Signs, signs everywhere signs

THE sign is finally up.

The infamous sign is at last in place. It's hard to see what all the fuss was about. The initial proposal to put a sign up that said "Wellywood" led to mass protests at the airport, owner of the sign-bearing land, and a prolonged hue and cry. So it was decided to let the people come up with their own suggestions for a sign that would greet passengers as they land at the airport and then put it up for a popular vote. This is what won: Wellington Blown Away, a homage to the gustiness of Wellington. It all seems so droll now, particularly on a glorious, almost windless day.

But here it is.

Actually on a day of aimlessly driving around this bejewelled city, there were signs that caught my attention everywhere. A new, not quite so frivolous sign on a hill - one that passengers landing at the airport will also be able to see - went up just around the corner. I have no idea what is going on here.

Something ugly's going on.

There's been nothing in the papers about what is obviously a property dispute of some sort. I drove up there, but could discover nothing - other than the apparently pissed-off person has even installed lights to illuminate this treasure at night. Stay tuned. (Here's a story about this now.)

Whaddya mean? A gull's gotta eat.

Speaking of unpopular signs, this seagull is obviously non-plussed about what comes across as a discriminatory ban. What's he supposed to do? Dig through the garbage cans and pick up scraps off the beach? Oh wait.

I then moved into town, where Wellingtonians were lapping up the sun. Everyone was in a good mood.

How about some coffee instead?

A group of overly happy folks were working the waterfront randomly giving out free hugs. I had to take this picture with a long lens; I didn't want to get too close and be caught up in such random pleasantness and smile generation.

Perhaps they could visit the "U stole my land" guy in Strathmore. Somebody obviously needs a hug, especially a free one.