Hi Everyone!
This weekend is Waitangi Weekend - so another public holiday. Hurrah - go the start of the year for all the public holidays!
Recently I posted about Wellington Anniversary Weekend, which was quite a cultural post.
I was thinking about whether or not I wanted to talk about Waitangi and the birth of New Zealand. While I am very keen to do so at some stage, I didn't really feel it 'resonate' with me this time around.
So, I decided that rather than a blog post about Waitangi Weekend, I would share 7 things I have been loving lately, which you might have missed, or not noticed, in and around Wellington.
1. The Lighthouse Cinema, Cuba Street
Around the backstreets of Cuba Street, you'll find the Lighthouse Cinema Cuba. This is such a great place to go and see a film. It is hidden behind the Architecture School, kind of near Southern Cross. You can find the proper address here.
My boyfriend, Matt, and I went on a date about 3 weeks ago to see the movie, 'The Big Short'.
We really enjoyed it because it was all about what happened in the global financial crisis and the Hedge Fund managers that bet against the market. Really cool stuff if you are into it like we geekily are. I also love that Brad Pitt looked totally unrecognisable. I didn't even know it was him for the first 20 minutes. I actually turned to Matt and whispered "Is that Brad Pitt??". Personally I think his Harvard Lecturer look is kinda hot. Who's with me??
Anyway, the Lighthouse Cinema is so good because it has that Art House vibe, right in the city. So you can see you favourite 'hard to find movies', just off Cuba Street. Lots of the smaller cinemas are out of the city (i.e. Penthouse, Empire, Roxy) but this little gem is just tucked away off the main drag. If I was you, I would absolutely check it out.
They also have EXCELLENT STAFF. LOOK AT THIS GUY'S DUCKFACE/TROUT POUT?! Find the Lighthouse Cinema on Facebook . They also have cinema's in Petone and some other spots around Wellington and are independent, which obviously rules.
2. This amazing mural on Ghuznee Street (part by street artist Mica Still)
This AWESOME new-ish mural is a co-lab piece by a few Street Artists. One of these artists is the incredible Mica Still. She is a very talented Wellington based street Artist and I hear that her works are sort of autobiographical in a way. This one is of two wolves. She is currently dormant on Facebook but you can find more of her work on Instagram here. It overlooks the Wilson carpark on Ghuznee Street, right in front of the Hannah's Laneway on Leeds Street.
I love her colours, the clean lines, and the beautiful way she makes shapes come alive. She is such a talented artist! I hope she makes more stuff around Wellington soon.
Keep going Mica - you're amazing!!
3. These incredible Banhmi from Miss Vi/The Scent of Saigon, Manners Mall
This great 'hole in the wall' street food shop is the best of Vietnamese food. It is run by Vi, who used to work at the 5 star Hippopotamus Restaurant in the Museum Hotel.
Her ingredients are all from the same suppliers as Hippopotamus, which is why her food tastes SO GOOD! The best Banhimi ever with smooth creamy foie gras.
My friend Asher showed me her food and it is super yummy. Don't judge a book by it's cover - go try it and see for yourself!
I bloody love it!
4. Union Tattoo - The Tattoo shop for people who don't like Tattoo shop's
Meet Mr Craigy Lee.
Recently, I interviewed Craigy Lee, who has opened a new tattoo studio at the top of Willis Street, Union Tattoo.
I think his set-up is THE BOMB (do people still say that??).
Look! They even supply some of my favourite tea!
...and some bottomless coffee...
...in excellent Acme cups.
"Oh HEY" - from this big guy. He used to live at Mighty Mighty when it was still open!
...So sit back, and enjoy flicking through a magazine over a long black...
You may even decide to take the plunge and pick out one of Craigy's custom tat's. Just remember to bring cash!
5. An illustration of Blanket Man
Portrait of a Wellington icon. I don't know who did this, but if anyone knows, leave a comment! Find this piece of Art on Cuba Street.
6. Wellington caterpillars' feasting on your local Swan Plant
It's a right late Summer buffet for these wee critters!
7. Phantom Billsticker's frames in the Wellington alley ways
Turning our alley-ways into an Art Gallery's...thanks to local poster people, Phantom Billstickers.
Go get lost in Wellington this Waitangi Weekend. I'll see you on the other side.
Cheers!
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