From Des:

Puke Ariki

Yes, the name at issue here is Puke Ariki.

Pronunciations vary according to what part of Texas you hail from but the historical context and literal definition of the term is not clear. That is not intended to convey that Puke Ariki implies a clouded or opaque state. Rather, scholars maintain that the true meaning of Puke Ariki has been lost for centuries.  This was perhaps most famously iterated by noted by historian/philosopher Ron Burgundy in his pivotal work, Anchorman.

I do indeed digress.

Locally, we know Puke Ariki to be the modern looking museum and library complex that sits on the CBD waterfront. CBD is the central business district. NZed’ers don’t use the term downtown so much. It’s all CBD in here. The Puke Ariki is along side the idyllic eel infested Huatoki stream that enters into the Tasman Sea just yards from the museum.

Inside Puke Ariki library proper is a comprehensive print media collection that is inside of a nice coffee shop. There are comfy chairs, windows, chargers, and other amenities designed to delight interlopers. The library encourages loitering of all kinds with free high speed internet, ample toilets, and lots of convo worthy folks.

The museum proper has it’s own restaurant, Arborio .   It’s an inside/outside, kind of woodsy scene off at the edge of the museum lobby. I haven’t dined there yet and only recently realised I’d been avoiding it because it might be way cool and I’m not ready for that kind of pressure.

Finally, we arrive at our main dish. Maybe I am acclimatising to the 10 years behind status here in the lava laden farm belt of NZ but it seemed like a big deal or maybe even a privilege to see this stuff.  We highly recommend!

All three of us went and saw the exhibit but did so separately. This allowed maximum absorption and zero pace pressure. 50 outstanding photographs of Nat Geo quality all in one place… right here in humble Taranaki.  Each photo had a caption board that described salient recollections by its respective photog. Some photographers seemed most concerned with having accomplished  the “getting the shot” aspect.  Others were more appreciative of the rarity of the people, animals, and elements coming together at just the right time in their midst. 

One unexpected pearl was that some of the photographers had inadvertently captured actionable evidence. In more than a couple of instances, the photo motivated intervention on behalf of the semi-anonymous subjects. The photograph  may have framed a tragedy but in the end the picture brought attention to their plight and helpful strangers intervened. That had to feel good for the photographer. 

Although time certainly got away from me… I’d say it took me about an hour to look at each one and digest the caption but it didn’t seem like any kind of chore. Later, when we all meet up we can have the “which one was your favourite” discussion.

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In other news, Des has been keeping Sam busy.   Sam is also a hospital radiologist.  Unfortunately, his most-awesome girlfriend and good friend of ours, Keun, decided to stay in Korea and not return to New Plymouth for now. She’s finishing her thesis for a masters degree. Anyway, Sam is a great athlete but new to surfing. Des talked him into a last minute surf session after work.   He was psyched and on the way home said, “That was the best spontaneous decision I’ve ever made in my life!” 

 

Then mountain biking….

And so have a Good evening,  from downtown New Plymouth…