The winter sun's light coming through the big bay windows in the main bedroom are a warm wake up call. Peta's home is hard to leave because it feels just like that, a home; but, Wellington awaits.

You will be in a great location here. It is no lie that you can comfortably walk to Wellington's beautiful waterfront as well as its bustling yet approachable city center in less than 15 minutes. You can also comfortably walk (or stumble) back in the evening after nibbles at one of many nearby restaurants and cafes or tipples at any number of watering holes. Mt. Victoria seems like it may be a leading edge in the food and drink scene in Wellington. If for whatever reason you do decide to leave, both the airport and train station are 10-15 minute car rides away (speaking of which, it is worth overshooting the airport and walking/riding along Moa Point on a nice day to watch the planes come and go). If you do have a car, street-side parking is plentiful in the neighborhood and you can purchase day vouchers at the grocer across the street.

But back to home--it is clean, it is quiet, and it has all the amenities one needs--whether to do laundry, cook a meal, or soak and warm your bones. Our stay fell right in the middle of winter's arms and she squeezed tight. The apartment may get nippy, but that's what your layers and Peta's oil heaters and electric blankets are for.

Peta is a lovely host. She was communicative and friendly. She left us chocolates and coffee (being gluttons, neither lasted very long). She offered helpful suggestions about places to go. And her photography is beautiful--check it out.

The only shame is that this home away from my home is a 16 hour flight away. In the grand scheme of things, that isn't very far at all. Maybe I'll go again, just for this weekend. Hmm...