Street
(upstairs cnr Gloucester Street and Puketapu Road)
Taradale
Napier

Linking to Whats the Story  

Hawkes Bay Express

This is one way to explore Napier and is New Zealand's first fully unrestricted legal passenger road train that feels like an old fashioned steam engine.  To find out more about this glamorous beauty look up  her comprehensive website.

Linking to 

Two more pieces of Art at CAN

The other day I visited the art gallery again.  I found these two paintings of Napier :)  I like how they are both quite different yet show my city of Napier so beautifully.

This painting is looking out to sea possibly from Bluff Hill and shows the town clock in the forefront  

This painting shows two elegant art deco ladies in the Soundshell area.  Napier is the art deco captial of New Zealand.  To see more Art Deco photos search the label below :)    

Linking to Our World Tuesday 

Arts on Parade - One of The Six Sisters houses

 This is one of The Six Sisters (theres actually a story behind the name of these houses - read it here youll get two stories :)  this one and that :) )  Anyway Id never been into any of the houses so I popped into this one the other day.  I was interested in what they were like on the inside since they dated from 1890.  I didnt want to take too many photos inside and I was too shy to ask if it was ok.

My second photo shows the entrance way and stair case upstairs which was private.  There were 2 large rooms downstairs and a smaller one which one got to by way of a wide but short passageway.  On one side of the side of the passageway was a open wardrobe show casing clothes mainly tops which were crocheted.  There was a lovely breeze coming through the back door which was opened and when I went outside my breathe was taken away its a treasure trove of arts and crafts for sell out there too.

The whole place was tastefully crammed with local made works including pottery, sculptures, products made of felt, silk, wool and wood,  paintings, books and jewellery.     I think I may take another look at Christmas time for presents.  The shop assistant and I chatted a bit and I told her Id never been in before although I was a local, she was surprised as "its been for ages".  She also told me to tell my friends about it little did she know I was going to blog about it.  Ive been thinking of getting some cards made to advertise my blog though :)

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Flowers on a Sunny Day

 These flowers caught my eye and I decided to photograph them with the Spirit of Napier in the background :)

Linking with 

Napier Pump Track

Napier's new attraction opened today.  I went and took a look after work.  I bet this is going to get a lot of use and I may take my youngest sometime next week after school :)  

enjoyed by littles and older people too

good shelter for speculators too

Linking to Saturday Snapshot

Cyclone Pam hits Napier

This week we have been hit by a cyclone.  While we werent as badly hit as Vanuatu or Gisborne.  We have had very high seas, heaps of rain and strong winds.  Yesterday I visited Marine Parade and saw the high seas.  Not  sure that my photos really show the height and roughness of them.  Standing there in person my older son and I agreed they were high!

The driftwood isnt usually this high up the beach nor does it usually make so much of a mess 

This morning I visited Westshore as I had heard they had once again been badly flooded.  By the time I got there the water had gone down a lot.  However Larry Dallimore a local resident allowed me to use a couple of his photos - thanks.  By viewing them and the mess out there, the sea must have been really high there and according to locals the drainage isnt working very well :(  This is after lots of of money has been spent there.

New Years Eve and Happy 2015 to you :)

Every year there is a free concert at the Soundshell on New Year's Eve.  I hadnt been for years.  Ill be going again next year it was a fab night.  

We were entertained for 3 and half hours by 3 New Zealand born singers (2 of whom Id never heard of before although they have been singers for years and seem to be well known and Tina Cross ONZM.  Tina Cross is very well known and has been in the music business most of my life. )

At the end of the evening and the start of 2015 there was a MASSIVE fireworks display

The Veronica Bell that was hung just before midnight 

Although my photo is not at all good I LOVE flashmobs and this is the first one I have ever seen in person.  These people did a Maori flashmob whats more :)  They are performing the Haka and did so just before they turned the lights on to signify the end of the evening.  

Christmas time Napier

The Town Clock in background with New Zealand Christmas Tree (Pohutukawa) and flag in front   

Marine Parade Sea Wall

Napier's first sea wall was built in the 1860's.  It was designed to prevent regular flooding of houses, shops and streets on Marine Parade known then as Beach Street.  In 1877 a huge wave knocked two cottages off their foundations, flooded many shops and smashed the front of the Court House.

Again in 1888 the sea wreaked havoc breaking parts of the wall scouring away the road and damaging every house along the street.

It was recommended by the council's overseer that a permanent  wall, that was at lease four feet wide and made of concrete (not wood) by constructed.  It should have an "apron" to alter the course of the water away from its foundation.  Some of the wall was built by the prisoners from the prison (that use to be on Bluff Hill).  It was  finished in 1889.

Now that the area was protected from the sea the council were able to develop the area.  An esplanade like back in England at resorts there was one of the plans.  It included footpaths, gardens and seats.  Norfolk pines were also planted in the 1890s.

Before the 1931 earthquake the stoney beach came right up to the wall.  After the quake some of the beach was restored with rubble from the ruins.  The grassed land (as well as other land) in the first photo has this as its foundation.

In 2013 the council put a storm water drain in the area.  Today one can see the foundations of the wall (through a special viewing frame) that has helped protect Napier from the sea ever since.  

 

Decorated Pillars

 Similar to the seats I showed you yesterday are these pillars which have notable sights and buildings from around town on them.

The Wave in Time statue and The Spirit of Napier

The Clock Tower